An Update From Chris Woolley, Chief Executive Officer EREA Colleges Ltd - Edition Six, 28 March 2024

Key Messages

In March, Principals from EREA schools gathered with other EREA leaders at a national charter strategy forum in South Australia.  A key take-away from this gathering was the importance of our national identity and united approach to mission.

The group was privileged to hear from Fr Ron Rolheiser, an Oblate priest and theologian.  His address focussed on the important role of teachers and educators. Fr Rolheiser has written extensively about Easter, and I share this from one of his works:

“In my mid-20s, I spent a year as a student at the University of San Francisco. I had just been ordained a priest and was finishing off a graduate degree in theology. Easter Sunday that year was a gorgeous, sunny, spring day, but it didn’t find me in a sunny mood. I was a long way from home, away from my family and my community, homesick, and alone. Virtually all the friends that I had developed during that year of studies, other graduate students in theology, were gone, celebrating Easter with their own families. I was homesick and alone and, beyond that, I nursed the usual heartaches and obsessions of the young and restless. My mood was far from spring and Easter.

I went for a walk that afternoon and the spring air, the sun, and the fact that it was Easter did little to cheer me up, if anything they helped catalyze a deeper sense of aloneness. But there are different ways of waking up.  As Leonard Cohen says, there’s a crack in everything and that’s where the light gets in. I needed a little awakening and it was provided.  At a point, I saw a beggar sitting at the entrance to a park with a sign in front of him that read: It’s springtime and I am blind! The irony wasn’t lost on me: I was as blind as he was! With what I was seeing it might as well have been Good Friday, and raining and cold. Sunshine, spring, and Easter were being wasted on me…

When I took my walk that Easter afternoon all those years ago in San Francisco, I wasn’t exactly Mary of Magdala looking for Jesus in a garden, nor the Beloved Disciple fired by love running off to look into the tomb of Jesus.  In my youthful restlessness I was looking for myself, and meeting only my anxious self.  And that’s a kind of blindness. Without the eyes of love we’re blind, to both spring and the resurrection. I learned that theological lesson, not in a church or a classroom but on a lonely, restless Easter Sunday in San Francisco when I ran into a blind beggar and then went home and ate an Easter dinner alone.” Fr R Rolhesier, April 2012.

As noted by Fr Rolheiser, the story of the resurrection reminds us of two things: nothing is impossible, and hope is never lost.  As Catholic communities this story sustains us.  As Term 1 ends in some States today, and draws near a close in others, I wish all College and Early Learning Centre communities every blessing for these last days of Lent and the promise of Easter morning.

Mr Chris Woolley
Chief Executive Officer

Updates

School Advisory Council (SAC) Meetings

At its strategy day in January, the EREA Colleges Board noted the need to grow and build deeper connections between the EREA Colleges entity and various stakeholders, including SACs.

Consequently, I have begun a process to visit each EB and their School Advisory Council.

At this stage I have conducted the following meetings:

• St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, February 2024
• Ambrose Treacy College, February 2024
• CBC Adelaide, March 2024
• Aquinas College, March 2024
• Trinity College, March 2024

Key themes emerging from these visits include the following:

• The need to foster close engagement between SACs and EREA Colleges
• Mission remains at the centre of the purpose of all our colleges, and this message remains as relevant today as it has ever been.
• SACs value their shared identity with other EREA schools and are keen to support strategic opportunities to grow the mission.

Deputy Principals Meeting

An EREA Colleges Deputy Principals Gathering is scheduled for 24 May 2024. It is anticipated this will be hosted at one of our Colleges in Adelaide.

Learning Leaders meeting

Earlier this month, the Regional Managers and Regional Director of Education facilitated a series of Leaders of Learning Meetings throughout the Colleges network.   These events provide the Leaders of Learning with opportunities to network and share practice and resources as well as hearing from guest presenters.  Heidi Senior, Director of Professional Practice and Partnerships facilitated workshops on implementing EREA Liberating Practice within our schools as a part of these meetings.

