EREA
Australia
On Monday I took the opportunity to attend the Launch of the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition at St James' College. This new revision of the Charter has four TOUCHSTONES to which all EREA Schools aspire:
- LIBERATING EDUCATION – we open hearts and minds, through quality teaching and learning, 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 all 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.
Each Touchstone is fleshed-out with various expressions as would be found in a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition.
Our Congregational Leader, Philip, launched the Charter and spoke in highly complimentary terms of the significance of this first revision which was the work of EREA and built on the work of the Christian Brothers who drafted the first Charter. It is, as Philip intimated, wonderful to see how the vision of EREA has become so real in such a short time.
It was good to be part of the occasion. It was a great tribute to the Principal, Gerry Crooks, the staff and the students that St James was chosen for the Official Launch. The ceremony was excellent, fitting and dignified. Congratulations, St James Community!
Ted Magee
