Our way of doing things at GSSC
The saying goes at Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) that we are Greater Together! That is our families, staff and community all working together to support our young people, and our students leaning on these support networks to achieve their best.
Although we are a big school able to cater for more than 2,200 students, we have been able to retain a `small school¿ atmosphere through our House and Neighbourhood structure. Through this model, our students are able to feel a sense of Greater Belonging by having a house to call home. This provides students an opportunity to build relationships with key neighbourhood staff, as well as with their peers through our Vertical Home Groups.
Building relationships and nurturing a student-centred culture is at the forefront of everything that we do here at GSSC. Our College and House Captains and specialist First Nations, Multicultural, Values, Environmental and Music Student Leaders provide invaluable student voice and input and role model our college values and ethos at various events and activities, both in the school and in the community.
Our award-winning Careers Team provide the supports our students need to set Greater Expectations for themselves and to aspire for excellence. While we ask our students to set high expectations of themselves and each other, we also recognise that achieving your personal best is just that, personal! This is why our careers pathway mentoring and counselling is targeted to each individual student and our curriculum is tailored at each year level.
In addition to this, our Wellbeing Team here at GSSC is focused on providing Greater Care to our students through a range of services and initiatives including our Doctors in School program, paediatric clinic, Program for Students with a Disability, Secondary School Nurses and Mental Health Practitioners. GSSC Wellbeing Officers are also based in each neighbourhood to support students on a day-to-day basis.
This team around the learner is further strengthened by our Ngarri Ngarri team, made by of six staff and a Team Leader who work across neighbourhoods to support First Nations students and their families. Our Multicultural Liaison Officers (MLO) provide this same support for our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families and speak a range of languages including Arabic, Dari, Persian, Hazaragi, Swahili, Kirundi and Samoan. Both teams work in and outside of the classroom to promote active student participation, positive family engagement, a proactive home/school partnership, culturally safe learning environment and inclusive curriculum and teaching and learning practices.
Our Wellbeing and Inclusion Hub also including a range of external allied health and education agencies working in school to support students.
- Find out more about GSSC: https://www.gssc.vic.edu.au/
- Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterSheppartonSC
Our facilities
Greater Shepparton Secondary College (GSSC) is among the most contemporary secondary schools in the country, featuring award-winning school design and cutting-edge facilities.
A double gymnasium, theatrette, green room and roof-top gardens are among features found in few secondary schools. GSSC¿s Enterprise and Innovation Centre for the arts, media, science and technology provides students with the subject choice and education pathways only a big school can deliver.
Our people
They say it takes a village to raise a child and the same goes for our school community ¿ we simply could not do it without our talented, diverse and passionate teaching and education support staff.
Whether it¿s in front of the classroom, maintaining our beautiful school grounds and facilities, in a leadership role, administration or providing extra support for our students and families, there are so many ways you can have a positive impact on the lives of young people here at GSSC.
Although we are a relatively new school, our people have built a fantastic workplace culture here at the college, through a induction and mentorship program supporting new staff. Our staff are also the driving force behind an active calendar of social events and opportunities to get to know one an other in a different way. Not only that but we have the benefit of living in a vibrant regional area that strives to foster a sense of community and offers a wide range of sport and recreation choice and caters to a growing food and wine culture.
Teaching in Greater Shepparton also means having the very best in professional learning and inspiration on your doorstep, with the city being home to one of the few regional centres of the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership, building on the Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership based in Melbourne.
The Academy provides an unprecedented opportunity for our best teachers to develop their skills and become recognised as state-wide leaders in teaching excellence, while still teaching in their Shepparton classroom.
- Find out more about the Academy here: https://www.academy.vic.gov.au/
- Here from our talented teaching staff about why they love teaching in our community:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvLX0wXi7LA
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDBLqF3dyWs
Our community
GSSC is a reflection of its community in that it is a highly multicultural school and welcomes students from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We are committed to creating a school community where all members of our school community are welcomed, accepted and treated equitably and with respect.
