School Chaplain Chris Urschitz and the College’s Residential Manager, John Overton, recently presented the first session of the Real Men program to our Year 12 boys. Chris describes the program as “getting together around food and drinks and in a lead circle conversation, sometimes with short inspirational clips, talks, stories and special guests. This is then followed by questions, answers, and time for reflection. The program builds young men up to understand the importance of respect, empathy, authenticity, and leadership”.

We kicked the start of Term 2 off with one of the College’s signature events, the College Ball. The Ball was held in the first week of the Term on Saturday 20th April and set the tone for what has been a busy start to the Term so far. Preparations for the College Ball also made for an enormous week for staff and students so a massive thank you to all who were involved is in order.

What a dry season it has been so far. Everyone across Western Australia is in the same situation with minimal summer rainfall and a late season break. Denmark has had around 50ml so far which is approximately 130ml lower than last year. This obviously puts immense pressure onto livestock feeding and feed reserves.

Claim the WA Student Assistance Payment : Parents and carers of eligible students can claim the payment to help with the cost of schooling.

The payment for a: primary school student, including Kindergarten, is $150. Secondary school student is $250. Claims are open. The last date to receive claims is 28 June 2024.

Upcoming Exams: It is a nervous time of the year for many of our ATAR students with Semester 1 exams just around the corner. Year 12 ATAR exams start this Monday the 20th of May and Year 11s will be the following week starting Monday the 27th of May.

Trades and Training Learning Areas are as busy as ever with students undertaking a range of tasks and experiences. We are really starting to see results now as many students are achieving a variety of Units of Competency around the school. It’s very pleasing to see the Year 12 students operate successfully in the learning areas, putting together their knowledge and skills to achieve the Units in each VET Area.

It is very important that our Year 10 students understand the importance of their move into Year 11 in 2024. At WACOA – Denmark, we will be assisting Year 10 students with making informed choices about their options for Senior School and the importance of the qualifications we deliver on site.

I start this newsletter by celebrating our hard-working team of staff. As I mentioned in our last newsletter, our College was due to engage in a Public School Review. As you know, these occur in public schools every three or four years. The routine nature of reviews are meant to be reflective of the improvement cycles we have occurring in schools, so aren’t supposed to be huge impositions, rather a validation of work already happening in the school.

Important Dates for Term 1 2024

This is the first article for the year and there have been a few losses in our community. Firstly, Vale Kathleen Ipsen, wife of 1952-1953 past student Don Ipsen, passed away on 23rd December 2023 at the age of 81 years. A private cremation was held, followed by a get together of Manjimup folk at the Country Club on 12 January 2024. On behalf of all Old Boys/Old Collegians, we extend our sympathy and condolences to Don, son Tony, daughters Gail and Belinda and all family members on your sad loss. May she Rest in Peace.

The start to the school year has been exciting and full of opportunities for our new and existing students to integrate and settle into the College for 2024. We are really pleased with the approach the College has endorsed to commence the school year, which aimed to provide a meaningful transition and comprehensive induction for our newly enrolled students.

Busy start to the year as always. An influx of new students combined with the demands of the farming enterprise certainly puts the emphasis onto efficiency. Farm Staff would like to welcome all students, old and new back to the farm and look forward to working together on this wonderful property.

The Department of Education provides an allowance to assist eligible families with secondary schooling costs. To be eligible for the allowance the parent/carer must hold a Centrelink Family Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or a Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card that represents a statement of low income for the family.

Well hello there, I’m Keir and I have been given the absolute privilege of being part of the Student Services team this term whilst Brad Woodruff is enjoying well deserved long service leave. My background is in Disability Support Services, Medical & Mental Health Administration, and of course for the last 6 years I have had the honour of being part of the amazing Residential team here at ‘Ag’, where my focus has always been on pastoral care.

My first 4 weeks at the College have flown by as I try to get to know student names and find my way around the College – luckily there are only 7 classrooms on my side of the school! It is lovely to see students looking their best in their uniforms and following the school’s values of pursuing personal excellence, building positive relationships, and demonstrating social responsibility.

Welcome back to all students and families, the first few weeks of the Term have been very busy getting organised for our Year 12 large projects course requirements, planning excursions and welcoming new students.

Seeing the Year 10 students arrive and commence their first day was similar to seeing pre-primary students arriving for their first day of school. There was a mixture of emotions and feelings from being eager, nervous, and excited about starting a new adventure. They have started the year well and have immersed themselves into a variety of dynamic programs that we offer here at WACOA - Denmark.

Welcome to families new and returning. I am pleased to report that the year has begun well with staff and students hitting the ground running!