The early years of a child’s life are quite clearly mapped out, milestones are carefully documented.
However, as a child grows older these milestones change, become less defined and crucial points in time don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.
Good Shepherd principal Anthony Dyer explains, “The two-year Rite Journey, which commences in Year 9, honours the transition from young person to young adult and is a collective partnership between student, parent, Rite Journey teachers and the broader College community. It encourages students to strive to be thriving citizens, ready for their journey through life.”
Over 100 Year 9 students and their families attended the “Calling and Departure” ceremony. The Calling encourages students to show gratitude for their childhood and calls them on their journey to young adulthood while the Departure involves parents, carers and teachers joining the students for an opportunity to learn, reflect and look forward.
Program coordinator, Mrs Nicole Drew explains, ”The time and location for the ceremony is very intentional. Families and teachers gathered at 6.30am at the Noosa River Mouth as the start of a new day symbolises a turning point and the location, where the river and ocean meet, perfectly depicts the analogy of our young people growing and developing into young adults.
“Much like a creek develops into a river and meanders into the ocean, our students’ started life small, as young children and, over the years with the many and varied influences in their lives, they have grown, a bit like an ocean, into more independent young adults.”
Students shared prepared letters of gratitude and attributes of childhood they wish to leave behind as they transition into young adults.
Mrs Drew revealed that, “This is a very special moment for our Year 9 students and their parents. More than a few tears were shed at the sentiments of gratitude acknowledged in the letter from their child. It is touching to watch and even more special to experience.”
Parents, in return, shared memories and keep-sakes from their young person’s childhood before students were asked to ‘step into adulthood’ and join their Rite Journey teachers at the water’s edge for the final phase of the ceremony.
Mr Dyer, whose own family has enjoyed the Rite Journey program, understands the importance of helping these students progress to the next stage of young adulthood.
“It is wonderful to be a part of this moment, to watch the students, many who have been at Good Shepherd since Prep, transition, grow and develop into responsible, caring young adults. The proverb that it takes a village to raise a child was beautifully demonstrated throughout the ceremony. As a college we are honoured to facilitate and share our students’ journey.”
