27 Oct 2017
During week 2 of term 4 fourteen students from West Wyalong High School attended a shearing school run by Australian Wool Innovations.
The fourteen students who attended were Zac Anderson, Joe Amarant, Jacob Lebner, Ethan Rowe, Bobby Jones, Max Jones, Harry Judd, Annie Worner, Chloe Worner, Gracelyn Norton, Harrison Thomas, Toby Whyte, Trent Bell and Billy Jones.
The students learnt how to shear using The Five Pillars of Shearing: 1 Gear and Cut, 2 Position, 3 Freehand, 4 Grip, and 5 Entry.
They looked at the wool handling side of shearing and the importance of classing wool correctly.
Throughout the week, they were reminded of the importance of good manners, hygiene and looking after themselves in relation to healthy eating, plenty of sleep and staying hydrated. Teamwork was another message passed onto the students.
A big thank you to John and Leanne Staniforth for providing us with the venue. The shed has plenty of space and allows the students to group together when the instructors demonstrate an aspect of the shearing procedure.
Thank you also to Grant and Rebecca Kitto for providing the sheep. Not all farmers would allow learners to shear their sheep so we are very appreciative of this gesture.
Thanks to Jim Murray (AWI Shearing Industry Development Coordinator) for organising wonderful instructors: Mick Pora – Cowra, Brian Sullivan – Deniliquin, Shaun Wilson – Young.
Your patience and knowledge of the shearing industry was evident in what our students learnt in one week of shearing. They realised the physicality of the job and the importance of correct technique to lower stress levels on the body.
