An Update From Chris Woolley, Chief Executive Officer EREA Colleges Ltd - Issue 2

Key Messages

Dear Colleagues

In the coming weeks both Liam Smith, National Executive Director EREA Ltd, and myself will attend the Term 4 regional (Qld/ACT, WA/SA/Tas) Principal meetings in Brisbane and Hobart respectively.

2023 has seen another significant period of change as EREA Colleges and the other Governing Bodies establish themselves.

In 2024, the provision of services to schools and centres will be approached differently.  As has been previously discussed, EREA Colleges will have primary responsibility for providing the following advice, support, and services:

• Finance
• Land/infrastructure
• HR
• Complaints
• Safeguarding & Professional Standards
• Compliance (incl policy and procedures and Risk)
• IT (from an assurance perspective)

EREA Ltd will have primary responsibility for providing Mission and related services including Identity, Formation Programs and School Renewals.

New fee structures have been foreshadowed as part of these changes. Service fees and rent have two main purposes:

1. To ensure the EREA Colleges entity is resourced to provide the EREA Colleges Board and its Educational Bodies with appropriate support, services and assurance in relation to the operational and governance responsibilities which the Colleges entity has been given under its Constitution; and
2. To ensure EREA Ltd/TEREA (as our Member) can meet their operational and governance responsibilities as the Public Juridic Person with ultimate canonical responsibility for EREA schools in Australia.

In 2023 EREA Colleges schools currently pay the following:

• $240 per student general service fee, which covers the cost of operation EREA Colleges and EREA Ltd under their organisational structures in 2023.
• $220 (on av) per student rent to TEREA. I am aware some schools pay more than this under the current differential (land value based) rent model, and some less, but across all our schools, this is the average per student figure.

This represents a current total service fee (on average) of $460 per student to our schools and centres in 2023 (with some paying more and some less depending on their rent charges).

In 2024 schools will pay two fees:

• $200 per student to meet the cost of EREA Colleges. This fee has been approved by the Colleges Board and will not change.
• $180 per student ($145 per student Mission service fee, $35 per student rent) for EREA Ltd and TEREA costs. As per the communication issued by Liam Smith on 23 October, the $35 rental fee will only be levied where schools reside on the original Christian Brothers’ “Footprint” land.
  

Our meetings in the coming weeks provide an important opportunity for Liam and I to address these changes and to provide greater clarity around lines of accountability as we move forward into the new school year in 2024. 

Mr Chris Woolley
Chief Executive Officer

Updates

Enterprise Bargaining: South Australia

Negotiations will shortly commence in South Australia for a new Enterprise Agreement. The EA covers all Catholic schools, with all employers represented in negotiations by an Executive Consultation Committee formed through Catholic Education South Australia.

Enterprise Bargaining: Queensland

Following a successful ballot in September, the Catholic Employers Single Enterprise Collective Agreement – Religious Institute Schools of Queensland 2023-2026 (the Agreement) has been lodged with the Fair Work Commission. The Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) will continue to work with the Commission through the approval process. As an act of good faith in the interim, EREA Colleges will will arrange for staff to receive relevant backpay and increases to salary rates for processing in the pay period of 27 October 2023. Other relevant payments or contributions regarding a Cost of Living Allowance and superannuation will be effective from the first full pay period on or after the proposed Agreement comes into operation.

Safeguarding

EREA Colleges will be hosting a face-to-face conference for all safeguarding/child protection officers/contacts on Friday 17 May 2024.  The conference will focus on practical engagement with content emerging from the Child Safe Standards.

The conference will be held in Brisbane and options for a hybrid event will be accommodated. The EREA Childsafe Standards Framework specify that staff who have specific safeguarding responsibility, such as the Principal and Child Safeguarding Officers receive additional training, support and professional development and as such, Colleges and Early Learning Centres are encouraged to facilitate the attendance of staff as appropriate to their context.  

To assist with planning for this event, it would be appreciated if Principals/Delegates could please considering completing this EOI.  The EOI should take one minute to complete and does not bind a College/ELC nor represent a registration but rather, assists with understanding the requirements for this inaugural event.

Risk and Compliance

The EREA Colleges Ltd Board passed a resolution at their meeting on the 31August 2023 to adopt existing TEREA policies until such time as those policies are replaced by EREA Colleges Ltd versions or retired completely.  A policy approval schedule will be circulated to schools in early 2024 with updates provided on a regular basis.

