Inlet Views Newsletter
Issue 6, 2025
A WA College of Agriculture Denmark publication.
In this issue
Welcome to this month’s edition of Inlet Views, where we bring you the latest updates, stories, and events from WA College of Agriculture Denmark.
Michele Walker
College Principal
As we commence Term 4, I am delighted to reflect on the many achievements and events that have made this season so memorable for our College community.
Firstly, I am proud to share we were named as a finalist in the prestigious VET Industry Training Awards WA. It was an honour to travel to Perth with Mr Mungioli and our Board Chair, Mr Pratt to attend the event, representing our college and celebrating the outstanding work of our staff and students in vocational education and training. Being recognised at this level is a testament to the dedication and excellence that defines our programs.
Despite the unpredictable weather, our Open Day was a resounding success. The enthusiasm of our students and staff shone through, and visitors were treated to a vibrant showcase of our facilities, learning programs, and the unique opportunities our school offers. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day so special.
We also had a strong presence at the Perth Royal Show, where our students earned numerous awards across a range of categories. Most notably, we secured victory in the RAS Farm Skills competition for the fourth consecutive year. This remarkable achievement highlights the practical expertise and teamwork of our students and is a credit to our Farm Trainers.
Looking ahead, we have a busy and exciting few weeks. Our ATAR students are preparing for their final exams, and we wish them focus and success. The Albany Show is just around the corner, and we look forward to showcasing our students’ talents once again.
Finally, we are preparing for our Awards Ceremony, where we will formally farewell the Year 12 cohort and celebrate the achievements of our students. It promises to be a fitting conclusion to a year filled with growth, learning, and accomplishment.
As we move into the final term of the year, I encourage every student to take pride in how far they have come, and to look ahead with confidence and courage. The future belongs to those who are willing to work hard, embrace challenges, and believe in their potential: plant, grow, harvest!
Thank you to all parents and carers who took the time to complete our recent Parent Survey. Your feedback plays a significant role in helping us understand what is working well and where we can continue to improve.
Parent Survey Results 2025
Overall Satisfaction
Overall, the results were incredibly positive and reflect the strong connection between families, staff and students at the College.
92% of parents agreed or strongly agreed that their child feels safe at the College.
87% agreed their child likes being at the College.
85% agreed teachers and trainers expect their child to do their best.
84% agreed the College is well maintained.
84% agreed their child is making good progress in their learning.
Parents also showed strong agreement that teachers and trainers provide useful feedback, care about students’ progress, and maintain fair and supportive relationships with their classes.
Most families indicated that they would recommend the College to others, reflecting confidence in the education and opportunities provided here.
The open comments offered valuable insights into what families value most about the College.
Common themes included:
The practical, hands-on learning environment that builds confidence and real-world skills.
The strong focus on agriculture, trades, and rural industries.
The welcoming sense of community and support from staff.
Suggestions for improvement included increasing communication between staff and parents, providing more detailed feedback on student progress, and improving meal variety in the dining hall.
We appreciate the honesty and thought that went into these responses. This feedback helps guide planning and supports our ongoing goal of providing the best possible learning environment for our students.
What parents value most
Areas for Improvement
Alf Mungioli
Deputy Principal
Year 12’s
The year has flown by, with so many of our Year 12 students achieving amazing things. With Mock Exams now finished, we wish all ATAR students the very best as they sit their final exams in late October and early November.
We welcome any news of Year 12’s who have recently finished at the College and gained employment or apprenticeships — we value celebrating the successes of our students.
An invitation for parents and families has been sent out with information about the Annual Awards Ceremony, to be held on Friday, 21 November.
Year 11 Leave Date
Please be aware that Year 11’s are expected to attend classes until Friday, 21 November and participate in the Annual Awards Ceremony.
The week after classes finish, students will either complete Work Experience or Cert II Advanced Wool Handling. The school year for Year 11’s concludes on Friday, 28 November.
There have been some requests for students to leave earlier. Please note that during November, staff are finalising assessments that contribute to annual grades and qualifications.
If a Year 11 student needs to be away before these dates, please contact me to discuss the impact on their schooling. Arrangements may be negotiated if necessary, depending on attendance and academic progress.
Subject Selections
Year 10’s: All Year 10 students have now completed subject selections for 2026. Thank you to parents and guardians who supported the process through interviews. We are now preparing the 2026 timetable to best accommodate student preferences. We continue to review and improve our subject offerings to support student success at the College.
Year 11’s: Early in Term 4, Year 11 students received information about Year 12 course selections for 2026. While most students continue with their existing program, this is an opportunity to review and adjust if needed. Students are encouraged to discuss options with parents or guardians.
Work Experience
Our Year 10 students completed Work Experience in the last week of Term 3. We are proud of the way this group continues to grow and develop. Many achieved excellent outcomes while exploring future career options.
