Issue 3, 2026
Inlet Views Newsletter
A WA College of Agriculture Denmark publication.
In this issue
Welcome to the latest edition of Inlet Views News, where we bring you the latest updates, stories, and events from WA College of Agriculture Denmark.
Michele Walker
College Principal
Welcome back to Term 2!
I hope our students and families enjoyed a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the busy and important term ahead.
Term 2 is a significant period in the school year, particularly for our senior students. Year 12 students will be engaging in externally set tasks for General courses, completing units of competency for their certificate qualifications, along with OLNA requirements, examinations and ongoing assessments that contribute to Semester 1 achievement. These assessments are an important part of demonstrating learning and readiness for pathways beyond school. We encourage all students to remain focused, organised and proactive in seeking support from their teachers whenever needed.
Last week, our school community came together to commemorate Anzac Day. I would like to commend our Year 12 Student Councillors who led the Anzac Service with great respect and maturity. Their leadership ensured a meaningful and dignified ceremony for all. We were also honoured to welcome the Denmark RSL Secretary, Mr Mark Davies, who delivered a thoughtful and reflective address. His words reminded us of the importance of remembering the service and sacrifice of past and present members of the armed forces, and the values of courage, mateship and resilience that continue to shape our nation.
We understand that current fuel supply issues may be concerning for some of our families. At this stage, we do not anticipate any changes to our normal College operations or scheduled activities. Should this situation change, we will communicate with families as early as possible to ensure everyone is well informed.
Regular attendance remains a key factor in supporting learning continuity and positive outcomes for students. We strongly encourage families to support their children in attending school consistently wherever possible, particularly during this assessment-heavy part of the year.
Please know that our door is always open. We value your family’s place in our school community and appreciate the strong partnership between home and school. I look forward to working together to ensure a positive and successful Term 2 for all students.
Alf Mungioli
Deputy Principal
Year 10 Career Education / Wellbeing sessions
It is very important that our Year 10 students understand the importance of their move into Year 11 in 2027. 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. A Career Education program is being delivered to all Year 10 students, by me. Students have a booklet they are working through, as a summary of their explorations/investigations.
A letter will come out to parents and carers of Year 10 students very soon, outlining our plan to prepare students for making informed decisions about senior school and future pathways. which will include the involvement of parents and carers. We are likely to have an information session for parents and carers of Year 10 students on the afternoon of Friday, 29 May before we have a closed weekend.
Assemblies
In a few weeks we will be conducting our assemblies for each year group. We will acknowledge a variety of students for their efforts in Pursuing Positive Relationships, Achieving Personal Excellence, Demonstrating Social Responsibility and having a positive attendance. We will also be acknowledging Excellence on Farm.
School Reports
We are very fortunate that students can walk away from the College with a range of developed skills, results and qualifications and it is terrific that students make the most of this.
As we move closer to the completion of Semester One, teachers and students are working together gathering evidence of student work across subjects and certificates. We have many tasks / assignments / assessments / exams / first aid training etc coming up in the next few weeks. Missing days can interfere with student progress and assessment.
It is very supportive when parents and carers are ensuring their child is at the College whenever they can be and not taking any unnecessary time off - thankyou.
Students NOT attending Country Week
Parents and carers will be aware that all Year 11 and 12 College students must be involved in either Country Week or work experience in the last week (for Yr 11’s and Yr 12 ATAR students not on Country week) and the last 2 weeks of Term 2 (for Yr 12’s who are NOT in ATAR).
If parents and carers or students need clarification or confirmation, please ensure they check in with Administration staff. Please chat with your child about their commitments for the last part of Term 2.
Thanks to the parents and carers who have been proactive with supporting their child with obtaining work experience and for their support in completing the required paperwork.
Work experience opportunities outside the College are rare and when available should be utilised to support students building their confidence in alternative workplace environments, building their networks, obtaining different career experiences and for some, potentially confirming a career pathway. Please contact Administration if you have any questions about work experience.
For Year 10 students, it is either Country Week or a modified learning program at the College. This modified learning program at the College will include a range of valuable activities. Year 10 students are likely to have extra days on farm for this week. This is a great opportunity for the Year 10’s to experience a range of farm related activities and students are expected to attend all prepared activities and farm days as it is still a regular school week. Students in Year 10 will be informed about the modified program in a few weeks.
Uniform
Some students are wearing some old and tattered clothing that needs replacing. Please chat with your child to ensure they are attending our site suitably dressed. To our surprise, at one stage a few weeks back, we had some students constantly walking across our College in socks!
