Over 30 of our Year 10 students completed their Work Experience in the last week of term 3. We wish them success with another challenge to develop their skills whilst exploring occupations to consider for the future. Employers are always supportive of our students, the opportunities created for students can guide their future path.

This term has certainly flown past and has been a very busy time. I recently represented the college at the funeral of Mr Ron Wise. Ron was the last of the original group of students who transferred from Narrogin Agriculture College to the Denmark Agriculture College in 1942, when the Australian Army used the Narrogin facility as a convalescence for returning soldiers from the Second World War. Ron was obviously very well respected, and his large family and many other mourners attended his final farewell. 

Important Dates for Term 3 2024

Hi Everyone, once again we displayed our memorabilia and artefacts at the College Open Day on Saturday 3rd August. The gymnasium was full of stalls. Tim Flanagan, Mike Martin and myself manned our area with lots of interest in the new retractable banners we had had made. These banners were donated by myself and Mike Martin. (A further banner is being prepared with a donation from Don Jones). One banner, depicting 1942-1945, is now held in the Administration Office for everyone to see. Mel Thomas also displayed his memorabilia.

After such a challenging start to the winter season the farm is finally starting to grow some quality feed. Maintaining and feeding the livestock has been very difficult and having to buy in additional feed hay, straw and grain supplements has been a very costly exercise. However, we got through and maintained our breeding herds and even kept up our milk production.

As we head into the pointy end of the year, a gentle reminder that the first and second instalments of the Residential Accommodation Fee should be paid in full prior to the commencement of Term 4.

It was very enjoyable to have several conversations with ex-students throughout the Open Day event. Many had questions about my role as Program Coordinator of Student Services and how The Hive operated. Following these chats, a poignant theme emerged, some wished they had received better mental health support during their time at school.

Term 3 has started off strong with an array of calendar events taking place that have highlighted our students commitment to the College, as well as demonstrate the wonderful learning opportunities available at WACoA – Denmark.

I would like to start with a massive thank you to all the current and prospective students, staff, families and community members who came down to help celebrate Open day. It was such a nice day – the sun shined, the school looked polished, the kids smiled – it was everything it was planned to be and more.

Open Day at the College is a reminder of the fabulous facility we have. Students, staff and the activities offered on the day were amazing. Thanks for all the lovely feedback and for those that participated in the event. The turnout from the community was wonderful and we appreciate the support.

I have welcomed the opportunity to take on the role as Principal at the WA College of Agriculture- Denmark. I have lived in Denmark since 2010 and spent most of that time at Denmark SHS, with a three-year stint at Albany SHS before returning to Denmark SHS in 2023

Important Dates for Term 3 2024

Well, what a tough start to the year with Denmark experiencing a record-breaking dry spell. With minimal summer rain the soil profile was bone dry and become powdery and non-wetting. During our seeding programme, these conditions caused quite a staggered germination and disappointing establishment on some soil types. The farm was extremely pleased to put the new Vaderstad seeder to use and predominately had excellent results with it.

Claim the WA Student Assistance Payment - Closing this week!

Parents and carers of eligible students can claim the payment to help with the cost of schooling.

The Push-up Challenge - Building Mental Health Awareness, Community and Resilience. The Push-Up Challenge is a dynamic and engaging initiative, implemented at the College this year for the first time, that many students have enthusiastically adopted. This challenge not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters a sense of community, resilience, and mental health awareness among students.

One more week to go! Exams and ESTs are marked and papers have been sent off, reports are almost finished and we are all getting ready for a well-deserved break.

Trades and Training Areas continue to play a large part of the student experience at the WA College of Agriculture – Denmark. Students in these areas experience practical skills development opportunities and actively develop their abilities so that they are ready for the workplace. The option to select studies in Equine, Conservation, Bees, Engineering or Autos allows all of our students to find an area where they can learn and succeed.

Reports for Semester One have now been sent out. I am sure parents/guardians will take the time to review the progress of their child. For Year 12’s, it is an important time as they only have around 10-12 weeks remaining to complete all the required tasks for qualifications and credit towards their WACE.

Welcome to the final newsletter of Term 2! What a term it has been. After the short nine week term in Term One, this term’s 11 weeks has definitely allowed us more time to fit everything in.

A group of 1965-1966 past students had a reunion at the Windsor Hotel in South Perth recently. Attendees were Bob Harridge, Rob Webb, Bill Shepherd, Geoff Lyster, Rob Woods, John Inferrera along with housemaster Gerry Brennan. They have told me that they are intending to hold their 60 year reunion in Denmark next Year and “all aboard” of their fellow students would be amazing.