Dean of Identity | Mr Charles Brauer

All that is good

Sir, what would Edmund Rice think about Terrace if he were around today? 

This is one of the toughest questions I have faced in my time as Dean of Identity at the College. The question is difficult to answer because of the tensions that can arise and the somewhat defensive position I can sometimes naturally take, largely out of a want to remain a committed steward of our Edmund Rice tradition. There is also a tremendous beauty in this question. It calls us to interrogate both our perceived self-identity and the identity perceived by those external to our Terrace Family. Essentially, our authenticity with enacting the tradition of Edmund Rice education is explored. Are we offering young people a truly liberating education? Are we ‘fair dinkum’?

The extraordinary generosity and willingness to support this term’s St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal is just one litmus test of our authenticity that we have passed with flying colours! The images below represent all that is good with our Terrace Family. The images represent our commitment to building mutual relationships with our wider community that our grounded in respect, dignity and love. The images represent our Terrace family’s willingness to support those who are in need.

Beyond the community initiatives such as the Christmas Appeal, a key test of our authenticity as Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition is how our Terrace Family is in relationship with one another. Are we seeking to accompany others of our Terrace Family in their times of need? Are we gentle enough to affirm the dignity of those in our Terrace Family who feel isolated? Are we courageous enough to accept our own fragility and accompany others in theirs?

As Dean of Identity, I have been very fortunate to have been part of many experiences where our community has reached out to others in a humble, caring and loving way without expecting anything in return. Our staff go above and beyond each and every day with pastorally and educationally supporting our young men and enabling them to be the best they can be. Our families and friends fill the freezers with meals or give their time at canteens, BBQs and fundraisers in support of community initiatives aimed at supporting those who are in a struggle. Our Terracians continue to be driven to enact a spirit of service by committing themselves to our Campus Ministry programs, House Friendship Groups and Social Justice programs.

Edmund Rice would be extraordinarily proud of the way we are in relationship with each other and by the way we challenge ourselves to extend ourselves to others in our local and global community. I believe he would also encourage and challenge us, as he was in 19th Century Ireland, to be ever mindful that the heart of Catholic education is to affirm the dignity, hopes and presence of God in all. Not just in the young men we educate but also with our colleagues, our fellow parents, the first-time stranger we meet and welcome and those with whom we sometimes feel disagreement. I wish all members of our Terrace Family a happy and safe Christmas holiday. May you receive the blessings of hope, peace, joy and love this Advent season.