Teacher Aide

Berwick Lodge Primary School, established in February 1990, is in its twenty-seventh year of operation.  Located in the South East suburban growth corridor of Melbourne, Berwick Lodge is drawing pupils from a range of areas outside its already fast growing catchment area.   Currently 633 children are enrolled at the school.

Currently we have 25 grades P to 6 across the school with teams of teachers working together for curriculum planning, professional development and administrative purposes.

The school also offers a wide range of specialist programs including Performing and Visual Arts, Physical Education, Mandarin, Robotics and ICT.  The Exceptional Children's program includes Additional Assistance and a STEM Extension Program for talented children.   The delivery of a high quality curriculum is very much a prime focus of Berwick Lodge PS, the Strategic Plan (2015 - 2018) highlights Curriculum priorities in the areas of Literacy (P-6), Numeracy (P-6) and Student Wellbeing.

The school prides itself in the management of Student Welfare by having student wellbeing coordinators at each year level.   Many enrichment opportunities are offered; some of these include the Grade 5/6 film festival, radio show, garden club, Wakakirri performance, interschool sports, sporting clinics, camps and excursions.

In 2002, the school was successful in gaining ISO9000 Quality Management System Certification. Berwick Lodge PS is the first government school in Australia to have attained this internationally accredited management status.

SC1    Capacity to undertake routine support tasks across a range of functions in one or more work areas within a school environment.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with members of the school community including students and the capacity to provide support and/or attendant care to students where necessary.

SC3    Demonstrated proficiency in the use of office systems, software or technical equipment as relevant to the position.

SC4    Capacity to work cooperatively with a range of people including teachers, education support, students and parents.

SC5    A commitment to professional learning and growth.

Undertakes routine tasks that are usually 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.

Work has little scope for deviation. Problems can usually be solved by reference to well documented procedures and instructions and clearly established practices.  Deviation from established procedures will require reference to others for guidance and direction.  Assistance is readily available when problems arise.  An experienced employee at range 1 will exercise limited judgement within clearly defined guidelines and well established practices that relate specifically to the tasks performed.

Does not carry responsibility for the work of others.  More experienced employees will provide basic guidance and advice to others relating to tasks within the work area.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor.  Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

Qualification requirements do not operate at range 1.  Certification requirements may be required to legally perform specific tasks - e.g. driver's licence, first aid, safe food handling.

-    Assist students on an individual or group basis in specific learning areas.
-    Assist with the communication between students and teachers, particularly the interpretation of instructions.
-    Provide basic physical and emotional care for students.
-    Participate in team meetings.
-    Assist with toileting, meals, lifting, and administration of medication to students requiring special care.
-    Assist with the supervision of pupils in playgrounds, at camps, on excursions, in sporting activities, therapy activities and life skills.
-    Assist in the preparation of student resources and equipment.
-    Prepare basic curriculum support resources.
-    Set up and put away equipment and materials in support of teaching programs.
-    Observe students and draw the attention of the teacher to them where necessary.
-    Participate in the monitoring and evaluation of programs and evaluation of individual student involvement and achievement.
-    Assist with communication between teachers and non-English speaking parents/students.
-    Assist in the translation of documents.
-    Assist students with the preparation and service of meals.
-    Ensure work areas and materials, equipment and appliances are maintained in a clean and ready to use condition.
-    Assist in the preparation of equipment and purchasing of materials and supplies as required.

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

The Department values diversity and is committed to workforce diversity and equal opportunity in schools and all education workplaces. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces.

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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/protect/Pages/childsafestandards.aspx

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.