Editor’s Foreword

Welcome to the Winter edition of Presence, our Edmund Rice England Network magazine—a space where the stories, commitments, and voices of our schools come together in a shared spirit of hope.

Winter invites us to pause, to look back with honesty, and to look forward with purpose. Across the Network this year, we have witnessed extraordinary examples of young people and educators living out the Edmund Rice charism with courage and compassion: schools strengthening their engagement with ERI, communities deepening their understanding of justice work, and students raising their voices for human dignity in ways that continue to reshape our collective imagination.

It has been a season marked by collaboration. From the growing confidence with which schools are stepping into advocacy, to the commitment of staff who are expanding their training and formation in ERI’s mission, there is a renewed sense of togetherness emerging. In many ways, it feels as though the Network is rediscovering itself—not as separate institutions but as a living community animated by shared values, shared challenges, and a shared hope for a more just world.

This edition reflects that spirit. Inside, you will find stories of formation, creativity, solidarity, global connection, and the quiet but steady work of making our schools places where the dignity of every person is honoured. You will also see how the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice continues to inspire both reflection and action—from classrooms exploring human rights, to student-led advocacy projects, to the ongoing effort to ensure our policies and practices uphold the wellbeing and safety of all.

My hope is that Presence continues to be exactly that—a presence of encouragement, insight, and inspiration within our Network. May these pages remind us of what is possible when we nurture compassion, accompany the vulnerable, and stand together for justice.

Thank you to every contributor, every storyteller, every student, and every colleague who has helped shape this edition. Your work is a gift to the Network and a testament to the enduring power of our collective mission.

Wishing you peace, rest, and renewed purpose this winter season.

Ann Nichols