Issue 4, 2026
Inlet Views News
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
Term 2 has been a full and productive term, and it has been pleasing to see the continued growth, effort and achievement of our students across the College.
It was great to see so many students and staff involved in Do It For Dolly Day. Days like this are important, not just for raising awareness, but for reinforcing the kind of community we want to be part of: one built on respect, kindness and looking out for each other.
What sits behind all of this is the strength of our College culture. We continue to prioritise an environment where students feel supported, known and expected to do their best.
Part of this is maintaining clear and consistent expectations. This includes how we present ourselves in uniform, how we behave, and how we engage in our learning. These things matter as they contribute to a calm, respectful and purposeful College.
This term we have been working closely with students, particularly in Year 10, as they begin to think seriously about their future pathways.
Through the careers program, students are being supported to make informed decisions about their Year 11 and 12 courses, ensuring these align with their interests and future employment or training opportunities. These are important decisions, and we want students to feel confident and well informed as they move forward.
We have also spent time clarifying uniform expectations, including the different types of uniform and when each is to be worn. Providing this clarity is important so that all students understand expectations and can meet them consistently.
As we move into the winter months, we are also reminded of the importance of looking after our health as a community. We have recently received advice from our local public health team of an increase in cases of pertussis (whooping cough) across the Great Southern region. While this is not unusual at this time of year, it is a timely reminder for us all to remain vigilant. We ask families to please keep an eye out for symptoms such as a persistent or worsening cough, and to keep students at home and seek medical advice if they are unwell to help limit the spread within our College community.
Looking ahead, there are some important opportunities coming up.
Students will soon undertake work experience, which is always a valuable part of their learning, giving them insight into the workplace and helping build confidence and independence.
We are also preparing for Country Week, which remains a highlight for many students. It is an opportunity to represent the College, challenge themselves, and build strong connections with others.
I would like to acknowledge the ongoing work of our staff. Their commitment, care and consistency make a significant difference in supporting students to achieve their best.
Thank you also to our students for the way they have applied themselves throughout the term, and to our families for your continued support and partnership.
I wish everyone a safe and well-earned break and look forward to continuing the work together next term.
Alf Mungioli
Deputy Principal
Semester One Reports
Semester One reports will be issued shortly. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review their child’s progress carefully, including teacher comments and feedback on attitude, behaviour, and effort. This feedback helps students reflect on their learning and identify ways to improve.
Year 12 students are entering an important final stage of schooling, with only one term remaining to complete qualifications and WACE requirements. Congratulations to students whose reports reflect strong effort, positive attitudes, and consistent achievement.
Year 12 Students
As Year 12 students approach the end of their schooling, it is important they remain focused over the final 10 weeks to complete courses and qualifications successfully. We commend students who continue to demonstrate resilience, responsibility, and a positive work ethic as they prepare for employment, TAFE, university, or other pathways.
Year 10 Modified Program
During Country Week, Year 10 students remaining at the College will participate in a special program designed to build skills and experience. Activities include:
Farm work linked to Certificate II Agriculture
An excursion to Jenkins Dairy
Team-building and enterprise activities
Experiences that prepare students for senior school
Work Experience
Information regarding compulsory Year 10 work experience in the final week of Term 3 has been sent home. Students are encouraged to organise placements during the holidays to secure valuable opportunities.
Congratulations to our Year 11 and 12 students who successfully completed work experience placements. These opportunities are an important part of preparing students for future employment and career pathways. Thank you to Ms Lockyer and Ms Hardiman for coordinating the program.
Attendance
Parents and guardians are reminded to provide explanations for student absences via Compass, phone or email.
Unauthorised absences include:
Holidays, birthdays, shopping, or shows
Medical absences exceeding five days without certification
Private work experience not approved by the College
Absences not negotiated with the Principal or Deputy Principal
It is encouraging to see improved attendance across Years 10 and 11, with the current Year 10 cohort achieving particularly strong attendance rates. Consistent attendance plays an important role in preparing students for the workplace.
We wish all students and families a safe and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to a productive second half of 2026.
News from Humanities and Social Sciences
by Caelyn Frantom, Year 10 student
This term in HASS we have been studying Geography. In the first few weeks we learnt all about the coastal environment, how climate change and the weather affect the coast and beaches, what we can do to manage it and what techniques are effective but sustainable.
