Hundreds of admin staff start school to take the load off teachers

More than 200 admin staff will join NSW schools this term and their task is simple; to take the administrative load off teachers.

They come from all walks of life and their task is simple; to take the administrative load off teachers.

More than 200 admin staff will join schools across northern Sydney, Lithgow and Port Macquarie this term in the first stage of a NSW government plan to lighten teacher workloads.

Tasks like photocopying and laminating, compiling newsletters and organising excursions will fall to their willing hands, allowing teachers to, well, teach.

Fifty-year-old personal trainer Rebecca Mercimek was happy to answer the call to assist teachers at Riverbank Public School – and gain valuable skills in a new industry.

“I’ve worked in the fitness industry, as a personal trainer and a gymnastics coach, and have handled accounts for my family business,” she said.

School administration officers at Riverbank Public School, in Sydney’s north west, are (from left) Alissa Baliva, Rebecca Roberts, Rebecca Mercimek, Jeanie Brown (school principal), Karissa Steiner and Nikki Fiocco. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“When I saw this six-month trial I thought it was a great opportunity to try something new and upskill myself in the process.

“I’ve got two children in school, so it’s great to see how it all works behind the scenes, and to help out so it frees the teachers up to teach. No job’s too small, I’m happy to help.”

The western Sydney school is large for a primary school, with around 2000 students, and principal Jeanie Brown has welcomed the addition of five new support staff this term.

“It’s wonderful to be part of this pilot program, which will improve our daily operations by significantly reducing administrative tasks for my executive and teachers,” she said. “It enables our teachers to spend more time in the classroom.”

Kariaa Steiner has also joined Riverbank Public for the program, and it’s been an easy transition after working in a number of support roles in schools for the past 12 years.

“There’s so many different admin tasks that teachers have to do – organising camps, permission notes, excursion packs and data entry – that take them away from their primary roles.”

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the pilot was part of the Quality Time program which aimed to rethink what tasks were performed by teachers, and to modernise and streamline the operation of schools.

“From helping coordinate school events to following up on student attendance matters with parents, I know these staff will provide welcome support in our schools,” she said.

The approach aligned both with staff feedback and research from the Grattan Institute which recommended finding better ways to use the entire school workforce.

“We have heard our teachers that it is not one policy or thing they need removed to help them with their workload, rather they need holistic and flexible support to lighten their workload,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We want our teachers to do what they do best - teaching and supporting our children in their learning - and spend less time on admin tasks.”

According to Ms Mitchell, last year the Quality Time initiative saved teachers 50 hours - and principals 212 hours - through cutting unnecessary administrative work.

It comes after the results of a 2022 government employee survey revealed two thirds of teachers felt burnt out, with high workloads and more administrative tasks the major contributing factors.