Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - Southern suburbs
Reference: 1480470
Kambrya College is a co-educational Government secondary school in Berwick, Victoria, Australia. In 2025, we will have a student population of approximately 2400 students. We offer a broad range of programs from Years 7-12, culminating in a highly effective VCE program in the senior years. In 2024 our VCE results ranked us as the highest performing non-select entry state school in Southern Melbourne, and we also outperformed many private schools in the district. Our literacy and numeracy data indicates that we are providing robust instruction and support for students, with all NAPLAN growth and achievement levels significantly above state, similar school and network averages. The College has a strong focus on developing numeracy and literacy skills for all students and has a range of programs to support student development.
Our annual Student Attitudes to School Survey results demonstrate that we are a school on a strong trajectory of improvement, and since 2018 we have increased all measures significantly. Many are now in the top 20% of the state, and some even in the top 10%. Overall, we increased from the bottom 49% in 2017 to the top 20% of all Victorian Government Secondary Schools by 2023, and this improvement was sustained in 2024.
Our staff culture is one of both high expectations and collegiality. Our annual Department of Education Staff Opinion Survey results consistently show that we are well above the state, network and similar school averages in all indicators, such as positive school climate, collective efficacy, collective focus on student learning, and staff trust in colleagues. Overall, our staff survey results show that for school climate indicators we are in the top 10% of all Victorian Government Schools. We have more than 280 staff at Kambrya College, and yet we have an extremely high staff retention rate, with only 2-3% of staff seeking other opportunities during any average year.
Our College also has a strong focus on developing leadership skills for staff. This includes a structured Leadership Development Program and one-to-one GROWTH coaching available for staff. With such a large student cohort and so many different needs and programs, the career opportunities at Kambrya College are vast, and there is a large suite of tiered opportunities for leadership and development for staff to progress their careers.
We take particular pride in our approach to supporting and mentoring teachers who are new to the profession. Graduate teachers are supported to achieve their full registration with VIT through a simple and streamlined process with extensive support. In addition to the regular 5% reduction, our beginning teachers have their teaching load further reduced to give them access to DE's "Career Start Program" which includes PD and additional mentoring.
Our Teaching and Learning Cycle provides a sharp focus for teachers to plan and deliver high quality instructional practice. This includes an emphasis on high impact teaching strategies, and positive classroom management strategies. We have a strong focus on student health, engagement and wellbeing, and we use a School Wide Positive Behaviour System to recognise student behaviours and create a culture of mutual respect. We have a large Student Health, Wellbeing and Engagement Centre which hosts a range of clinicians and counsellors to support students. We have a range of tailored programs to support both the emotional and academic development of our students. Students also have designated Learning Mentors to support their learning and wellbeing.
In the Junior School (Years 7-9) we operate four vertical sub-schools which each reflect one of our core values (integrity, achievement, respect and compassion). Students join one of these four sub schools and remain in this sub school with their peers and a core group of teachers until the end of Year 9. Senior School (10-12) students are in horizontal year levels and have their own buildings and facilities, but are still part of a sub school for the purposes of sports carnivals etc.
Our College has a great range of facilities, including 13 science laboratories, three food technology kitchens (including one hospitality centre), a three court indoor gymnasium complex, well manicured soccer pitch and football oval, a 200 seat performing arts theatre, art studios, woodwork and systems technology rooms. To support aspiring athletes, the college also runs an Athlete Development Program and has recently constructed a new fitness centre to support their program. For those with a passion for performing arts, the College offers a Musician Development Program with a large number of bands/choirs/ensembles, specialist instrumental staff, a variety of instruments to learn and numerous opportunities to perform. The annual College Production brings together all aspects of visual and performing arts and is a major all-inclusive student event on the calendar each year. Our vocational training facilities for senior students include fully equipped centres for Building and Construction, Plumbing, Hairdressing, Beauty Services, Hospitality and Cookery, and Sport and Recreation. In 2025 we opened a stunning new two-story building housing 18 new classrooms, and we also completed an extension to the science wing with two additional chemistry labs. We have also recently opened a refurbished library with significant upgrades. All students are supported with a college wide laptop lease scheme, and the college utilises both Compass and MS Teams to provide collaboration for students, staff and parents.
Kambrya College builds and maintains strong international connections with sister schools in Japan and Germany, with the opportunity for students to engage in cultural exchanges. Furthermore, the College facilitates a range of other camps and experiences for students, including a Year 10 Central Australia camp.
SC1 Demonstrated experience and skills in providing students with professional and evidence based approaches to wellbeing support.
SC2 Demonstrated capacity to follow and improve procedures and guidelines that are relevant to student wellbeing (within the confines of overarching policies and legislation).
SC3 Proven ability to exercise good judgement under pressure, and to work calmly when confronted with student wellbeing challenges.
SC4 A proven capacity to work effectively as a member of a dynamic and high performing team, with a strong focus on professional learning and growth for both self and others.
SC5 Proven ability to form effective relationships and partnerships with all relevant stakeholders.
The successful applicant will work as a member of the college's Student Health, Wellbeing and Engagement team to provide both preventative and targeted wellbeing support for students. This will require the applicant to effectively meet the key elements highlighted in the selection criteria and the list of responsibilities. The team member will work within the parameters and dimensions of work as per the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022.
The general role description for ES1-3 from the VGSA is as follows:
Performs and/or supervises tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy. This may include the supervision and coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program. Supervision and coordination would be limited to ensuring routine tasks are performed to required standards. Input into identifying training needs and development of education support class staff within the work area or educational program becomes an important feature at range 3.
Undertakes medical intervention support tasks or other specialised student/teacher support roles that require specific training that must be updated from time to time. The role is for a specific purpose for which there will be direct accountability as opposed to support roles that are carried out by a range of staff performing routine tasks under direction.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include the duties of a teacher as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor.
Supervision of students can be required where it is an integral part of the employee's position or in circumstances where supervision is required individually or in groups of up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
The responsibilities of this position will be:
1. Deliver support service/s in a school/s, including the direct counselling for students with a range of mental health issues, applying sound theoretical knowledge.
2. Plan and implement evidence-based intervention strategies for students with complex needs including collaborating with families, other professionals and agencies when appropriate
3. Provide advice and professional learning to others, such as teachers and other school wellbeing staff, to build the capacity of schools to improve students¿ learning and developmental outcomes.
4. Liaise with other Department areas (including secondary school nurses and Student Support Services staff) and external service providers where necessary to provide support to students.
5. Maintain professional competence and continued professional learning, including attending professional development activities throughout the year.
6. Meet relevant policies and legislative requirements in relation to student health information privacy.
7. Any other reasonable responsibilities, as required by the Principal.
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
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.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, 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 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. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]
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
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
This vacancy is to replace an employee on parental absence and is for a period of seven years or until the employee absent on leave returns to duty at the school.