Safeguarding

Conference 17 May 2024 

EREA Colleges Ltd look forward to the inaugural safeguarding conference in May.  We have over 40 registrations so far with approximately half of all attendees are Principals or Deputy Principals with the majority attending in person. This commitment is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to confirmation of final registrations as soon as possible (you can register here). Please contact Shannon O’Gorman for further information (shannon.ogorman@erea.edu.au).

Sexting/ Sextortion 

Thanks to your diligent reporting via the Assurance and consultations around specific child protection queries, the Safeguarding team have had the opportunity to observe and reflect on some trends in the student protection space. One of the increasing concerns relates to the sending of intimate images – ‘sexting’. This observation aligns with reports from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that the ‘sextortion’ has increased since April 2022. 

We are aware that the Easter holidays are approaching and that the holiday period is accompanied by an increase in students sending intimate images via social media/devices.  There are many variations of ‘sexting’ but familiar patterns includes: 

• Students sending intimate images of themselves to others, often not realising that if they are under 18 years, this may represent child exploitation material (see here for jurisdictional advice). 
• Non-consensual sharing of any intimate image of another person (please see here for jurisdictional advice). 
• Students receiving requests from newly formed online interactions that might include a request for the student’s face as well as an intimate image. It is not uncommon for this person making the request to have previously ‘shared’ their (fake) face and intimate image as a means to securing trust. 
• Escalations in behaviour in which photo images are traded in advance of ultimately sending video material of sexualised acts.
• ‘Sextortion’ whereby the young person is threatened with the release of an image if they do not pay a fee.  Payment of the fee does not guarantee that the images are not released at a later date and it is common for the offender to request additional payments after the initial sum has been received. 

Commonwealth and State legislation apply to the sending of intimate images. Please phone Shannon O'Gorman or Peter Simpson if you have questions on a specific matter especially in instances of ‘willing’ sending of images for students aged 16-18 years.  

Needless to say the impact on young people and their families is significant and can include: 

• Emotional distress including increased risk of self-harm, noting that the first 4 hours after receiving a sextortion represent an especially heightened risk of self-harm.  
• Engaging in criminal acts to access funds to pay the fee asked to prevent further release of the image/s.  
• Longer term impacts on students and the families where images continue to be distributed, or resurface at a later date. 

 A recent presentation by the AFP suggesting that their data on sextortion identifies 90% of victims as male. In contrast, if a female sends a nude image she is more likely to be extorted for more images (rather than financially payments). 

The AFP have communicated that if a young person does send their own image to someone else, and is then extorted and then reports the extortion, the AFP will take a victim focused approach and that the most likely outcome for the young person being a welfare check. 

In recognition of this important and current issue, we would like to share the following resources for the consideration of your pastoral and curriculum teams: 

 Video/film educational resources: 

• Legal consequences of online behaviour | eSafety Commissioner  
• Tagged - Student home | eSafety Commissioner  
• "Just send it" | Childnet (UK) 

Other information resources include: 

• Teacher’s toolkit Online interactions - Raising awareness about image-based abuse.pdf (thinkuknow.org.au) 
• Online blackmail and sexual extortion response kit - 03.23.pdf (thinkuknow.org.au) 
• Resources | ThinkUKnow 

• Sexting | What can happen when you sext? | Kids Helpline 
• Happy Families 

Mandatory Training Audits – 1 April 2024 

A reminder that EREA Colleges will review the completion of mandatory training modules of all Colleges and ELCs from 1 April 2024.  Please ensure all staff, volunteers and contractors have attended to the completion of all modules. 

Risk and Compliance

Systems Review – Policy, Reporting, Professional Learning (Phase 1)

We are now half way through the Phase 1 consultation discussions and greatly appreciate the candour and constructive feedback we have received to date.  We look forward to providing feedback during Term 2 and commencing the next phase of the project.  In the meantime, please feel free to forward any additional information you’d like us to include with the Phase 1 consultation to christina.longmire@erea.edu.au.

