Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders Leadership Symposium 2025

Working in EREA schools provides opportunities well beyond the school gates. One such unique opportunity for staff is participation in the Edmund Rice Beyond Borders experiences.  

In 2025, a number of staff from across our EREA NSW school participated in the Edmund Rice Beyond Borders Leadership Symposium in South Africa.  This professional learning experience gathers leaders from the network of Edmund Rice schools around the world to engage in facilitated sessions that develop leadership capacities relevant to educating in a globalised world. Through the program, there are opportunities to network with a worldwide community of experienced educators, share ideas and programs, hear from a range of speakers who have committed their lives to building a better world for all, as well as school visits and learning about African culture and spirituality.  

One of our leaders participating in the 2025 program was Jodie Connor, Deputy Principal of St Edward’s College in Gosford.  

Jodie shared her reflections on the experience:

The EREBB Leadership Symposium in South Africa was a profound reminder that leadership in Edmund Rice communities is not merely about strategy or systems—it is about soul. Rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu—“Iam because we are”—and the greeting Sawubona—“We see you”—we were invited to reimagine leadership as a deeply relational and spiritual vocation.

The symposium reminded us that “students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This truth is foundational. Our leadership must be grounded in relationships that reflect dignity, compassion, and mutual growth. When we see the heart of God in each person, we create spaces where students and staff alike can flourish.

Since returning to my school, the challenge is clear: to lead not just with policies, but with presence. To embody Ubuntu in every decision, every conversation, and every act of service. In doing so, we become not just leaders, but bearers of heart, hope, and humanity.