GSSC stands on the Country of the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang peoples, nations, tribes and clans and the Greater Shepparton area is home to the largest population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people outside of Melbourne.
Greater Shepparton is located 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, with a population of 66,000. It is the fifth-largest city in regional Victoria and consists of Shepparton city, Mooroopna and Tatura.
The area is a culturally and linguistically diverse community with almost one quarter of the population born overseas in more than 50 different countries. Migrant communities are predominately from Italy and Albania and settled in the region after World War II. In the following years, refugees have come from Iraq, Kuwait, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The most recent arrivals have come from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan and other parts of Africa.
- More about our First Nations history and diversity here: Shepparton and Goulburn Valley Destination Rebrand Hero Video - YouTube
- More about the Greater Shepparton community here: https://greatershepparton.com.au/region/moving-here
Our history
GSSC was formed by the merge of four secondary colleges in Shepparton and Mooroopna, as part of the Shepparton Education Plan - a 10-year Victorian Government strategy to transform Shepparton¿s education system for young people from early learning, through to primary and secondary school, and beyond to higher skills and further education.
GSSC commenced in 2020 across the four campuses: Shepparton High School, McGuire College, Wanganui Park Secondary College and Mooroopna Secondary College.
Our combined campus, built on the former Shepparton High School site on Hawdon Street, opened in 2022 bringing students from all four campuses onto the one site.
- More on Education Plans Victoria here: https://www.vic.gov.au/education-plans
SC1 Demonstrated expert knowledge of the relevant curriculum. Demonstrated ability to model exemplary teaching practice, including the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills across the curriculum, and implement school priorities.
SC2 Demonstrated expertise in the implementation and modelling of high impact teaching strategies that respond to student learning needs. Demonstrated ability to support teachers to evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth
SC3 Demonstrated exemplary ability to model the monitoring and assessment of student learning. Demonstrated ability to support others in using data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.
SC4 Demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to engage in collaborative relationships with students, colleagues, parents and the broader school community to support student learning, agency, wellbeing and engagement.
SC5 Demonstrated ability to model behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated ability to support others to reflect on their practice and facilitate school-based professional learning.
Learning Specialist hold senior positions within the College and are members of the broader College Leadership Team. Together with the Principal Class Leading Teachers, Learning Specialist share responsibility for whole school improvement and effectiveness and for implementation of the school¿s Vision, Values and Mission.
Learning Specialist take a pro-active role alongside the Principal Team to ensure the implementation of the School Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan. They will be involved in the development, implementation and review of policies, programs and processes to improve student outcomes for all students.
Learning Specialist take responsibility for improving the skill, knowledge and performance of the teaching workforce and manage a significant area or function within the College.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with the Principal team to provide leadership and modelling of college values across the College
Attend and actively contribute to Leadership and all other relevant college meetings and events
Adopt college teaching and learning practices in your own classroom and model these to other teachers
Provide overall leadership and coordination for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the subjects in the Learning Area consistent with the VCAA F-10 and VCE Study Designs and DE curriculum and teaching and learning advice and guidance
Actively participate in the implementation of the whole College curriculum plan
Assume a major teaching role in the Learning Area and where appropriate to assist less experienced teachers with support and subject advice
Ensure a quality curriculum through the review of courses including content, methodology, assessment, etc.
