Introduction:
St Philip’s Christian College is a rapidly growing network of learning communities continuing its journey to deliver holistic Christian education that develops the whole child - emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.
Our team thrives on fostering strong working relationships that continue to encourage innovative and effective change, benefiting both students and staff while staying true to the College’s core values:
Christ first
Serve one another
Strive for excellence
Do what is right
Build community
For over four decades, we have been trusted leaders in education, pioneering new approaches and educational opportunities across the Newcastle, Hunter, and Central Coast regions. We invite you to join us as we continue to explore and create better ways to educate, grounded in Christian values for the whole of life.
Description:
Saints Academy Educators are responsible for providing education and care for children enrolled at the service, consistent with our core learning approach, our philosophy and curriculum and according to the requirements of the National Quality Framework.
Educators work in collaboration with the Coordinator (Nominated Supervisor), the Educational Leader and the other Educators.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS:
- A working knowledge of the My Time, Our Place learning framework for school-age children in Australia;
- Demonstration of the skills necessary to meet the requirements of the Education and Care Services National Regulations;
- Demonstrated ability to work in partnerships with families;
- Effective communication skills (adults and children);
- A growth mindset in demonstrating a willingness to embrace the core learning approach of Saints Academy;
- Ability to contribute as a team member to Work, Health and Safety issues in the Centre;
- Ability to support the other staff in the Centre;
- To be a dynamic and supportive member of the team of Educators in meeting the standards of high-quality care according to the National Quality Framework.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
In respect of the Mission
- To uphold the vision of the Centre;
- To support Biblical values;
- To sensitively teach Biblical truths;
- To speak openly and sensitively to the children of the Christian faith;
- To support and encourage families in need (re-directing where necessary);
- To pray with other staff for the needs of the Centre.
In respect of Personal Faith
- To be an active member of a Christian church;
- To seek regular Christian teaching and fellowship;
- To display the fruit of the Spirit in daily life as described in Galatians 5:22-23;
- To handle Centre matters with total confidentiality at all times;
- To participate in regular staff evaluation which examines personal, spiritual and professional development.
In respect of Education and Care of Children
- Act in a manner that promotes the best interests of the child;
- In conjunction with the Coordinator and other Educators, implement a high quality education and care program for all enrolled children that is consistent with –
- The Service philosophy, procedures and policies;
- The Saints Academy core learning approach;
- Education and Care Services National Regulations;
- Education and Care Services National Law;
- The National Quality Standards;
- My Time, Our Place Learning Framework.
- Respond to children’s strengths, interests and needs and contribute to planning cycle and review within the Centre;
- Contribute to documenting of children’s learning and development under the guidance of the Coordinator and Educational Leader;
- Engage in critical reflection of children’s learning to guide future planning;
- Engage children in learning opportunities that are responsive to –
- Meaningful moments;
- Intentional and spontaneous interactions;
- Children’s agency and choice;
- Routine times;
- Environmental sustainability.
- Support the planning and development of an inclusive environment by –
- Supporting every child’s learning;
- Role modelling positive interactions;
- Respecting children’s similarities, differences, cultures and diversities;
- Maintaining each child’s dignity and the rights of each child;
- Responding to the emotional, social and wellbeing needs of each child;
- Providing physical care, assisting children in toileting and dressing (as required and appropriate to age) and meal times and viewing all these opportunities as teaching moments;
- Be aware of children’s specific needs:
- Support children’s individual wellbeing and comfort in rest and relaxation;
- Contribute to the development of an environment for children which –
- Is ready for operation when the children arrive each day;
- Reflects children’s curiosity, exploration and problem solving;
- Acknowledges the importance of the indoor and outdoor environments as the ‘third teacher’
- Provokes practices and discussions to support environmental sustainability.
- Ensure each child has a sense of Being, Belonging and Becoming within the Service;
- Planned activities meet the developmental needs and interests of the children;
- Contribute to learning and reflective documentation;
- Ensure that all regulations, licensing guidelines, policies and procedures are observed;
In respect of Partnerships with Families and community
- Demonstrate respect for the families’ child rearing practices, beliefs and role as the child’s first teacher;
- Build and maintain professional, inclusive and positive relationships with families of the Service;
- Ensure professional communication with families at all times and maintain confidentiality;
- Draw on the knowledge and experience of families to support their children’s learning;
- With guidance from the Coordinator/Nominated Supervisor, engage positively in the orientation, enrolment and transition processes for families and children;
In respect of Partnerships with other Educators and Professionals
- Respect and support colleagues by developing positive and ethical channels of communication that are based on Christian .principles of mutual respect, equity and fairness;
- Acknowledge and support personal strengths, professional experience and team diversity;
- Engage in professional conversations with other Educators to enhance knowledge and practice;
- Be proactive in supporting a healthy team environment;
- Support staff to implement the core learning program;
- Ensure new and junior staff are positively welcomed, supported and assisted;
- Ensure the Nominated Supervisor is informed of any problem arising, which would affect the children, the service’s approval or rating, the regulatory and legal compliance or the smooth running of the Service;
- Be involved in the Service’s Quality Improvement Plan and assist to implement this as directed;
- Perform additional duties as required by Coordinator/Nominated Supervisor as are within your knowledge, skills and capabilities.
- Maintain supplies and equipment levels for the Service;
- Performing incidental administrative duties, including but not limited to signing for deliveries, organising noticeboards etc.
In respect of Professional Conduct and Learning
- Work within the National Quality Framework, the SPCC Staff Code of Conduct, and the Service philosophy, policies and procedures;
- Consistently contribute as an effective team member;
- Actively participate in performance appraisal process;
- Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional learning;
- Attend and contribute to staff meetings and other whole of staff professional learning events;
- Undertake Food Safe training at intervals decided by (see responsible to);
- Undertake First Aid training (including training in Anaphylaxis and Asthma) at intervals decided by (see responsible to);
- Undertake an approved Child Protection training at intervals decided by (see responsible to).
In respect of Organisational Staff Representation and Saints Academy
- Actively support the organisation’s philosophy, policies and procedures and positively represent the organisation to external contacts at all opportunities;
- To be aware of and uphold St Philip’s Christian College vision, mission, core values and beliefs
- To uphold Saints Academy values, vision and philosophy;
- To work in collaboration;
- To attend staff meetings;
- To uphold and implement all Centre policies and procedures.
In respect of Workplace Health and Safety
- Work in a manner that does not pose a risk to self or others;
- Ensure a safe and healthy work environment;
- Act immediately on any safety issues that relate to the working environment of the Service;
- Follow Service policies regarding child protection and child safe standards –
- Inform the Nominated Supervisor of any allegations or conviction of a child protection nature against any other employees, of which you become aware;
- Ensure compliance as a mandated reporter.
- Follow Service guidelines in providing a safe environment for children and staff;
- Understand, implement and review emergency management procedures as required;
- Ensure the Service’s duty of care to children and their families is strictly maintained;
- Maintain Educator-to-child ratios at all times;
- Administer first aid and medication in compliance with procedures and policies and ensure to keep accurate and detailed records of injury/accident/trauma and medication forms;
- Respond positively and consistently to children’s additional needs/requirements – including diet/allergies and developmental;
- Assume an equal share of cleaning duties.
