Issue 5, 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.
Our Regulars
Principal - Michele Walker
Deputy Principal - Alf Mungioli
Corporate Services & Upcoming Events
Trades & Training - Mark Boynton
Farm Manager - Kevin Marshall
Student Services - Brad Woodruff
Residential - John Overton
Alumni Association - Don McCausland
College Noticeboard
In the Spotlight
Celebrating Student Success
Humanities & Social Sciences Class Report
Year 10 Science
Automotive
Community Partnerships
Through the Lens: Farm Life
AFL & AQWA Adventure
Michele Walker
College Principal
As we move toward the end of term, there is a real sense of momentum around the College. Across classrooms, the farm, and residential life, students are demonstrating commitment, resilience and a growing focus on achieving their personal best.
Preparations are now well underway for our annual Open Day, one of the highlights of the College calendar. Open Day provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase the diverse learning experiences available at our college and to welcome prospective students, families and community members onto our campus. The event would not be possible without the incredible efforts of our staff and students, who are working hard behind the scenes to ensure the College is presented at its very best.
This is also an exciting time for many of our students involved in agricultural competitions and exhibitions. Louis Ford, Samara Edwards, Sienna Holmes and Charlize Fleay returned from Katanning with an enormous trophy after being crowned champions in the Merino Judging Challenge.
Our students were also highly successful at the Beverley Show.
Beef Cattle Student Parading winner: Grace Skahill
Beef Cattle Junior Judging:
1st Place: Kash Christiansen
2nd Place: Poppy Stocks
3rd Place: Eliza Mitchell
These events provide valuable opportunities for students to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and dedication while representing the College with pride. I would like to thank the staff who support these programs and acknowledge the many hours students invest in preparing livestock.
For our Year 12 students, the finish line is now in sight. As they approach the completion of their final term at the College, many are beginning to make important decisions about their next steps. Whether their plans involve employment, apprenticeships, traineeships, further study or returning to family farming enterprises, this is an exciting and significant time. We are proud of their achievements and encourage them to remain focused and committed as they complete their courses and prepare for life beyond school.
As a College community, we continue to emphasise the importance of striving for your personal best in all aspects of College life. Personal best is not only about academic achievement in the classroom. It is about taking pride in your work on the farm, demonstrating respect in your interactions with others, wearing the College uniform correctly, and taking responsibility for your own health and wellbeing. Success is built through consistent effort, positive choices and a willingness to contribute to a supportive and respectful community.
I encourage all students to finish the term strongly, take advantage of the opportunities available to them, and continue to represent themselves and the College with pride. Small actions, repeated consistently, make a significant difference and help create the positive culture we are all working together to build. By continuing to Plant, Grow and Harvest, we not only achieve individual success but also strengthen the College community as a whole.
Alf Mungioli
Deputy Principal
Open Day
Open Day at the College is a reminder about the fabulous facility we have. We look forward to showcasing our programs and the activities we run.
Clarification of Expectations
One of the conditions of attending WA College of Agriculture - Denmark is that students comply with the College's expectations. Information about these expectations is communicated to students on an ongoing basis. However, from time to time, a small number of students either forget, or choose not to follow, some of the basic requirements.
Parental support with their child's work ethic, attendance, and adherence to College rules is greatly appreciated. This support helps ensure that our students are workplace ready and able to meet the expectations they will encounter in future employment. Industry partners and the local community continue to hold students from our College in high regard, and we are committed to maintaining that reputation.
We would appreciate parents reminding their children of the following expectations.
As part of our dress standards, and in keeping with the positive image we wish to maintain at the College, our policy regarding hair and personal presentation is clear:
Hair longer than collar length must be tied back when wearing any College uniform, regardless of gender. Hair longer than collar length must also be secured in a bun when students are wearing their Hi-Vis uniform.
Hairstyles should not reflect extreme fashion trends. Styles considered unacceptable include undercuts, mullets, mohawks, dreadlocks, topknots, and hair that is multi-coloured or dyed an unnatural colour. Reasonable shades and tints may be permitted at the College's discretion.
All students are required to be clean-shaven at all times.
Students are required to adhere to the College's jewellery guidelines when wearing both the Hi-Vis and classroom uniforms.
Department of Education policy permits students to possess a mobile phone during the school day; however, phones must be turned off and put away throughout the day, meaning they should be "neither seen nor heard". This requirement includes recess and lunch breaks.
