Page 22 - 2018 Salesian College Sunbury Yearbook

Jason Ritchie, Farm Manager They have learnt a great deal about livestock
— handling, husbandry, and showing, all the
while having a pretty good time as well. I have
Agriculture is a significant and growing part thoroughly enjoyed watching the students develop
of the school curriculum at Salesian College and work together. Both teams have brought many
Sunbury. With the luxury of an amazing farm and ribbons, prizes, and commendations home from
facilities, I am very honored to be able to continue various shows attended.
and develop the farm and agricultural learning The farm itself has also developed this year, with
possibilities. some good crops planted and pastures being
I began as the Farm Manager at the end of August renovated. Approximately 45,000 trees were also
and in the few short months since I have been planted by the local Catchment Management
watching, with great interest, the enthusiasm Authority, which will look very attractive in a few
and development of the students involved in the years and significantly add to the ambiance of the
agriculture programs, particularly in the area of farm and Jackson’s Creek while creating habitat
animal handling. and wildlife corridors for the local fauna.
The Scholarship program mentors have done an 2019 is shaping up to be a much more intensive
incredible job at bringing together two groups of year on the farm, with both the farming operations
students (sheep and cattle) to become close-knit, running higher stock levels, utilising a greater
working teams that have performed extremely well, proportion of the farm for cropping and hay
not only at the shows, but also as great friends and production, and engaging a greater number of
supporters of one another and of the programs. students in an increased number of scholarship
programs and Agricultural activities on the farm itself.

Vincent Lakey,
Agriculture Teacher
—

Agriculture has had a long and proud history at
Salesian College Sunbury. Over the years, this
has focused on the vocational employment sector.
This year the students could select Agriculture
in all year levels except Year 8. The students are
exposed to animal handling as well as soil, crop,
pest, disease, and weed management.

This year was our first year with twelve students
completing the VCE Units 3 and 4 in Agricultural and
Horticultural studies. Within these two units, students
had to organise and run their own business as well
as research current and new technologies being
used in the industry. We wish them luck with their
futures in the Agricultural industry.
AGRICULTURE

20 :: SALESIAN COLLEGE SUNBURY 2018