The Commonwealth Government has provided its response to the Privacy Act Review Report (attached), setting out its pathway for privacy reforms (no timeframes indicated).  The Privacy Act Review was undertaken by the Attorney-General's Department and involved nearly three years of extensive community consultation.  The Report concluded that it is necessary to overhaul Australia's privacy laws to ensure they remain fit for purpose in the digital age.  Of the 116 proposals in the Report, the Government agrees with 38, agrees in-principle with 68 and notes 10.  The next stages of responding to the Report will be to develop legislative amendments informed by a detailed impact analysis and targeted consultation with stakeholders.  The Attorney-General's Department will also progress implementation of non-legislative proposals, such as developing a Children’s Online Privacy Code and additional guidance to assist entities to meet their obligations. EREA’s 2024 compliance program will have an emphasis on privacy and how to assist schools in identifying and further strengthening privacy related practices to ensure the collection, use and disclosure of any personal information is reasonable, reflects community expectations and is adequately protected from unauthorised access and misuse.

Around The Grounds

Over these last few weeks, we have been extended invitations to various Colleges for sacred and special events, some honoring the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our students and celebrating those who are about to embark on their own journeys at the completion of their senior year. Amongst all the Colleges, it has been rewarding to witness students and staff sharing a sense of pride and admiration of the Edmund Rice core values.

As the EREA Colleges entity is not yet fully staffed, it is unfortunately not possible to get to every event, but we certainly value being invited to engage in these activities.  Either myself or EREA Colleges Board Chair have had the pleasure of visiting:

• St Patrick’s College in Shorncliffe for their Leadership Handover Ceremony.
• Ignatius Park College in Townsville to tour the College and attend the Deadly Awards Presentation
• St James College Award Presentation
• St Laurence’s College Awards Evening
• CBC Fremantle Awards celebration
• Trinity College Awards celebration
• ERC Bindoon Awards celebration

We will attending further events in the coming month.  As we near the end of 2023, I wish all staff the very best with their end of year celebrations, valedictories, award ceremonies and assemblies. Although these events appear to be run so effortlessly, I’m aware of the hard work and preparations required for this to occur.

Staffing Updates

Principal, Ignatius Park College Townsville

Luke Thomson has been appointed as Principal of Ignatius Park College, Townsville and will commence the role in 2024. Luke is currently Principal of St Catherine’s Catholic College the Whitsundays.

Deputy Principal, Edmund Rice College – Bindoon

Tracey Crisp has been permanently appointed as Deputy Principal of Edmund Rice College – Bindoon.  Tracey held the position of Acting Deputy Principal at ERC- Bindoon, for 3 years.

Chief Financial Officer, EREA Colleges Ltd

Sharyn Finn has been appointed as the inaugural EREA Colleges Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Sharyn has been assisting EREA Colleges as Interim CFO since June 2023, on secondment from St Laurence’s College. Sharyn has a longstanding history with EREA, fulfilling roles of Dean of Finance and Business Operations at St Laurence’s for almost six years and prior to this, Business Manager at Indooroopilly Montessori Children’s House.

Regional Director of Education (WA/SA)

Unfortunately the process to fill this role has not yet identified a candidate for appointment.  Further consideration will be given to options for this role in the new year.

In the interim, Daniel Lawler (SA/Tas) and Ian Elder (WA) have agreed to continue as Regional Mangers until the end of Term 1 2024.

I thank Ian and Daniel for their willingness to support EREA Colleges and its schools at this time.

Regional Director of Education (QLD/ACT/TAS)

As many of you know, Dr Doug Ashleigh concluded his role as Regional Manager (Qld/ACT) at EREA Colleges on October 20.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding contribution Doug has provided to EREA Colleges during 2023. Doug took on the role of Regional Manager on an interim basis at very short notice having retired from his substantive role as Deputy ED at Brisbane Catholic Education in 2022.  Significantly, he accepted the role at a time when EREA Colleges had no CEO, very few staff and many challenges to face. Throughout this period of transition and change, Doug strove to provide a valuable point of connection between EREA and our schools.  He worked to ensure a level of continuity and consistency in the way schools were supported.  Doug also contributed in very broad ways to a number of critical establishment tasks, always giving of his time generously despite many competing priorities, both professional and personal.

I am sure you will join me thanking Doug for the service and support provided to our schools and senior leaders throughout 2023.  I know that Doug is looking forward to the opportunity to spend quality time with family, including his grandchildren, in 2024 and I’m sure we’ll stay connected professionally when he is rested. As previously announced, we will welcome Peter Fullager into the role of Regional Director (QLD/ACT/TAS) as of January 2024.

Recruitment

Recruitment is currently underway for the following roles:

• EREA Colleges Ltd Accountant
• EREA Colleges Ltd Administration Officer

College and Early Learning Centre Updates

CBC Adelaide

CBC Adelaide has taken the difficult decision to cease operating its Early Learning Centre (ELC) by the end of 2023. The College took over operation of the ELC from the Catholic Women’s League in 2011. The CWL still own the property and have decided not to renew the lease, so they can sell the high value inner city site to provide funds for their work. Despite exploring alternative options for the ELC, none were found to be financially viable.

