The SCOTS PGC College

Cattle Club Handbook

Registered CRICOS Provider No. 00537M Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Q)

 

The SCOTS PGC Cattle Club Programme ...................................................................................... 3 

College Cattle ..................................................................................................................................... 3 

Cattle Club Guidelines for students showing their own cattle ..................................................... 3 

What it takes to be a member of The SCOTS PGC Cattle Club. ............................................... 4 

College Expectations for Behaviour and Conduct ........................................................................ 4 

Respect .......................................................................................................................................... 5 

Following Instructions .................................................................................................................. 5 

Representing the College in a Positive Manner ...................................................................... 5 

Looking after Equipment ............................................................................................................. 5 

Uniform and Equipment Requirements .......................................................................................... 5 

Formal Uniform ............................................................................................................................. 6 

Casual Uniform ............................................................................................................................. 6 

Additional Equipment ................................................................................................................... 6 

Presentation of Cattle and Parader at Competitions .................................................................... 6 

Parader .......................................................................................................................................... 6 

Cattle .............................................................................................................................................. 6 

Competitions ................................................................................................................................. 7 

At the show .................................................................................................................................... 7 

Morning of the competition ......................................................................................................... 7 

After competitions ......................................................................................................................... 7 

Awards ................................................................................................................................................. 8 

  Colours ........................................................................................................................................... 8 

Parent Support Group ....................................................................................................................... 9 

Important Telephone Numbers ........................................................................................................ 9 

Appendix 1 : Junior Parading / Junior Judging Results ............................................................. 10 

Appendix 2: Proposed Cattle Club Show Schedule 2015 ......................................................... 11 

 

The SCOTS PGC Cattle Club Programme

The Cattle Club allows students to learn all aspects of showing cattle. This includes breaking-in, washing, clipping, grooming, parading and judging. The Cattle Club includes both day and boarding students and aims to facilitate structured opportunities to compete for the College and learn more about cattle. Given the College’s location, the team competes at various local shows, the Darling Downs school competitions and the Royal Brisbane Show (The Ekka). Show schedules are subject to change annually as they are based around the curriculum requirements of the students and staff of the College. The Proposed Show Schedule can be found in Appendix 2 at the back of this Handbook.

College Cattle  The College is responsible for selecting and providing cattle appropriate to the students’ abilities and experience levels. Each year the College acquires steers for students to use in the led steer competitions and also organises for our students to use stud cattle owned by the College or other co-operative partners, during the show season. Students are encouraged to participate in the College Cattle Club and show the College’s cattle, however if a student has their own cattle that they would like to show, this is also possible providing that certain guidelines are followed.

Cattle Club Guidelines for Students Showing Their Own Cattle A number of our students are fortunate enough to have their own cattle stud or access to their own steers. Day students wishing to show their own cattle are encouraged to show under the supervision of their family. In this instance the College would not be responsible for:

the preparation of the cattle; the transport of these cattle to and from the shows; the supervision of the student at the shows.

Day students’ own cattle cannot usually be housed / located at the College due to space limitations. However, this may be negotiated with the teacher in charge of Cattle Club. Boarders wishing to show their own cattle may negotiate with the teacher in charge of Cattle Club to do so. This will be provided there is sufficient space at the College and the cattle are docile and of show quality. Students with their own cattle at the College should note that these animals may be used for teaching and instructional purposes and that other students may need to borrow these animals for various Parader classes. Every effort will be made to minimise the risk of injury or illness to the animal whilst it is in the care of the College but it cannot be guaranteed. Students with their own cattle are encouraged to represent the school in Junior Judging and Parading. Their placements and points earned will still count towards College awards. All results should be recorded by the parent or student and submitted to the teacher in charge at the completion of the show season. Students representing the College in Junior Judging and Parading will be required to follow the College Expectations for Behaviour and Conduct for the duration of the show.

 

What it Takes to be a Member of The SCOTS PGC Cattle Club. The SCOTS PGC Cattle Club plays a significant part in the co-curricular life of students who participate in the programme and, while we aim to achieve success in the show ring both as a team and as a combination of animal and parader, the key emphasis is on personal development. It is expected that students will develop a greater awareness of and appreciation for showing cattle and the cattle industry as a result of their participation in the Cattle Club. Students are required to work collaboratively as a team to complete all tasks associated with showing cattle, for example:

Breaking in / halter training cattle; Working with cattle in the school facilities in a safe manner; Mucking out / cleaning stalls; Cooking, cleaning and washing up at shows; Setting up school displays – helping pack up at the end of the day. Unpack utes and

buses on the return to school; Washing, clipping and grooming animals in preparation for show; Early morning starts to feed / water and prepare cattle; All Cattle Club members are expected to participate to the best of their abilities in

junior judging and parading.

