Assistant Principal - Religious Identity & Mission 

Connections, Leadership and Learning  

Recently, I had the privilege of participating in two Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) gatherings that deeply enriched my understanding of our shared mission and strengthened my sense of connection to our global community. 

The first was the Charter Leadership Induction Program held in Brisbane. This experience brought together colleagues from every state and territory, representing a wide range of leadership roles — principals, identity and pastoral leaders, business managers, and more. We also came from diverse educational settings, including colleges like our own, as well as flexible learning contexts, special schools and BlendEd environments. This diversity added a richness to our conversations that would not have been possible if we had all shared similar contexts. 

One session that particularly resonated with me was Leading for Reconciliation and First Nations Education, led by Justin Butler, a proud First Nations man. A key message was the powerful principle: “Nothing about us, without us.” This serves as a vital reminder that meaningful progress in reconciliation must involve genuine partnership, ensuring First Nations voices are central in all decision-making. 

This message was reinforced by the words of Lilla Watson: 

“If you have come to help me, you will waste your time. If you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” 

This quote challenges us to move beyond a mindset of helping and instead recognise our shared humanity and responsibility in building a more just and inclusive society. Justin also affirmed that a Gospel spirituality underpins the EREA Statement on First Nations Education, reminding us that this work is not only educational but deeply spiritual — grounded in truth-telling, justice and solidarity. 

The second gathering connected me to the global Edmund Rice network through the EREBB Global Identity Leaders Network. This online forum brought together educators from across the world, offering a powerful reminder that our mission extends well beyond our local context. 

We heard from colleagues in the United States, Peru and Uruguay, each sharing how they bring the Edmund Rice charism to life in their communities. From Brother Rice School in the USA, the initiative Burgers and Books highlighted creative ways to build connection and foster student engagement. 

In Peru, representatives from Fe y Alegría shared how students are empowered to lead pastoral activities, demonstrating the importance of student voice and agency in shaping school culture. 

A particularly moving presentation came from Stella Maris School in Uruguay. Staff shared their annual Andes Retreat experience, where Year 12 students plan and undertake a three-day pilgrimage through the mountains. This journey involves not only physical endurance, but also deep mental and spiritual reflection. 

Through a video shared during the session, both students and staff spoke about the profound impact of the experience. One teacher reflected, “Good things can happen when you trust young people.” Students described the transformation they experienced, noting, “None of us could have done it ourselves,” and “We went to the mountains as one group of people and came back completely different people.” 

Another powerful insight came from a teacher who described the retreat as a “transforming experience—an enormous possibility for finding God". The shared challenge of the mountains created a unique sense of equality and community: “We were no longer their protectors… we were all exposed to the power of the mountain. We were all there to serve and support one another.” 

Hearing this story was especially powerful given the region’s history, and it highlighted the deep courage, resilience, and faith that underpin such experiences. 

Across both gatherings, a common theme emerged: the importance of connection, voice and shared responsibility. Whether through reconciliation with First Nations peoples in Australia, or through global partnerships that empower young people, the Edmund Rice tradition calls us to walk together, learning from one another and supporting each other in our shared journey. 

I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities to learn, reflect and connect. They have strengthened my commitment to ensuring our school continues to be a place of inclusive community, meaningful relationships and authentic action — where every voice is valued, and where we continue to grow together in faith and justice.