Department of Education - Victoria

Toolern Vale & District is situated in a beautiful natural environment, surrounded by a creek, forest, and gentle hills that contain an abundance of native flora and fauna. While the school is classed as metropolitan, it is generally described as a `country¿ school. The township of Toolern Vale is situated 40 kms north-west of Melbourne and located within the City of Melton. 

We are a small school with a current enrolment of 165 students. Given the small school population there is a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging amongst students, families and staff.  A significant proportion of enrolments are requested by families out of our school zone. The school's SFOE index is 0.4773. 

in 2025, our school will have seven composite classes, and specialist programs in Health and PE, the Arts, Science and LOTE. The staff structure includes 7 classroom and 1.8 specialist teachers, 2 x.6 tutor, a principal, assistant principal, DI Learning Specialist, 8 education support staff, 0.6 psychologist, and .4 welfare teacher. Our admin team is made up of our business manager and part time administration officer. 

 Staff work in professional learning communities (PLCs) supported by a team leader, to monitor and improve the effectiveness of their instruction. The school provides staff with professional learning opportunities and individualised coaching related to the instructional model.

The school has substantially increased the range of wellbeing supports available through a multi-tiered approach. Universal supports have focussed on greater consistency in the school's positive behaviour support model throughout all classes. Targeted and individualised supports have focussed on small group and 1:1 programs with the school¿s wellbeing teacher and school psychologist. The combination of supports has enhanced student engagement and wellbeing and are an ongoing priority for the school.

SC1    Demonstrated knowledge of the relevant curriculum, including the capacity to incorporate the teaching of literacy and numeracy skills. Demonstrated capacity to respond to student learning needs.

SC2    Demonstrated capacity to implement high impact teaching strategies, guided by how students learn, and evaluate the impact of learning and teaching programs on student learning growth. 

SC3    Demonstrated capacity to monitor and assess student learning. Demonstrated capacity to use data to inform teaching practice and to provide feedback on student learning growth and achievement to students and parents.

SC4    Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, parents, colleagues and the broader school community to support student learning, wellbeing and engagement.    

SC5    Demonstrated behaviours and attitudes consistent with Department values. Demonstrated capacity to reflect upon practice and engage in professional learning to continually improve the quality of teaching.