We aspire to high professional standards and have some clear and strict expectations in regard to the College uniform. This means wearing appropriate clothing on certain days, hair tied up while in hi viz and restrictions with jewellery.
It is surprising when we have to address these matters with a few students who do not seem to be able to organise themselves well or do not consider and value our expectations.
The support from parents and carers helps us maintain our high standards – much appreciated.
Corporate Services
denmark.wacoa.adminstaff@education.wa.edu.au
Student Allowances - Don’t miss out!
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The 2026 BAHA amount is $1,461 if your child boards for 4 terms. Pro-rata payments will be made if they board for a shorter time.
Payments will be made to the boarding provider for applicants residing at a Western Australia College of Agriculture.
Applicants residing at a private facility or second home can choose to have the BAHA paid directly to the boarding provider or to their own bank account.
Applications close 31 July 2026
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The 2026 BAHA amount is $1,461 if your child boards for 4 terms. Pro-rata payments will be made if they board for a shorter time.
Payments will be made to the boarding provider for applicants residing at a Western Australia College of Agriculture.
Applicants residing at a private facility or second home can choose to have the BAHA paid directly to the boarding provider or to their own bank account.
Applications close 27 November 2026
Upcoming events
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, please refer to the Compass calendar for the most up-to-date details.
Jess Lewis
Program Coordinator
Teaching & Learning
Staffing Update
A very belated welcome to Fiona Powley who has joined our teaching team this year specialising in English. She is very knowledgeable in her subject area, and we are incredibly lucky to have her on the team, especially for the ATAR students. It is fair to say, she has won the respect of students with her approach to classes and the excellent support provided.
We are also pleased to have Valda Wieland stepping in for the term to backfill long service leave. She is also very knowledgeable in her subject areas; and has the added challenge of taking both English and HASS. We are most grateful that she is available to support our students in Term 2. It was very unfortunate that Cale Hill was not able to stay with us for the full semester and we sincerely thank him for all the hard work in Term 1. We hope to have Cale back at the College in the near future.
TISC presentation
On Tuesday, 5 May, a group of Year 12 students went over to Denmark Senior High School to learn about how to apply for university. We learnt about scaling and adjustment points (e.g. country students get an extra 5 points added to their ATAR), as well as what to do if you haven’t met all the universities prerequisites and English competencies. There was some good advice about the order to list course preferences and importantly that a school email address is not appropriate to use here as you won’t be a student anymore when you get your results!
While the rules differ between the universities, even students that complete no ATAR subjects can apply through experience or portfolio-based pathways, although the recommended and ultimately most successful pathway is to complete four ATAR subjects.
At the College, we pride ourselves on giving students the opportunity to choose courses based on their interests—not just whether they are ATAR or general pathway students. Even taking a single ATAR subject can be a valuable way to prepare and build confidence.
The VET certificate courses are recognised qualifications, as is the time spent on farm doing unpaid work experience, so students should not be ruling out university even if they are not doing the full suite of subjects. All information from the presentation can be found via the link below.
Upcoming Assessments
In weeks 4 and 5, all General Year 12 courses will complete Externally Set Tasks (ESTs) which require students to complete a 50 minute in-class Externally Set Task (EST) - these are written by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority and worth 15% of the total school mark for each subject.
If a student has assessment adjustments in their education plan, these will be available during every EST. It is important that your student is present and actively participating in class during the next few weeks, so they are adequately prepared. Please don't plan any driving tests or holidays during this time where possible.
The EST timetable is:
Tuesday, 12 May - 8:10am - Materials Design & Technology
Thursday, 14 May - 8:10 or 9am - English
Friday, 15 May - 10:25am - Math Essentials
Tuesday, 19 May - 12:55pm - Plant Production Systems
Thursday, 21 May - 1:55pm - Animal Production Systems
If a student misses an EST, they will need to catch up at the earliest possible time, and it is unlikely they will have their classroom teacher to supervise, so it will be best for everyone if students can attend school on these days.
In week 6 all Year 12 ATAR students will have their Semester 1 exams in Transportable 3 starting at 8:15am. This area will be cordoned off during this time, and we ask that all students be quiet and respectful when moving around the College. If a student is unable to attend an exam, a medical certificate will need to be provided, and arrangements made to complete it as soon as possible.
Classroom teachers will talk to students about the special rules involving calculators, pencil cases, water bottles and when they can leave the exam room.
The Year 12 ATAR exam timetable is:
Monday, 25 May - Math Applications
Tuesday, 26 May - Agribusiness
Wednesday, 27 May - English
Thursday, 28 May - Biology
Friday, 29 May - Agricultural Science & Technology
In Week 7, all Year 11 ATAR students will have their Semester 1 exams, under the same conditions as Year 12 exams, but some will be a bit shorter to ease them into this new assessment type.
