• School counsellor or school psychologist – Our qualified counselling staff provide sensitive, confidential support for students’ social, emotional and mental health needs. They work closely with families and teachers to ensure students feel heard, supported and equipped with strategies to navigate challenges and thrive at school.
• Learning support teacher/coordinator – Learning Support Teachers/Coordinators work with students, teachers and families to identify and support students with additional learning needs. They collaborate with classroom teachers to develop reasonable adjustments, provide targeted support and interventions, coordinate personalised planning, monitor student progress and guide classroom practice to foster inclusive classrooms. This enables all students to access, engage with and succeed in their learning.
• Learning support assistant – Learning Support Assistants work with teachers to assist students who need additional learning or wellbeing support. They assist with classroom routines, guided learning, personalised adjustments and practical tasks, helping students feel confident, included and able to participate fully in school life.
• EAL/D (English as an additional language or dialect) Teacher – EAL/D teachers support students who are learning English as an additional language, ensuring they develop the language skills and confidence needed to demonstrate and engage in learning. These teachers support each student’s needs and collaborate with fellow educators to ensure teaching and learning strategies support the English language learners and create inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms.
• Aboriginal and torres strait islander education worker – The Aboriginal Education Worker supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ wellbeing, engagement and participation in learning. They work closely with students, families, teachers and school staff to strengthen relationships between home, school and community. They are a key point of contact for Aboriginal families and play an important role in supporting communication, trust and collaboration.
• Pastoral care worker (primary schools only) – Pastoral Care Workers nurture students’ emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, helping them feel safe, supported and connected. They provide wellbeing programs, pastoral support and guidance during challenging times, while working with families and staff to foster resilience, belonging and care across the school community.
• Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle’s central office – Led by the Leader of School Learning and Wellbeing, the Catholic Schools Maitland-Newcastle central office team includes roles dedicated to speech pathology, student wellbeing, behaviour support, developmental disabilities, learning difficulties and culturally inclusive practices that partner with the School to give additional advice and support.

• Pastoral Care Worker – Pastoral Care Workers nurture students’ emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, helping them feel safe, supported and connected. They provide wellbeing programs, pastoral support and guidance during challenging times, while working with families and staff to foster resilience, belonging and care across the school community.

• Assistant Principal – The Assistant Principal Wellbeing leads the whole-school approach to wellbeing, ensuring that students feel supported, respected and safe throughout their secondary schooling. This role coordinates wellbeing programs, works with other staff to support students with complex needs and helps shape a positive school culture where all young people can thrive.
• Beyond the Gates Caseworker – Beyond the Gates Caseworkers provide extra support to young people experiencing vulnerability by building strong connections between school, home and community services. Their outreach ensures students remain engaged in learning and feel supported during times of challenge.
• Careers Advisor – Careers Advisors guide students through subject selection, future pathways and postschool options. They help young people understand their strengths, explore opportunities and make confident, informed decisions about their future study or employment.

There is no cost for families to access school-based supports, including school counselling. However, it is important to also keep in mind that these supports are only available to students during school hours and access to these supports will vary, dependent on your child’s needs and the staff available to support them.

Families can access school-based support services by contacting:

• Primary schools: your child’s classroom teacher.
• Secondary schools: the Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement, Learning Support Teacher/ Co-ordinator, Leader of Learning, Leader of Wellbeing.
• For sensitive matters: the Principal or Assistant Principal.

If in doubt, families can contact the school’s administration, who can direct them to the relevant school role.