Launch of Renewed Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition

St Laurence’s College is excited to release the renewed Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition throughout the Lauries community. The Charter was formally endorsed by the EREA Council in late 2024 and acknowledges this Charter as the central expression of the purpose and identity of EREA. 

Chair of the EREA Council, Dr Michael Slattery, said the, “. . . Charter represents an important stage in the process of renewal at all layers within the family of EREA as we grow in our understanding and response to God's call to Mission animated and inspired by the life of Blessed Edmund Rice.”

The commitment of EREA to the mission of the Church in Australia and beyond is captured in the Vision of the EREA Charter: 

The EREA Charter is the contemporary educational expression of the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice in Australia. Inspired by the Spirit in proactively responding to current realities and hope-filled futures, we are called to faithfulness and transformation as Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice tradition. Through a Liberating Education, based on a Gospel Spirituality, within an Inclusive Community, committed to Justice and Solidarity, we co-create a better world for all.

“As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition, the renewed Charter provides St Laurence’s College with a practical expression of our identity and allows us to embrace the Touchstones as signposts for the lived culture of our College,” College Principal Mr Ben Lowrie said.

"Our goal is to keep the four touchstones central to our minds, hearts and actions," College Dean of identity and Community Mr Lachlan Heshusius said.

"We encourage our students to embody these touchstones through our customised retreat programs, our diverse Faith in Action initiatives that support various community, school and charitable organisations, our religious education lessons, and, of course, our liturgical celebrations."

The Vision and the entire Charter respond to Pope Francis' Jubilee Call to be Pilgrims of Hope by:

• Listening to the Cry of the Poor
• Caring for Creation
• Showing Solidarity with our brothers and sisters

Over the coming months, St Laurence’s College will enact the vision of the charter through numerous Faith in Action initiatives, each with a purpose of solidifying the Charter with our students, staff and wider community.

Further information on the Charter including a full copy can be found on the EREA website - The Charter - Edmund Rice Education Australia.