Ongoing Graduate Teacher - Footscray City Primary School

Location Profile  

Footscray City Primary School (FCPS) is a Foundation to Year 6 school established in 1877 in the inner-west suburb of Footscray, in the City of Maribyrnong, seven kilometers from central Melbourne. The school is located next to the City of Maribyrnong Council Offices and is four hundred meters south of the Footscray railway station. We are also a campus for the Western English Language School (WELS).

The school's history is reflected in its four buildings. The original 1877 Bluestone Building is now used for the Instrumental and Ensemble Music Program and the allocation of classroom spaces for the WELS. The 1910 Peppercorn building houses six classrooms for Foundation classes and specialist programs in STEAM and LOTE, and a large central area that provides a library space and allows for collaborative learning experiences and community gatherings. The 1970's Main Building has just completed a major capital works refurbishment and houses the school's administration area, staff lounge, art program, and 16 classrooms for years 1 to 6, The 2019 Gymnasium and Performing Arts Building houses our canteen, music program, basketball court and Outside School Hours Care program.

The students' learning experiences are enriched by our grounds which include the beautiful North Garden, sensory playgrounds, basketball courts and soccer pitch, and nature play areas.

A total of 470 students were enrolled at this school in 2024 and we project enrolments of around 460 students in 2025. The Student Family Occupation and Education index takes into account parents' occupations and education and this is then used by the DET to determine our Equity funding. For 2024, our Student Family Occupation and Education Index (SFOE) was categorised as high. 

FCPS is one of four schools involved in the Footscray Learning Precinct. This State Government initiative has seen us work collaboratively with the educators from these other schools since 2016 so as to develop a Framework for Student Learning that is research based and strives for excellence in the learning opportunities available to the community. Stage One funding saw the Master Plan developed for the entire FLP, which included plans for the refurbishment of the Peppercorn and Main Buildings at FCPS to allow for greater capacity and to upgrade facilities in accordance with current learning and teaching pedagogy. Stage One funding also delivered the Gymnasium and Performing Arts Building at FCPS and which serves as a shared used facility with the Pilgrim Street Campus of Footscray High School. As a further part of the FLP, an Early Learning Centre has been established on the site next to FCPS and the educators in both settings collaborate to ensure high standards of learning and smooth transitions from the early learning to primary school setting.

Mission

We are future making for every child so that they are learning to learn, learning to thrive and learning to contribute.

Vision

Our students will possess the skills, knowledge and ways of thinking that enable them to embrace learning, respond to challenges and thrive as active members of the community. 

Values

At Footscray City Primary School we are a diverse and inclusive COMMUNITY who value:

• Taking RESPONSIBILITY for our learning and our impact on our selves, others and our environment.
• Thinking and acting with KINDNESS which means we are friendly towards others and considerate of their feelings.
• Demonstrating RESILIENCE by persisting and being courageous when faced with challenges in our learning and relationships.

Learning and Teaching

The school focuses on the development of student capabilities in literacy and numeracy, believing these are the foundations for learning all areas of curriculum.

The instructional model and instructional strategies implemented in all classroom and specialist programs are based on the research of Robert Marzano, McREL International, Richard and Rebecca Dufour and John Hattie. Focus is placed on all students learning at high levels, educators working collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities and evidence-based practice to ensure growth for every child.

Our Annual Implementation Plan prioritises the building of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, particularly in the areas of `Building Practice Excellence' and `Curriculum Planning and Assessment'. The school places a strong emphasis on leaders operating with a focus on curriculum, instruction and assessment, and we have a range of leadership opportunities including PLTs, Curriculum Priority Areas and Curriculum Coaching of teachers. Our priority is to deliver improved student learning outcomes for every child through personalised learning programs, an orderly environment and the development of a Growth Mindset.

Our Specialist Programs are delivered by teachers specifically trained in their respective fields and with significant experience in the areas of Visual and Performing Arts, Language Learning (Mandarin), Physical Education and STEAM. The Specialist Professional Learning Team work collaboratively as a team and with teachers across the school, ensuring students are exposed to concepts across the learning areas and have the opportunity to access a diverse curriculum.

We also offer a high quality Instrumental Music Program, with students accessing this learning during the school day with highly trained and specialised music educators.  Students have the opportunity to work in individual and small group settings, with regular performance presentations to their peers and community members. We have a proven record of this program enhancing the learning, engagement and wellbeing of our students, and contributing to improved learning outcomes across the curriculum.

Community Involvement

The parent community is actively involved in the school and their children's learning. This is in the form of involvement in school council sub-committees, classroom volunteers, maintenance and improvements to facilities and grounds, fundraising and community events such as our bi-annual Art Show (Visual Arts) and Music Concerts (Performing Arts), participating in Curriculum Celebrations and Student Learning Conferences. Teachers and school leaders in our school are committed to supporting community involvement in the school's programs, understanding its contribution to student growth and achievement.

Program Benefits 

This position attracts an incentive payment of $5,650 (pre-tax) for the successful candidate who meets the eligibility criteria set out under conditions of employment.

Conditions of Employment 

All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements. 

The appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment conditions check. 

A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided. 

Eligibility for incentive payments: 

• The successful candidate is committing to a minimum of 1 year employment at this school. 
• The successful candidate will not be a Graduate Teacher Incentive recipient from a previous vacancy. 
• The successful candidate must not be employed as a teacher by the Department at the time the advertised position is to commence. 

EEO AND OHS Commitment 

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]