In a remarkable educational initiative, The Alpine School has been transforming the lives of young students through its unique snow campus in Dinner Plain, Victoria. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the school offers a nine-week program for 45 students from various government schools across the state, focusing on leadership, self-awareness, and community connection. For a cost of just $800 per term, families have access to experiences that would typically be significantly more expensive, such as the prestigious Timbertop program, which charges $22,125 per term.
The Alpine School operates in a breathtaking alpine environment, approximately a 20-minute drive from Mt Hotham. As heavy snow began to fall, students faced the elements during their snow camping experience. Principal Russell Shem, who has extensive experience in education, including a tenure at Geelong Grammar School, noted the profound impact of the program. “These students, young people that come here, their families – it’s about an opportunity unlike anything else,” he remarked.
For many students, like Olivia Louwdijk from Bass Coast College, this was their first encounter with snow. “It was scary at first, but it was super cool,” she said, expressing the excitement of stepping into a winter wonderland. The program is designed to immerse students in nature, free from distractions such as social media and mobile phones. Instead, they engage in essential life skills, including chores and outdoor activities like skiing and mountain biking.
The hands-on experiences at The Alpine School allow students to bond while developing essential skills. Fourteen-year-old Mitch Herbert from Orbost Community College described a memorable moment when he and his peers were caught in a blizzard. “We were already out there; the option was to hike back or stay the night. It was something everyone wanted to experience,” he said. The students trekked back to the campus through knee-deep snow, creating lasting memories.
Education at The Alpine School goes beyond traditional learning. Principal Brendan Pfanner explained that students often receive three times the educational experience compared to a regular school setting. “In a normal school, students learn for six or so hours a day,” he said, highlighting the unique approach to education that the school employs.
The program also fosters cultural exchange among students from diverse backgrounds. Edie Clutterbuck from Surf Coast Secondary College emphasized the value of learning from each other’s experiences. “We all lead different lives and come together. It’s so good to see how everyone is different and how they’re raised,” she noted.
As the students reflect on their time at The Alpine School, the transformative impact becomes evident. Stella Oxner, 15, from Castlemaine Secondary College, believes that the experience will shape them into better individuals. “We will have grown as people and can go and influence our friends to do the same,” she stated. Similarly, Ryan Baird from Bass Coast College shared the change he felt, saying, “My parents said on visiting weekends, ‘damn, is this my kid?’ It was really good to hear.”
The Alpine School’s commitment to nurturing young leaders continues to resonate as it prepares to welcome more students in the coming years. With strong demand for the program, there is potential for expansion, with Pfanner expressing a desire for additional campuses. As the school looks to the future, its legacy of fostering personal growth and community connection remains strong, ensuring that students leave with skills and memories that last a lifetime.