The Year 11 ATAR exam timetable is:
Tuesday, 2 June – English
Wednesday, 3 June - Math Applications
Thursday, 4 June - Agribusiness
Friday, 5 June – Biology
Monday, 8 June – Agricultural Science & Technology
We wish all students the best over the next few weeks in these assessments.
Mark Boynton
Program Coordinator
Trades & Training
Automotive
Automotive students in Year 12 are currently undergoing assessments in auto electrical systems and associated tooling. In this Certificate II course, we have been using automotive scan tools and electrical test equipment to aid the industry level learning required. Across other year groups, students are studying the removal and refitting of driveline components, drivetrain systems and learning all about basic vehicle service operations and maintenance.
Engineering
The workshop is BUSY! Lots going on! Mr Hamilton and Mr Grant have been really making the program great. Projects on the go now are folding BBQs and welding practice.
As you may be aware, Year 12 Certificate II Engineering Pathways students have the option to fabricate a project of their choice (with some restrictions) which can begin to be planned in Year 11. Those students undertaking projects should be thinking about ideas and discussing these with their Trainer. Due to space restrictions, we may need to limit trailer sizes to 2.4m body lengths.
We would really like to see more tractor implements, maybe a carry all, deep ripper or S tine cultivator. Other options include bike racks and benches. The fabrication of a trailer for use on the road must meet the standards set out by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. We are unable offer support or guidance in licensing a trailer.
Project support with CAD and CNC has opened even more student project possibilities as our trainers now have extensive knowledge of the software. Students are becoming increasingly proficient in this area, and this is a great skill to have if students continue into engineering and fabrication work.
Paint and Paint Products
Due to the different brands and composition of paints and thinners, our preferred option is for students to purchase paint and associated paint products themselves. Costs of paint and the likelihood of using the wrong thinners and hardeners make this an area we wish to avoid.
Our 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 College. It’s very pleasing to see our Year 12 students operate successfully in the learning areas, putting together their knowledge and skills to achieve the Units in each VET area.
Our area looks ready for some change in the coming years, and we are looking to introduce a Certificate II in Rural Operations. This course is yet to be finalised, but we are really hoping that approvals are received for a 2027 start. This will begin with Year 10’s having a taster and full certificate training and assessment in other year groups.
This Rural Operations certificate will supersede the previous programs in Forestry and Conservation, however, we hope to deliver units that are still relevant to these areas, such as using a chainsaw and log splitter. We are currently waiting for final confirmation of the Units of Competency that are available.
We are looking forward to opening the doors and showing off student achievements and skills at our annual Open Day, scheduled for Saturday, 6 September. You will have access to all Trades and Training areas with displays of student achievements and tours throughout the day.
Equine
There is always something happening in the Equine area. This year, much of the activity has focused on feeding out.
As you may know, Miss Pagan and students attended the Interschool WA State Championships held in Brigadoon during the school holidays. The team was very successful in their results whilst gaining great experience in the competitive arena.
The following units are currently being studied:
Year 12's are working on their riding units ACMEQU218 and ACMEQU219
Year 11's working on their care and treatments ACMEQU215 and ACMEQU216
Year 10's working on how to handle horses safely ACMEQU212
Materials, Design and Technology
Mr Grant leads the way in our team with the use of technology, being a highly proficient user of AutoCAD and Fusion software. He regularly shares these skills with students, integrating them into teaching and learning activities.
In Materials, Design and Technology, students have used CAD and CNC technologies to create impressive bespoke steel signs, which are carefully planned, programmed, and cut using the CNC plasma cutter.
While the existing Materials, Design and Technology course will conclude at the end of the year, many of these valuable skills and technologies will continue to be utilised through the Certificate II Engineering Pathways course.
Industry Adventure Tour 2026
30 March to 2 April
The Year 10 Industry Adventure Tour, held from 30 March to 2 April 2026, provided students from the College with an engaging and valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of agricultural, industrial and educational pathways across the South West.
Based at Mornington Adventure Camp, students participated in a four-day program that combined industry site visits, hands-on learning, workplace exposure and team-building experiences. Throughout the tour, students visited leading enterprises including WA College of Agriculture - Harvey, Piacentini & Son, Bell Pasture Seeds, Edith Cowan University, and Talison Lithium’s Greenbushes Mine. These visits gave students direct insight into regional industries, heavy machinery operations, agricultural innovation, tertiary education options and future employment opportunities.