EREA Notifiable Incidents Policy

As has been the case in previous years, schools/ELC’s are required to submit certain incident notifications to EREA in the online Assurance platform.  The criteria for these reporting thresholds and further instructions can be found in the  EREA Colleges Ltd Notifiable Incidents Policy   (The URL links to access the online forms in Assurance can be found on page 5.)  Please contact Christina Longmire if you have any queries or would like assistance.

Risk and Compliance Conference

The Conference is scheduled for Thursday 16 May 2024 and will be held at St Laurence’s College, South Brisbane. We will gather at 8.30am for an 8.45am start and conclude at 3.30pm.

The agenda is set to include:

• Opening Address by the Chief Executive Officer, EREA Colleges Ltd
• Panel discussion – intersection of privacy, cyber security and our safeguarding obligations and responding to breaches
• Ideagen training session focussing on getting valuable reports and information out of the Assurance Reporting platform
• Case study analysis/discussions - sharing lived experience through major incidents that have occurred in schools (deidentified information)

Whilst face-to-face attendance is preferable, this will be a hybrid event to allow for remote attendance where participants are unable to travel.  Colleges and ELC’s are encouraged to facilitate the attendance of those staff who hold policy, risk and compliance responsibilities.  This Conference is being held the day prior to the Safeguarding Conference and at the same venue for those wishing to attend both.

EREA will meet the Conference costs.  However, individual Colleges and ELC’s will be responsible for meeting any travel and accommodation costs incurred by staff attending.  Attendance can be secured using this  link  to the registration form.  Please contact Christina Longmire if you have any queries.

QLD Colleges – WorkSafe QLD legislation update

New laws to improve the safety of workers and others when operating quad bikes in QLD workplaces commenced on 21 March 2024.  The amended legislation may impact schools in the following ways:

• Agricultural programs which may involve the use of quads on farms etc;
• Outdoor Education Programs where quads may be used;
• Any use of this type of equipment on College playing fields or other satellite campuses;
• Particular focus on students under 16 years of age;
• Legislating the use of safety equipment,
• Passenger restrictions; and
• The use of any external providers conducting programs where these bikes are used. (This would include overseas excursions, as the QLD regs will still apply.)

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but may have a flow on effect for you if your staff and/or students are using this type of equipment.  Please see this  link  to the Government website for further information.

Privacy Week

The Privacy Regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), raises awareness of privacy issues and the importance of protecting personal information through its annual event, Privacy Awareness Week (PAW). 

PAW 2024 will be held from Monday 6 May to Sunday 12 May.  For their campaign this year the OAIC are asking people, organisations and government agencies to ‘power up your privacy’.  This sits under the overarching theme of Privacy and Technology:  Improving transparency, accountability and security.

You can sign up to participate in PAW 2024 through this link to the OAIC website.  You are able to access promotional material and email signatures etc to show your support.

Finance

EREA National Business Managers Conference 2024

'Facing the Future - Together!'  The conference will be hosted by CBC Fremantle & Trinity College on the 8 May 2024 – 10 May 2024.

The Organising Committee comprising of Tim Martin, Andrew Dowd, Lachlan Skeen, Richard Occhipinti and hosts, Mark Bianchini and Geoff Searle, extend their warm welcome as preparations are underway for the May gathering.

The team is pleased to launch the dedicated Hub for the National Business Managers Conference - https://cvent.me/8XLK8E.  Please register your interest for attendance.

The app will be updated periodically when sessions and speakers are finalised.

Around the Grounds

As noted, on 12 and 13 March, I joined Principal’s and senior leaders across EREA in South Australia for the EREA Principals’ Forum. This was a fantastic opportunity to network with our colleagues across entities and reflect on the power and potential of the Edmund Rice charism to inspire and challenge the collaborative work we do with, and on behalf of, the young people we service.

