Victorian Schools Ltd is committed to empowering young people, including those who are marginalised, providing quality education grounded in faith, justice, and inclusive community.
About us
EREA Victorian Schools Limited is a response to a renewed commitment to governance, ensuring that the 40,000 students within our diverse learning communities remain our top priority. We maintain a focus on accountability and transparency. Our organisation oversees the effective governance of six schools in Victoria; Parade College Bundoora and Preston, St Patrick’s College Ballarat, St Joseph’s College Geelong, St Bernard’s College Essendon, St Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centres North Melbourne, Geelong, Colac, Ballarat and the newly launched BlendED online School, and St Mary’s College East St Kilda. Complying with the Minimum Standards set by the Victorian regulator (VRQA) is paramount, and we are dedicated to upholding these standards rigorously.
Our Team
Jeff Burn
Interim Chief Executive Officer
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
Jeff Burn serves as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of EREA Victorian Schools Ltd, bringing visionary leadership and strategic acumen to the organisation. With a proven track record of driving organisational growth and excellence, Jeff is committed to advancing educational opportunities and fostering a culture of innovation within EREA schools.
As Interim CEO, Jeff oversees the implementation of key initiatives and works collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve the organization’s mission of providing exceptional learning experiences for all students.
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Peter Gould
Chief Financial Officer
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
Peter Gould is the Chief Financial Officer of EREA Victorian Schools Ltd, bringing extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning to his role. With a background in education, Peter is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of EREA Victorian Schools Ltd and ensuring the organisations fiscal sustainability.
Through his leadership, Peter plays a critical role in managing resources effectively and supporting the organisation’s mission of delivering accessible education to students.
Chloe Hand
Director of Special Assistance Schools
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
Chloe Hand is a highly experienced education professional, with a youth justice background. She has championed an innovative approach to education in Australia, offering choice for young people disengaged from mainstream education.
As a key member of the leadership team, Chloe plays a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of EREA Victorian Schools Ltd, ensuring that all students receive opportunities that prepare them for future success.
Dr Lina Di Paolo
Director of Safeguarding
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
Lina Di Paolo has extensive system leadership experience gained through roles in Catholic education, government and schools. She is skilled in strategic design and the implementation of initiatives and reforms focused on improving the wellbeing, safety, learning and developmental outcomes of children and young people. Lina has contributed to a range of State and national reference groups in the areas of student wellbeing, engagement and mental health. She is a sessional lecturer teaching wellbeing and child safety subjects in the Master of Education. Her Doctoral studies at the University of Melbourne explored school, family and community engagement.
Lina works collaboratively with the VSL Board, executive team, school leaders and stakeholders to embed an active culture of child safety and improvement across the organisation.
Jan Macpherson
Company Secretary
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
As Company Secretary Jan plays an important role in supporting the board and its committees.
Jan Macpherson is a company director, a practicing lawyer and a qualified company secretary with lengthy experience in working with the boards of listed, unlisted, government and NFP enterprises.
Mark Bellamy
General Counsel
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
Mark is a highly experienced senior lawyer serving as legal counsel for EREA Victorian Schools Ltd.
He has lengthy experience in education regulation, dispute resolution, child safety, governance and not for profit, and has undertaken extensive post-secondary education including as an AICD graduate. Mark is committed to applying values in the Edmund Rice tradition in a school environment to create safe, successful and sustainable outcomes for all.
Helen Presser
Risk and Compliance Manager
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
Possessing qualifications in education, education law, and business administration, Helen Presser is an experienced education professional. She has extensive compliance experience, working across a diverse range of faith-based schools.
Helen’s role with EREA Victorian Schools Ltd is to oversee ongoing compliance and ensure schools meet minimum standards and other obligations whilst effectively managing organisational risk.
Helen works closely with our executive team, schools, and stakeholders, championing best-practice methods to manage risk and compliance.
Kathryn Lewis
Executive Coordinator
EREA Victorian Schools Ltd
Kathryn Lewis is a highly accomplished Senior Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience supporting C-suite executives across dynamic and complex organisations. Known for her strategic foresight, discretion, and exceptional organisational acumen, Kathryn plays a pivotal role in enabling executive productivity and driving operational excellence.
Supporting the CEO, Kathryn holds a deep commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and continuous improvement, making her an indispensable asset to the EREA leadership team.
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Since 1872, Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition have been educating young Australians in every state and territory. Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) schools are very diverse. They are both primary and secondary, co-educational, boys, regional/rural, boarding, early learning centres and flexible learning centres. There are 55 schools and 2 Early Childhood Centres across Australia, and 34 Associated schools. EREA schools are part of an international network of schools in over 20 countries called Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders.
EREA aims to offer a Liberating Education, based on a Gospel Spirituality, within an Inclusive Community committed to Justice and Solidarity. The Charter uses four Touchstones to describe the culture of a Catholic school which is striving for authenticity in the Edmund Rice tradition. These touchstones assist in setting direction, defining goals and lead ideals authentically linked with EREA schools and educational endeavours.
EREA is committed to creating an environment in which the safety, wellbeing and participation of all children and young people are paramount.
