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 endeavors.
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
We open hearts and minds, through quality teaching and learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement each person is hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.
Gospel Spirituality
We invite all people into the story of Jesus and strive to make his message of compassion, justice and peace a living reality within our community.
Inclusive Community
Our community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good.
Justice and Solidarity
We are committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the Earth itself.