Historical information
Schools of this era were very proud of their identity. This was particularly so in country based ones. Schools in isolated or semi-isolated regions provided social cohesion and pride and community involvement that was not so inherent in schools located in larger cities. The exception here being the Greater Public Schools.
Significance
Mt Beauty formal secondary education commenced in 1950 with the creation of central classes, with an enrolment of 35 pupils at the Mt Beauty Primary School to serve the children of employees on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme and other people of the district. The Mt Beauty HES was proclaimed on 25th May 1958. In 1962 Mt Beauty High School was proclaimed with 213 pupils. ref. Vision & Realisation Pages 1036-1037.
This badge was worn by a local girl.
Physical description
Mt Beauty Higher Elementary School badge made from brass. The front is coloured enamel depicting a scene of sky, mountains, grass and river. On the top it has 'H.E.S.' and on the bottom 'Mount Beauty'. The outside edges are decorated with gold colored ferns. See also KVHS 0371