Year 10’s may complete a second placement in the final week of Term 4 if they apply early. Participation will depend on attendance and classroom effort.
Year 11 students and parents should have received information about Work Experience for November. Students who approach employers early and directly usually have greater success securing placements. Please contact the College if you require support. It is great to see many students well on track to finalise the required paperwork.
Vaping
During Term 3, several instances of vaping were reported — in toilet blocks, during class, breaks, and in residence. While it appears that students are aware of these incidents, this behaviour is not widespread.
Alarmingly, a very small number of students have brought vapes (e-cigarettes) onto campus.
The College maintains zero tolerance for any form of smoking or vaping. Expectations are clear in our Values. I have spoken with year groups to reinforce the law, health impacts, and consequences of vaping.
Any instance of vaping on campus will result in an immediate extended suspension, and for residential students, a review of their residency.
We continue to support students in developing workplace-ready behaviours — focusing on Positive Relationships, Social Responsibility, and Pursuing Personal Excellence. Thank you to the parents and guardians who support us in helping students become successful, responsible members of the community while achieving excellent results at the College.
Corporate Services
2026 Enrolment Packages
All new families to the College should have received an enrolment pack with a range of important information required for 2026. A return envelope is enclosed. It would be appreciated if your attention could be given to this pack and completed documents returned as soon as possible.
2026 Contributions, Fees & Charges Handbook
2026 Uniforms & Booklists Handbook
The College is currently undertaking its annual review of these handbooks. They will soon go through the approval processes with the College Finance Committee and Board and will be released to parents and carers as soon as possible to support planning for next year.
2026 Residential Accommodation Charges
The Department of Education has advised that Residential Accommodation Fees will remain the same until the end of 2027. The total amount payable for residential accommodation in 2026 will be $9,563.
Use of General Email Addresses
In this time of staffing changes and staff leave, it is important to remember when emailing the College to use one of our general contact email addresses. This is to ensure your query will be dealt with efficiently by the correct team.
Our contacts are:
denmark.wacoa@education.wa.edu.au
for all general queries, complaints, and feedback.
denmark.wacoa.adminstaff@education.wa.edu.au
for all queries relating to students including attendance, excursions, appointments, and any other front office query.
denmark.wacoa.finance@education.wa.edu.au
for all queries relating to student billing, subsidies, allowances, payment plans, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
2025 Account Clearance Dates
As we head into the pointy end of the year, a gentle reminder that student accounts need to be cleared prior to the commencement of the new year.
The following account clearance dates apply:
All Year 12 accounts should be settled in full by Friday, 14 November.
All Year 11 accounts should be settled in full by Friday, 21 November.
All Year 10 accounts should be settled in full by Friday, 19 December.
A big thank you to the parents and carers who are up to date with their accounts.
Upcoming events
Janine Terry
Teacher - Science & Biology
Measuring Motion
Our Year 10 Science students recently completed a practical investigation using ticker timers to measure the acceleration of a trolley car down a ramp.
This activity allowed students to apply their classroom learning to a hands-on experiment, building their understanding of motion, acceleration, and how scientific tools are used to collect and analyse data.
The exercise provided a clear connection between theory and practice, and students gained valuable experience in conducting experiments and interpreting results.
Students have also been busy designing and building balloon-powered cars as part of their studies on the physics of motion. This activity gave students the chance to apply classroom concepts in a fun and practical way. Photos below show the creativity and teamwork in action.
Mark Boynton
Program Coordinator
Trades & Training
Trades and Training
We have all been impressed by the Year 12 students’ dedication and hard work, with all students successfully completing Certificates at the College. Our Trades and Training areas have worked very hard to support these students and hope they all go on to do great things!
Our workshops and training areas are now a little quieter, offering opportunities for Year 10 and 11 students to step up and take leading roles in other projects.
We are all looking forward to the Awards Ceremony and seeing the Year 12s as they prepare for the next steps in their journey.
Automotive
Year 10 students have been busy completing group projects, allowing them to build teamwork, correct use of tools, and general mechanical skills.
They have been working on several school vehicles and motorcycles. For assessment this term, the Year 10s will continue with the Complete Basic Servicing unit and finish the term carrying out general servicing observations in the workshop.
The Year 11s are also working in groups on two large diesel engines — a Cummins and a Volvo — which have been generously donated to the College. The students have been tearing them down and are now in the process of rebuilding them. We are very grateful for these donations and would be especially interested in any motorcycle donations!
These large diesel motors have given students interested in ‘Heavy Diesel’ mechanics a valuable opportunity to gain experience in that field.
Engineering
The workshop is very busy with the smaller projects we have promoted in Year 10 and 11. This is the time when students get to take their own ideas and turn them into real projects. It’s encouraging to see the new ideas and enthusiasm coming through. We are particularly impressed with the Year 10 metals groups, who are super busy and very capable — helping each other out, discussing plans and ideas, and showing a lot of positive energy in the workshops.
