Primary Teacher – Kotara South in Newcastle

St James’ Primary School, Kotara South is a Catholic systemic school in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, catering for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. With contemporary evidence-based teaching and learning, St James’ uses a collaborative and personalised approach where teachers and students work together to create a stimulating and engaging learning environment.

Promoting a supportive and safe learning community, St James’ focuses on providing a quality, holistic education that enables each student to reach their full potential. Teachers in a Catholic school have a unique role to play and are assigned with the task of ensuring each child has the opportunity to grow both academically and spiritually and to live purposeful lives. Supported by the Catholic community of which they are a vital part, teachers invite students and their families into a faith-filled educational experience.

Teachers promote the school as a place of learning and excellence where creativity and curiosity are nurtured and students are connected with their world through deep learning and engagement. Teachers differentiate learning for students according to their educational needs and abilities and are responsible for the creation of effective assessment practices and quality teaching programs.

The teacher will promote the school as a place of learning and excellence in accordance with contemporary evidence-based learning and wellbeing principles (including digital learning) and will ensure the ongoing development and implementation of pedagogical practices that impact on student learning outcomes. The teacher will acknowledge and agree to the requirement to work within the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic Education and to actively supporting the Catholic ethos and culture of the school. For Primary or Religion Teaching positions you must also be Catholic.
• Ability to apply appropriate knowledge in order to plan and prepare contemporary and compliant teaching programs and assessments in your nominated areas which meet the diverse characteristics, needs and learning styles of students; and encourage them to work towards attainment of their potential.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilise assessment and relevant school data to optimise organisational and educational outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with school staff and members of the wider community in order to establish productive partnerships and achieve educational outcomes.
• Demonstrate an innovative and agile mindset that supports and enhances a culture of continuous improvement within the school environment.

Qualifications

• Qualifications as a four-year trained teacher.
• Active NESA Accreditation.
• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number.
• Completion of anaphylaxis training.
• Completion of CPR training.

Conditions of Employment

Salary is in accordance with New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2025. Work in quality schools where students are nurtured, challenged and encouraged to excel and grow. A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport (T&C's apply). Employee assistance program (EAP). Training and staff development programmes. Paid parental leave for eligible employees. Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees.

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.