An Update From Chris Woolley, Chief Executive Officer EREA Colleges Ltd - Issue 4 -2024

Key Messages

As we enter 2024, it is pleasing that significant progress has been made during the last 12 months in the change and reform process at EREA. 

As significant as these changes may seem to our individual contexts, the passing of another year provides a valuable opportunity to recognise that we are but one very small part of a much larger world, facing much greater challenges. 

In his World Day of Peace message on 1 January, Pope Francis reflected on the impact (both positive and negative) of artificial intelligence on humanity and peace, noting in educational contexts that:  

The development of a technology that respects and serves human dignity has clear ramifications for our educational institutions and the world of culture. By multiplying the possibilities of communication, digital technologies have allowed us to encounter one another in new ways. Yet there remains a need for sustained reflection on the kinds of relationships to which they are steering us. Our young people are growing up in cultural environments pervaded by technology, and this cannot but challenge our methods of teaching, education and training. 

Education in the use of forms of artificial intelligence should aim above all at promoting critical thinking. Users of all ages, but especially the young, need to develop a discerning approach to the use of data and content collected on the web or produced by artificial intelligence systems. Schools, universities and scientific societies are challenged to help students and professionals to grasp the social and ethical aspects of the development and uses of technology.…. 

I hope that the foregoing reflection will encourage efforts to ensure that progress in developing forms of artificial intelligence will ultimately serve the cause of human fraternity and peace. It is not the responsibility of a few but of the entire human family. For peace is the fruit of relationships that recognize and welcome others in their inalienable dignity, and of cooperation and commitment in seeking the integral development of all individuals and peoples.  

It is my prayer at the start of the New Year that the rapid development of forms of artificial intelligence will not increase cases of inequality and injustice all too present in today’s world, but will help put an end to wars and conflicts, and alleviate many forms of suffering that afflict our human family. May Christian believers, followers of various religions and men and women of good will work together in harmony to embrace the opportunities and confront the challenges posed by the digital revolution and thus hand on to future generations a world of greater solidarity, justice and peace.  

Pope Francis’ message resonates strongly with the EREA Touchstones.  Moreover, it reminds us that while change brings challenges, it also brings opportunity.   In our case, we are called to embrace the opportunity offered by positive enhancement to our governance processes. This leaves EREA well positioned to pursue its mission to offer a Liberating Education based on a Gospel Spirituality within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity. 

I wish you all the very best for the 2024 school year in your important roles as leaders of Catholic communities and I look forward to your contributions and engagement throughout 2024. 

Mr Chris Woolley
Chief Executive Officer

Clarifying Lines of Accountability for 2024

In late Term 4, I had an important opportunity to address all Principal network meetings and clarify the role of EREA Colleges as the Governing Body and predominate provider of services to schools and centres in Queensland, WA, SA, ACT and Tasmania.  Liam Smith, National Executive Director,  joined these meetings to speak about the tole of TEREA/EREA Ltd in leading mission and canonical stewardship.  

The network meetings also provided opportunity to clarify key EREA Colleges contacts for schools across a range of service lines.

EREA Colleges Board Updates

In late 2023, EREA Colleges Ltd welcomed the appointment of two new members to its Board: 

• Pam Betts – Pam is an experienced educational leader, having most recently served as Executive Director of Brisbane Catholic Education, one of Australia’s largest catholic system authorities. Among other roles, Pam has also previously served as Regional Administrator (Northern Region) at EREA and Assistant Director at QCEC and holds a number of current directorships with Catholic and NFP entities. 
• Juanita Healy – Juanita is currently the Executive Director of School Curriculum and Standards (SCS) at the School Curriculum and Standards Authority WA.   Juanita has an extensive background in education, education policy, curriculum and school improvement and has previously held teaching positioning in remote parts of WA. 

Pam and Juanita are well respected in the catholic education sector and EREA is fortunate to have members willing to gift their time and expertise in helping to shape the future of our schools.   

The EREA Colleges Board is now comprised of: 

• Pauline Gately, Chair (WA) 
• Brian Populin (NSW) 
• Vincent Thomas (SA)  
• Graham White (Qld) 
• Pam Ronan (SA) 
• Pam Betts (NSW/Qld) 
• Juanita Healy (WA) 
• Karen Bullock (Qld) 

We welcomed the Board to Brisbane on 25 January for a face-to-face strategy session. This was facilitated by Michael Noon, Director of PKF Brisbane and was a productive day.  

College and Early Learning Centre Staffing Updates

Regional Director of Education SA/WA  

Principal of St Laurence’s College, Chris Leadbetter has been seconded to the role of EREA Colleges Regional Director of Education in Western Australia and South Australia from Term 2 until the end of the 2024 school year. His appointment follows a competitive recruitment internal EOI process conducted in late 2023. Chris will be based in Adelaide during his secondment and will travel regularly to Perth.  

