Department of Education Victoria – Nayook VIC

16h ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

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).

Selection Criteria

SC1 ¿ Planning and Facilitating Developmentally Appropriate Learning Experiences

Demonstrated ability to plan,



organise and facilitate engaging, inclusive and age-appropriate play-based learning experiences for children aged 0¿5 years. Describe the types of activities you would implement to promote children's social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, with a particular emphasis on outdoor exploration, nature-based learning and Bush Kinder principles.

SC2 ¿ Community Engagement and Communication

Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, with the capacity to build positive relationships with families and the wider community. Explain how you would promote the playgroup, encourage participation from local families and establish a welcoming, inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and community connection.

SC3 ¿ Building Connections Between Families and the School

Demonstrated capacity to establish and strengthen positive relationships between young children, their families and Neerim District Rural Primary School. Describe how you would promote meaningful connections with the school community, familiarise families with the school's unique bush setting and educational philosophy, and support children's confidence and sense of belonging as they approach school age.





SC4 ¿ Program Coordination, Child Safety and Professional Responsibility

Demonstrated organisational skills and ability to independently coordinate a safe, inclusive and engaging playgroup program in accordance with school policies and Child Protected Standards. Explain how you would manage planning, preparation, resource organisation, outdoor safety considerations and pack-up responsibilities while maintaining effective communication with school leadership and participating families.

Role

Role Description

Neerim District Rural Primary School is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and community-minded Facilitated Bush Playgroup Coordinator to establish and deliver a welcoming, nature-based playgroup for children aged 0¿5 years and their parents or carers.

Embracing our school's unique bush setting, the program will encourage children and families to explore, discover, create and connect through outdoor play and experiences in the natural environment.

The successful applicant will be responsible for planning and facilitating engaging weekly sessions, promoting the playgroup within the local community, fostering positive relationships with families and strengthening connections between young children, their families and Neerim District Rural Primary School.

The position is 4 hours per week, comprising:

- 2 hours ¿ Facilitating the playgroup for children and their parents/carers.
- 1 hour ¿ Program planning, preparation and community promotion.
- 30 minutes ¿ Setting up activities and resources.
- 30 minutes ¿ Pac

📌 Facilitated Playgroup Leader (Nayook)
🏢 Department of Education Victoria
📍 Nayook