Support and encourage Learning Area staff to share ideas, teaching strategies and resources and to develop appropriate programs for their classrooms
Contribute to professional learning at the College
Conduct performance reviews of a number of staff
Provide a schedule of events to the Executive Team for approval of time in lieu
Manage the allocated budget and booklist requirements for each year level
Communicate effectively with staff, including managing difficult conversations and resolving concerns in a timely, respectful and solutions-focused manner
SPECIFIC POSITION ACCOUNTABILITES
Ensure that within the Learning Area:
General
Ensure new members to the Learning Area, first year teachers and visiting student teachers are thoroughly acquainted with all aspects of teaching in the Learning Area
Assign and support a leader (where their experience permits) to coordinate collaborative teams/specialised areas
Support the development of staff allotments and room allocation
Identify domain tasks that support the goals of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)
Manage and support the MLO Team
Liaise with the Senior School Team and MLO Team to support senior CALD students at risk, and ensure that families are aware
Arrange professional learning for staff to improve intercultural understanding
Provide advice to Domain Leaders to ensure curriculum development provides cultural safety and inclusion
Liaise with and regularly visit SELC
Arrange student subject selections in conjunction with the relevant House Leader and/or VCE Leader
Organise transition days for SELC students
Provide updated lists of CALD students to staff and administration on a regular basis
Develop, implement and monitor an EAL Interventions Program
Curriculum
Support identified numeracy and literacy strategies applicable to the learning area
Ensure the 7-12 EAL Curriculum is fully developed and uploaded to the college computer network
Lead curriculum planning to ensure consistency in the curriculum and the implementation of the VTLM 2.0
Ensure the curriculum is relevant, challenging and reflects College and DE priorities
Ensure regular evaluation and documentation of units, with particular emphasis on the implementation and monitoring/review of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0
Ensure Unit outlines and resources are current, and quality lesson plans are sufficiently clear to enable a replacement teacher to assume responsibility for a class should the need arise
Assessment & Reporting
Ensure assessment and reporting across the Learning Area aligns with College Policy
Ensure teachers maintain up to date and comprehensive records of student learning progress
Ensure collection and analysis of data relevant to the goals of the Learning Area is regularly completed
Ensure teachers collect and analyse multiple sources of data to assess learning impact
Pedagogy
Ensure the College¿s WeLearn Instructional Model is implemented by all teachers
Focus on the implementation of the VTLM 2.0 when planning units of work and professional learning
Conduct learning walks and report findings at Learning Area and Domain Leaders Meetings
Ensure teachers within the Learning Area are continuously improving classroom practices, evaluating impact, and providing scaffolded multi-tiered systems of support for all students
Collect and analyse multiple sources of data to build teacher capacity in curriculum delivery and assessment
Support staff by modelling and coaching in effective classroom management practices
Professional Learning & Meetings
Lead and document regular meetings that are efficient and clearly focused on improving student learning, in particular PLC implementation and participation
Plan and facilitate regular professional learning focused on discussion and evaluation of student growth
Facilitate Learning Area staff development on understanding & interpreting data
Ensure that resources from professional learning are circulated to all relevant staff and filed
Attend and participate in Domain Leader collaboration and professional learning conducted fortnightly
Communication
Maintain positive communication channels between Learning Area members
Ensure activities in the Learning Area are communicated and promoted across the wider school community
Ensure Learning Area members are informed of all professional learning opportunities
Ensure curriculum and assessment practices are designed to maximise student agency
Provide regular updates on Learning Area progress to the Domain Leader team
Community Engagement
Liaise with the MLO Team Leader to:
Support Harmony Week celebrations, including coordination of Harmony Day and the Harmony Day Concert
Support the organisation of a wide range of cultural events and celebrations throughout the school year
Enhance, coordinate and support parents and community meetings to strengthen partnerships and engagement
Assist with the booking and coordination of interpreters for Student Engagement Conferences and key school meetings
Link the broader community to support with student voice, agency and leadership
Promote and include student voice in the planning and delivery of cultural activities and events
Liaise with Community Leaders, organisations and cultural groups to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural connections and represent the college in community events and celebrations
Lead and contribute to the Anti-Racism Working Party to promote inclusive practices and address discrimination within the school community
This Domain Leader position has a teaching load that will be determined by the Executive Principal.
Other duties as required by the Executive Principal.
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
Please note that this is a 2 year tenured position, starting on the 1st January 2027 and ending 31st December 2028.
- 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:
- The person must have provisional or full registration approved by the Victorian Institute of Teaching; and
- 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
- 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.
