That’s a wrap - the school year is all but completed and as we look back on 2023, we can be proud of our students and staff achievements. For me personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed observing all aspects of College life this semester, and embraced the high functionality of our staff and students. Everyday our people commit to growth and ongoing improvement and the school is well placed to prepare our students for not only the Agricultural sector, but any industry they may choose to pursue.

As we move into the holiday period we want to make you aware of the supports that are available to your young person when they are not at school. Changes to routine can be hard and your young person may experience times when they feel a range of challenging emotions such as sadness, stress, or loneliness.

Many things have taken place since the last newsletter, despite it feeling like time has flown. I have enjoyed my time at WACoA Denmark immensely when 5 weeks turned into 15 weeks, it feels like it was meant to be. I look forward to stepping in for relief next year as needed and I’m very excited about the process, opportunities and structures the College has planned for 2024.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the Year 12 students on their successful journey through school.  Our recent Awards Ceremony was a fantastic event with many students recognised for their efforts and achievements. Overall, we have had a successful year and the students leaving in 2023 appear to be well prepared for the next steps they take. Well done to all. Any students requiring references for employment should contact us directly, we are happy to support you as much as we can.

We would like to capture our history and share all the great experiences and stories of our past students. We are proud of our College staff and our students, and we know that as a selective school, we are privileged to be able to provide agricultural and vocational education to students.

Welcome to the final newsletter of the year! Firstly, it would be remiss of me to not mention our Annual Awards Ceremony. I think all of those four hundred and fifty people in attendance would agree it was a fantastic day. This day is always such a great opportunity to celebrate success. What makes it even more special is that the format of the day allows the College, families, community and industry to come together to celebrate that success. Of course, living in Denmark, we know it’s always helpful if the weather is good, and it was nice to see the sun play its part also! Thank you everyone for your continued support.

Important Dates for Term 4 2023

Our 1953 year celebrated 70 years since enrolment outside our old school (now TAFE) in Denmark on 28th October. About 60 people joined the celebration including past students from 1953 – 1956, partners, wives, relatives of deceased students, relatives of past staff members, the Principal of the College, Rebecca Kirkwood with husband, Chris Kirkwood, Deputy Principal Alf Mangioli, TAFE manager, Julie Lehane, former College librarian Janice Axe and some Denmark locals who were part of the DAJHS town wing.

Term 4 has started at a cracking pace with a busy schedule and a variety of events to celebrate our Graduating students, whilst also acknowledging our remaining students as they too transition into the next phase of their journey at WACoA – Denmark. Week 1 of Term 4 was all about our Year 12’s, with the Residential Team coordinating the Year 12 Graduation Dinner. The evening was special and captured the moment really well for our graduating students.

What’s been happening on the farm? As the season changes and conditions begin to get drier and warmer, an element of panic comes over farm staff. We need to cut hay and silage, we are running out of feed, we need to sell lambs and calves, we need to build new vineyard trellis frames, we need to slaughter and process some livestock for the kitchen, we need to shear the ewes and draft out dry culls. All these things are happening at once and it has been a very busy time. During the term, our students have had the opportunity to participate in all these events.

Account Clearance Dates

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.

Wow! What more could a Program Coordinator - Student Services want!? Lush green pastures, champion staff, students and families, and then throw in some yummy lunches, and this school has it made! I’m super grateful to be part of the team here for term four of 2023 and term one of 2024.

Term 4 started off as a whirlwind of activity bidding farewell to our Year 12 cohort, the beautiful Graduation dinner and ATAR study sessions. The following week, the Year 10s went off to the RAC Roadside Awareness Excursion in Albany, which links to their Keys for Life program and had some valuable life lessons targeted to teen vehicle decision making as both drivers and passengers.

We are looking forward to seeing our 2023 Year 12 Students again at the Awards Ceremony and hearing their plans for the future. I know many had already secured employment and further training and it’s always great to see them return for one last time. If any Year 12 students require support for Trades related job references and advice, then please do get in touch and we will try and support in any way we can.

The recent Year 12 dinner and their last days on site were enjoyable. It is wonderful to see so many students walk away with a range of personal and academic achievements.

As I write this, we are finalising plans for our annual Awards Ceremony. This is one of my favourite days of the year, second only to Open Day. Our annual Awards Ceremony is a fantastic way to celebrate the success of our Senior Students and of course say our final farewells to the Year 12 students. I hope to see as many of you as possible at 11am on Friday the 17th of November as you join me to celebrate our students success.

Important Dates for Term 4

As mentioned in the last article, I am writing about Brian Woodhead who passed away last month aged 85 years. A private funeral was held, followed a few days later by a gathering of family and friends at the Bluewater Grill, Applecross on 1st September. Mike Martin and myself were invited and I was asked to talk about his time at Denmark School of Agriculture (DSA). Daughters Wendy, Jenny and Denise gave eulogies and I have put together his story with their permission.

Term 3 has seen a vast array of events and activities that have not only highlighted our student's commitment to the College, but also provided meaningful learning opportunities. This term, our College theme of 'values' has been centred around personal excellence and through events or activities including recreational time, many positive examples of students aligning their choices and behaviours to this value have been observed. I would like to acknowledge the students and staff for their efforts this term and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

After a wet month of June, the rain has eased, however still provided plenty of opportunities to get machinery bogged around the farm. July delivered 129 millimetres of rain and August 93, giving Denmark a year-to-date total of 790 millimetres of spring rain. The sun has also come out with some beautiful sunny conditions accelerating pasture growth and fodder conservation. Paddocks are now being “shut up” or preserved for silage and hay production. Additional fertiliser is being applied to give the plants a growth boost before maturing.