Since then, our focus has turned to environmental management strategies, and we are conveniently placed for that to be able to get up close and experience how our farm has used these strategies in real time. Mr Marshall, our Farm Manager, took us out to visit Harris Block which is situated on the Inlet side of the South Coast Hwy. When we were out there, we learnt how to create a field sketch while Mr Marshall showed us how an unproductive, virtually unusable marshland can be transformed into productive farmland by making a few practical improvements such as adding simple drainage and planting more trees so their roots could soak up more moisture from the paddock.
After this amazing tour and very informative talk from Mr Marshall we will now produce a fieldwork booklet documenting the transformation of the boggy marsh piece of land to a now productive and useful block.
It is truly wonderful to have easy access to examples in real life such as this one and we all enjoyed being able to get out of the classroom and out onto the land we live, study and work on.
Thank you to Mr Marshall and Ms Wieland for taking the time out of your days to show us and explain the process of environmental management and what we can do to preserve and bring back what was once an unusable land to a fresh and functional area.
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.
Mark Boynton
Program Coordinator
Trades & Training
Trades and Training continues to be an important part of the student experience at WA College of Agriculture - Denmark, students in these areas can experience practical skills development opportunities and improve their capabilities and knowledge, ready for the workplace. Students benefit from options to select studies in Autos, Engineering, Equine and as of next year we hope to be able to offer the new Certificate in Primary Industries and Rural Operations, allowing all our students to find an area where they can learn and succeed.
On Open Day in September, visitors will have full access to the learning areas and see the amazing progress and developments that students have made.
Engineering
Mr Hamilton and Mr Grant have been moving the program along with a very successful set of pre-planned projects to support skills development in cutting, prepping and welding. The Year 11 program now has a space in Term 3 and 4 for personal projects. Some students have already made a start, with new workbenches, ute stock crates and equine racks taking shape. These do have a cost implication for the student. If your child chooses not to undertake a personal project, there are also several College-based projects available.
Year 10 students have been very successful in their sheet metal and welding projects for skills development; they now move on to a block of time learning about technology and AutoCAD drawing. All these skills are valuable as they move forward into larger more complex projects.
Year 12 Certificate II Engineering Pathways student projects are really starting to look impressive! Swing seats, gates, feed boxes, trailers and ute trays are nearing completion and with one Term to go I expect these projects will be ready to go home soon. Year 12 students this year have some excellent skills in design and fabrication, I believe this has been supported by the excellent work from Mr Hamilton during Year 10 and 11 classes.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, it’s essential that trailer builds to be used on the road are built to standards required by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure. We are unable to offer support in the demands of these requirements. For further information: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-a-trailer.asp
There is certainly more variety in the projects we are seeing, some very practical, others are based on tools, furniture or equine equipment and feed storage. It’s not essential to build a large project to achieve a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways.
Project support with CAD and CNC cutting is always on hand as trainers now have extensive knowledge of the software. We recommend students get plenty of practice and become more confident with AutoDesk, AutoCAD and Fusion software to promote their understanding of this design tool. It also counts as good evidence towards the Interact with Computing Technologies Unit of Competency.
Materials, Design and Technology - Metal
Mr Grant is continuing to develop student skills to new levels, especially in terms of technology and innovation. Year 12 students are developing a very wide range of projects for their portfolio work. These include signs, benches and animal feeders. This is the final year that Materials, Design and Technology - Metals will be offered as we focus more on the Engineering Pathways Certificate, we will maintain things we have learned in the design space, such as technology and planning techniques, which are all very beneficial in the Develop and Engineering Project Unit of Competency.
Mark Gladish
Trainer & Assessor
Automotive
The automotive students have been making good progress this term with all students completing units to keep them progressing towards reaching their goal of 12 units by the end of Year 12.
Year 10 students have been learning about all things safety and the responsibilities we all have to keep ourselves safe. They have been working on this alongside rebuilding some small single cylinder engines. Other students have been getting their hands dirty whilst working on lawnmowers, cars and motorcycles. I have been very impressed by the behaviour, attitude and skills out the Year 10 students.
