Teacher Aide - Somerville Rise Primary School

Job ID: 1222926

Location Profile

Purpose: Somerville Rise Primary School community fosters excellence in learning and positive relationships which build the foundations for life success.

Values: The core values that underpin the actions of the whole school community fit in with our mantra

“Leaders on the Rise”

• Respect
• Integrity
• Service
• Empathy

As a school we attempt to apply these to our everyday dealings with each other and in the development of our programs and policies.

In our school community these values are demonstrated when, for example:

• individual needs are recognised and goals are set accordingly
• every student is encouraged to achieve the mastery of essential learning
• teaching and learning programs encourage deep understanding and a sense of the importance of learning
• we support the learning and growth of all students in a caring environment
• we work together cooperatively and collaboratively towards the achievement of school goals
• we take pride in our personal and community achievements and act as responsible citizens
• we communicate with courtesy and treat each other fairly
• there is a strong supportive partnership between students, teachers, parents and the wider community
• we acknowledge each other’s different beliefs and opinions
• students are achieving their personal best in all their endeavors
• students’ self esteem and confidence allow them to take risks.

Context

Somerville Rise Primary School is situated in the residential area of the Mornington Peninsula. The school opened in 1995, to serve the growing residential area south-west of the town. It provides for a population from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The school has an enrolment of 187 students for 2021.

Most of the students are drawn from the local area, but some parents who live in the neighboring areas of Baxter and Tyabb choose to send their children to Somerville Rise Primary School. The majority of the students are from Anglo-Saxon heritage and very few students come from families with a language background other than English.

The school’s curriculum is designed to provide students with learning activities which develop thinking skills and enable them to experience success.

A team approach to program planning is a feature of the school’s curriculum development. The development of literacy and numeracy skills and the acquisition of critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making strategies are given strong emphasis.

Enrichment and support programs such as camps, incursions and excursions, Library, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education, ICT, Learning Support and extra-curricular programs enhance learning opportunities.

Parent involvement in program development and implementation within the school is actively encouraged through school council via the education sub committee. Parents are also actively encouraged to be involved in general class programs through classroom assistance Through careful monitoring and regular feedback on their children’s development, parental participation is maximised.

Somerville Rise Primary School is committed to maximising the educational opportunities for all students, with staff professional development playing a vital role in achieving this. The school is seen as an important community resource and is promoted as such. Striving for continuous improvement, through the development of a climate which promotes a supportive learning community, is encapsulated in the school’s motto, “Learning Together”. 

Selection Criteria

• 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.
• SC6 Demonstrated proficiency to effectively support students with severe behaviour disorder and trauma related backgrounds.

Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Who May Apply

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