Acting Principal SLC 

While Chris is on secondment, Ben Lowrie will be Acting Principal of St Laurence's College.

Acting Principal SJC 

Principal of St James College, Ann Rebgetz is currently on leave, returning 16 April 2024. During this period of absence, Kristina Johnson will be Acting Principal and Isikeli Kubunameca will be Acting Deputy Principal at St James’ College.  

New appointments at ATC 

Ambrose Treacy College welcomed Jason Sepetauc as the new Deputy Principal to ATC from January.  Deb Carcary is currently Acting Business Manager at ATC until June 2024 while Peter Nugent takes long service leave. 

EREA Colleges Ltd Staffing Updates

EREA Colleges team has expanded over the last few months and given it’s the start to a new year, I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce you to some members of of our team.

Peter Fullagar – Regional Director of Education (Queensland, ACT and Tasmania)

Peter is a well-respected and deeply committed Catholic educator who embodies the Edmund Rice tradition. Throughout his nine years as Principal of St Joseph's Nudgee College (and in his previous six years as Principal St Edmund’s College ACT), he consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to educational excellence, and his dedication to fostering an environment where young people feel supported and empowered to thrive is widely acknowledged and admired.

Daniel Lawler – Interim Regional Manager – South Australia and Tasmania

Daniel has held teaching and leadership roles in Catholic education for over 30 years in South Australia, Queensland and the ACT, across both diocesan and congregational schools. Daniel’s involvement in Edmund Rice schools began as Principal of St Paul’s College SA in 2008, shortly after the establishment of EREA in 2007. He has a particular interest in Catholic identity and school improvement. Prior to commencing this role in EREA Colleges, Daniel had undertaken project work for EREA.

Ian Elder – Interim Regional Manager – Western Australia

Ian has taught and held leadership positions in the State, Independent and Catholic education sectors. With 20 years’ experience as Principal (18 years in Catholic schools – Sacred Heart College and Santa Maria College), he is well known for transforming schools, creating a student-focused learning environment, and raising standards. His ability to appoint and mentor senior staff who have gone on to become school leaders is one of his greatest achievements.

Sharyn Finn – Chief Financial Officer

Sharyn has experience in leadership, governance, risk and financial management and reporting, business development and human resource management. Sharyn holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and joined EREA Colleges in June 2023. 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 from 2011 to 2017.

Peter Simpson – Director of Safeguarding and Professional Standards

Peter has significant strategic and leadership experience gained in the Catholic education and state government settings. He is a widely regarded leader and brings extensive experience in child protection, safeguarding, professional standards and HR across education, government and non-government agencies. Prior to joining EREA, Peter has held roles at University of Southern Queensland, Catholic Schools Office: Diocese of Toowoomba and Queensland Catholic Education Commission. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science (Psychology).

Dr Shannon O’Gorman – Manager of Safeguarding and Professional Standards

Shannon has spent her career advocating for the protection of young people, especially those at increased risk of harm. Shannon is familiar with Edmund Rice education through her previous role as Director of Counselling and Engagement at St James College in Brisbane. Clinically, Shannon is experienced as an individual, family and group therapist within the Child and Youth Mental Health Service (Mater Children’s Hospital) and in private practice.  She has provided consultancy services inclusive of the provision of family reports and social assessments, as well as kinship/foster carer assessments.  Shannon’s diverse career includes lecturing, clinical supervision and academic publication. She has an impressive set of academic qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Family Therapy) and a Bachelor of Music (Music Therapy).

Marie Previte – Skills and Training, School Engagement (Qld)

Marie has substantial experience in leading learning teams both within schools and education systems. She sits on a range of industry, national and state, reference groups and has significant state and national networks.  She has worked for the Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC). Marie also worked for the Department of Education in Tasmania as the Operations Manager of the Professional Learning Institute.  She held a range of leadership roles within Brisbane Catholic Education and has worked as a teacher and held senior leadership positions within EREA schools and others. She has an MBA, graduate qualifications in education system leadership and teaching and a degree in Business.

Marsha Daskalakis – Payroll Manager (Qld, ERC Bindoon)

Marsha joined EREA in January 2021 with over 11 years of payroll management experience spanning Catholic Education, Medical Practices and Higher Education. Prior to payroll Marsha had a systems background rolling out a Blue-Chip American business’ back of house financial systems to various multinational businesses in Africa, the UK and across large swathes of Europe. Having worked on various continents she can relate to people from varied professional, technical, and cultural backgrounds.

Amy Mortland – Executive Officer to the Chief Executive Officer of EREA Colleges Ltd

Amy joined EREA Colleges in August 2023 after twelve years in Queensland Government incorporating managerial roles in front line service delivery, program management and providing high-level executive and project support to Senior Executives within the Housing portfolio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Business and works in a part-time capacity (Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays).

Governance and Finance

Constitution and Delegations

The EREA Colleges Constitution and Delegations Instrument have been updated and recently approved by the Colleges Board.  These approved documents are now in effect and have been circulated to all Educational Bodies (attached at the conclusion of this publication).

