TWELVE months after a devastating dog attack killed several animals at Batemans Bay High School’s agricultural area, a new influx of furry critters has put a smile on everyone’s face.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Agricultural teacher Megan Nicholls and the students aided by a big donation from Community CPS Credit Union, have restocked the area, turning it into a more spacious version of Noah’s Ark.
“The donation allowed the school to purchase five dorper sheep, three dexter cows and some rabbits, which were put into breeding programs and are producing great benefits to the school and students,” Ms Nicholls said.
It’s not even spring yet, but there are 18 piglets on the site at the moment, one group two weeks old and the other about six weeks old.
“Losing the animals (last year) was devastating for the school and the community, and I felt sorry for the people who owned the dogs, so it is really good that we have so many animals here now,” Ms Nicholls said.
Year 9 student Rose Bailey is glad the animal kingdom at her school has made a strong comeback.
“I got depressed when the animals died last year,” she said.
“I love the baby lambs here now; they look like little marshmallows. I would be up here for the rest of my life if I could.”
Kiera Xuereb has no doubt which of the animals is her favourite.
“My lamb Browny,” she said.
“He’s adorable. I love it up here. I’m here every day.”
The students are involved in all areas of looking after the animals, including feeding, and soon the students will be taught how to milk.
“They are really easy to feed, except the cows,” Kiera said.
“They’re really hard; they attack you with food.”
The students are aware that some, but not all, of the animals will end up on a plate.
“I will become a vegetarian when they kill Dave (one of the cows),” year 9 student Caitlin Maguire said.
As well as giving the students opportunities to study animals, the agricultural area has had a good effect on the morale of many students.
“A lot of kids who don’t fit in in the playground like coming here,” Ms Nicholls said.
“A lot of unhappy kids have been made happy by coming here.”
Despite the fondness the students have for the animals currently at the agricultural area, those that died on that sad day have not been forgotten.
“TC (alpaca) will be in my heart forever,” Kiera said.
Meanwhile, for those who would like to see some of these baby animals, they will be on display at the family bush dance in aid of Chantal Bradshaw, at the school on Saturday, August 17. Tickets are available at the school.
