In Terms 3 and 4, several Year 7 and 8 classes have had the opportunity to engage with students in Japan via zoom. This allowed Japanese learners to provide meaning to their learning whilst attempting to communicate in fun and engaging ways, despite having a language barrier. After several zoom calls and communications, Yokohama Sogakukan and Proserpine State High School decided to send each other a ‘gift box’; containing many goodies and foods that are famous in their own countries. We also included a small toy boomerang, our national flag, and some koala keychains for the students in Japan.

Our students opened the boxes on camera together on 11 November; Proserpine State High School students got to watch as the students from Yokohama Sogakukan tried vegemite and looked through the giftbox we sent them. Our students then got to try Watermelon Konjac Jelly as well as many other foods from Japan. After our video call finished, Proserpine State High School students proceded to respond in Japanese and English to some letters from the students in Japan. Overall, Proserpine State High School students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to try new foods and receive small gifts from Yokohama Sogakukan, with many Proserpine State High School students taking home the origami that was hand made for us.

2021 Certificate II Agriculture Graduation

Congratulations to Sam Muller and Luke Handley on receiving the 2021 bursaries from the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB). Sam and Luke have had terrific attendance for the course, always had the full PPE expected and a good work ethic. These three attributes will allow them to succeed in any field of work. It is reassuring to hear that both are moving into a similar career and they will be able to put what they have learnt into practice.

L-R: Chris Lane, Sam Muller, Luke Handley and Mike Gill

Thank you to Mike and the other members of the RAOB for their continuing contribution to the course. The vouchers to the value of $250 and $150 for the students is greatly appreciated.

Well done to our other graduating students. They have all worked at developing their skills. They complied a large fencing project recently and have worked with the stock, sheep and cattle this year learning about low stress stock handling. We need to recognise the support we get from several of the local cattleman that give their time to support the course and the students.

The quad bike training was the most enjoyable part of the course this year. We feel this is still an important skill to deliver with the high annual injury rate. Students were expected to operate the machine in difficult terrain. With the techniques taught, students were able to get around the course safely.