Staff Spotlight on Diana

At Junior Adventures Group, our focus is nurturing the potential of children in our care across Australia. We also believe in making a lasting positive impact in the communities where we live and work.

We couldn’t do this without our incredible staff, like our amazing Coordinators. In this Staff Spotlight, we spoke with Helping Hands Network Service Manager, Diana Armanelli in QLD. With many years of experience working in outside school hours care, we asked Diana why she loves working in the industry and what makes working at OSHC so special.

Name: Diana Armanelli 
Service name and location: Helping Hands Ferny Grove 
Role: Service Manager 
Years with JAG (or in the sector): Sector – 22 years. 13 years JAG

Tell us a bit about your journey, what brought you to JAG and what keeps you here?

I started my Bachelor of Education Primary in 2001. My friend was working at OSHC and suggested I apply for a position at OSHC as it would give me experience with primary school children. I started in 2003 as a casual educator doing 2hrs a week.

I worked my way from a casual educator to educator to assistant coordinator to coordinator to Lead Coordinator to regional manager and now service manager. I did regional manager role for 6 months however I found I preferred to work in the service with the children, school and families.

I have stayed at the school the whole time as it is a great school to work at. I have stayed with JAG as it is a great company and gave me support and opportunities to develop my skills.

What does a great day at your job look like?

Seeing all the children in the morning and afternoon with happy and smiling faces. The children are excited to be at OSHC and to tell us all about their days. Knowing that we are making a difference in the children’s lives is important and reminds me why I love this job. Greeting the children, listening to them and their stories, being there for the children and being engaged with the children and providing activities and support.  

Being involved in the school events such as book week, Walk for Daniel, Colour Run and other school events.  

Can you share a moment or memory that made you feel proud to do this work?

As I have worked at the same service for many years, I have seen a lot of children come to OSHC. Some of these children have turned into great adults and are working or have worked at our service as they loved coming to OSHC and have said we have made a difference to their lives. We often have children who have left the school come back to say hi and let us know how their lives are going. The parents and school staff often come to visit and let us know what a great job we have done. Knowing that we have made an impact on the lives of these children makes me feel proud. 

How do you help children feel safe, seen and supported in your service?

We ensure that all children are welcomed and feel included. We use the children's needs and interests when developing the program and activities. 

We have wellbeing plans for children that need extra support. We work with families and children to find the best ways to support their children.  

We have different routines for students that need to do things a bit differently.  

We work with the school and families to provide care when they are having difficult times. We work closely with families and schools to ensure every child feels supported and included in our programs. 

I attend parades and school events to show my support to the children and to show them I care about them.  

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since working at JAG?

I have learnt that things are always changing. I have learnt to be able to change and grow in the service and sector. I have also learnt to ask for help when needed.  

What do you think families or the community might not realise about the work you do?

Many people are surprised by the level of planning and programming that goes into creating engaging experiences for children, to ensure we are providing the children with the best opportunities and programs for the children.  

How do you support your team and help create a positive culture at your service?

I ensure that all the team feels included and valued. I give them opportunities to contribute to the service and listen to their ideas and contributions. As a team we go out for dinners/coffee and celebrate at Christmas and when educators leave the service. We celebrate educators' birthdays and when something exciting has happened in their lives. On OSHC educators' day I ensure we celebrate each educator and I provide gifts to each staff on this day and at the Christmas parties to ensure that they feel valued.  

Do you have a heartwarming story to share about the impact our service has?

Often our parents refer to us as part of their village and say they are lost without us.  

When out of the school and we see past families and children they often say how much of a difference we have made on their lives. They will come running up to us wanting to tell me what they have been doing.  

We support children through challenging circumstances, helping them feel cared for and included.  

I often attend the parades and school events. The children love seeing myself and other educators at these events. They are excited to show us their achievements. 

Children want to come to OSHC. I am proud that I have built a service that children want to attend, families are happy with it and the educators are wanting to work and attend school functions. Having past students working at the service shows that we have had an impact on their lives and have made a difference. I want all children to feel included, cared for and supported. I come to work to ensure I make a difference to all at the service. 

Anything else you would like to share about yourself, your team or experiences?

Children want to come to OSHC. I am proud that I have built a service that children want to attend, families are happy with it and the educators are wanting to work and attend school functions. Having past students working at the service shows that we have had an impact on their lives and have made a difference. I want all children to feel included, cared for and supported. I come to work to ensure I make a difference to all at the service. Working with the school, children and educators' makes my day enjoyable and reminds me why I do this job. I love how I can have an impact on the lives of children.  

Would you like to work with us?

If you’re interested in working in the outside school hours care industry, we’d love to hear from you.

Visit our careers web page and discover the latest roles available in our services.