Our Year 11 students have been busy taking it in turns removing complete suspension and driveline systems from some of our workshop vehicles. This helps them identify components and get a feel for what ‘being a mechanic’ really is like. The challenging part has been working out how to store components in a logical way to make reassembly easier… Some students have been dabbling in a bit of panel beating / restoration work for a Toyota Hilux vehicle the College purchased earlier this year. These projects really keep the students engaged and also provide a great hands-on way to learn about all the different vehicle systems.
Year 12 students are counting down until they finish completing paperwork for their Certificate II qualification and also enjoying their last Term or 2 of the auto’s workshop. They have been working on their own cars and motorcycles.
Kevin Marshall
Farm Manager
What a great start to the season!
With minimal rain during January and February, dry feed remained adequate and livestock managed well. Late in March we had one rain event producing 67 millimetres of rain over three days. This provided adequate moisture to seed the annual crops and establish pastures. This was then followed by 50mm in April and 70mm in May.
Seeding went well!
We began seeding just before the March rain and then didn’t stop until it was all in. In hindsight, the sandy soils did not hold the early moisture and dried out quickly contributing to weaker establishment across those soil types. There also seems like some disease has damaged some of the oats under stress.
We have sown a variety of ryegrass species trialling some alternatives to our common selections. So far there is no real difference in the outcomes.
We rehabilitated a fresh paddock this season. It is called Triangle and is 14ha on the Mount Barker Road.
The paddock was sprayed out in January; speed tilled three times in February and rolled shortly afterwards. It was then seeded in late March. We installed a new water supply into the centre of the paddock and installed strainer posts to be able to segment strip graze. The Angus herd of 66 cows and calves have grazed this already and feed establishment and quality is quite good.
Fertiliser Challenges
During early March, fertiliser companies cancelled all fertiliser supply agreements and as a result we had no seeding compound available. We did however secure some straight superphosphate for spreading onto our non-seeded paddocks.
As there was no alternative, we will put the superphosphate down the tube at time of seeding - applying about ten units per hectare. The modern super products are quite user friendly and achieved this with ease. The crops germinated very well and didn’t really show any signs of struggle. At the three-leaf stage, we secured one truck of NKS 3-1 product which we spread out at 50kg/ha topping the crops up with nitrogen. They exploded and establishment was complete.
Spraying
During this three-leaf stage all planted crops and established pastures were sprayed with a broad leaf control. We used a brew of flumetsulam, diflufenican, MCPA and insecticides for Redlegged Earth Mite. Control has been excellent with competition weeds reduced at this early age.
Spreading Fertiliser
Since then, fertiliser supply has increased and we have been spreading 100kg/ha of Gran/S, onto all freshly grazed pastures.
Livestock
The current livestock situation is very positive. Livestock condition is excellent with animals quickly gaining weight after the summer spell. Beef and Dairy calving went very well this year with minimal calving problems and deaths. The calving window was quite narrow and quality is good.
Two new Angus bulls were purchased from Tullibardine Angus to replace aging and faulty bulls. Bulls went into the Angus herds on 8 May.
Simmental stud cows were given one round of AI and then drafted into family groups and joined to our three stud bulls. We will need a new stud sire next year to bring into the herd. We ended up clearing all Simmental bulls which were sold to local breeders.
At this stage of the season, we are grazing the early crops and feed is in abundance. We actually have too much grass again so, in early May we purchased in thirty Angus steers to use as grass mowers. They are good quality steers and will add weight and then be sold later in the season. Prices in the weaner market are very high, and we had to pay $5.50/kg to buy these steers in a competitive market.
We have also bought in variety of mixed breed steers suitable for grain feeding and going into the led steer Perth Royal Show team. They have been on ad-lib pellets since late April.
The sheep flock is in good shape with lambing nearly complete. All ewes were pregnancy tested and then drafted into single and multiple mobs. They have been getting regular faba beans as a protein supplement along with silage and green grass. We have unfortunately seen some fox and eagle predation as usual.
Gate2Plate Success
The recent award night for the annual Gate2Plate competition was attended by farm training officers, Brad Seib and Hannah Price. At the dinner, no one knew how their cattle performed until the awards were announced. To the College’s delight, we were successful in being the most successful school competing in the event. This was very pleasing. Then came the awards for the three categories which are measured during and after the feedlot trial and consequent slaughter of the steers. These categories are Feedlot Performance, Processing Performance and MSA Grading. What a surprise when Denmark’s steers were awarded second place in the Feedlot Performance. This means that during the time on feed (grain), Denmark’s steers grew the most and put on the most weight. This was a great result for the farm’s Simmental and Simmental cross Angus animals.