Smart watches must also be switched off and put away so that calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day. For the purposes of this policy, "mobile phones" includes smart watches, associated listening accessories, and other devices such as headphones and earbuds.
This requirement is consistent with the Minister for Education's direction regarding the use of mobile phones in schools and is reflected in the Student Mobile Phones in Public Schools Policy.
Work Experience
Year 10 students will head out on work experience during the final week of term. It has been pleasing to see students step outside their comfort zones and proactively engage with employers to secure placements.
Thank you to the parents and guardians who have supported their children in obtaining work experience opportunities and completing the required paperwork.
A Busy Environment
The coming weeks promise to be very busy.
Students who are required to sit the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) will do so during the second week of September. It is important that all students scheduled to complete the assessment are on site during Week 8.
Year 12 ATAR students are currently making their final preparations for mock ATAR examinations, and we wish them every success. School-based mock ATAR examinations will take place during the first week of Term 4.
The Perth Royal Show is also approaching, and students involved will be working hard to ensure they are well prepared and competitive. We wish them every success and look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.
Corporate Services
denmark.wacoa.adminstaff@education.wa.edu.au
Student Allowances Remaining for 2026 - 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 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.
Kevin Marshall
Farm Manager
So far, 2026 has been a fantastic season. Moderate rainfall and mild winter conditions have provided a great environment for pasture growth and farm operations.
Year to date, Denmark received 456 mm of rainfall to the end of July, with a further 80 mm falling in August. This has certainly topped up watercourses and subsoil moisture reserves.
Pastures
Feed on offer is in a strong position, with pasture quality and volumes remaining high. All competitive weeds were controlled early in the season using Diflufenican and Broadstrike, with excellent long-term results.
Following each grazing, pastures have received 100 kg/ha of Gran NS fertiliser. This has maintained nitrogen and sulphur requirements. Application rates are slightly lower than normal as we continue to adjust rates to suit product prices and the farm budget. Despite the lower application rate, pasture growth remains strong.
Livestock
In May, we purchased an additional 30 Angus steers. They have done an excellent job grazing excess feed and are growing very well. Growth has slowed slightly during the recent cold and wet conditions; however, weight gains remain satisfactory at approximately 1.0 to 1.3 kg/day.
All beef mobs are performing well, with pregnancy testing occurring on Monday, 17 August. Calves look excellent, and there appears to be less of a tail-end than in previous seasons.
All sheep and cattle mobs are currently on strip-grazing programs. Feed utilisation has been very effective, and pasture recovery has been strong.
The Merino ewes continue to work hard during this cold time of year. Carrying both a fleece and a lamb at foot can make it difficult for them to maintain condition. All mobs have been drenched and crutched in preparation for the fly season. Lambs will be weaned during September and October, with ewes and lambs then shorn and market selections made.
Staffing
It is a pleasure to announce that, for the first time in approximately three years, we are fully staffed.
We are extremely pleased to have employed two new permanent staff members and one casual employee. The calibre of experience and suitability they bring to the farm is a very welcome development.
Miss Brooke Parker has commenced in the sheep enterprise. Mr Daniel Murphy has joined in a general farm role, while casual employee Mr Tim McKeogh is also working in a general capacity, with a significant focus on the cattle enterprise, particularly show steer preparation.
Upcoming Events
Open Day – 4 September
Farm Skills – 24 September
Perth Royal Show – 26 September
Brad Woodruff
Program Coordinator
Student Services
After some time on leave, I’m very excited to be back and looking forward to supporting our students and continuing to build on our wellbeing initiatives throughout the term and beyond.
I’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to Sarah Johnson for the work she has done during my absence. It has been great to collaborate with Sarah, hear her insights into the needs of our students, and see the new initiatives she has introduced to Student Services. I’m looking forward to carrying forward some of these initiatives while also adding some new ideas of my own.
I’m excited about the term ahead and the opportunities we have to continue strengthening the support, wellbeing and student services we provide to our students.
Supporting Student Wellbeing Through iReflect
A special thank you also goes to our Chaplain, Chris Urschitz, for the work he has been doing to integrate iReflect into our student wellbeing approach. iReflect is a secure, easy-to-use wellbeing check-in tool developed through YouthCARE that allows students to regularly reflect on how they are doing across different areas of their wellbeing. It provides real-time insights into student wellbeing, helps identify areas where students may need additional support, and creates pathways for meaningful conversations and early intervention.