Following my time in Adelaide for the Principals’ Forum, I visited Christian Brothers College (CBC) on 14 March and had the pleasure of meeting with Principal David Johnston and his College Leadership Team and School Advisory Council. CBC will soon accommodate Regional Director of Education – SA/WA, Chris Leadbetter when he moves to Adelaide later this month.

Business Managers from across Australia travelled to Brisbane for the EREA Colleges Business Managers Forum held at St Joseph’s Nudgee College on 18 March. Several updates were provided by leaders in the entity, including matters relating to risk and compliance, safeguarding and professional standards, finance, and insurance, with some Business Managers taking advantage of their time at the College and participating in a School Heritage Tour of Nudgee. 

On 20 March, I travelled to Melbourne to celebrate and reflect on Phil Billington’s significant contribution to Edmund Rice Education Australia from 2018 – 2024. Phil was appointed to EREA Council in July 2018 and has supported EREA through a significant transition of change. I know Phil will be missed by the EREA national community.

I concluded my week on 22 March by attending the Catholic Education Goulburn and Canberra Provincial visit. Both Chair of the EREA Colleges Board, Ms Pauline Gately and EREA National Director, Dr Liam Smith were also in attendance. An important visit for our EREA representatives as we continue our collaborative relationship with the Archdiocese on how we best might service the needs of the community and Catholic education more broadly.

This week I was in Perth.  While I wasn’t able to attend the WA Head of the River at Champion Lakes on Saturday, 24 March, a big congratulations to both Aquinas College and Trinity College.  It was a big weekend for the Trinity College community where I was able to join students, staff and parents and caregivers at the Quarry Concert on Sunday. A fantastic event and all involved with the preparations should be commended.  I visited Edmund Rice College – Bindoon and Christian Brothers College, Fremantle on 25 March to meet with respective Principals, Amy Mosquito and Domenic Burgio. I also attended the School Advisory Councils meetings for Aquinas and Trinity Colleges that evening.

Staffing Updates

EREA Colleges Interim Managers – Daniel Lawler and Ian Elder

I wanted to take this opportunity to recognise the work undertaken by Interim Regional Manager for South Australia, Daniel Lawler and Interim Manager for Western Australia, Ian Elder. Ian will finish in the role on Thursday, 28 March and Daniel on 12 April. It has been a significant time of change for EREA and their support since my commencement in June 2023 has been valued.   They have also been critical contributors to the establishment of the EREA Colleges office.  Thank you for your generous support, wise counsel, and your friendship. You will be missed.

ACT

St Edmund’s College, Canberra Retirement Announcement - Joe Zavone

On 12 March, it was announced that Joe Zavone will retire from his role of Principal at St Edmund’s College, Canberra at the end of 2024.

Throughout his 40-year career in Catholic education, Joe has been an outstanding educator both as a teacher and school leader. This is evidenced by his significant contribution in eight school communities: John Therry Catholic College, Campbelltown, Mount Carmel Catholic College, Campbelltown, Freeman Catholic College, Bonnyrigg, St. Patrick’s College, Campbelltown, Loreto College, Kirribilli, St Scholastica’s College, Glebe and Christian Brothers’ High School, Lewisham) and most recently, his 7-year tenure as Principal at SECC.  

St Edmund’s College, Canberra – Ian Garrity on leave of absence

Margaret Maher will be Acting Deputy Principal from 2 April to 5 July 2024 whilst Deputy Principal, Ian Garrity is on a leave of absence.

QLD

St Patrick’s College Retirement Announcement – Chris Mayes 

On 18 March, it was announced that Chris Mayes will retire from his role of Principal at St Patrick’s College, Shorncliffe at the end of 2024.

