In March, Boggabilla Central School was among 58 NSW schools entrusted with the care of six wethers (castrated male sheep) from Egelabra Merino Stud.

For six months, students Kobi Tudor, Bently Duncan, Kendall-Rose McGrady, Jaydem McGrady, Joshua Dennison and Tracey Duncan tended their flock on the school’s precious 2.2-hectare agricultural plot, hoping at the end of winter to fleece the competition at a statewide challenge.

Under the guidance of Head Teacher Hayden Sims and Assistant Principal Kristie Fleeting the students wanted their wethers in prime condition when it came time to travel the 500 kilometres south to Dubbo in August.

The rookies hit the ground running at the NSW School Merino Wether Challenge, claiming third place in the Sheep Restocker Value category for their zone, which included 22 schools.

They then won overall third place in that category, as well as the Class C Judges Choice Student Engagement Award and the Schools Encouragement Award.

It was an auspicious start to Boggabilla’s engagement with the wether challenge, but not the first success for the school’s agricultural program.

Under the leadership of Mr Sims, the school earlier in August hosted its inaugural Farm to Future industry networking event, with the backing of a Moree Plains Shire Council grant.

From working dogs to heavy machinery, sheep shearing to seeding, and mining to horticulture, students from preschool to Year 12 got to sample a taste of careers.

Businesses and agencies across the Moree Plains, Goondiwindi and Inverell Shires enthusiastically supported the event.

Mr Sims said the school’s agricultural facilities and vision were an impressive surprise for first-time guests.

“They thought it was exceptional and said the school tour and agricultural facilities were the highlight,” he said.

"Our visitors gained a deep understanding of our vision and educational goals – to provide a hands-on agricultural education and prepare students for future careers.”

One participant said it was “incredibly valuable” to understand how industry can contribute to the school's initiatives.

Moree Secondary College agriculture teacher Peter Lyons and junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group students also attended the Farm to Future event.

More shows and work experience opportunities beckon, but even a cursory glance at the school’s vibrant Facebook page shows it is not just agriculture the school excels in.

From science students extracting DNA from strawberries, to preschoolers discovering the lifecycle of butterflies, Boggabilla Central School offers fun and exciting learning opportunities.

Under the leadership of Executive Principal Jed Peisley, this Connected Communities school also nurtures cultural engagement and sense of belonging and is a hub for services that boost learning and wellbeing.

The school has 100 students, but Mr Peisley said Mr Sims and Stephanie Keeping had championed its Facebook presence, lifting followers from 1200 at the start of 2024 to 2100.