Despite strong numbers of students from Mansfield Secondary College (MSC) taking part in this year’s snow program, the school is considering closing down the Mt Buller Annex next year.

The news of the possible closure came out halfway through Term 3 this year – just before the Victorian Interschools was about to happen.

The costs of maintaining the annex are not only borne by the Department of Education and MSC but also by parents and students.

Season passes for entry and chairlifts, plus accommodation and skiing/snowboarding lessons with registered trainers, all add to the expense of running the program.

During Term 3, students attending the annex spend their mornings in skiing/snowboarding training and attend school classes from 1pm to 6pm each day.

MSC principal Tim Hall said, “Our Wednesday snow program is humming along, with strong numbers, great kids and great staff.

“If you want a success story, this is it.

“The biggest group we have sent in the past was, I think, about 126 students.

“This year we had a week with 136 students on the snow.”

However, Mr Hall confirmed the school is considering closing the annex.

“We are awaiting direction from the Department of Education about the process.”

While costs overall are stable, student numbers at the annex have fallen over the last three years, to the point where only three students from Mansfield Secondary College (out of a total of 10) were enrolled there this past term.

Fixed costs (rent and teacher salary) but reduced revenue (falling student numbers) means the cost to the school this year will be in the order of $22,000.

Mr Hall said this is not sustainable.

“The RMB costs are consistent – they have been great supporters of the program at a whole host of levels,” he said.

At this time there has been no final decision made. A Department of Education spokesperson told the Courier that “School councils at Victorian government schools continually review operations and programs as part of their responsibility to develop and monitor schools’ strategic plans.”

The spokesperson also said no decision has been made by the Department of Education to close the Mt Buller Annex of Mansfield Secondary College.

Some of the key issues being looked at are:

* The lease agreement ends this year (2025) and the school would need to re-negotiate this.

* Staffing is challenging, with Sam (the teacher) indicating that he is nearly at the point where he needs to finish up and be more stable for his own family.

* Falling student numbers leading to the school having to heavily subsidise the program (to the detriment of wider school programs).

* Falling numbers across other education providers (particularly Mansfield Primary School), an indicator of continuing poor numbers in future years.

Mr Hall noted probable causes leading to the review include the cost of living crisis and poor snow seasons, which have reduced skiing routines for children.

A spokesperson for Mansfield Primary School said the MPS annex will definitely be operating again in 2026.

“There is no question as to closing this school – it will be there on Mt Buller,” they said.

It is understood a group of business operators on Mt Buller are investigating ways of keeping the MSC annex open next year, given it has been a valuable part of the education system on the mountain for many years, with a number of elite athletes progressing through the program.

The Courier will continue to follow this issue and report on any outcomes.