Year 9 Students Begin Their Rite Journey

Any onlookers would have been confused at the sight of sixty teenagers dressed in white walking together on the beach, and then throwing rocks into the sea while standing in one line.

That was us, our Year 9 students from both our College campuses, participating in the Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony. 

The Rite Journey is a year-long program that our Year 9s complete to help them navigate their transition from childhood to adulthood. Through class activities, challenges, mentoring, camp, and projects, students are equipped with the skills to be confident, disciplined young men and women with a sense of purpose. 

The Calling and Departure Ceremony marked an important milestone in our students’ Rite Journey, as they came together with their parents to celebrate the initiation of their journey to adulthood. They gathered at Jubilee Adventure Playground and wore white to symbolise new beginnings.

The students sat individually with their parents and shared meaningful moments together, reflecting on childhood memories and expressing gratitude for their formative years. They then walked from the playground to Port Noarlunga Beach, symbolising leaving behind their childhood. They ‘let go’ of their younger selves by throwing pebbles into the sea. 

Parents and teachers were present to show their support. It was important for parents to be there with their teenagers, to symbolise their role in growing with them and being by their side as they journey to adulthood. 

After this ceremony, our community shared supper and fellowship.

The Rite Journey has many milestones that our students reach. We are excited to see where the rest of the year takes our young people, and we are very proud of them for taking the steps required to navigate this transition into adulthood.