The tour was designed to reinforce workplace health and safety principles, broaden student understanding of industry expectations, and showcase the diverse career pathways available within agriculture, mining and related sectors. Students were able to connect classroom learning with real-world applications while gaining practical knowledge from industry professionals.
In addition to educational site visits, the camp experience also focused on personal development through adventure activities, teamwork and shared responsibilities. Activities such as paddle boarding, climbing, commando courses and camp challenges helped strengthen peer connections, resilience and leadership skills.
The Industry Adventure Tour remains a highly valued component of the Year 10 program, supporting students in developing a deeper understanding of career opportunities while building confidence, independence and lifelong skills. It was an enriching and memorable experience for all involved.
Sarah Johnson
Program Coordinator
Student Services
Hello everyone!
I am super excited to have stepped into the Program Coordinator - Student Services role whilst Brad Woodruff takes some well-earned leave this term. I come from the School of Special Educational Needs: Behaviour and Engagement (SSEN:BE) based in Albany. I have extensive experience in supporting schools, leaders and teaching staff to provide safe, supportive learning environments to achieve positive learning, behavioural and wellbeing outcomes for all students including those with complex and challenging needs. I am a qualified equestrian coach and have been the President of the Denmark Pony Club for the past 9 years. I am a Denmark local, living on acreage with my family and our horses and love to get out and about across our beautiful landscape.
I work alongside the Residential, Teaching and Learning staff and our Student Services Team to support our students to adjust to College life, stay on top of their schoolwork or be someone to chat to when they need support to maintain positive wellbeing.
My email address is sarah.johnson2@education.wa.edu.au or I can be contacted on 9848 0200 if you would like to discuss any concerns or wellbeing needs for your child.
Student Leaders
Congratulations to our newly elected Year 10 Student Leaders:
Samantha Marsh
Charlotte Mcleod
Charlotte McNamara
Alice Roberts
I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact these leaders will have on the College.
The Year 12 Leaders (with the help of the Year 11 and 10 leaders) have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for our Do It For Dolly Day . The day aims to raise awareness and take action against bullying and cyberbullying through fundraising, wearing blue and spreading kindness. Every dollar raised on Do It For Dolly Day funds Dolly’s Dream vital anti-bullying programs, including:
Anti-bullying workshops in schools and communities
13 DOLLY, our Bullying Support Line
Trusted resources and guidance
Youth Mental Health First Aid training
If you didn’t have the chance to buy a raffle ticket, you can still donate via the QR code below.
The day is a good reminder to reflect on the College’s Where Do You Stand? (clickable link below). If you are experiencing negative comments from peers, remember to remind them of our College Values and talk to an adult at the College who can offer advice and guidance:
Keys4Life Pre-driver Education Program
Year 10’s are participating in the Keys4Life program this term. Keys4Life is a pre-driver education program for young people (Year 10 and above) in schools and other education settings that aims to build positive attitudes, resilience, and responsibility among future drivers. Students aged 15 and over who meet participation requirements can sit their learner’s permit theory test as part of the program. An online parent information webinar has been scheduled for Wednesday, 13 May from 6pm until 7pm. A link has been sent out through Compass with all the details or use the QR code below to register.
As part of the Road Safety Program, students will participate in a Road Safety Camera Presentation on Tuesday, 12 May. The presentation will explain how the new road safety cameras operate, address common misunderstandings, reinforce key road safety messages, and is designed to complement the Keys4Life program.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Over the next three weeks, Maree Dawes (Regional School Psychologist) will be visiting the Year 10’s to take them through Teen Mental Health First Aid. The course aims to equip secondary school students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to a friend or classmate experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
It’s certainly been a busy start to the term! I am looking forward to getting to know the students this term and supporting their positive wellbeing during my time at the College.
Do It For Dolly Day
Friday, 8 May 2026
By Phebee Forman
Do it for Dolly Day is a day dedicated to promoting kindness and taking a stand against bullying. This day was created by Kate and Tick Everett in memory of their daughter, Dolly Everett an Australian teenager who tragically lost her life after experiencing ongoing bullying and cyberbullying.
Their foundation, Dolly’s Dream, encourages people to wear blue, Dolly’s favourite colour, and take positive action that supports others. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance for looking out for one another and speaking up when someone needs help.
Throughout the week, at lunchtimes, Year 12 Prefects organised a raffle with tickets being sold for only $5 and included a chance to win Dolly’s Dream merchandise.
