Teacher Aide

Thomastown West Primary School was established in 1971 and is located approximately 20 kilometres north of the CBD. The school site is adjacent to Thomastown Secondary College and the schools share some sports facilities and a joint car park.

We have over 40 nationalities represented in our school community, including 5% indigenous.

The Student Family Occupation Index has varied between 0.77 and 0.80.   At the beginning of Term 4 2017 our enrolment was 347 students.

The school staff is currently 39, some are part time. Staff include Principal class, Leading Teachers and classroom teachers.  The non teaching staff includes Office staff and Integration Aides.  Out of School Hours program is outsourced to OSHClub.

Our school curriculum has a major focus on Literacy and Numeracy.  Each day 2 hours of Literacy is taught and 5 hours of numeracy every week.  Our specialist  subjects include: STEM, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and Physical Education.

For students who require extra assistance, we offer programs such as a Phonological Awareness Program and Literacy Support. We have EAL support for students where English is their second language and who need some assistance. A major feature of the Prep program is Oral Language

We also offer programs that extend and enhance student's abilities. We also have specialised music programs such as instrumental lessons, choir and a school band.

In 2012 we moved into our new facilities which offer the opportunity for flexible learning spaces and 21st Century Learning.

In 2014 a Community Hub was established with community partners:  Whittlesea Community Connections,  The Smith Family and Reservoir and Preston Adult Community Education (PRACE).  The purpose of the Hub is to support the needs of families and students in the Thomastown Community.

In 2015 Thomastown West was a lead school in the Linking Learning Project.  The Linking Learning Project is designed for all Early Years Education Settings to intervene early in a child’s development to will provide the best opportunities for children and their families while at school. 

During 2016 and 2017 Thomastown West has investigated a significant amount of time and resources into developing the School Wide Positive Behaviour framework at our school. We also recently became a Respectful Relationships Partner School and have begun our partnership with Our Watch. 

The Thomastown West community is committed to creating and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive environment. By upholding our values (Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, Empathy and we Striving to be our Best) we encourage every child to reach their academic potential and social growth in an inclusive and innovative learning environment.

Our school motto is Together Working on Pathways to Success (TWPS). Education is a partnership between teachers, families and the wider community.  We work together to ensure all students experience success.

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

SC2 Demonstrate 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 Demonstrate 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.

SC6 Demonstrate understanding of students on the Autism Spectrum or Students who have experienced trauma 

Days/times are flexible and can be negotiated with the successful applicant. 

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

• 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.