Teacher Aide

Title of Position: Teacher Aide, Visual Art

Type of Appointment: Fixed Term Contract, Part Time, Term 4, 18 hours per week

Context

Established in 2001 in a picturesque setting in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, Pacific Lutheran College is a leading K-12 learning community that is innovative, dynamic and progressive. Firmly underpinned by the values and traditions of excellence of Lutheran Education in Australia, students have achieved outstanding success in the academic, sporting and cultural dimensions of their lives. Enrichment programs in all three areas have enabled students to explore their potential.

Pacific has established a strong academic culture, which promotes thinking, deep understandings and creativity based on the learnings of Harvard's Project Zero team. The synergy of these programs with the research of positive psychology and Lutheran theology provides for a rich whole of life learning culture.

Unique experiences provided through the College's excellent outdoor education, pastoral care and personal development programs, and the opportunities provided through academic, sporting and cultural learning, support an enriching whole of life education. Active involvement in local and international community service projects broaden young people's world view and sense of efficacy.

Our staff take advantage of flexibility in physical and virtual spaces to support an increasingly personalised approach to learning for our young people. Pacific has a seamless curriculum across Kindergarten to Year 12 with teams of teachers working across the four subgroups of the College. Staff are expected to learn collaboratively to contribute to a whole school approach as they lead learning in the Foundation College (Kindergarten – Year 2), Junior College (Years 3-5), Middle College (Years 6-9) and Senior College (Years

Salary and related conditions are as per the Teachers' (Non-Government Schools) Award in conjunction with the Lutheran Schools' Enterprise Agreement 2024.

Role Description

The Teacher Aide (Visual Art) has a critical role in the support of College programs and activities in Visual Art at the College across Years 6 to 12. They are a key member of the team in the support of student and staff needs as we strive to provide quality Christian education in a caring environment whilst meeting Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

The Teacher Aide (Visual Art) reports directly to the Head of Department, Visual Art and classroom teachers for daily operational matters. In supporting the Visual Art learning areas at the College, the Teacher Aide (Visual Art) is expected to:

Strengthening Lutheran Identity

• Support and contribute to the growth of a strong Christian faith community through personal example and professional leadership. This includes participation in chapels, staff devotions and retreats.
• Supporting the Lutheran ethos of the College.

Enhance Excellence in Teaching and Learning

• Collaborate with the classroom teachers to develop resources when required and provide input on the selection of appropriate resources for learning.
• Support students during practical lessons in Visual Art, offering support to the classroom teacher to guide learning while fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Monitor facilities, equipment, resources and services required to ensure that all students, including those with additional needs, receive a high-quality education in a safe, caring environment. This includes  classrooms and learning environments, equipment, materials monitored and replaced where necessary, sinks clear and clean, and benches and storage areas cleaned.
• Assist teachers in preparing demonstrations, and hands-on activities in the learning environment, including excursions and events as applicable.
• Assist with the establishment and maintenance of the Pacific Art Gallery
• Ensure that all equipment is in good working condition, conduct routine inspections, and coordinate calibration, repairs or replacements, as necessary and keeping within departmental budget requirements.
• Preparation, set-up and allocation of equipment and resources required by teachers for class practicals.
• Support the Head of Department and teachers to develop and update safe operating procedures, within your area of responsibility.

Engage in Ongoing Improvement and Innovation

• Engage in ongoing Professional Learning and support the ongoing innovation and improvements in Visual Art .
• Develop skills in emerging industry advancements.
• Collaborate with the Head of Department to evaluate the effectiveness of equipment and propose recommendations for improvements or upgrades.

Enhance Community Building

• Work in partnership with the Head of Department and Visual Art team to support community events providing assistance and support as required.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with staff, students, parents, carers, and the wider community.
• Maintain open lines of communication to address equipment issues, safety concerns, and provide timely updates on maintenance tasks.

Lead Effective Organisation and Management

• Support the Head of Department and other teaching staff to maintain a safe environment for students during practical activities.
• Regularly inspect the classrooms and gallery, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and protocols. This includes inspecting classroom, storage areas and personal issue PPE, and support the maintenance of appropriate compliance records.
• Support in the ordering of equipment, stocktakes and record keeping associated with budgets.
• Work with the classroom teacher and the Head of Department to monitor the student learning environment for the safe handling of chemicals, equipment, and adherence to safety procedures.
• Actively promote a culture of safety and assist the Head of Department to develop safety training materials as needed.
• Be responsible for own health and safety and for the health and safety of persons under their direction. Comply with all statutory health and safety rules applying to this position, including reporting incidents and improvement recommendations to the Head of Department.
• Undertake other duties as appropriate for this role.
• Maintain relevant qualifications for this position.

Workplace Health and Safety

Effective implementation of the College's Workplace Health and Safety Manual requires the active involvement of all employees.  All employees have an obligation to comply with statutory and organisational requirements, procedures and rules that are intended to protect the health and safety of persons at the workplace, including the general public.

All Academic and Ancillary staff must:

• Perform work safely in accordance with the training (induction and annual) they have received and report substandard work conditions or practices.
• Follow lawful written and verbal workplace health and safety instructions issued by managers and supervisors and observe all warning signs and notices.
• Report all personal injuries immediately to the supervisor and the appropriate College delegate.
• Co-operate with and participate in all activities to make the work environment safer and healthier.
• Maintain good housekeeping standards at all times.
• Observe all warning signs and notices.
• Ask for specific instructions regarding the hazards associated with performing tasks that may not be completely familiar (WHPS training is provided)
• Wear clothing and footwear appropriate to their job and use all personal protective devices specified and/or routinely expected for that job.
• Operate specified plant and equipment, e.g. motor vehicles, cranes, etc, only if properly trained and authorised to do so.
• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with anything that might harm the health and safety of themselves and others.
• Not attend work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.  Employees taking any medication must follow the directions of use and report to their Supervisor if this substance may interfere with their performance at work.
• Assist with Risk Assessments and Accident Investigation Reports when requested to do so.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Interest and/or experience in the Visual Art Industry.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Be courteous and responsive in dealing with colleagues, students, parents and members of the public using discretion, tact and maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines and work effectively as a member of a team with limited supervision at times.

Selection Criteria

As a key support role that will require ongoing learning and growth, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate or have the demonstrated capacity to develop the capabilities described below.  The successful applicant will possess:

SC Demonstrated ability to support the Christian ethos of the College.

SC Demonstrated professional skills in the support of teachers and students in the learning of Visual Art. The position requires both administrative skills and the physical capacity to set up, maintain and develop materials involved in visual art classes and co-curricular activities. The ability to use Microsoft Power Point, Word and Excel is an advantage. Similar experience within a school environment would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be expected to show initiative, work with minimal direction and contribute to continual improvement.

SC An understanding and commitment to workplace health and safety within the day to day operations and activities of the College with a focus on activities related to visual arts.

SC Demonstrated high levels of interpersonal capabilities in areas such as teamwork, organisation, time management and communication.  Applicants should demonstrate highly developed written and verbal skills, confidentiality, confidence and be able to work professionally in a busy environment. A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development will be required.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Application Process

The successful applicant must have experience in using Microsoft Office software and data management systems.

Employees must have or be eligible to acquire a Blue Card, maintain their Suitability to Work with Children requirements and meet other mandates as specified by the government for working within schools. Please feel free to contact the Principal in relation to any queries regarding your application.

Applicants must address the selection criteria and forward their application and cover letter to Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal, via email to by noon on Wednesday 3rd September 2025.