Great Ryrie Primary School was built in 1998 as a result of the amalgamation of three small, local schools. In 2004 the school was further extended after the closure of the adjacent Heathmont College site. Our school is located approximately 20 kilometres east of the CBD. Our students are catered for at their individual point of need in classes by age across all years.
In 2026 school our enrolment is approximately 565 students representing approximately 400 families. We have 57 full-time and part-time staff, including a Principal and Assistant Principal, three office staff including a First Aid Officer, a part-time Wellbeing Coordinator, a part-time High Abilities teacher, a part-time EAL teacher, Multicultural Educational Aide, Integration Aides, a Canteen Manager, and a part-time Library Technician. The school also has the services of a School Chaplain.
The student population includes approximately 130 students from other countries, many of whom have a refugee background. Accordingly our school is culturally diverse with 35% of families having a Language Background Other Than English (LBOTE), with the largest LBOTE groups being Burmese (representing several distinct dialects), Chinese and Indian. The school also has four Koorie families enrolled.
Great Ryrie has a Student Family Occupation index of 0.364 which indicates that we are in the medium SFO percentile range and that overall our school is of medium socio-economic status. Approximately 30% of the school community receive CSEF. However, Great Ryrie has a diverse social demographic, ranging from families where one or both parents are relatively high-income earning professionals or business owners, to low income, single parent families.
Our school has a strong reputation in the local community and we celebrate the cultural diversity of our families, while providing quality learning programs in all curriculum areas. We also offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities including extensive Performing Arts and Sports programs as well as Chess, Tennis and other special interest programs. Student wellbeing is given a high priority and we offer many programs designed to support students over a range of issues, as well as a comprehensive suite of student leadership programs.
The new Victorian Curriculum provides the basis of the school curriculum program, within an integrated model designed to maximise student engagement. Teachers work in teams to plan and deliver curriculum that caters for the individual needs of students in multi-age classes. Each student has their own Individual Learning Plan (ILP) developed through collaborative processes involving the student, parents and teacher. We have specialist facilities with dedicated specialist staff teaching programs in Sport and Physical Education, Science and Technology, Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Indonesian.
Great Ryrie has an attractive, safe and stimulating learning environment, enhanced by relatively new and well-maintained facilities and extensive grounds. The school is well resourced in IT, including interactive whiteboards and a bank of laptops in every classroom.
Partnerships between parents and staff are encouraged and parents are involved as classroom helpers, in student conferences, school committees, fundraising and social activities. The work of the School Council and the parent community is evident throughout the school in improved programs, facilities and equipment for students and teachers. A large number of enthusiastic parents and community members provide many hours of voluntary work to support student learning and the smooth running of the school.
SC1 Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the ability to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated experience in responding to student learning needs.
SC2 Demonstrated experience in planning for and implementing high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluating the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth.
SC3 Demonstrated experience in monitoring and assessing student learning. Demonstrated experience in using data to inform teaching practice and providing feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.
SC4 Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, agency, wellbeing and engagement.
SC5 Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated experience in reflecting upon practice and engaging in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.
The classroom teacher classification comprises two salary ranges- range 1 and range 2. The primary focus of the classroom teacher is on the planning, preparation and teaching of programs to achieve specific student outcomes. The classroom teacher engages in critical reflection and inquiry in order to improve knowledge and skills to effectively engage students and improve their learning.
As the classroom teacher gains experience his or her contribution to the school program beyond the classroom increases. All classroom teachers may be required to undertake other duties in addition to their rostered teaching duties provided the responsibility is appropriate to the salary range, qualifications, training and experience of the teacher.
Classroom teacher Range 2
Range 2 classroom teachers play a significant role in assisting the school to improve student performance and educational outcomes determined by the school strategic plan and state-wide priorities and contributing to the development and implementation of school policies and priorities.
A critical component of this work will focus on increasing the knowledge base of staff within their school about student learning and high quality instruction to assist their school to define quality teacher practice.
Range 2 classroom teachers will be expected to:
- Have the content knowledge and pedagogical practice to meet the diverse needs of all students
- Model exemplary classroom practice and mentor/coach other teachers in the school to engage in critical reflection of their practice and to support staff to expand their capacity
- Provide expert advice about the content, processes and strategies that will shape individual and school professional learning
- Supervise and train one or more student teachers
- Assist staff to use student data to inform teaching approaches that enable targets related to improving student learning outcomes to be achieved.
Classroom teacher Range 1
The primary focus of the range 1 classroom teacher is on further developing skills and competencies to become an effective classroom practitioner with structured support and guidance from teachers at higher levels and the planning, preparation and teaching of programs to achieve specific student outcomes. These teachers teach a range of students/classes and are accountable for the effective delivery of their programs. Range 1 classroom teachers are skilled teachers who operate under general direction within clear guidelines following established work practices and documented priorities and may have responsibility for the supervision and training of one or more student teachers.
At range 1, teachers participate in the development of school policies and programs and assist in the implementation of school priorities.
The focus of a range 1 classroom teacher is on classroom management, subject content and teaching practice. New entrants to the teaching profession in their initial teaching years receive structured support, mentoring and guidance from teachers at higher levels.
