Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) is the network of schools, entities and offices offering a Catholic education in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice.
Established by the Christian Brothers in 2007, EREA now has full responsibility for the schools operated by the Brothers at that time. With the addition of schools established since 2007, there are over 50 schools enrolling over 35,000 students, through all states and territories of Australia. As part of their mission within the Church and shaped by the Charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, schools offer an education guided by the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition.
EREA has its own canonical and civil identity but remains closely connected to the Christian Brothers and their ongoing ministry. Schools operate in dioceses with the mandate of the local Bishop.
The opportunity for Edmund Rice Education Australia is to reinforce the distinctive values of Edmund Rice Education in Catholic Education through a national and unified network of schools and educational entities throughout Australia. All schools and educational entities in the Edmund Rice tradition across Australia are unified by a Charter which comprises touchstones giving ideals authentically linked with the Charism of Blessed Edmund Rice and which underpin the ministry in the schools and educational endeavors in Church mission. The touchstones of the Charter are: Inclusive Community, Liberating Education, Justice and Solidarity and Gospel Spirituality.
We have zero tolerance of child abuse and all allegations and safety concerns are treated very seriously in line with our robust policies and procedures. EREA and its schools have legal and moral obligations to contact authorities when we are worried about a child’s safety, which we follow rigorously.
ERSES is comprised of two Special Schools - St Edmund’s in Wahroonga and St Gabriel’s in Castle Hill. Both cater for students with intellectual disabilities, sensory disabilities, and autism. Each school offers small classes, excellent facilities and provides individualised education programs.
ERSES works in the spirit of the mission of the Christian Brothers. Our mission is to enhance the lives of children and young people with disabilities by:
The values held by the ERSES community are based on the Gospel values where Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of a full Christian life. It is through innovative learning and teaching that we aim to nurture these values. They are founded in the EREA Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity.
FAITH: We strive to liberate our community to be faithful to the Catholic tradition while respecting the fundamental religious diversity of all people.
JOY: We strive to enhance our students' and families' wellbeing by fostering a deep sense of belonging, happiness and celebration in their journey to experience life in its fullness.
RELATIONSHIPS: Our community is committed to developing strong relationships with one another. We aim to promote respect for the dignity of each person within a context of participation, integrity and the promotion of wellbeing.
COMMUNITY: We serve our families and the broader community by reaching out to others and nurturing respectful relationships, honouring independence while contributing to the unfolding of our students' inspiring stories.
