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The Catholic Schools is seeking a Temporary Full-Time Family Engagement Coordinator to join our team from 20 April 2026 to 27 January 2027. This role will work across four schools in the Newcastle region:
Trinity Catholic College Adamstown
St Columba’s Adamstown
St James’ Kotara South
St Kevin’s Cardiff
As the central administrative and leadership body for systemic schools within the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, the Catholic Schools Office supports the operation, governance, and strategic direction of our education community. We serve more than 21,000 students across 45 primary schools, 12 secondary schools, one K–12 school, one flexible learning centre, and one special school, all committed to delivering high‑quality education grounded in Catholic values and tradition.
The Family Engagement Coordinator (FEC) works with the Principal to support and strengthen family engagement within the school, church and wider community. Relationships are the cornerstone of effective family engagement, therefore the FEC plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining sound, respectful relationships between the parents/families, the school and the Church. In the spirit of welcome, inclusion and belonging, the FEC invites families to engage in meaningful activities and events across three distinct domains: home, school, and church, to nurture faith and support wellbeing.
The primary purpose of this role is to:
collaborate with the Principal to enhance and support the involvement of families within the school, local Parish, and broader community;
develop and maintain respectful relationships between parents/carers, the school, and the local Parish as a foundation for effective engagement;
empower parents and carers by providing them with the tools, resources, and support needed to actively participate in their child's education and faith development.
organise and coordinate events that encourage family participation, creating opportunities for families to connect with the school and parish community.
Desired Skills and Experience
EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA
Practising Catholic active in the life of a Eucharistic community, with an understanding of their baptismal call to share and witness the good news of Jesus Christ.
The capacity to deliver prayer/faith formation opportunities that speak to the spiritual, personal and professional aspects of all people.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences, including families, staff, and community stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with families and community members, fostering trust and collaboration.
Empathy and compassion to understand and address the diverse needs and concerns of families with sensitivity and understanding.
Strong organisational skills to plan and execute events, manage resources, and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
Cultural competence to work effectively with families from diverse backgrounds, respecting and valuing different cultural perspectives and practices.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, community partners, and other stakeholders to promote family engagement and achieve organisational goals.
Tertiary Qualification in Education, Welfare, Health, Pastoral Ministry or related disciplines.
Have relevant experience in a comparable role (for example in education or ministry).
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications as a four-year trained teacher or equivalent
Active AWTL Accreditation
Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
Completion of anaphylaxis training
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US
Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow
A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Training and staff development programs
Paid parental leave for eligible employees
Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact Ryan Gato on Tel: (02) 4979 1200 or via email: ryan.gato@mn.catholic.edu.au
TO APPLY, CLICK ON THE APPLY BUTTON BELOW AND
Please provide a cover letter along with your resume
Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listedunder EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words.
Please note, not adequately addressing the selection criteria may result in your application not being shortlisted.
Applications close: Sunday 15th March 2026 at 11.59pm
Additional information
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is a child safe organisation, committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons and has zero-tolerance of any abuse. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and comply with our Safeguarding Framework Policy and Codes of Conduct.
This position has been determined as child related and the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will be verifying the successful applicant’s Working with Children Check for Paid Employment prior to commencing working in the position. For more information, please visit the NSW Office of Children’s Guardian.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children.