3
Environmental Context:
Established in 1948 during the construction of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme, the township of
Mount Beauty nestles at the foot of Mt Bogong in the scenic Upper Kiewa valley. Mt Beauty is
approximately 350 kilometres from Melbourne and 85 kilometres from the regional centre of
Albury/Wodonga. The school is situated in close proximity to recreational facilities and readily
accesses a community centre, sports stadium, swimming pool, sporting ovals, tennis courts and the
nearby Alpine National Park and snowfields.
It has a well-equipped library, computer room, Art/Craft and Multi-Purpose rooms, canteen, Outdoor
Reading Area, Adventure Playground, Rebound Wall and many ball courts.
The school currently has an enrolment of 121.6 students having reduced from about 157 students
during the last charter period. Prep intakes were 11 in 2003.This intake pattern compares with about
25-30 in the early 90’s. Currently there are 16 students in Prep. In 2005 we anticipating 10 admissions
and a projected enrolment of about 107 students in the school. There is an imbalance in year level
numbers. Consequently more multi-age classes will be formed to equalise student numbers and
maintain a low student to teacher ratio. It is possible that the overall enrolment will fall to less than
100 students in the next 3-5 years.
The school provides a well- balanced comprehensive, integrate curriculum encompassing the key
learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, LOTE, Health & Physical Education,
The Arts, Studies of Society & Environment. Sporting activities and school camps are an important
aspect of the life of the school with regular swimming, athletics and skiing programs along with
camps at Wilsons Promontory and Canberra for Grades 5/6. Junior students have the opportunity for
a tour to Sovereign Hill and a local camp in alternating years. Special events and the Grade 6
Graduation are major events on the school calendar.
The school community of Mt Beauty Primary School provides a welcoming atmosphere for new
families, and special activities provide opportunities for families to mix and feel part of the school
community. Staffing has been very stable over recent years and staff, have strong links to the local
community.
The continuing support of School Council and Parents Club has enabled the provision of an extensive
range of indoor and outdoor learning facilities. The school is currently in the process of establishing a
Bicycle Safety Training Facility with the assistance of local community groups. This will lead to the
development of a comprehensive bicycle safety program across all year levels and further enhance
school/community interaction. Other facilities include a well-equipped Library, Multi-Purpose room,
Canteen, Outdoor Reading Area, Adventure Playground, Rebound Wall and numerous ball courts.
In addition, the school is situated in close proximity to recreational facilities and readily accesses a
refurbished Community Centre, Sports Stadium, Swimming Pool, sporting ovals, tennis courts and the
nearby Alpine National Park and snowfields.
Projects to be implemented in the Charter period include:-
Upper Kiewa Valley Schools Cluster for Excellence and Innovation will extend the
breadth and foci of our Middle Years Programs.
Increased ‘SunSmart’, shade areas in the school ground.
Maintenance and painting of school buildings and the installation of air-conditioning
following the power upgrade to the school.
An ‘Intergenerational’ project where senior citizens work with students to develop an
anthology of the Mount Beauty Township.