Selection Criteria

SC1 ¿ Literacy Knowledge and Supporting High-Ability Learners

Demonstrated knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, English literacy and literature, including reading comprehension, literary analysis, vocabulary development and written expression. Describe how you would support and extend a high-ability student in Years 4¿6, encouraging critical thinking, creativity and a deeper appreciation of literature.

SC2 ¿ Supporting Teaching and Learning in a Multi-Age Classroom

Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with classroom teachers to implement differentiated learning activities that support individual student needs. Explain how you would engage students with varying abilities and learning needs, including providing individualised literacy extension under teacher direction.

SC3 ¿ Communication, Relationships and Student Engagement

Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish positive, respectful and supportive relationships with students and staff. Describe how you would encourage student confidence, independence, motivation and a willingness to engage with challenging learning tasks, particularly in reading and writing.

SC4 ¿ Professional Practice, Initiative and Commitment to Education

Demonstrated organisational skills, initiative and commitment to professional learning, including an understanding of the responsibilities, ethical conduct and Child Safe Standards expected of Education Support staff. Outline your interest in education, any current or intended teaching studies, and how you would contribute to the collaborative learning environment of Neerim District Rural Primary School.

Role

Role Description

Neerim District Rural Primary School is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and academically capable Education Support staff member to work collaboratively with teachers in our senior multi-age classroom (Years 4¿6).

The successful applicant will provide general classroom assistance, with a particular focus on delivering individualised literacy extension activities for a high-ability student under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher.

The role will involve supporting advanced reading comprehension, literary analysis, vocabulary development, creative writing and written expression. A strong appreciation of English literature, including classic and contemporary texts, and a personal passion for reading and writing will be highly regarded.

This position presents a valuable opportunity for an aspiring educator to gain practical classroom experience in a supportive, small-school environment. Applicants currently undertaking, or intending to undertake, a recognised teaching qualification are particularly encouraged to apply.

As Neerim District Rural Primary School continues to grow, future classroom teaching opportunities may arise. This position offers an opportunity to develop the professional knowledge, skills and relationships relevant to a future teaching career. Any future teaching appointment would be subject to the applicable qualification, registration and merit-based recruitment requirements.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

- Provide general classroom support to students and teachers within a multi-age Years 4¿6 learning environment.
- Work individually with a high-ability student to support extension in reading,



comprehension, literary interpretation and written expression.
- Facilitate teacher-planned literacy activities that encourage critical thinking, sophisticated vocabulary, creativity and an appreciation of quality English literature.
- Support the development of extended writing, including narrative, descriptive, persuasive and analytical forms.
- Assist the classroom teacher in preparing differentiated learning resources and implementing individualised learning activities.
- Observe student engagement and progress, providing feedback to the classroom teacher to inform future learning.
- Foster positive relationships with students and staff, contributing to a secure, inclusive and academically stimulating learning environment.
- Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, confidentiality and a commitment to the Department of Education's Child Safe Standards and school policies.

Desirable Attributes

- Currently undertaking, or intending to undertake, a recognised primary or secondary teaching qualification.
- A genuine passion for English literature, reading, creative writing and the development of strong literacy skills.
- An interest in working with high-ability learners and supporting academic extension.
- A willingness to learn, respond to feedback and develop professional classroom practice within a collaborative teaching environment.

Who May Apply

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

Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

Child Safe Standards

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:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

Other Information

- 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.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal

Conditions of Employment
- 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.
- Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal

Location Profile

Neerim District Rural Primary School (No. 5394) was established in 1993 at 145 Nayook-Powelltown Road Nayook 3832 resulting from the merger of the (former) Nayook Primary School (No. 3227) and Neerim East Primary School (No. 3158). Declining enrolments resulted in the school being non-operational (previously known as de-staffed) at the end of 2019.

The school had been non-operational since the end of 2019 but was never formally closed.
Following growing community interest, the Department of Education prepared the site for reopening on day 1 term 1 2025.

Staffing consists of a teaching principal, 2 full time teachers, and a 0.5 administration assistant. In 2025 we opened with 15 enrolments, in 2026 grew to 19 enrolments and already have multiple confirmed enrolments for 2027. Our projection is for slow and continual growth.

This is a unique educational setting where students enjoy a small student-centred environment in a beautiful heritage building with a range of learning spaces, extensive playground space, which is shared with a local playgroup. Students are creative independent thinkers. Parents are passionate about their school and the place it fills within their community. This is a school that has a very special family feel ¿ It¿s considerably more than just a job!

Neerim District Rural Primary School is located 124 kilometres southeast of Melbourne in Baw Baw Shire (West Gippsland).

📌 Teacher Aide (Victoria)
🏢 Government schools
📍 Victoria