Term 4 has started at a cracking pace with a busy schedule and a variety of events to celebrate our Graduating students, whilst also acknowledging our remaining students as they too transition into the next phase of their journey at WACoA – Denmark. Week 1 of Term 4 was all about our Year 12’s, with the Residential Team coordinating the Year 12 Graduation Dinner. The evening was special and captured the moment really well for our graduating students.

What’s been happening on the farm? As the season changes and conditions begin to get drier and warmer, an element of panic comes over farm staff. We need to cut hay and silage, we are running out of feed, we need to sell lambs and calves, we need to build new vineyard trellis frames, we need to slaughter and process some livestock for the kitchen, we need to shear the ewes and draft out dry culls. All these things are happening at once and it has been a very busy time. During the term, our students have had the opportunity to participate in all these events.

Account Clearance Dates

A gentle reminder that the first and second instalments of the Residential Accommodation Fee should be paid in full prior to the commencement of Term 4.

Wow! What more could a Program Coordinator - Student Services want!? Lush green pastures, champion staff, students and families, and then throw in some yummy lunches, and this school has it made! I’m super grateful to be part of the team here for term four of 2023 and term one of 2024.

Term 4 started off as a whirlwind of activity bidding farewell to our Year 12 cohort, the beautiful Graduation dinner and ATAR study sessions. The following week, the Year 10s went off to the RAC Roadside Awareness Excursion in Albany, which links to their Keys for Life program and had some valuable life lessons targeted to teen vehicle decision making as both drivers and passengers.

We are looking forward to seeing our 2023 Year 12 Students again at the Awards Ceremony and hearing their plans for the future. I know many had already secured employment and further training and it’s always great to see them return for one last time. If any Year 12 students require support for Trades related job references and advice, then please do get in touch and we will try and support in any way we can.

The recent Year 12 dinner and their last days on site were enjoyable. It is wonderful to see so many students walk away with a range of personal and academic achievements.

As I write this, we are finalising plans for our annual Awards Ceremony. This is one of my favourite days of the year, second only to Open Day. Our annual Awards Ceremony is a fantastic way to celebrate the success of our Senior Students and of course say our final farewells to the Year 12 students. I hope to see as many of you as possible at 11am on Friday the 17th of November as you join me to celebrate our students success.

Important Dates for Term 4

As mentioned in the last article, I am writing about Brian Woodhead who passed away last month aged 85 years. A private funeral was held, followed a few days later by a gathering of family and friends at the Bluewater Grill, Applecross on 1st September. Mike Martin and myself were invited and I was asked to talk about his time at Denmark School of Agriculture (DSA). Daughters Wendy, Jenny and Denise gave eulogies and I have put together his story with their permission.

Term 3 has seen a vast array of events and activities that have not only highlighted our student's commitment to the College, but also provided meaningful learning opportunities. This term, our College theme of 'values' has been centred around personal excellence and through events or activities including recreational time, many positive examples of students aligning their choices and behaviours to this value have been observed. I would like to acknowledge the students and staff for their efforts this term and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

After a wet month of June, the rain has eased, however still provided plenty of opportunities to get machinery bogged around the farm. July delivered 129 millimetres of rain and August 93, giving Denmark a year-to-date total of 790 millimetres of spring rain. The sun has also come out with some beautiful sunny conditions accelerating pasture growth and fodder conservation. Paddocks are now being “shut up” or preserved for silage and hay production. Additional fertiliser is being applied to give the plants a growth boost before maturing.

Account Clearance Dates: A gentle reminder that the first and second instalments of the Residential Accommodation Fee should be paid in full prior to the commencement of Term 4.

The peak medical organisation in Australia – the National Health and Medical Research Council - recommends that for children and young people under the age of 18, not drinking alcohol is the safest option. Young people’s developing brains can be damaged through consumption of alcohol so avoiding alcohol altogether is important. Drinking is associated with poor decision-making, loss of control and risky behaviour such as unsafe or unwanted sex, injury, violence, car crashes and other undesirable outcomes which may last a lifetime.

Week 8 was OLNA week, for some students, in the areas of Reading, Writing and Numeracy. I was pleased with the positive approach students had to this test and the work they put in to study for it prior to the official testing.

Last week Year 10 students selected options for next year. We are pleased to report that Trades and Training preferences look very positive with many students keen to experience more in our training areas. It's clear that the areas of study and practical experiences we are offering are in line with student requirements.  Year 11 students will make their choices in Term 4, see Mr Mungioli’s Newsletter section for more information.

The Year 12’s did not believe me when I advised them in February that before they knew it, the end of their schooling would arrive quickly – and it has. The year has flown by with so many of our Year 12 students achieving amazing things.

Last newsletter I began by writing, ‘Over the past few weeks we have had such wonderful reasons to celebrate how fantastic our College is.’ Here I am a few weeks later and find myself writing that very same statement again!

Open Day: Trades and Training areas had a fantastic Open Day with lots of energy and action on the day.  Equine easily took the top spot for action whereas our beekeepers had a great day for showcasing their efforts and products to the public.

Open Day at the College is a reminder about the fabulous facility we have. Students, staff and activities were amazing. Thanks for all the lovely feedback and for those that participated in the event.