St Patrick’s College, Strathfield, as a school in the Edmund Rice tradition across Australia is bound by a Charter which identifies four touchstones authentically linked with the Charism of Blessed Edmund Rice and which underpin the ministry in our schools and educational endeavours.

These touchstones help us set our direction and define our goals as, following Blessed Edmund’s example, we continue to reflect and to seek to make the Gospel a living reality in our communities. Living these touchstones gives EREA schools a special position in educating for liberation and possibility.

Each school and educational entity within Edmund Rice Education Australia is called to be authentic to The Charter. The Charter aims to inspire school communities to foster energetically the vision of a charismatic leader, Blessed Edmund Rice, in the Spirit of Christ and the educational mission of the Catholic Church. The formulation of the Charter was the result of consultation and collaboration by Edmund Rice Education Australia with the schools and educational entities throughout Australia.

As a living document, the Charter continues to evolve through review and reflection as the demands of our changing times are read and interpreted in the light of the unchanging Gospel.

You can download the full EREA Charter here

As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, we aspire to be faithful to the four Charter touchstones

Liberating Education

Empowered by liberating teaching and learning experiences, we open our hearts and minds, so that we are hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.

“You are the light of the world… Your light must shine before others…” (Matt 5:16)

Gospel Spirituality

Jesus’ invitation to love, justice, compassion, peace and faith, calls us to life-giving relationships within our communities and the wider world.

“The water that I give will become a spring within you…” (John 4:14)

Inclusive Community

We welcome and celebrate diversity in our local, national and global communities, responsive to each person’s aspirations and needs, and committed to the common good.

“I give you a new commandment: Love one another…” (John 13:34-35)

Justice and Solidarity

We are committed to local and global justice and peace, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection, inspiring us to listen to, walk with and learn from all creation, especially those who experience powerlessness.

“This is what God asks of you – to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8)

The EREA Climate Crisis Statement, ‘Ask the Earth and it will teach you’, was launched on 19 August 2021. The Statement speaks to us with hope and optimism grounded in a call for renewed and reimagined action. It has been developed over 18 months through consultation with over 1600 young people from EREA schools and various other members of our school communities. We are seeking a shift in attitudes and actions, to address the climate crisis and to restore harmony to God’s creation.

St Patrick’s College, Strathfield is committed to an authentically sustainable present and future, ensuring we care for ‘our common home’. We are called by God to protect the earth and inspired by the example of St Francis of Assisi, as we heed the words of Pope Francis in Laudato si’. Our promise to learn from the earth and work with it stands alongside the positional statement from EREA. To view this statement and supporting documentation use this link:

EREA Climate Crisis Statement.

St Patrick’s College, Strathfield stands in solidarity with all of Edmund Rice Education Australia as we support and engage with EREA’s response to providing safe and inclusive learning environments for all students, in particular for same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people. To view the statement, Live Life to the Full, and supporting material please click here

St Patrick’s College is a member of the EREBB, an international network of Catholic schools educating young people from many different faiths and cultures.

We are inspired by the teachings of Jesus, Gospel values and the spirit of Edmund Rice. In over 20 countries we endeavour to promote global solidarity and offer a transformational education for justice and liberation.

EREBB was inaugurated in May 2014 when leaders representing Edmund Rice Education gathered in Nairobi, Kenya to establish an inclusive international network of Edmund Rice educational communities.

Click here to learn more.

The Edmund Rice Foundation (Australia) is an international aid organisation which supports sustainable health, education and community projects in developing countries and projects for marginalised and disadvantaged groups in Australia.

The Foundation’s vision is for a just and peaceful world where the dignity and rights of all are respected and in which all have control over their lives and have access to the resources and opportunity to achieve their potential.

The Foundation draws its inspiration from the life and vision of Edmund Rice, the Irish businessman who more than 200 years ago responded to the needs on his doorstep by dedicating his life and resources to the liberation of the poor through education; a life and work characterised by presence, compassion and liberation.

In particular, the Foundation supports education, health, vocational training and community development projects in East Africa, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

Within Australia, the Foundation supports programs for socially and financially disadvantaged children, youth and families, including programs for indigenous Australians, refugees and asylum seekers.

In providing effective aid the Foundation works in partnership with a number of partner groups and a range of schools across Australia.

For more information visit Home - Edmund Rice Foundation