Chris has done a great job supporting the implementation of iReflect and using the information it provides to develop a clearer understanding of how our students are feeling. Importantly, it gives students another avenue to indicate when they may need support and encourages them to connect with Student Services when required.
This is a valuable addition to our whole-school approach to wellbeing, helping us better understand the experiences of our students and ensuring that support is available when they need it.
Understanding the Manosphere: Supporting Young Men Online
As part of our Year 10 Health program, students have recently explored the growing influence of the manosphere and its potential impact on young men’s attitudes, relationships and behaviour.
The term manosphere describes a broad collection of online communities, influencers and content focused on men, masculinity and relationships. While some content promotes positive ideas such as fitness, confidence and self-improvement, parts of the manosphere promote rigid views of masculinity, including male dominance, hostility towards feminism and negative or misogynistic attitudes towards women.
Recent Australian research has highlighted how young men can be drawn into this content. A study involving researchers from Queensland University of Technology, Deakin University and Dublin City University found that young men may initially encounter manosphere content through relatively mainstream interests such as fitness, gaming, confidence or dating advice. Social media algorithms can then expose users to increasingly extreme material.
Recent ABC News reporting has also examined the growing presence of manosphere ideas in Australian schools, with teachers reporting increased misogynistic language, sexualised comments, gender-based jokes and other behaviours influenced by online content.
It is important to recognise that most boys do not hold these attitudes, and being interested in masculinity, fitness or self-improvement does not make someone part of the manosphere. The concern is when young people are exposed to messages that define masculinity through dominance, aggression, sexual success or disrespect for others.
Our aim in discussing this topic is not to label or criticise boys, but to help students become critical consumers of online content. We want young people to recognise how algorithms influence what they see, question the credibility and motives of online influencers, and understand that healthy masculinity can include empathy, emotional openness, respect, equality and positive relationships.
Parents can support this by talking openly with their children about the content they encounter online and encouraging them to question messages that promote stereotypes, hostility or disrespect.
For further information, parents may wish to explore the recent ABC News coverage of the manosphere and young men, which has provided valuable insight into this emerging issue.
Upcoming Events
There are several exciting and meaningful events coming up at the College over the next few weeks.
RU OK? Day – Thursday, 10 September
Our Year 10 student leaders will be taking the lead in our RU OK? Day activities on Thursday, 10 September. The day will focus on encouraging students to connect with one another, check in with friends and recognise the importance of supporting each other.
World’s Greatest Shave – Thursday, 17 September
On Thursday, 17 September, the College will participate in the World’s Greatest Shave, raising awareness and funds to support people affected by blood cancer. The event will be led by our Year 12 Captain, Louis Ford, and Year 12 Prefect, Thomas Lynch. We encourage students and families to get behind their efforts and support this worthwhile cause. Donate here - https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/st/3296/40899
Transition Out – Wednesday 16th September – Wednesday 23rd September
Our Year 12 students will also take part in Transition Out, a program designed to help students prepare for life after school and the transition into further study, employment and independent living.
The program combines practical information with opportunities to hear from guest speakers and participate in activities that address the realities of life beyond school. Topics include budgeting and managing money, government grants and support, renting and accommodation, employment and further education. Guest presenters and organisations such as TAFE, Ray White Denmark and Legal Aid WA provide students with practical advice and real-world perspectives.
Transition Out also has a strong social and community component, with a range of activities planned to celebrate the Year 12 cohort and their final year at the College. These include the Year 12 Cutout, with Farm staff getting involved in the farewell celebrations, a barbecue in the paddock, Long Table Lunch, Dress-Up Day and the Year 12 Graduation Dinner.
These events provide opportunities for students and staff to celebrate the friendships, experiences and achievements that have shaped their time at the College, while creating some memorable final moments together.
Transition Out is ultimately about helping our Year 12 students prepare for the next stage of their lives while also celebrating their journey through the College. We look forward to seeing students embrace these opportunities and take an active role in shaping their own futures.
John Overton
Residential Manager
Term 3 is well and truly underway and, once again, it has been a busy and rewarding period in Residence. The term has provided students with many chances to learn, participate, challenge themselves and enjoy the wonderful environment we are fortunate to call home at WA College of Agriculture – Denmark.
Our focus in Residence continues to be on Personal Excellence, while also strengthening the way we build positive relationships and demonstrate social responsibility within our boarding community.
