Receptionist - Temporary Contract (Commence Term 1, 2026)

St Patrick’s College, Strathfield is a Catholic school for boys in the Edmund Rice tradition offering a quality education to almost 1,600 boys from Years 5 to 12. Working at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield means joining a community of highly motivated, passionate, professional and experienced individuals who are known for their inclusivity, expertise and dedication to our students, education and each other.

We are immensely proud of the opportunities that are afforded to students here at St Patrick’s, with a robust Co-curricular sporting and cultural program, excellence in learning and teaching, and faith formation and prayer life. 

Reporting to the Executive Assistant to the Principal, we have a tremendous opportunity for an energetic Receptionist to join our Professional Services Team. As the first point of contact for parents, students, staff and the community, you will be someone who prides themselves on delivering high-quality customer service with a warm and welcoming manner.

Working hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for four days per week, with one day per week from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, during school term.

In this highly visible role, you will create a professional and hospitable first impression of the College by greeting and assisting visitors, managing calls and correspondence, and supporting day-to-day administrative and operational needs. You will maintain accurate records, coordinate mail and deliveries, assist with College communications and events, and ensure the Reception area operates smoothly and efficiently. This role also provides administrative assistance across the College, requiring exceptional organisation, attention to detail, discretion, and a genuine commitment to service excellence.

You will be self-motivated and have the ability to work well independently, show initiative and flexibility, and maintain strict confidentiality. With superior communication and relationship skills, you will be professional, articulate, efficient and courteous when responding to staff, students, parents and the wider community. You will act in a professional manner at all times as a representative of St Patrick’s College, Strathfield and demonstrate a commitment to the Catholic ethos of a school in the Edmund Rice tradition.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria.

Essential criteria

• Committed to respecting and upholding the ethos and teachings of the Catholic Church and the values of a school in the Edmund Rice tradition
• Demonstrated understanding of appropriate behaviours and professional boundaries that reflect child safeguarding values in practice and an in-depth working understanding of child safeguarding response and reporting obligations.
• Post-school qualifications in an executive, business, communications and / or administration related area and / or demonstrated experience in a similar role
• Meticulous attention to detail with experience in managing high work volumes and a large client base
• Advanced computer literacy with Microsoft Office suite of products, together with a good working knowledge and understanding of database management programs (e.g. TASS)
• Professional verbal and written communication skills and ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Highly organised with the ability to balance and resolve conflicting priorities and work to deadlines
• Demonstrated experience in dealing appropriately with highly confidential and sensitive information
• Clear and consistent when instituting policies and procedures, balanced with the ability to instinctively know when compassion, empathy and discretion is required
• Ability to exercise substantial independent judgement, initiative and problem-solving techniques
• Well-presented, professional and courteous at all times
• Able to cope well with an emergency and remain calm under pressure
• Current First Aid Certificate, including CPR or a willingness to undertake training

How to apply

To express your interest in joining our highly motivated professional staff, apply via the online ‘Career Application’ available on our website Working at SPC | St Patrick's College Strathfield

Your application should consist of:

1.Cover letter (maximum two pages) that highlights your claim for the role and demonstrates your suitability by addressing the following two target questions:

(a) How would you approach the provision of high-quality customer service to parents, students, staff and community?

(b) Outline how your knowledge and experience would meet the needs of a busy educational setting? 

2.Current CV (maximum five pages) outlining your qualifications, experience and skills together with the contact information for three (3) referees (at least two must be from your current employer).

All applications should be addressed to The Principal (MS Word and PDF attachments are preferred).

Evidence of a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance will be required prior to employment.

Commitment to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people together with a valid Working with Children clearance are essential conditions of employment.

St Patrick’s College is a child safe and child-centred organisation, committed to the protection of children and has zero-tolerance of any abuse of children. It is our commitment to ensure that each and every child and young person under our care are kept safe and free from all forms of harm and abuse.

Applications close 4:00 PM Wednesday 26 November 2025.

General enquiries may be directed to the Human Resources Adviser by phoning 02 8705 9251.

The appointment of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory employment screening for child-related employment.

St Patrick’s College is an equal opportunity employer. All recruitment and selection decisions are based solely on merit and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

We are committed to reconciliation and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.