Issue 1 2025 - Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal

Alf Mungioli

A very positive start

Seeing the Year 10 students and new Year 11 students arrive at the College and commence their first day was similar to seeing pre-primary students arriving for their first day of school. There was a mixture of emotions and feelings from being eager, nervous, and excited about starting a new adventure. Most students have settled in well and immersed themselves into the variety of dynamic programs on offer. I am sure parents are taking the time to hear what is happening across the courses.

Year 11 and 12 students have begun the term brilliantly – there seems to be a great energy on producing quality work in and out of the classroom. Year 11’s have begun experiencing more intense theory and practical training for their Certificate II in Agriculture. Year 12’s only have 25 weeks left until graduation!!! They are busy completing their required tasks with a select few working on their Certificate III in Agriculture.   

A few words for parents / guardians to offer their child as advice – many are getting used to the higher expectations, new personalities, new rules and tasks in their transition to the Western Australian College of Agriculture – Denmark. Some students are slipping back into some habits of behaviour that will see them being sent home or withdrawn from classes/activities.

We have some very straightforward values and expectations. Our values include: 

• Pursuing personal excellence

• Building positive relationships 

• Demonstrating Social Responsibility

Students who are unkind to others and who are not contributing positively to class behaviour will have consequences attached that impact their ability to engage in the normal College program.

Thanks for the support of all parents/guardians in ensuring all students approach their time here in a mature and responsible manner. 

Timetables and classes

Most students have now settled into their coursework. A few of the continued and newer adjustments include;

• Class sizes across Year 10-12 being more supportive for student success. A few classes do have higher numbers and that is a result of us trying to offer more opportunities for students to access the College.

• ATAR students continue to have small class sizes and have supervised and structured study time. The last two years has seen ATAR average scores the highest it has been for over 4 years.

• Flexibility for students when selecting courses in Year 10-12 and more double periods for all classes.

• Prioritising the importance of Farm Skills and extra support for students training in Certificate II and Certificate III in Agriculture. Students now have increased focus time on developing specific skills in groups on Farm via practical activities, observations and demonstrations.

• Year 10’s now have more Farm time as well as some extra support with farm skills training to prepare them for managing their Farm tasks.

• More access to ICT resources. Over the last 2 years, we have added 2 computer rooms as well as 2 laptop trolleys in other rooms. Our ratio of the number of computers available for the student cohorts is amazing. Due to increased numbers in some classes we have purchased further laptops for existing trolleys.

Attendance

We understand that at times family commitments and personal health issues can impact student attendance.

Late last year, we noticed a number of students whose attendance was seen as a concern and we encouraged parents to continue to support their child and the College with them maintaining regular attendance. For example, in some instances, students had been leaving site early on a Friday and/or returning a day late after a weekend. This had a detrimental effect on their course work and approach to learning.

We are training students to cope with workplace expectations and when students have high attendance rates, they improve their employment prospects, work ethic and chances of graduating. We will conduct attendance reviews every 5-6 weeks.

2025 Year 11 & 12 ATAR University Tour Camp

WACOA – Denmark is inviting all Year 11 and Year 12 students to attend a camp to visit the Murdoch Open Day (Saturday) and the Curtin University Open Day (Sunday).

This opportunity is open to current students who have enrolled in two or more ATAR subjects. Students who are not enrolled in ATAR but aspire to university entry through alternative pathways after Year 12 may also apply to attend if space is available.

As we only have 25 seats available, preferences will be given to ATAR students and students who did not attend this event last year.

Students and staff will visit both Open Days and participate in the presentations and activities set for the days.

The Year 11 & Year 12 ATAR University Tour Camp will depart WACOA Denmark at 1.30pm  on Friday 4th April and will return at approx. 6.30pm Sunday 6th April. Residential students and local Day students will be transported by a College vehicle. Day students will need to make their own way to and from the College before and after the event.

At a cost of $100, this is great value and a fantastic opportunity to explore future options.

Alf Mungioli
Deputy Principal
WACOA - Denmark