Open Day – Saturday, 5 September
Our College Open Day is coming up on Saturday, 5 September and will provide another wonderful opportunity for students to showcase the College to prospective families and members of the wider community.
Our residential students play an important role in these events. Whether welcoming visitors, assisting with tours or simply being themselves around the College, they provide prospective families with an authentic insight into life at Denmark.
I am always proud to see our students representing the College and demonstrating the positive culture and community we continue to build in Residence.
Positive Behaviour Model
A key focus in Residence this year has been the continued development and implementation of our Positive Behaviour Model. The model provides a consistent framework for supporting students to understand expectations, make positive choices and take responsibility for their behaviour.
Importantly, it is not simply about responding when things go wrong. It is about recognising and reinforcing the behaviours we want to see throughout our residential community.
Our College values of Pursuing Personal Excellence, Building Positive Relationships and Demonstrating Social Responsibility remain central to this work.
We continue to encourage students to consider the impact of their choices on themselves, their peers, staff and the wider College community.
Activities and Excursions
One of the great advantages of boarding at the College is the chance for students to experience the incredible environment that surrounds us.
This term has already provided many memorable experiences, including fishing trips and time spent enjoying Denmark's beautiful coastline.
There have been several successful fishing outings, with students heading to Prawn Rock Channel for the annual Snapper Hunt. These activities allow boarders to spend time together outside the College environment while developing practical skills and enjoying the outdoors.
Students have also enjoyed seeing the inlet open at Ocean Beach, along with some spectacular afternoons at Lights Beach. While these activities may appear simple, they provide valuable opportunities to connect with one another, develop independence and create lasting memories with their boarding peers.
Looking ahead, Week 9 will feature our South West Adventure Tour, providing another exciting chance for students to explore more of our region.
The Term 3 activities program continues to offer a balanced mix of sport, recreation, outdoor activities, cooking, arts and crafts, fitness, and engagement with the wider community. The current planner includes hiking, fishing, visits to the Albany skatepark, cooking sessions, yoga, movies and social activities.
Sport
Winter sport is now heading towards the finals series across a number of competitions. We have students involved in netball, football, hockey and soccer, and I am particularly proud of the number of residential students who are actively involved in local sporting teams.
Being part of a community sporting club provides much more than the opportunity to play sport. It helps students build friendships outside the College, contribute to their local community, work as part of a team and develop responsibility.
To all students involved in finals and upcoming games, congratulations on your commitment throughout the season, and best wishes for the weeks ahead.
Looking Ahead
With Open Day, the South West Adventure Tour, sporting finals and the remainder of the term still ahead of us, there is plenty happening over the coming weeks.
Our Year 12 students are also entering an important stage as they approach the final weeks of their schooling. It is an exciting time, but also an opportunity for reflection as they consider the contribution they have made to the College and residential community.
As always, I would like to thank our residential staff for the ongoing work they do in supporting our students. The boarding environment is a busy one, and the experiences we provide are only possible because of the commitment, care and dedication of the staff who work with our students every day.
I look forward to seeing the remainder of the term unfold and, most importantly, continuing to see our boarders pursue personal excellence, build positive relationships and demonstrate social responsibility.
Alumni Association
Don McCausland, Chairperson
It has been a while since I have written this segment, however, having received excellent medical care I am in a much better position health wise.
Sadly, member Tom Marsden (past student 1954-1955) recently passed away. May he rest in peace.
The College Open Day is fast approaching. It will be held on Saturday, 5 September. As usual, the Alumni Association will be having a display alongside the Denmark Historical Society in the Gymnasium.
At 2pm, the new display cabinets will be officially unveiled. The Committee has, for some time, tried to obtain cabinets in which College memorabilia can be effectively displayed. Thanks to a generous donation from the Jones family, we finally got there. In addition, each of the blazer designs during the College’s history are displayed on the wall in individual cabinets. All this can be found in the foyer between the Dining Room and the Gymnasium. Members of the Jones family will be travelling from Perth for the occasion.
Past students - 1953 to 1956 and their partners - will be having their annual reunion at the Open Day.
As always – we want to increase membership in order to maintain contact and provide the annual scholarship for students at the College. Membership Forms are available on the College website, from myself by calling 0428 526 398, or emailing Mel Constable.
News from all years of the School/College is always welcome.
College Noticeboard
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Bulk Billed 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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