Old Orchard Primary School is a community-based school situated in Blackburn North in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne with a current enrolment of 420 students. We are a highly regarded school, providing a nurturing and supportive environment, with high standards and expectations of all students and a school of choice for many families seeking a school with a commitment to both student wellbeing and academic achievement. Our aim is to deliver an innovative, engaging and rigorous teaching and learning program which continues to evolve as we learn and grow together and adapt to the ever-changing educational landscape.
The acquisition of high-level literacy and numeracy skills is at the centre of our curriculum with a strong focus on inquiry-based learning. Specialist programs are offered in STEM, Music / Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Physical Education and Mandarin. Many of our extra-curricular programs are linked to the specialist programs and provide genuine enrichment opportunities for our students. Access to iPads and other technology is provided throughout the school, particularly from Years 3 to 6, complementing other modes of learning. We have a modern library which caters for all students and actively promotes a love of literature and reading.
A strong culture of mutual trust and respect is embedded in the school, fostering positive relationships between all members of the school community, including staff, students and parents. Values such as courtesy, respect, tolerance, honesty, perseverance, cooperation and compassion are actively encouraged and there is a commitment to promoting resilience and optimism in the students.
A strong emphasis is placed on student welfare, well-being and personal growth and a positive approach to student management is supported and practised by all staff members. We operate within the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support framework, with a variety of programs implemented across the school to encourage positive behaviour and social skills. Student voice and agency are actively encouraged and developed, and we provide numerous opportunities for our students to develop their formal and informal leadership skills.
Our school is located on spacious, well-presented grounds with outstanding facilities including a gymnasium, a multipurpose hall and extensive play areas. Staff work very closely in PLC teams to plan for student learning and have a strong commitment to personal and professional growth.
We are fortunate to have a very active and supportive parent community who contribute to the school through involvement in School Council, Parents and Friends Association, classroom programs, fundraising, sports activities, camps and excursions, the library and numerous other activities.
Old Orchard is a school with an outstanding reputation, where students, staff and parents are valued and respected as individuals. We aim to:
- prepare students to be positive and productive individuals with the skills to enable them to participate fully and successfully in society
- support our staff in developing their skills and expertise where they are trusted and supported to fulfil their professional responsibilities
- genuinely engage parents in their child's education
SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role.
SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level oral and written communication skills.
SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.
SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.
SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.
[Attendance requirement for this position]
An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of a teacher as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students can be required individually or in groups up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level (noting that Registered Nurse is not included at this level, the first level for which is Level 1 range 3).
A role at this range may include:
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Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes. Typically, this will involve accountability for a single function, (e.g. ensuring data is properly maintained) or the co-ordination of a work area under the direction of the principal or a manager.
- Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function.
- Supervised health and wellbeing support tasks, medical intervention support tasks, or other specialised student/teacher support roles (e.g. enrolled nurses performing the role as described in schedule 3). These roles require specific qualifications and/or training, including roles where further training must be undertaken from time to time. The role is for a specific purpose, for which there will be direct accountability as opposed to support roles that are carried out by a range of staff performing routine tasks under direction.
- Technical tasks that require a sound knowledge of basic technical and/or scientific principles that are used to develop and adapt work methods and make judgements where there are clear guidelines and limited options. Routine technical support in libraries, science, and information technology would be typical examples.
An education support class position at this range commencing at the base will initially be limited to undertaking routine tasks that are carried out under close supervision and direction. Work that carries some degree of independence will generally involve a limited number of tasks performed on a regular basis where priorities are clear, procedures are well established, and direction is readily available. Subject to any specific qualification and/or training requirement, an education support class employee employed in this range may be progressively required to undertake coordination, specialised student/teacher support tasks, or technical tasks as experience in the role is gained.
Responsibilities may include:
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Provides routine support for teachers including assisting with planning of student routines
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Supports communication between teachers and parents
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Communicates with teachers on routine matters related to students and/or other responsibilities
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Provides basic physical care and wellbeing support for students such as toileting, meals, and lifting
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Communicating with student/s to support comprehension of basic tasks and information
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Addresses immediate behavioural presentations relating to specific students within a classroom setting aligned to school policy and procedure
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Provides basic support and supervision for individuals or groups of up to 4 students within a classroom setting
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Supports teachers in the coordination of educational programs independently or under minimal supervision, including rostering and organising the work of a team of aides, providing routine co-ordination, guidance, and support to other student support staff, liaising with external providers of support services about clearly defined support needs and resources, assisting teachers with the communication of student outcomes and educational programs
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Provides medical intervention support to a student/s, under specific conditions, with appropriate training and guidance
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Provides specialised communication support for students and teachers in areas such as AUSLAN and braille
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
[email protected]
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:
https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview
This vacancy is specifically linked to Student Support Funding and is ongoing. If the funding reduces or ceases during the first seven years of employment, employment may cease subject to the provision of at least 12 weeks’ notice.