There has been significant collaboration in redefining these critical documents, with the aim of providing clarity and consistency in our approach to shaping our governance framework and setting clear foundations for strategy, leadership and accountability.

An overview of these documents will be provided during the upcoming gatherings scheduled for Principals, Deputy Principals and Business Managers.  Please contact any members of the EREA Colleges Leadership Team should you have any queries.

 Annual Business Managers Conference Date Claimer – 8-10 May 2024: Perth

The 2024 Annual Business Managers Conference has been scheduled for the 8-10 May 2024.  Thankyou to CBC Fremantle and Trinity College who will be co-hosts for the conference.  Tim Martin will be leading the conference committee and will provide further information by the end of February.

Safeguarding

Conference

The EREA Colleges Safeguarding Conference will occur on Friday 17 May 2024 in Brisbane. This conference specifically attends to the EREA Child Safeguarding Standard requirement around the provision of “additional training for Child Safeguarding Officers (or equivalent) and other staff who are allocated child safety roles and responsibilities, to enable Staff, Direct Contact Volunteers/Contractors to know, understand and discharge their responsibilities”.  Colleges are encouraged to ensure relevant staff are in attendance. 

Training

Further to the invitation communicated to Colleges and ELCs in late 2023, Peter Simpson and Shannon O’Gorman began 2024 attending Colleges for the purpose of providing professional development on the Code of Conduct and Safeguarding to College communities. Attendance at these presentations ensured that staff met their mandatory training requirements for these modules. In keeping with obligations to the EREA Colleges Ltd Board, audits of mandatory training modules will be conducted during 2024.  Staff and volunteers are reminded that they are required to complete the training modules within 30 days of commencement or within 12 months of their last completion date.

Audits

Audits of Working with Children registers will continue to occur over the course of 2024.  Peter and Shannon will be in direct contact with Principals at the point of audit.  Thank you to those Colleges who have engaged in this exercise to date.

Risk and Compliance

EREA Colleges Ltd Policy Updates

The following policies have been drafted and will be submitted to the Board for approval at their meeting on 12 February 2024: Critical Incident Management, Cyber Security, Health, Safety & Wellbeing, Internal Grievance, Notifiable Incidents, Privacy, Whistleblower Protection, Workplace Discrimination, Harassment & Bullying. On approval, these policies will be made available on your school’s PolicyConnect site. 

The policy transition project from TEREA to EREA Colleges Ltd is on track to be completed by the end of July and schools will be kept updated as to progress.

School Registration

Please contact Christina Longmire (christina.longmire@erea.edu.au) if your school has been scheduled for a registration/accreditation review in 2024.  Christina will provide assistance and support in meeting requirements for the governing body compliance requirements.

Ideagen (formerly CompliSpace)

A new approach to onboarding and training has been developed for school-based systems’ administrators.  While the intended audience is those who are operationally responsible for the administration of the Ideagen platforms in their school (PolicyConnect, Assurance, CompliLearn), newly appointed Principals, Deputy Principals and Business Managers may benefit from attending at least the first ‘Introduction' session. The initial ‘Introduction’ session is scheduled for 5 February in a live online format and will run for 45 minutes.  The capstone sessions are scheduled for 15 February (PolicyConnect and CompliLearn) and 22 February (Assurance).  Please contact Christina if you would like further information.

Annual Conference Date Claimer: 16 May 2024, Brisbane

This date has been flagged for an annual gathering of those staff fulfilling policy, risk and compliance roles in schools.  Further details will be available late February.  This gathering precedes the Safeguarding Conference on 17 May to accommodate those staff who may wish to attend both.

Around The Grounds

I was fortunate to attend the Installation of Scott Thomson as the 26^th Principal at St Joseph’s Nudgee College on 30 January. The wet weather in Brisbane did not deter members of the community wanting to attend this memorable event.

I also look forward to attending St Edmund’s College, Ipswich Year 12 Commissioning and Opening Mass next week.

Peter will be attending the St Patrick’s College Inaugural Mass this Friday, 2 February, and we are both heading to Townsville next week for the Ignatius Park Opening Mass on 8 February 2024 for the Senior Induction and New Principal Commissioning of Luke Thomson. We also welcome Amy Mosquito as Principal of Edmund Rice College – Bindoon and look forward to planning a visit in the coming months.

I recently wrote to Principal's with my intention to visit each College this year to meet with the College Leadership Teams and School Advisory Council’s. Thank you for your willingness to accommodate this request.

Upcoming Events

EREA Colleges Ltd Board Meeting – 12 February 2024

EREA Principals’ National Charter Strategy Forum in Adelaide (managed by EREA Ltd. National Office) - 12-13 March 2024

EREA Colleges Business Managers Meeting in Brisbane on 18 March 2024

Constitution and Delegations