Places in Cattle Club are limited to ensure Occupational Health and Workplace Safety requirements are met in terms of cattle numbers and staffing. Both of these need to be appropriate to the skill level of the students. When necessary (due to application for membership of the Cattle Club exceeding these parameters) team selection will be based on the following criteria:

Student participation and commitment at training afternoons – students are required to actively participate in training sessions. It is expected that students attend at least 75% of all training sessions, including weekend sessions;

Student ability – it is unsafe to have students participate in a show environment who do not have the skills to manage themselves and their animals relatively independently. Students may be required to attend training sessions for some time before they are selected to compete with the team on the show circuit;

Student Behaviour and Attitude – it is an expectation that any student involved with the Cattle Club will meet the College expectations outlined in the College Behaviour Development and Management Policy, as well as the Cattle Club Code of Conduct (outlined below). Students must meet these expectations in order to be part of the Cattle Club Show Teams.

Team selection is at the discretion of the teacher in charge.

College Expectations for Behaviour and Conduct The Cattle Club involves collaborative, skilful actions between students of a range of ages in potentially dangerous situations. Thus the need for explicit codes of behaviour emerges as a sensible response. As a valued member of the College Cattle Club students are requested to abide by the following code of conduct:

 

Respect  

Cattle Club should be a place where all participants feel valued, respected and safe. Younger students should see attitudes and abilities in the older students that they aspire to emulate.

Following Instructions

Instructions given by staff must be followed promptly and without complaint; Team spirit should be displayed and team members should help each other by

completing or assisting with jobs, showing initiative and working as a team; Staff and all team members should be treated with courtesy and respect.

Representing the College in a Positive Manner

Cattle Club uniform is to be worn in a neat and tidy manner; Behave in an appropriate and responsible manner. This includes but is not limited to

– no swearing, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, chewing gum or excessive mobile phone use;

Be helpful and considerate towards parent helpers, team mates, other competitors and members of the public;

Do not behave inappropriately with members of the opposite sex; Abide by the “lights out” rule – which means when the staff members have given a

lights out time – stay in your swag in the designated area. No sneaking off or staying up after lights out.

Looking after Equipment

Arrive at shows with your uniform neatly ironed and ready to wear; boots are to be clean and polished;

Make sure you have the necessary equipment e.g. Pen, hat, blazer, tie etc. It is your responsibility to ensure these items are not lost;

You will also be responsible for the care and return of any equipment supplied by the College (halters, leads, brushes, nose grips etc).

Failure to abide by the above code of conduct may result in consequences as deemed suitable by the College including exclusion from Cattle Club activities. Parents are asked to support the College’s decisions in relation to these matters.

Uniform and Equipment Requirements The SCOTS PGC College Cattle Club has a formal and a casual uniform. The formal uniform is to be worn while students are competing in the ring and during final presentations. During the time students are not competing or are preparing cattle they are required to wear their casual uniform.

 

Formal Uniform

Beige/cream jeans The SCOTS PGC red long sleeve shirt Clean cream akubra or College Akubra The SCOTS PGC College tie Clean polished boots Belt - (brown or black) The SCOTS PGC College blazer (for Junior Judging event & presentations)

Casual Uniform

Blue jeans Work boots or gum boots (for washing) The SCOTS PGC College sports shirt The SCOTS PGC College wet weather jacket (when required for wet weather) Akubra Black or brown belt

Additional Equipment All students will be required to supply the following items Boot polish Swag and personal hygiene/ toiletry items Pencil/pen & pocket notebook for judging Safety pins

Presentation of Cattle and Parader at Competitions Parader  All students must look neat and tidy at all times. Uniforms are to be clean with shirts tucked in, ties done up and hair tied back. Boots must be polished and hats worn at all times. Cattle All cattle need to be well washed, dried and adequately groomed prior to the event. All leather gear MUST be cleaned, polished and correctly fitted to the animal.

 

Competitions Prior to competitions students need to:

Show ability and have knowledge in all areas of cattle parading, judging, grooming and handling. Students may need to attend training sessions for some time until they gain considerable experience in the above mentioned areas;

Students need to make sure they have all the necessary equipment (see Uniform and Equipment requirements);

Make sure all leather gear is clean, polished and in a safe working condition. Leather halters should be fitted to the animal prior to competition day;

Make sure formal uniform is clean and ironed. Boots need to be clean and polished also.

At the show  

Upon arrival cattle should be unloaded and tied to a secure place together while stalls are set up. Always move cattle in at least pairs, never tie one animal on its own away from the others;

Stalls and school display need to be set up quickly – this includes placing clean bedding straw or sawdust at an appropriate thickness, filling up hay nets, putting out neck chains, hanging up shed curtain with shed cards and any promotional signs, leaving all show boxes and equipment neat and tidy in the designated area;

Cattle should be washed, dried, fed and watered before placing them in the stalls; The comfort of the cattle should be continuously monitored for the duration of the

show; this includes the removal of any manure or wet bedding and maintaining the level of hay in the feed bags and also providing water on a regular basis;

Check with the teacher in charge to find out the time of your events.