Throughout his career Chris has demonstrated a strength of purpose and deep commitment to the mission of Catholic Education.  Chris commenced his teaching career in 1986 at Ignatius Park College (IPC), Townsville – a fellow EREA College. In all the years since, bar one, Chris has selflessly served the Christian Brothers and EREA at IPC, St Joseph's Gregory Terrace and St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe as a teacher and school leader.

Ignatius Park College Retirement Announcement– John Doolan

On 26 March, it was announced that John Doolan will retire from his role of Deputy Principal at Ignatius Park College at the end of Term 2, 2024.

John has been an integral part of the Ignatius Park College (IPC) community since 2015.  He initially served as Deputy Principal (Pastoral) before moving to his current position of Deputy Principal in 2020.  During the past nine years at the College, John’s skills, expertise, dedication and shared vision for the development and advancement of IPC has been invaluable.  I know that he will be missed by the staff, students and the wider IPC community alike.

Mary Rice Early Learning Centre – Mary Irwin

On Monday, 25 March we welcomed new Centre Director, Mary Irwin.

Thank you Tricia Sietu, previous Acting Director, and Jasmine Akurangi, previous Acting Assistant Director, in continuing the efficient running of Mary Rice since Cris Romao’s departure in late 2023.  Their contributions to the life of Mary Rice are valued and appreciated.

Indooroopilly Montessori Children’s House – Carmel Ellis on leave

Centre Director, Carmel Ellis will be on leave from 20 March to 19 April 2024. During this period, Cheryl Ware will be Acting Centre Director.

St James College – Ann Rebgetz returning from leave

Principal Ann Rebgetz will be returning to the College on 16 April 2024 after a leave of absence. Thank you to Deputy Principal, Kristina Johnson who has been Acting Principal at the College from 23 January to 15 April 2024 and Isikeli Kubunameca who has been Acting Deputy Principal during this period.

St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace – Acting arrangements in Term 2

Deputy Principal, Damien Fall will on a leave of absence from 6 May 2024 to 21 June 2024, During this period, Mason Hellyer will be Acting Deputy Principal.   

St Laurence’s College – Acting arrangements from Terms 2 to 4

Deputy Principal, Ben Lowrie will be Acting Principal whilst Chris Leadbetter is on secondment with EREA Colleges as Regional Director of Education – SA/WA from 15 April 2024. Liam Herbert will be Acting Deputy Principal during this time.

TAS

St Virgil’s College – Daniel Lapolla on leave

Deputy Principal, Daniel Lapolla will be on a leave of absence from 13 May 2024 to 12 August 2024. During this period, Kim Mooney will be Acting Deputy Principal. 

WA

Edmund Rice College – Bindoon – Amy Mosquito on leave

Principal, Amy Mosquito will be on a leave of absence from 6 May 2024 to 23 August 2024. During this period, Deputy Principal, Tracey-Ann Crisp will be Acting Principal and Naomi Martin from EREA Flexi Schools will be Acting Deputy Principal.

SA

St Paul’s College – Acting Arrangements

Principal, Paul Belton will be on a leave of absence from 29 April 2024 to 23 August 2024. During this period, Deputy Principal, Joshua Foulis will be Acting Principal.

Rostrevor College, Deputy Principal, Frank Ranaldo will be Acting Deputy Principal of St Paul’s College in Terms 2 and 3 whilst Joshua Foulis is Acting Principal. Following this tenure, Frank Ranaldo will be taking a leave of absence in Term 4.

Rostrevor College – Cameron Alexander as Acting Deputy Principal

Christian Brothers College, Deputy Principal, Cameron Alexander will be Acting Deputy Principal at Rostrevor College from Term 2 until end of the 2024 school year (to align with Frank Ranaldo’s leave of absence).

Christian Brothers College

The process to appoint an Acting Deputy Principal at Christian Brothers College Adelaide is now underway.

Upcoming Events

EREA Colleges Board Meeting – 8 April 2024 

Colleges Photo Gallery