AddressBell Primary School is a dynamic and community focused school with a 2024 student enrolment of 450 students. The school is proud of its long history of providing education in the Preston community since its establishment in 1928. The pleasant, well maintained school grounds enhance the learning programs and community activities. Bell Primary School is committed to building active student and community involvement ¿ a philosophy that underpins a range of programs and community bodies.
The school is supported by a dynamic community led by a dedicated School Council including the following Sub- Committees and Working Groups:
- Finance
- Education and Innovation
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Community Engagement & Fundraising
- Infrastructure-Facilities
- Sustainability
- Fundraising and Fete team
In 2020, the school opened a new senior school learning hub on the second floor of the main building and a refurbished library as part of a capital works upgrade to support collaborative and connected learning approaches. The learning centre, main building and 7 Modular-5 relocatable buildings provide further opportunities for flexible learning that support staff in catering for the needs of individual and groups of students. In 2024, the school operates with 20 classes.
This year, Stage 2 of the building master plan will be completed, including the construction of a gym/hall for school and community use primarily in the areas of PE/sport and performing arts.
The school continues to prioritise the core areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Curiosity with a focus on building consistency of practice through implementing our agreed upon teaching and learning model. As a professional learning community, we continue to focus on enhancing teaching and learning practices and improving student achievement outcomes through data driven planning in collaborative teams.
An emphasis on high impact teaching strategies including differentiation and providing additional support and extension is central to our approach to teaching and learning at Bell. A tutoring/intervention program is continuing in 2024 to support identified students with targeted and precise learning activities. This year the school has introduced a Tier 2 Social and Emotional learning intervention program to support the wellbeing of particular students in certain cohorts.
At Bell Primary, we implement Berry Street Educational Model (BSEM) strategies. BSEM is based on proven positive education, trauma-informed and wellbeing practices that enable students¿ academic and personal growth. The BSEM comprises five domains or `pedagogical lenses¿: Body, Stamina, Engagement and Character, all anchored by Relationships. BSEM along with the Respectful Relationships, Rights and Resilience form the basis of the school's social emotional curriculum that's explicitly taught throughout the year. As part of our Start Up Program, the first week of the school year is spent setting the tone in each room with a strong emphasis on values and developing effective routines and relationships.
Specialist subjects for Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, STEAM and Language (Italian) are delivered weekly to all grades.
Students also have opportunities to develop leadership skills through involvement in forums such as Junior School Council, Sustainability reps and an extensive Grade 6 Leadership program. Bell offers a range of extra-curricular activities as part of its commitment to supporting student engagement, wellbeing, motivation and interest including interschool sport, camps, senior vocal ensemble and rock band, art extension classes, as well as offering a number of instrumental music lessons by external providers. Staff also offer a range of lunchtime clubs at various times of the year, some of which lead to school representation opportunities such as debating and Tournament of Minds.
Our school encourages students to operate independently and co-operatively, to be valued and value others and to take pride and pleasure in participation and achievement.
Our vision and values underpin all decision making and guide the behaviours and attitude of all members of the Bell Community:
Vision
Bell Primary school is a caring community that fosters a love of learning in young people. At school and beyond, students are confident to think critically and empowered to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Values
Resilience: As learners, we embrace a challenge and don¿t give up. We can overcome obstacles and bounce back from difficult situations.
Creativity: We are open to novel ideas and explore new ways to solve problems.
Curiosity: We are excited to explore new and challenging ideas.
Collaboration: We work together to share ideas and knowledge to achieve a common goal.
Respect: We foster a culture in which people feel safe to be themselves and are inclusive of others. We take care of our environment and enjoy the wonders it offers.
SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role.
SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level oral and written communication skills.
SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.
SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.
SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.
Attendance requirement for this position is Monday to Friday from 9.00am - 3.30pm.
An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include 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 individually or in groups up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level (noting that Registered Nurse is not included at this level, the first level for which is Level 1 range 3).
A role at this range may include:
- Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes. Typically, this will involve accountability for a single function, (e.g. ensuring data is properly maintained) or the co-ordination of a work area under the direction of the principal or a manager.
- Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function.
- Supervised health and wellbeing support tasks, medical intervention support tasks, or other specialised student/teacher support roles (e.g. enrolled nurses performing the role as described in schedule 3). These roles require specific qualifications and/or training, including roles where further training must be undertaken 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.
- Technical tasks that require a sound knowledge of basic technical and/or scientific principles that are used to develop and adapt work methods and make judgements where there are clear guidelines and limited options. Routine technical support in libraries, science, and information technology would be typical examples.
An education support class position at this range commencing at the base will initially be limited to undertaking routine tasks that are 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. Subject to any specific qualification and/or training requirement, an education support class employee employed in this range may be progressively required to undertake coordination, specialised student/teacher support tasks, or technical tasks as experience in the role is gained.
- Provides routine support for teachers including assisting with planning of student routines
- Supports communication between teachers and parents
- Communicates with teachers on routine matters related to students and/or other responsibilities
- Provides basic physical care and wellbeing support for students such as toileting, meals, and lifting
- Communicating with student/s to support comprehension of basic tasks and information
- Addresses immediate behavioural presentations relating to specific students within a classroom setting aligned to school policy and procedure
- Provides basic support and supervision for individuals or groups of up to 4 students within a classroom setting
- Supports teachers in the coordination of educational programs independently or under minimal supervision, including rostering and organising the work of a team of aides, providing routine co-ordination, guidance, and support to other student support staff, liaising with external providers of support services about clearly defined support needs and resources, assisting teachers with the communication of student outcomes and educational programs
- Provides medical intervention support to a student/s, under specific conditions, with appropriate training and guidance
- Provides specialised communication support for students and teachers in areas such as AUSLAN and braille
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
The Department of Education and Training 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.
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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/protect/Pages/childsafestandards.aspx
The Department’s employees commit to upholding DET’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DET’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 DET values is available at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/workm/Pages/Public-Sector-Values.aspx
- 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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx
