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VISION
Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers, established an education system that was relationship based, outreaching, inclusive, just, and relevant to its time. Centred in the Christian tradition, it gave priority to the uniqueness and dignity of each person. The educational insight of Edmund Rice was that personal and community liberation could be achieved through educational and community experiences that enable transformation.

Edmund Rice Education Flexible Learning Centres (FLCs) provide young people, who have disengaged from education, with a place and an opportunity to re-engage in a suitable, flexible learning environment.

The aim of the FLC is to respond to the needs of young people at the margins of education. It achieves its aim by building honest and authentic relationships with young people and their families, supporting and celebrating the uniqueness and dignity of each young person.

The contemporary vision of Edmund Rice Education is formed and reformed in response to “the needs of the day”. Edmund Rice tradition, together with other educational and community services centred in the same philosophy, provide holistic education that attends to the individual needs of young people within a dynamic learning community.

PRINCIPLES
FLCs have adopted the common ground principles of RESPECT, SAFE and LEGAL, PARTICIPATION (have a go) and FAIR DINKUM (honesty) to guide group relationships. These principles represent broad directions for group practice and establish a common ethical framework which promotes appropriate learning and personal relationships. They are used by all members of the school community to encourage daily learning, build personal relationships and peacefully resolve conflict.

The consequence of operating within the “common ground” is that all group participants – staff and young people – are accountable for their behaviour. Within this framework, emphasis is placed on providing opportunities for the articulation of issues and their resolution. Considerable time, sensitivity and skill are often required to allow for briefing, challenging and discussing on-going expectations.

YOUNG PEOPLE
FLCs celebrate the unique character and aspirations of a wide cross section of young people of secondary school age and provide an educational, social and emotional response that enables them to realise their full potential. Many young people enrolled have experienced debilitating educational, social, psychological, health, legal or familial situations which demand unique responses. Such interventions are commonly educational, but typically also involve legal, medical and welfare personnel and systems.