Boisdale Consolidated School, with an enrolment of 204 students, is located in Newry Road, Boisdale in the Wellington Shire. The original Boisdale School (3017) was built in 1890, and the consolidated school was established in 1951, from the closure of seven little district schools. The current school is located one kilometre from the rural township of Boisdale in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, 235 kilometres east of Melbourne and 25 km north of Sale. The closest town is Maffra, 10 km south west of Boisdale. The atmosphere of a large rural family pervades the school.

The school’s historical origins are proudly displayed in the school signs, the school song, the slogan, “Seven Little Schools in One”, photographs in the foyer and through many restored buildings, including over a century old gazebo and the school bell from the original Boisdale School. The school’s unique history, being built as a P-8, agricultural science school on a 16 hectares site, enables the school to raise calves, run cattle and plant crops. The school has a strong recycling campaign that includes food scraps to our chooks, with the sale of eggs to the community.

A $1.3 million upgrade in 2003 has created a fine educational environment for students and teachers. It is on a large and beautifully maintained site featuring an operational farm, solar heated indoor swimming pool, automatically watered oval from stormwater, with a new circular running track, extensive play areas and equipment; 2  shade covered adventure playgrounds, a large shaded eating/ play area, shelter sheds, 3 sandpits, 3 cubbies, hardcourts, a large asphalted play area & children’s gardens. We also have the historical Bill Cane arboretum newly replanted with natives and indigenous plants.

The students travel to school mainly by bus from the surrounding farming districts and towns in the Macalister and Avon valleys. A private bus, paid for by the families of students, operates from Maffra. About 25 percent of students come from a dairy farming background. There are no students from a language background other than English.
The philosophy at Boisdale Consolidated is based on the firm belief that all students should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that this is best achieved in a supportive, encouraging and challenging environment. Its core purpose is seen as developing positive, caring individuals who will believe in themselves and their ability to direct their own future. There is great emphasis on the development of the child as a “good” person with a range of social and personal development programs. A safe and happy bully free environment is the aim of our “restorative practices” and our commitment to the CAPSLE program. (Creating A Peaceful School Learning Environment). We say: “At Boisdale Consolidated, we want to be proud of YOU, and of everything you do.”

The school provides a broad range of high quality programs promoting excellence and pride in learning. Emphasis is on numeracy and literacy skills, with a Reading Recovery program, and trained tutors in the junior, and senior areas, providing Literacy and Maths assistance. The school offers an inclusive curriculum encompassing all of the new Victorian Essential Learning Standards. All staff play an active role in student welfare and all aspects of curriculum development which ensures broad and effective strategies and consistency across the school. Special programs offered at Boisdale Consolidated School include a focus on The Arts, (especially Visual Arts and Music with the children having the opportunity to play in a marimba band and be part of a choir), Library, Indonesian, a special Health/Fitness program called Bluearth, along with sport (daily fitness, a perceptual motor program for the juniors athletics, gymnastics, cross country and interschool sports) and camps. We have gained Accreditation as a “Go For Your Life” school with programs to teach and encourage life long activity and healthy eating. Our canteen, which operates 4 days a week provides a wide range of healthy snacks and lunches.

Classes include two Prep/ Year 1 classes, two 1 / 2 classes, a Year 2/ 3, a 3/4, a 4/5 and two 5/6 classes. The configuration of classes can vary slightly from year to year, with the emphasis on class sizes in the low 20s. Teaching is focused on individual needs, with an open ended developmental approach to teaching and learning to cater for the range of abilities within each class. Multiple intelligence and Individual Leaning styles are identified and use to inform teaching. Teachers team plan the curriculum for each area so that skills are shared and classes have like-curriculum.

The School Council oversees sub-committees in Finance, Curriculum, Canteen, Fundraising and Buildings & Grounds, with Junior School Council providing valued input from students.  The Parents’ Club is active in fundraising and operates a school uniform shop as well as providing opportunities for social activities.

Parental and community involvement is strongly encouraged. Participation includes classroom programs, excursions, camps, swimming, coaching sport, the Perceptual Motor Program and Bike Education.

2008 saw the employment of a school chaplain who is available two days a week to support the welfare of students, staff, parents and the community.

The school generally exceeds state and like school benchmarks and as such has adopted, the concept of; “Building on a Good Thing,” in our continual pursuit of ongoing improvement.

Web site last updated:
July 2008