Once the three categories are added up, the College’s steers were awarded second place overall, which is a great achievement for the farm’s breeding program. This type of result reinforces the quality of the Stud and commercial cattle the farm is breeding. The cross of Simmental bulls over Angus cows is a great carcase option for growth for age and eating quality.
Well done to the staff and students who are involved with the breeding of the farm’s herds.
Sarah Johnson
Program Coordinator
Student Services
I can’t believe my time is nearly up at WACOA Denmark!
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the staff and students at the College and working with the student services team in The Hive. The term has flown by with many fantastic happenings. Brad Woodruff will return at the beginning of Term 3.
Yr 11 Student Leaders – Monday Morning Coffees and Hot Chocs
On Monday, 15 June, the Year 11 student leaders launched their Monday morning coffee and hot chocolates. Each Monday at morning tea, Abby, Samara and Milly will be selling flat whites and hot chocolates for $5 each with money raised going towards subsidising their Year 12 ball tickets. A very big thank you to Ms Pagan who kindly taught the leaders how to use the coffee machine. Feedback received from staff and students alike has been positive!
Road Safety Camera Presentation – Year 10’s
On behalf of the Road Safety Commission, Cameron Mitchell from Great Southern Community Legal Services, visited the College to deliver a presentation to our Year 10 students on the new Road Safety Cameras. His presentation complemented the Keys4Life program the students have been undertaking this term. As an ex-policeman Cameron shared relevant real-life stories to support the key road safety message that it is not okay to risk take on the roads. Students were taken through how the safety cameras work, shown real life pictures from the cameras and taken through road crash and injury data.
YEP Project – Sexual Health Workshop Year 10’s
This week, Year 10 students took part in a Sexual Health presentation with presenters from the YEP Project (Youth Educating Peers) of the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia. The interactive workshop covered Safer Sex, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Blood Borne Viruses and Contraception.
If you would like to access support from the student services team or have any concerns about your child’s well-being, I can be contacted on 09 9848 0200 or by email sarah.johnson2@education.wa.edu.au
John Overton
Residential Manager
As we draw closer to the end of a busy but rewarding Term, it is a chance to reflect on activities, achievements, and the opportunities within our boarding community over the past 10 weeks.
Term 2 has seen good student engagement, personal growth, and a complementing set of activities to support well-being, connection, and enjoyment within boarding. A unique start to the Term with public holidays and a school development day, however boarders settled back into routines and embraced the 11-week Term.
Our Year 10 boarders have continued to develop in confidence and independence and have become more familiar with residential life. Having nearly completed two Terms at the College, their focus can begin to shift into their subject selections for Year 11 and establishing what they really want to achieve whilst enrolled at WACOA Denmark. Our Year 11 students have demonstrated increased maturity as they consider their next phase, with upcoming work experience opportunities combined with a more rigorous academic program, our Year 11 students are setting themselves up for their final year at the College well in 2027. Pathways will become more important and with work experience and a combined connection to our core business has them all well placed for the second half of the year.
For the Year 12 boarders, the reality of their final year is becoming more realistic. It has been pleasing to see many of them embracing leadership opportunities and making the most of their remaining time within the College community. The Class of 2026 is the first full cohort I have seen from Year 10 – 12 and I am genuinely proud to have been working alongside this year group for that period. Their focus is on exams, completing certificates, coursework and making the most of the remaining experiences the College has to offer in their final Term.
Student Engagement and Activities
A key focus throughout the term has been providing opportunities for boarders to remain active, connected, and engaged. Weekly activities such as Country Week training, gym sport, movement and mindfulness sessions, board games, art and craft, Albany & Perth excursions and outdoor recreation have continued to provide balance alongside the day program and farm commitments.
Highlights throughout the term include:
Dorm Awards Night (bowling and pizzas)
Pool Competition
Do it For Dolly Day activities.
AFL and AQWA Excursion
Fire Pit Chats
Pizza Night
Regular Albany excursions and recreational opportunities including beach walks (sunset) fishing trips and trail walks.
