Parents, students and former students at Camden Haven High School have expressed their disappointment at the halting of agriculture extra-curricular activities.
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On Wednesday, February 21 Camden Haven High School parents expressed their concerns the school had not been upfront and honest regarding the cattle which was sold from the Agriculture Department.
On Wednesday, February 21 the school’s principal Margaret Hutchinson penned a letter which outlined a recent Animal Welfare Health and Safety Review provided the school with a range of essential recommendations to ensure the delivery of agriculture subjects meets policy and best practice.
Mrs Hutchinson said the school is currently implementing audit recommendations with core curriculum resources as a priority.
“In the meantime, some extra-curricular activities have been put on hold,” she said.
Former student of the Agriculture Program and former captain of the Camden Haven Cattle Show Team Jaimee Lee Ashe said students from the 2018 show team are upset no showing events will be undertaken.
“Due to this comment (by the principal), students decided to contact other schools around the area that we have made close friendships with due to these events.
“They were offered other cattle to borrow at local shows, so they could still compete as Camden Haven High School.
“Not only has the school stopped the children from showing their own cattle, but has now informed them that they will not be allowed to participate in any events, under the Camden Haven High School name.”
Jaimee said there is an immense amount of education students receive from showing events.
“Not allowing students to participate is really is limiting their opportunities,” she said.
Parent Karen Madden is also disappointed there will be no participation in shows, at least in term one.
Karen said her daughter Jazmin is devastated as she has been involved with the Agricultural Department since year seven, preparing cattle for the show ring, learning about dietary requirements and general animal welfare.
“When Jazmin turned 15 in 2017 she became interested in meat judging earning her a place in the champion meat judging team at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza at Scone,” she said.
Jazmin’s wants to become a meat inspector at the end of year 12 and attend university.
“This career path would not have existed without the school’s Agricultural Department and the support and encouragement of the dedicated teachers," Karen said.
Karen has sent an email to the principal and questioned why the cattle was sold and whether the money from the sale of the cattle remained in the Agriculture Department.