Ed Support Level 1-Range 1-Multicultural - Punjabi/Hindi - Rockbank Primary School

Rockbank Primary School is located in the old township of Rockbank adjacent to the Western Highway.  The school was opened in 1868 and has a current enrolment of 320 in 2022, with this number rising steadily with the growth in this suburb.  The school moved to its current location in 2009.  

The Rockbank Primary School motto 'Nurture. Believe. Achieve.' highlights the school's commitment to catering for the diverse needs of our students.  Our school values of respect, learning, togetherness and safety guide our practise and ensure that students have a clear understanding of the expectations and culture of this school.

The school is developing a diverse cultural population, which has been welcomed by an inclusive community.  In 2022 Rockbank PS has 14  classes with 3 Foundation,  6 x Year 1-2 classrooms, 3 x Year 3-4 classrooms and 2 x 5-6 classrooms.

The school has Specialist subjects in Physical Education, AUSLAN and The Arts and there is a strong wellbeing program to cater for a number of students with Additional Needs.  

Rockbank PS is a School Wide Positive Behaviour Support School and is also an early adopter of the Respectful Relationships program.  Our school values are used as common language and underpin every decision; with the values linked to our school wide expected behaviours which are represented on our school matrix.

Our school wide house system is used to support a team approach to achieving success with Peacock, Harrison, Missen and Fisher all equally represented.

There is strong support for children with additional needs with the school employing a full time Education Support person to coordinate supportive structures such as our Social Skills programs.  

There is also a dedicated Wellbeing space to assist these students.  Our Assistant Principal, leads the Wellbeing program as well as taking part in the School Improvement Team and driving Curriculum.

Our Learning specialist leads staff development using Mentoring/Coaching/Peery observation programs.

Staff at our school are encouraged to grow as adult learners and participate in ongoing Professional Learning communities focussed on student improvement.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as part of a team, ensuring a high level of accountability.
2. Have experience in supporting people from a range of cultures and backgrounds.
3. Demonstrate an ability to plan and facilitate community activites, groups and events including presentations to groups or varied ages.
4. Capacity to work cooperatively with a range of people including teachers, education support, students and parents.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with students in a classroom setting, particularly to promote language acquisition and literacy skills for students for whom English is an additional language.
6. Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, work co-operatively including the ability to communicate with a wide range of individuals including staff, parents and the wider community.

Role

This role involves working with EAL (English as an Additional Language) students, both individually and in small groups, across a range of subjects. The successful applicant would work with the EAL Coordinator to provide targeted support to students. The role consists of working alongside students in the classroom, assisting students to access the EAL curriculum, and improve their English proficiency.

The role serves as a link between school and families with the aim of improving communication and relationships with school and families. You will also seek to increase student participation and engagement in education.

You will be a point of contact for EAL families who need support in communicating with the school.

You will also be responsible for planning and facilitating student and community group activities as well as parent information sessions that cater for the interests and needs of our school.

You will be responsible for openly representing Rockbank Primary school within the community.

You will take responsibility for planning, preparing and distributing school communications in translated languages and will assist school staff with accessing translation and interpreting services, where needed.

Responsibilities

• Communicating directly with EAL families and supporting teaching and Wellbeing staff’s communications with the families.
• Assisting with enrolment to Primary School and transition from Language School and from Primary School to Secondary School.
• Translating school notices and communications to the local community.
• Acting as a resource to develop staff knowledge of EAL communities and the issues they face
• Involving parents in school activities and programs.
• Will need to demonstrate a high proficiency in written and oral communication in
• Punjabi and a proven ability to translate from those languages to English and vice a versa.
• Assist with the communication between students and teachers, particularly the interpretation of instructions.
• Provide basic physical and emotional care for students.
• Assist with the supervision of pupils in playgrounds, at camps, on excursions, in sporting activities, therapy activities and life skills.
• Prepare basic curriculum support resources.
• Support students in the classroom, explain teacher instructions and work requirements
• Assist students on an individual or group basis with building language acquisition and literacy skills
• Act as a resource to develop staff knowledge of the students’ backgrounds and the issues they face
• Participate in EAL team meetings as required, and ES staff meetings
• Liaises with EAL Coordinator regarding progress of EAL students and support requirements.
• Provides staff with insights into the culture and language of students and their families.
• Supports teaching staff with resource development where appropriate.

Who May Apply

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