As always, Year 11 students moving into Year 12 metals need a project for their Undertake a Basic Engineering Project Unit of Competency. Ideas and plans should be coming together now, and budgets need to be considered, as these projects are all self-funded.
Due to changes in trailer licensing procedures, we are unable to offer advice on trailer licensing. Please consult the Department of Transport website for up-to-date information. If your child is considering a trailer build, go for it — but please be aware we only order steel/aluminium for projects. All other required items such as wheels, axles, electrical components, and paint need to be sourced by the student or their families.









Brad Woodruff
Program Coordinator
Student Services
Student Leadership Elections Underway for 2026
The process to elect our Year 11 Student Councillors and Year 12 Prefects for 2026 has begun. These important roles give students the opportunity to represent their peers, contribute to College life, and develop meaningful leadership skills.
Students nominate for leadership positions for many reasons — to make positive changes, be a voice for their peers, support causes they care about, or act as role models and event organisers within the College community.
The Role of a Student Councillor or Prefect
Student leaders play an active role in leading initiatives, contributing to decision-making, and upholding our College values of social responsibility, personal excellence, and positive relationships. They help shape a supportive and inclusive environment where all students feel heard.
Benefits of Being a Student Leader
Develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
Build confidence through event planning and public speaking.
Strengthen connections with staff and students across year levels.
Enhance applications for future study, training, or employment.
Make a lasting contribution to the culture and spirit of the college.
Next Steps
Students are now preparing their written applications, outlining:
Why they believe they are suitable candidates, and
How their qualities and actions reflect the college’s values.
We look forward to seeing our future student leaders step forward and take on these rewarding roles.
Student Leaders Launch Community Project
Our student leaders, Beth Lockwood and Phoebee Forman, recently presented an exciting community project proposal supporting the Albany Women’s Centre. The initiative aims to strengthen community connections and promote kindness and giving among students.
The project includes a range of thoughtful and engaging activities:
A food and gift drive to support families connected with the Albany Women’s Centre.
A lunchtime card-making activity and craft project creating handmade gifts using recycled metals, with support from staff member Mark Boynton.
Collaboration with local CWA groups, who have been invited to assist students in making gifts for the project, helping to build intergenerational links and community spirit.
Broader college-wide activities, including a Games Day featuring traditional events such as sack races and musical chairs, and a gingerbread house competition to encourage fun and teamwork.
Beth and Phoebee have also discussed future possibilities, including scholarship opportunities and visits involving families supported by the centre.
They recently met with our Year 10 leaders — Pippa Van der Riet, Milly Eames, Abby Gorman, and Samara Edwards — who are enthusiastic about the project and keen to take part in its planning and delivery.
This student-led initiative is a wonderful example of leadership, service, and compassion in action, and we look forward to seeing it come to life next term.
Open Day Fun at the Hive
Our recent College Open Day was a wonderful celebration of creativity, community, and connection. The Hive was a hive of activity — quite literally — with students taking part in face painting, temporary tattoos, and other fun, hands-on experiences.
The event provided a fantastic opportunity for students to express themselves artistically and enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with friends and families. The creativity on display was matched only by the many smiling faces throughout the day.
A big thank you to all the staff and students who helped make the Hive such a colourful and welcoming space. It was a fantastic reminder of the vibrant spirit and sense of community that make our College so special.
‘How To Be Well’ – Empowering Session for Year 10 Girls
As part of RUOK Day, our Year 10 girls recently participated in an inspiring and heartfelt session with Lily Gresele, founder of How To Be Well. Drawing on her own lived experience with severe mental health challenges, Lily shared a powerful and deeply personal story that encouraged students to reflect on their wellbeing and the importance of self-compassion.
How To Be Well is a mental health advocacy organisation dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Founded in 2019 when Lily was just 18, the program helps young people understand that feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, or loneliness are normal parts of being human — and that there is always a way forward.
During her visit, Lily led a workshop on self-love, guiding students through reflective activities designed to build confidence, promote self-acceptance, and encourage a positive mindset. She also discussed practical strategies for managing stress, seeking support, and staying connected with others.
Lily’s honesty, warmth, and courage created a safe space for open conversation, leaving students feeling heard, inspired, and empowered. The session provided an invaluable opportunity for our Year 10 girls to explore mental health in a real and relatable way, reinforcing that seeking help and caring for ourselves are vital parts of overall wellbeing.
Year 12 Cut-out Lunch.
In shearing, a "cut-out" refers to the completion of the shearing process for a specific flock or at a particular shed. It signifies the end of the work for that day, mob, or the entire shearing run.
On Friday, 19 September, our Farm Staff said farewell to the Year 12 mob with a cut-out lunch.
