Erea

St Mary’s College is a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, governed by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA).

EREA Governance

Established by the Christian Brothers in 2007, EREA now governs the schools owned by the Brothers at that time. This change was an historic initiative which will continue to provide positive opportunities for St Mary’s College to further advance its commitment to becoming a leading 21st century school.

With the addition of schools established since 2007 there are 54 schools governed by EREA, enrolling over 39,000 students, through all states and territories of Australia. As part of their mission within the Church and inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, schools offer an education guided by the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition.

EREA has its own canonical and civil identity but remains closely connected to the Christian Brothers and their ongoing ministry. Schools operate in dioceses with the mandate of the Bishop of the diocese and work closely with local Diocesan education authorities.

EREA Governance Structure

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) was established to succeed, carry on and expand the education ministries conducted by the Congregation of Christian Brothers in Australia. The purpose of EREA is to own, govern, manage and conduct these ministries in fulfilment of the mission of Jesus Christ in the Catholic tradition and in continuation of the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice.

EREA Council

The members of the Council of EREA are the canonical and civil stewards of EREA. The members of the EREA Council are appointed by the Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers. The EREA Council appoints the EREA Board and delegates to it certain responsibilities related to the management and strategic direction of EREA.

The EREA Council:

• Ensures the Identity of EREA as Catholic and an expression of the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice
• Is the proprietor of the schools
• Approves the acquisition or alienation of the resources of EREA (according to the Constitution)

EREA Board

The EREA Board governs the operations of the schools. The Board:

• Sets the strategic directions for EREA
• Sets the operational policy framework
• Sets the care, safety and welfare of students policy framework for EREA
• Oversees the financial well-being of EREA and each of the schools
• Sets and oversees EREA’s risk management framework
• Monitors the management of EREA
• Contributes to the nurturing of key external relationships
• Supports and guides the Executive

 Further information about the Members of the EREA Board can be found here.

The Executive Director

The EREA Executive Director provides day to day leadership and management of the operation of all EREA schools.

The Executive Director:

• Implements the strategy and policy approved by the EREA Board
• Articulates the Vision and Mission of EREA and provides leadership which empowers others to bring the EREA Charter to life
• Appoints staff to fulfil the leadership, management and operational structures of EREA
• Ensures the provision of appropriate faith formation and spiritual development of all staff
• Ensures the sustainability, growth and development of EREA while complying with statutory obligations

The EREA Executive Director is Dr Craig Wattam.  Further information about EREA’s Executive Director and Executive Team can be found here.

EREA Schools

The Executive Director delegates the day-to-day operation of EREA schools to Principals and certain other responsibilities to School Advisory Councils.

Further information and contact details for the EREA Southern Region Director can be found here.