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.

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.