Edmund Rice Education Australia has appointed an experienced educator to lead the national expansion of its fast-growing BlendED program, which helps students who have disengaged from traditional schooling.
Lee Anne Perry will become the inaugural executive chair of BlendED National Ltd.
BlendED National Ltd. has been established to lead and govern a new national system of Catholic schools for secondary school-aged young people. It offers dual-engagement programs – online and in-person – to support a growing number of vulnerable young Australians experiencing “school can’t”.
These young people typically face complex challenges including trauma, neurodiversity, mental health barriers, prolonged school avoidance, and disconnection from peers and community.
BlendED uses a trauma-informed, relationship-centred model that blends high-quality online learning with in-person wellbeing support to remove barriers and restore engagement.
Dr Perry brings decades of experience in Catholic education leadership, system governance, policy reform, and school improvement.
Her distinguished career includes serving as executive director of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission, principal of multiple schools, and national roles in educational leadership, accreditation, and formation.
She has been recognised nationally as a Member of the Order of Australia for her outstanding contribution to education.
As executive chair, Dr Perry will guide the establishment and growth of BlendED National Ltd., ensuring robust governance, strong strategic direction, and the faithful expression of the Edmund Rice charism across the emerging network of BlendED schools.
“I am absolutely delighted to take on the role of executive chair of BlendED and honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by the EREA Trustees and Council,” Dr Perry said.
“BlendED is a fabulous initiative of EREA and marks yet another chapter in the Edmund Rice story of innovative, responsive and flexible education options for young people, particularly those who are marginalised in our society.
“BlendED will offer young people who can’t attend or participate in other schooling options a high-quality online curriculum program supported by comprehensive, in-person, wraparound wellbeing support. I look forward to working with the BlendED team to implement this innovative and much-needed schooling option progressively across the country.”
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