St Mary's Catholic Primary School is situated in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland. It is the gateway to the world-famous Gippsland Lakes, which includes the Mitchell River region, surrounding forests, and the Ninety Mile Beach. Bairnsdale is a laid-back country town close to scenic drives. It has a population nearing 16,000 and is a major regional centre of eastern Victoria.

About the Role

St Mary's Catholic Primary School has an enrolment of 472 and is richly blessed with a proud inclusive community of students, staff and families. Our teams work collaboratively, planning together and supporting each other to ensure the best outcomes for our students.

Learning Support Officers (LSO) are responsible for the delivery of quality support that enhances the provision of a Catholic Education aimed at improving outcomes and wellbeing for all students. St Mary's school recognises LSO's as critical players in the delivery of a quality education.

Classroom Learning Support Officer: Full-time position

Hours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm (5 days per week)

Period: Ongoing

Commencement Date: 27th January 2026

Duties and responsibilities will include

Assisting student learning, where discretion and judgment are required (including providing more individualised approaches and intervention strategies, and assisting in the identification of learning needs and evaluation of progress under the general supervision and direction of the Teacher)

Participate in the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of student learning and programs

Work with students to enable them to use specialised augmentative communication and adaptive technology to enhance student access to the curriculum;

Benefits:

Salary earning, $56,019 - $71,742 (pro-rata)

Salary increases each January and July (Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited Schools and Secretariat Agreement 2022)

Annual leave loading

Salary Packaging

Flexible leave day

Parental leave – 16 weeks

Dedicated support from school leadership

Social events to create community with staff and families

A strong team culture based on relationships and trust

Essential Knowledge and Experience

Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with children, parents and the school community

Ability to manage tasks with minimal supervision

Certificate III/IV qualification or equivalent education level

Some experience working with children or in educational settings is preferred

Our school is located within lovely surroundings, nestled in a stunning location close to both the mountains and the sea. We have expansive playgrounds for our students to play. The school is known for its warm and positive community, where students, parents, and staff work together in a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. With a dedicated and caring team of staff members, St Mary's fosters professional growth and collaboration, creating a rewarding and enjoyable place to work every day. We provide an environment that encourages all children to be confident and excited about learning. We believe the child is at the centre of all learning and we recognise that students are individuals – each with their own distinctive learning needs and styles

Our staff demonstrate a commitment to Catholic education and to the safety and wellbeing of children. We welcome applicants with experience working within Catholic Education but also give a commitment to warmly welcoming new staff from other sectors or non-education backgrounds.

How to apply

Further information on this exciting opportunity and application process can be found by contacting Principal, Mrs Lisa Parwata.

Applications are to include a one-page cover letter addressed to the Principal and a CV that includes three professional referees. Applications are to be emailed to [email protected]

Applications close Friday, 14th November 2025. Please note: the interview process may commence before the closing date and, if a suitable applicant is found, the role may close early. We would encourage applications to be received as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

St Mary's Catholic Primary School is committed to the safety, wellbeing, participation, and empowerment of children. Staff are required to adhere to the School's Code of Conduct, Child Safety Policy and Procedure, the Mandatory Reporting Policy and be committed to the safety and wellbeing of children.

The successful applicant must have the right to work in Australia, will be subject to background checks and required to provide a current WWCC.