Alongside these activities, Residential staff have continued to place a strong focus on developing and establishing a Positive Behaviour Model to suit our context within residence. This work aims to create clear expectations while ensuring the boarders who consistently demonstrate our values are more frequently recognised. Most of our boarders contribute positively to residential life through their behaviour, effort, respect for others and willingness to support their peers. As a team, we are committed to ensuring these positive contributions are acknowledged regularly and form part of our culture as a college.
Sport and Community Involvement
The winter sport season provides so many fantastic opportunities for our boarders to represent both the College and the community through local sporting clubs. Students participate across netball, football, hockey and soccer within Denmark and Great Southern Region - often balancing training commitments alongside their studies and residential responsibilities.
Their involvement within the wider Denmark and Albany communities continues to strengthen connections beyond the College and provides valuable opportunities for personal development, teamwork, and leadership. We are proud of the way our students represent themselves within the community and the investment and interest our non-participating boarders place on spectating and supporting their friends. Our boarders often volunteer within our local sporting clubs through umpiring, scoring or canteen duties which is fantastic to see.
Country Week 2026
A significant focus throughout the latter part of the term has been preparation for Country Week 2026. This annual event remains one of the most anticipated experiences on the College calendar and involves considerable planning and coordination to ensure students have a fun, represent with pride, and have a successful week.
Throughout the term, students have participated in training sessions, team preparation, and organisational meetings in readiness for departure. Country Week provides a unique opportunity for students to represent the College, develop resilience and teamwork skills whilst creating foundational memories that can often become highlights of their time at the College.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of college staff who contribute considerable time and energy behind the scenes to prepare students for the event and support its successful delivery. Country Week relies on the commitment of many staff and students to dedicate additional time to ensure everyone has the best possible experience.
CW26 provides the very first opportunity for a Girls AFL team to represent the College. This milestone is a proud moment for the College, and I am excited to see how the girls perform. Other teams representing the College include AFL Boys, Netball and Volleyball. This campaign we have a squad of 59 players and 1 Media Liaison position that makes up the CW Squad for 2026.
Residential Community
Living away from home while balancing study, farm commitments, sport, and social activities can be demanding at times, particularly during a long winter term. As a residential community, we recognise that not every day feels easy or enjoyable, and it is during these periods that our values or respect, responsibility and positive relationships become most important.
A continued focus for Residential students this year has been strengthening a culture where positive behaviour, respectful relationships and personal responsibility are recognised and valued. It is important to acknowledge that the vast majority consistently do the right thing and support a positive culture. These students set the standards for our college, and they play a significant role in shaping our community.
Looking Ahead
As we head towards a well-earned break, we encourage everyone to take the time to rest, connect with family and friends and return refreshed for Term 3.
I would like to thank families for their ongoing support throughout the term as the partnership between home and residence plays a vital role in ensuring students are able to do their best.
Enjoy the upcoming holidays and we look forward to welcoming Boarders back from:
2pm Sunday 19th July.
2026 AFL and AQUA Adventure
13 & 14 June 2026
Fifteen boarders, accompanied by Residential staff Andrew and Maz, travelled to Perth over the weekend of 13–14 June for an action-packed recreational trip.
The adventure began with an exciting AFL match at Optus Stadium, where West Coast Eagles took on North Melbourne. The game kept everyone on the edge of their seats right until the final siren, with just one point separating the teams. While "our" Eagles fell just short, the thrilling finish made for plenty of friendly banter among the group.
After the game, students settled into Ern Halliday Recreation Camp before heading to Taste of Italy at Whitfords for dinner, where everyone enjoyed a fantastic selection of pizzas. Dessert was an easy choice, with Yo-Chi frozen yoghurt and Krispy Kreme doughnuts proving popular favourites.
Sunday started with a hearty cooked breakfast prepared by Andrew and Kash before the group visited AQWA and Hillarys Boat Harbour. Students enjoyed exploring the impressive marine exhibits, strolling along the boardwalks, and taking in the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
On the journey home, boarders were asked to describe the weekend in just a few words. Their responses included fun, memorable, entertaining, exciting, enjoyable, and great food. One student even described the trip as hygge – the Danish word for a feeling of comfort, togetherness and contentment.
The weekend was a wonderful opportunity for boarders to relax, build friendships and create lasting memories outside the College, with plenty of laughter and shared experiences along the way.
College Noticeboard
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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.