On Friday, 8 May, our students all dressed in blue to show their awareness and gratitude towards Dolly. The dining hall was beautifully decorated with butterflies and shades of blue by the Year 10 and 11 Prefects. At morning tea and again at lunch time, fingernails were being painted blue and blue doughnuts were served. Students were also encouraged to write positive messages on blue butterflies and pin them to the display board while they were shown a video, that explained the meaning behind Do it for Dolly Day and Dolly’s Dream.
We are also pleased to share that a total of $441 was raised through raffle and nail painting donations. This joins a further $497 in online donations bringing the total raised to $938! All proceeds will be donated to the Dolly’s Dream Foundation to support the fantastic work they do.
John Overton
Residential Manager
Term 2 is well and truly underway after a unique calendar and public holiday start. As students returned from Monday, 20 April with a school development day and parent teacher interviews, it made for a busy and demanding first week. However, the focus quickly shifted toward re-establishing routines and supporting our young people back into residential life.
Our Year 10 students have all now had a full term to establish themselves, understand expectations and develop friendships that will support each other through their time here. Year 11 students are beginning to focus more closely on pathways beyond their schooling, gaining clarity around their future opportunities.
With a touch of sadness, but more so pride, our Year 12 boarders find themselves with only two terms remaining. This serves as a reminder how quickly time passes whilst also acknowledging how important it is to make the most of your opportunities.
Week 1 included our Dorm Awards Night for C-Dorm - the overall winners of our Term 1 points system. This provided an opportunity to recognise their effort and contribution during Term 1.
Week 2 began with a Public Holiday, followed by a schedule of activities that included, board games, gym sport, movement and mindfulness sessions as well as Country Week training. As the Term has progressed, we have continued to build consistency through our weekly structure. Regular dorm meetings, assemblies and activities such as mindfulness and movement have been important in supporting student routines and overall wellbeing. Activities such as art/craft, board games and pool competitions compliment connection and engagement within the residential setting.
Student Activities and Engagement
There has been a strong focus this Term on providing a variety of activities that cater to different interests. Highlights across this Term will include:
Music Quiz Night
Pool Competition
Do It For Dolly Day
Minute to Win It Night
Outdoor Experiences
These activities, combined with our regular Albany trips and internal programs, provide opportunities for boarders to socialise, remain active and enjoy downtime
Sport and Community Involvement
Winter sports have commenced and many of our boarders participate in community sport including football, netball, soccer and hockey. Training and game commitments have increased over the past few years which has been excellent to see strong representation from our College in the local community.
In addition to weekly sport, we are planning an AFL Trip in Week 8 (June 13 and 14). This excursion is usually a highlight for boarders and one they really enjoy and look forward to.
Closed Weekend Reminder
A reminder that our closed weekend will occur at the end of Week 6:
Early school finish: Friday, 29 May at 2:00pm
Residence closed: Friday, 29 May at 5:00pm – Monday, 1 June 2:00pm
Boarders return: from 2:00pm Monday, 1 June
School Recommences: Tuesday, 2 June
Looking Ahead
Work Experience and Country Week are two major calendar items to round out Term 2. Information has already been shared, with further details to be provided over the coming weeks.
As this is an 11-week Term, Week 11 will see a quieter residential environment, with only Year 10 students on-site (those not attending Country Week). The Term will conclude with an early close on Friday, 3 July at 2:00pm.
College Noticeboard
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Head Chef
Branch: WA College of Agriculture - Denmark
Division: Independent Public School - Southwest Education Region
Salary: Level 4, $1,347.80 - $1,362.00 per week (pro-rata) (AWU (WAPS) GA 2024)
Work Type: Permanent - Full Time
FTE: 1.0
Location: Denmark
Closing Date: 2026-05-22 4:30 PMWe are looking for an organised team player who supports College kitchen operations, provides team leadership, and helps deliver high-quality meals. The role includes rostering, ordering within budget, and applying paddock-to-plate principles, with strong time management, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure essential.
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New Bulk Billked GP Service
Denmark Family Practice is pleased to be commencing a bulk-billed medical service on site at Denmark Senior High School. This service is only available to students from Denmark Senior High School and WA College of Agriculture - Denmark.
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Career Conversations 2026
We’re excited to share that the Department of Education is returning to Albany on Tuesday, 1 September to deliver Career Conversations – Pathways and Opportunities 2026. Online sessions also available.
This free and informative event is designed for students and families to explore post‑school options and hear directly from industry experts. Whether you’re interested in career pathways, university options, or training and employment opportunities, there’s something for everyone.
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We value your feedback!
Help us improve! We value your input and read every response to understand what’s working and what isn’t.
Your feedback will be used to make meaningful changes to our College programs and communication.