Sunday the 7th March was a beautiful morning at the Gold Coast Seaway where over 100 Year 9 students, together with their PC teachers and family members, gathered on the beach for the Rite Journey Calling and Departure Ceremony. This event signifies and celebrates their rite of passage into adulthood.


The Rite Journey is a unique programme designed to support the development of self-aware, responsible and resilient adults. It reinvents the traditional process of a Rite of Passage to assist in transforming adolescents from dependency to responsibility.


The Calling is a ceremony in which the students themselves resolve to move forward and turn away from “childish things”. They will consider their past and the events that have led them to where they are now and make a commitment to grow, be challenged and take up ‘the calling’ that God has placed before them.


The Departure is a ceremony to acknowledge the importance of childhood, the important bond between parents and their child, and allows time for the parent to bless and release their child to continue their journey into adulthood.


“Adulthood is a big thing – as vast as the sea both, in opportunities and challenges. Anyone who has swum in the sea knows that it’s not to be taken lightly or carelessly. We need to learn about its ways; we need to listen to others who have more experience; we need to train to be strong in body and mind to go into the sea. But when you do, when you’ve gained the respect and understanding and know-how, the sea brings great enjoyment and possibilities too.”