Morning of the competition  

Remove all cattle from the stalls – provide feed (grain) followed by water; Clean stalls remove dirty / wet bedding then top up with clean bedding; Refill all hay nets; Wash, dry and groom cattle ready for competition; Eat breakfast; Fit clean polished leathers; Change into formal uniform – remember to attach animal card to your pocket; Be fully ready for your event at least 20-30mins prior to the start time – this will

ensure both you and your animal are calm. After competitions

After the completion of your event, return your animal to the stall, change the leather halter back to the work halter, fix the neck strap in place and offer your animal a drink;

Watch and support your fellow team mates in their events and congratulate any successes;

Help pack up camping gear, school displays and load cattle; Record competition results.

 

Training days Throughout the year we will be running training days covering the various aspects of cattle handling. The aim of these days is not only to provide the students with experience in cattle handling, but also to build team spirit and unity amongst the team. To be selected into the show team and to keep your position it is expected that students attend 75% of all training sessions. Training days will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm – 5:00pm in the lead up to and during show season in Term one and Term three. At times, training days will be held on the weekends, which will be at the discretion of the teacher in charge. Events and training days may change due to weather conditions or date changes.

Awards  

Colours To be eligible for Colours the following criteria should be met: Honours If a member qualifies to represent their state at the National finals and performs at an exceptional level, then they will be allocated Honours. Full Colours If a member receives the required merit points in a year and has qualified for State Finals then this member will be allocated Full Colours. Half Colours If a member receives the required merit points in a year and has qualified for Darling Downs (wins a judging or parading event at a local show) then this member will be allocated Half Colours. Merit If a member receives a number of placings (at least three minor places) at shows attended a Merit Certificate. Service Award A member may also gain a Service award by giving up 30 hours of their own time over a two year period (after school, holidays, weekends, lunch times but does not include normal training or shows) to help the teacher in charge of Cattle or Sheep Club. Examples of this type of work would include breaking in animals or feeding animals. The student should demonstrate unstinting service to the College at an outstanding level. The student would need to keep their own log. *Recommendations for colours are made by the teacher in charge of Cattle Club to the College Colours Committee for ratification. The College Principal is the final arbitrator of all College awards. Note: All team members need to keep a written record of all competitions they have achieved places in and submit the results to the teacher in charge who will ratify

 

these achievements prior to nominating a student for any award. Students are encouraged to use the record sheet in the Appendix of this book for this purpose.

Parent Support Group College support groups operate to assist in the running of particular activities within the College community and, through this, enhance students’ experiences. All activities undertaken by parent supporters should be done so with the approval of the Principal in consultation with the co-ordinator of the activity. Under no circumstances are letters or emails to be sent to parents of the College which have not been viewed and discussed with the College co-ordinator of the particular activity and where appropriate, the Principal or his delegate. The College Cattle Club has been fortunate to have a strong parent support group over a number of years. The primary role of the support group is to support the teacher in charge and students with:

acquisition of suitable cattle; transporting of cattle to and from shows; preparation of cattle; setting up camp at overnight shows; cooking meals for team members; assistance with the packing up and unloading of equipment; when appropriate, provide financial support for items such as equipment.

Parent assistance is encouraged and appreciated, however, the teacher in charge is solely responsible for all decisions pertaining to the students and in the team and the College cattle.

Important Telephone Numbers Parents are asked to respect that all staff members have jobs to facilitate outside of the College Cattle Club and therefore may be busy. Parents are asked to limit phone contact after hours unless the matter is URGENT. Messages can be left with reception and all staff are contactable during office hours. Reception – (07) 4666 9811 Peter Collett – Cattle Club Co-ordinator – 0405 284 070

(07) 4666 9831 peter.collett@scotspgc.qld.edu.au Girls Boarding Office (07) 4666 9882

Sue Wheaton – 0428 774 911 Boys Boarding Office : Junior (07) 4666 9849

Senior (07) 4666 9842 Phil Stiles – Senior Boys’ Boarding – 0418 153 725 Stewart Bailey – Junior Boys’ Boarding – 0438 102 682

 

Appendix 1 : Junior Parading/ Junior Judging Results

Name........................................................... Age.............................................

Date Show Event Placing

 

Appendix 2: Proposed Cattle Club Show Schedule 2015  

Show Location Show Date

Glen Innes (Leaving approx. 5:30am on the Friday morning) 6th Feb

Clifton 14th Feb

Pittsworth 7th Mar

Inglewood 14th Mar

Toowoomba 19th -21st Mar

Warwick 27th-28th Mar

Darling Downs Finals (Location TBA) 16th May ?

FarmFest Toowoomba (Depending on cattle) 2nd June

Training day at SCOTS PGC Cattle yards 25th July

Brisbane (Ekka) 2rd -5th Aug

Toowoomba Ag Show (Depending on cattle) 2nd Sep

The SCOTS PGC College