Project Officer

Posted: 17/11/2025

Closing Date: 07/12/2025

Job Type: Temporary

Location: Newcastle West

Job Category: Education, Childcare & Training

Catholic Schools are on the look out for a temporary pat time 0.8FTE Gifted Education Mentor Project Officer to join the team.

We are seeking a dynamic educator (0.8 FTE, temporary) to lead and strengthen outcomes for High Potential and Gifted (HPG) learners across our school, Monday to Thursday. In this role, you will champion evidence-based practice, guide colleagues in effective teaching strategies, and support the development and revision of programs that meet the needs of HPG students—particularly those from underrepresented groups. You will drive the use of digital tools to create inclusive learning environments, coordinate systematic identification processes, and deliver high-quality professional learning. Strong collaboration with families, staff, and diocesan partners is essential, along with a commitment to ethical leadership and fostering a culture of high expectations.

• Leading colleagues to support and improve High Potential Gifted (HPG) student outcomes through evidence-based practices, informed by research and literature, and leveraging comprehensive knowledge of student development, curriculum, and teaching strategies.
• Evaluating and revising school learning and teaching programs to meet the needs of HPG students and those from underrepresented groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, EAL/D students, rural and remote students, twice-exceptional and thrice students, and those underachieving.
• Guiding the effective use of technology and digital resources to enhance learning opportunities and create inclusive educational environments.
  • Planning and providing ongoing professional learning opportunities that focus on teaching HPG learners, supported by connections within the diocese network.
• Implementing systematic processes for identifying and profiling HPG learners, ensuring equitable access and support, and collaborating with internal and diocesan partners.
• Building and maintaining respectful relationships with parents, caregivers, and community representatives to support student engagement and participation, and ensuring consistent communication.
• Demonstrating exemplary practice and ethical behaviour in professional dealings, leading by example to foster a culture of high expectations and evidence-based decision-making.

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic Education and the mission of the Church through Catholic schools.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure a Catholic perspective across the curriculum.
• Four-year trained teacher classification with at least five years successful teaching experience and accredited at proficient level.
• Ability to apply appropriate knowledge to plan and prepare contemporary and compliant teaching and learning programs across multiple subject areas to meet the diverse characteristics, needs, and learning styles of HPG students; and encourage them to reach their potential.
• Demonstrated capacity as an effective, skilled classroom practitioner who routinely works independently and collaboratively to improve their own practice and the practice of colleagues.
• High level interpersonal skills with the capacity to develop and sustain constructive and respectful relationships within and beyond the online learning community.
• Demonstrated excellent organisation, communication and ICT skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilise data to optimise organisational and educational outcomes.
• Have completed, or agree to complete, the Mini Certificate in Gifted Education (Mini COGE) or equivalent or postgraduate studies in HPG education.
• Demonstrated innovative and agile mindset that supports and enhances a culture of continuous improvement.
• Experience supporting students working in an educational online environment (Desirable)
• Previously held a role in HPG Education (Desirable)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualifications as a four-year trained teacher
• At least 5 years of teaching experience
• Active NESA Accreditation
• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number.
• Completion of anaphylaxis training
• Holds a current driver's licence.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary is in accordance with Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Employees Enterprise Agreement 2019.

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 Maree Karaka on Tel: or via email:

TO APPLY

• 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 7th December 2025 at 11.59pm

Additional information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese's Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese's Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.