Policy and Publications

National Assessment Program – Information and Communication Technology Literacy

The National Assessment Program – Information and Communication Technology Literacy (NAP–ICTL) 2022 public report has been released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Further information is available via the ACARA media release with the NAP ICTL 2022 public report available online on the NAP website (https://www.nap.edu.au).

School Student Broadband Initiative

 The Australian Government Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, has announced that a new School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) National Referral Centre has been established to support the ongoing rollout of the initiative by allowing families to nominate themselves directly for the SSBI program.

There is a range of websites and communications collateral available including resources developed by the National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co), to assist CSAs and stakeholders such as parent groups promo􀆟ng the SSBI National Referral Centre to eligible families where desired as per below:

• Ministerial SSBI National Referral Centre media release (18/10/23)
• SSBI National Referral Centre website htps://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet/ which also includes family information sheets translated for a range of languages – please advise if there are any additional language translation requests
• NBN Co SSBI website http://www.nbn.com.au/ssbi
• Australian Government SSBI website htps://www.infrastructure.gov.au/ssbi
  

Invitation: Skilled Visa Information Sessions

Home Affairs will be running an information workshop on skilled visa programs and appropriate visa options to address workforce needs where positions cannot be filled by Australian workers. During the session, the Home Affairs team will cover the following topics:

• Role of the Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIROs) Team: Gain insights into how our team can support your needs.
• Migration Updates: Stay updated on the latest developments in migration policies and regulations.
• Skilled Visa Options: Understand the various skilled visa options available specifically tailored to your sector.
• Channels for Further Information and Assistance: Learn where to access additional resources and assistance.

Event Details:

• Event Name: Skilled Visa Information Sessions
• Session 1: Wednesday, 22nd November 2023 or Session 2: Friday, 24th November 2023
• Presentation Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (AEST)
• Platform: Virtual via Microsoft Teams
  

If you are interested in attending either Wednesday 22 November or Friday 24 November, please email your contact details and preferred date to Joanna Mackie, NCEC Senior Education Advisor at joanna.mackie@ncec.catholic.edu.au by Monday 30 October 2023.

Upcoming Events

• Monday 30 October, Qld/ACT Principals’ Meeting, Brisbane
• Thursday, 2 and Friday, 3 November - WA/SA/TAS Principals’ Meeting, St Virgil’s College, Hobart
• Monday, 13 and Tuesday, 14 November – WA/SA/TAS Deputies’ Meeting, St Virgil’s College, Hobart
• Monday, 20 November – EREA Colleges Ltd Board
• Saturday, 25 November – EREA Thanksgiving Mass and Principals Dinner – Melbourne

2024 Calendar

The EREA Ltd office has now circulated an EREA 2024 Calendar of Events (attached). This calendar displays the events that are organised by EREA Ltd on a national basis.  

In addition, please be advised EREA Colleges Ltd is proposing the following arrangements for gatherings in 2024: 

Principals to meet four times per year 

• National EREA Principal Gathering (12-13 March, Adelaide) Term 1
• EREA Colleges Ltd all Principal gathering face-to-face (6-7 June, Brisbane) Term 2
• EREA Colleges Regional Network meetings x 2 (remote or face-to-face)
  • Regionally based, that is, WA/SA; and QLD/ACT/Tasmania
    • WA/SA (8-9 August, Perth) Term 3
    • QLD/ACT/TAS (22-23 August, Brisbane) Term 3
    • WA/SA (28-29 October, Adelaide) Term 4
    • QLD/ACT/TAS (7-8 November, Brisbane) Term 4 

Deputy Principals to meet four times per year 

• Please note, EREA National has confirmed that the National Deputy Principals Gathering will not occur in 2024. 
• 2 x EREA Colleges Ltd all Deputy Principal gathering face-to-face 
  • 26-27 February, Brisbane – Term 1
  • 23-24 May, Brisbane – Term 2
• EREA Colleges Regional Network meetings x 2 (remote or face-to-face)
  • Regionally based, that is, WA/SA; and QLD/ACT/Tasmania.
    • WA/SA (1-2 August, Perth) – Term 3
    • QLD/ACT/TAS (15-16 August, Brisbane) – Term 3
    • WA/SA (14-15 October, Adelaide – Term 4
    • QLD/ACT/TAS (21-22 October, Brisbane) – Term 4 

Business Managers to meet three times per year 

• Regional Forums held in March (21 – Brisbane, 28 – Melbourne, 30 – Adelaide, 31 – Perth).
• 1 x National Conference (10-12 May, Adelaide).

The format for these gatherings will be discussed in more detail at Term 4 2023 Principal meetings.