Under guidance, new entrants to the teaching profession will plan and teach student groups in one or more subjects and are expected to participate in induction programs and other professional learning activities that are designed to ensure the integration of curriculum, assessment and pedagogy across the school.
Teachers at range 1 are responsible for teaching their own classes and may also assist and participate in policy development, project teams and the organisation of co-curricula activities.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic, and highly organised Primary Performing Arts Specialist to join our creative arts team. This multifaceted role includes classroom music teaching, private vocal instruction, ensemble leadership, instrumental program coordination, event management, and support for whole-school
performing arts initiatives. The successful candidate will inspire a love of music and performing arts in young learners while contributing to an inclusive and vibrant school culture.
Key Responsibilities
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Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate music lessons for primary-aged students.
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Implement a curriculum that fosters musical literacy, creativity, performance skills, and inquiry-based learning.
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Integrate singing, movement, percussion, instrumental activities, composition, and music technology into lessons.
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Differentiate instruction for students with disabilities, ensuring equitable access to learning and supporting individual needs through modified tasks, adaptive instruments, and tailored learning strategies.
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Assess and report on student progress in line with school policies.
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Develop personalised learning plans that support vocal technique, musicianship, repertoire development, and performance confidence.
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Prepare students for concerts, assessments, auditions, and AMEB examinations where applicable.
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Instrumental Program Timetabling & Coordination
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Create and manage weekly timetables for the instrumental music program.
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Liaise with instrumental tutors to ensure cohesive scheduling and program delivery.
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Maintain accurate records on enrolments,
instrument loans, attendance, and communications.
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Communicate regularly with parents regarding student progress, schedules, and performance opportunities.
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Ensemble Leadership: Choirs & Concert Band
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Direct and rehearse school choirs and the primary concert band.
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Select appropriate and engaging repertoire that supports skill development and ensemble cohesion.
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Arrange music for transposing band instruments (e.g., trumpet, clarinet, saxophone) as needed to suit student abilities and ensemble instrumentation.
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Prepare ensembles for festivals, assemblies, showcases, and community performances.
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Foster an inclusive, positive, and collaborative ensemble culture.
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Wakakirri Teaching & Performance Coaching
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Teach and rehearse students in preparation for Wakakirri performances, incorporating music, storytelling, movement, and stagecraft.
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Collaborate with staff to plan themes, choreography, musical arrangements, and staging.
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Support students through the creative and performance process, ensuring a positive and engaging experience.
Showcases, Performances & Events Coordination
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Organise and coordinate instrumental and vocal showcases, providing structured and supportive performance opportunities.
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Assist with the planning and delivery of major school events, including concerts, musicals, arts festivals, and community engagements.
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Experience teaching primary classroom music.
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Demonstrated experience in vocal instruction and developing young singers.
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Experience directing choirs and beginner/intermediate concert bands.
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Ability to arrange music for transposing instruments within a school band setting.
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Experience working with students with disabilities and implementing differentiated instructional strategies.
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Familiarity with Wakakirri or similar performing arts programs (highly desirable).
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Proficiency with music education technology and digital learning tools
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Passion for music education and a commitment to nurturing young musicians.
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Strong organisation and time-management skills, especially for timetabling and event coordination.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across the school community.
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Creative, flexible teaching style with a willingness to innovate and adapt.
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Empathy, patience, and a strong commitment to inclusive education.
Manage logistics such as rehearsals, staging, sound checks, running orders, equipment setup, and communications
Qualifications & Experience
Postgraduate qualification in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field (required).
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Experience teaching primary classroom music.
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Demonstrated experience in vocal instruction and developing young singers.
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Experience directing choirs and beginner/intermediate concert bands.
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Ability to arrange music for transposing instruments within a school band setting.
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Experience working with students with disabilities and implementing differentiated instructional strategies.
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Familiarity with Wakakirri or similar performing arts programs (highly desirable).
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Proficiency with music education technology and digital learning tools
Skills & Attributes
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Passion for music education and a commitment to nurturing young musicians.
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Strong organisation and time-management skills, especially for timetabling and event coordination.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across the school community.
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Creative, flexible teaching style with a willingness to innovate and adapt.
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Empathy, patience, and a strong commitment to inclusive education.
Teachers currently registered or eligible for registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and qualified to teach and/or have demonstrated experience in the curriculum area(s) specified for 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
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All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
- Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
- A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
To be eligible for employment, transfer or promotion in the principal or teacher class:
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The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and
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if the person completed an Australian postgraduate level initial teaching program or course of study on or after 1 January 2024, they must demonstrate that they have satisfactorily completed a postgraduate level accredited initial teacher education program that has been accredited by an Australian State or Territory Teacher Regulatory Authority as satisfying the requirements of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership 'Accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures'; and
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a person who graduated from a Victorian Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after 1 July 2016 must also demonstrate that they have passed the literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education (LANTITE) requirements (this condition is satisfied where the LANTITE requirement is part of the Victorian ITE program completed by the person).
Details of qualification requirements as updated from time to time can be found at Recruitment in Schools.
