Edmund Rice Education Australia
St Patrick's College is conducted in the Edmund Rice tradition and offers a distinctive Catholic education philosophy. In 1802 Edmund Rice founded Mt. Sion School in Waterford, educating the youth of Ireland and starting the Christian Brothers. All schools and educational entities in Australia in the Edmund Rice tradition are bound by a Charter of cultural characteristics which comprise of four key touchstones. Living these characteristics give Edmund Rice Education a special position in educating for liberation and possibility.
Edmund Rice Education Australia was established in October 2007 by the Christian Brothers in Australia and is an integral part of the Edmund Rice Network, the Catholic Church in Australia, and its associated Catholic Education Commissions and Offices.
For additional information about Edmund Rice Education Australia, please refer to their website: www.erea.edu.au
The Charter
In 2011, the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition was launched. It describes and provides a practical expression of the distinct identity of EREA. The Charter was renewed in 2018 and is the foundational document for Edmund Rice schools in Australia. The Charter identifies for us four touchstones of what an Edmund Rice education looks like – Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Justice and Solidarity and an Inclusive Community.
THE TOUCHSTONES
As Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition, we aspire to be faithful to these four touchstones:
Liberating Education: We open hearts and minds, through quality teaching and learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement each person is hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.
Gospel Spirituality: We invite people into the story of Jesus and strive to make his message of compassion, justice and peace a living reality within our community.
Inclusive Community: Our community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good.
Justice and Solidarity: We are committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the earth itself.