Department of Education - Victoria

Regional Context:

The township of Dunkeld is located at the southern tip of the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd). Dunkeld is a tourist gateway leading into the Grampians becoming a popular regional destination boastinq a stronq association with quality food production and tourist facilities. Dunkeld is home to one of the most famous restaurants in rural Victoria, 'Wickens' of the Royal Mail Hotel, attracting people from Melbourne along with international food lovers.

The spectacular Grampians Peaks Trail (160 kilometres) is a challenging hike experience through a variety of terrain in the Grampians National Park. Starting at Mount Zero in the north and ending in Dunkeld in the south. Once a year, up to 15,000 people converge on the township to enjoy the Dunkeld Race Meeting, held at the foot of Mount Abrupt, further enhancing the growing reputation of Dunkeld as a place to visit or live.

For residents of Dunkeld, there is a wide range of social activities catering for all ages and interests: bushwalking and rock climbing, football, cricket, netball, hockey, golf, lawn bowls, among others. Opportunities for other social activities can be had through the existence of more than forty interest and charity groups including music and arts groups, hobby groups, environmental groups and civic groups.

At a governance level, Dunkeld sits within the Southern Grampians Shire. The primary commercial and administrative centre for this municipality is Hamilton, conveniently located 28 kilometres (20 minutes) to the west of Dunkeld. The school site sits at the foot of the majestic Mount Sturgeon in the beautifully and aptly named Victoria Valley Road and is one minute from bushland.

 

School Information

Our school is a caring environment with an emphasis being placed on students reaching their full academic and social potential. The school is well supported through parent participation and community connections and has an active School Council. They address a wide range of responsibilities and do much to enhance the operation of the school and generally improve the school environment.

Our school aims to give our students (projected enrolment of 80 students in 2025) a solid foundation, with an emphasis on Literacy and Numeracy. Nevertheless, we are determined to further develop the whole child through enhancement of the current programs offered in Wellbeing, Inquiry/Science, PE and the Arts. Auslan is taught in all classes. 

The school embeds the social and emotional learning program, 'Play Is The Way' in all aspects of learning, which we see as having greatly influenced a positive social and learning culture. 'The Resilience Project' focuses on teaching positive mental health strategies and is implemented across the school, including a program available to parents.

Library lessons are provided through the MARC Van. Dunkeld Consolidated School is a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden School and operates an impressive modern kitchen and dining space supported by a spacious garden and orchard. 

 

SC1    Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the capacity to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated capacity to respond to student learning needs.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to implement high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth. 

SC3    Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning. Demonstrated capacity to use data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4    Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, wellbeing and engagement.    

SC5    Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated capacity to reflect upon practice and engage in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.