Commencement Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026

Employment Type: Term Time, Fixed Term until 27 November 2026 (30 hours per school week)

Salary Range: SOF Level 6 - $42.67 to $51.95 Gross per hour

Closing Date for Applications: 5:00pm, 21 August 2026

Mount St Bernard College is located at Herberton on the Atherton Tablelands. Established in 1921 by the Sisters of Mercy as a day and boarding school, the College enjoys a proud history and a rich tradition.

The Sisters of Mercy began their educational ministry in the Herberton district over 100 years ago with the opening of St Patrick’s Parish Catholic Primary School in 1910. Responding to the changing educational needs in Far North Queensland, the original Sisters of Mercy Boarding School, St Mary’s Cooktown, was moved to Herberton in 1921. The Sisters of Mercy gifted the college to the Diocese of Cairns in February 2006 and it is now administered by Cairns Catholic Education Services.

The Catholic Education Community – Diocese of Cairns, is a partnership between Catholic Education Services and twenty-nine schools. The Bishop of Cairns delegates responsibility for the leadership and strategic management of this system of 29 schools to the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

The college has approximately 140 students, including boarders and day students.

About the Role

The Transition and Engagement Officer supports the successful transition, engagement, wellbeing and retention of students, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students transitioning from remote communities to boarding and secondary school environments. The role works collaboratively with students, families, boarding staff, school personnel, communities and external agencies to develop culturally responsive transition pathways and strategies that improve educational participation and student outcomes.





- Lead and coordinate programs and activities that support students' successful transition into secondary school and boarding life, fostering engagement, wellbeing and educational success.
- Build and maintain robust relationships with families, Elders, remote communities and community organisations to support student participation, attendance and positive educational outcomes.
- Coordinate enrolment, orientation and induction processes including interviews, school tours, transition programs and family support throughout the onboarding journey.
- Provide targeted support and advocacy for students at risk of disengagement, collaborating with families, staff and external agencies to develop and implement effective support plans.
- Collaborate with school, boarding and external stakeholders to strengthen transition pathways, provide cultural guidance and support practices that promote the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Monitor, evaluate and maintain records of transition and engagement initiatives, using data and feedback to inform continuous improvement and enhance student outcomes.

Work Requirements

- Hold a Working with Children Blue Card
- Be fully supportive of the ethos of Catholic Education
- First aid (including CPR) is highly regarded

What we offer

- Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading
- Access to salary packaging options to maximise your salary
- 12.75% Employer Superannuation Contributions
- Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
- 14 Weeks’ paid parental leave
- Access to Employee Assistance Program

Enquiries

Narelle Hunt - Principal

P:

E: *************@cns.catholic.edu.au

Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.

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📌 Transition & Engagement Officer - Mount St Bernard College, Herberton (Tablelands Regional)
🏢 Catholic Education in the Diocese of Cairns
📍 Tablelands Regional