Kevin Marshall
Farm Manager
Royal Show Wrap-up!
As the dust settles and everyone gets back into their normal routines we can reflect on this huge annual event; Farm Skills and the Perth Royal Show.
Staff and students have been preparing for this event all year with steers being purchased, handled and fed on grain for three months, Corriedale stud sheep selected and pampered a little ready for their show debut and students selected and trained in several different events in preparation for the Farm Skills Competition.
Lets start at the top with the Farm Skills
Three Denmark teams were selected by farm staff and invited to compete in this Ag College Challenge. Each team consists of six members competing in a variety of practical events. The fencing event is the major challenge with five team members erecting a short plain wire fence within twenty minutes. While training for this event can be quite successful, the pressure on the day often takes its toll and common-sense decision making goes out the window.
The team that holds their nerve and thinks through the challenge will often win. This year a team from Harvey was awarded winners of this event with an excellent fence constructed. Other events such as tractor driving, sheep handling and wool pressing are always good events to watch.
After a huge day in the sun with Denmark students enjoying the challenges of competition, the nerves and the team comradery; the event concluded with a prize giving ceremony. One by one the event winners and placegetters were announced, and it seemed that other Colleges were winning most of the events. Denmark had it’s share of ribbons and the Denmark Year 11 team was getting a lot of second and third places, but it seemed Harvey Year 12 team was well on top.
The final numbers were tallied and announced with an eruption of Year 11 joy as the over-all winners were announced. Due to the amazing number of places, the Year Eleven team was victorious winning over Harvey by just half a point.
Congratulations to all students who did a fantastic job and represented Denmark to the highest standards. A special thank you to Mr Brian Taylor who drove the bus up to Perth and supported the students all day in the heat nearly causing himself getting heat exhaustion - thank you.
Sheep Club and the Denmark Corriedale stud success
Well done to all Sheep Clubbers and Mr Schulz for the enormous effort getting a great team of livestock to Perth and competing in a variety of events. The AWI Wether Challenge is an event between colleges to prepare four merino wethers and then have them judged for market suitability and value. Denmark’s team was placed third in this event.
The stud Corriedale classes were unfortunately uncontested, so ribbons were all for Denmark. While this might seem a little pointless the experience of animal presentation and an external judge evaluating and commenting on our livestock is very valuable for students to learn from. The judge’s comments about the quality of the Corriedale exhibits were very encouraging and the improvement in genetics is now becoming quite evident.
Our students were also on show competing in several handling and judging events. Outstanding results in the State final events for Wool Classing and Merino Ram Judging with students Summer Sutherland and Savanah Trevenen winning these events. They will now represent Western Australia at the Brisbane Royal Show next year. Congratulations to all students who entered these events.
All this would not be possible without dedicated staff like Mr Roger Schulz and his commitment to the Sheep Club and students - thank you.
Cattle Club and the Carcase Competition
Another huge commitment by Cattle Clubbers to transport and exhibit 21 prime steers in the Led Steer and Carcase competition. Logistically a truck and trailer full of equipment and feed was transported to Claremont, unpacked and a whole cattle lane transformed into an exhibition of Denmark’s livestock and Cattle Club. The first days are always a little tense with animals and students being nervous and apprehensive. The first event was the Student Parading competition where students are evaluated handling their animal and presenting to the judge. Denmark students represented very well - being placed in second, third and fourth. Second was Aydn Reid, third place was Grace Walford and fourth was Georgia Roberts. Well done to all students who at times had some very challenging animals to control.
The next event was the steers time to shine with an eastern states judge deciding on the best animals. Denmark steers received several qualifying ribbons with the highlight being a Reserve Champion in the Extra Heavy section.
The next day the steers are sold in an auction ring. This is always a tense time with loud noise and an auctioneer yelling in a microphone. Steer sales were very pleasing with an average price per head of $2,850. Once the steers were sold, the mammoth task of cleaning up and packing equipment begins.
Several days later the carcase results came back with Denmark steers performing extremely well in all weight categories. The highlight here was achieving Champion and Reserve Champion Carcase in the Extra Heavy weight category. A great result here.
Massive thanks to Mr Brad Seib for the dedication to Cattle Club and giving our students this fantastic opportunity.
Also a huge thanks to Rebecca Goodliffe from the residential team who looked after the students and staff wonderfully.
All in all, the Perth Royal Show was once again a huge success. It is a very challenging task for staff to coordinate and complete. Our students represented the College with exceptional standards and manners which does not go unnoticed.

















Year 12 Dinner and Long Table Lunch.
Our Year 12 Dinner was held on Thursday, 18 September at Boston Brewery – a local, award-winning agri-business that perfectly links our educational focus with the agricultural and hospitality industries.
The evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students and wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

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