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Edmund Rice Education Australia Flexible Schools, the largest national network of alternative schools in Australia, has appointed Peter Pearce as its new board chair, strengthening the organisation’s governance and leadership expertise.
Mr Pearce is a committed not-for-profit governance practitioner, with more than 40 years of experience and a passion for serving the community.
Most recently, he was at the helm of Common Ground Queensland, where he worked as director and chairperson for nine years to provide housing and support services to chronically homeless and at-risk families.
Mr Pearce has also held senior leadership positions at LifeFlight and the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland and has worked on the board of organisations including Mater Hospitals, Holy Cross Services and Mercy Family Services.
EREA Flexible Schools chief executive Matt Hawkins said Mr Pearce’s background meant he had a solid understanding of the importance of Flexis’ approach to education.
“Last year, EREA Flexible Schools became its own entity with a new and unified approach to ensure our young people experience the highest quality education possible in the safest and most dynamic schools in the country,” Dr Hawkins said.
“Peter brings significant experience that will help us to deliver on this vision, and I look forward to working closely with him over the coming years.”
Mr Pearce said he was inspired by Flexis unique approach to education, with inclusion, empowerment and a positive regard for young people at the forefront.
“I was inspired to join Flexis after hearing about the work they do for the community. Working hard to keep young people connected to education is honourable and vital work,” he said.
“I am excited to be part of an organisation where young people who have become disenfranchised with mainstream education will have access to a Flexi school – and through that the future can be changed one young person at a time.”
For more information about EREA Flexible Schools, visit www.ereafsn.edu.au.
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EREA Flexible Schools Ltd Appoints New Board Chair to Strengthen the Future of Alternative Education (EREA)