Over 300 Year 9 students and their families from Good Shepherd Lutheran College Noosa gathered at Noosa Woods and made their way to Main Beach this week for a special ceremony to acknowledge the transition from childhood to adolescence.
Moving from childhood to adolescence can be a challenge for both child and parent, which is something Good Shepherd is recognising through a new program they are introducing for Year 9 students and families called The Rite Journey.
At the break of day, students and their parents gathered for the “Calling and Departure” ceremony where they shared a breakfast together, taking the time to discuss significant items and events from their student’s childhood.
“Students and parents were able to connect through reflection of memories and significant events or items from the child’s formative years,” said Mrs Melissa Evans, co-ordinator of The Rite Journey program for Good Shepherd.
“Then together they discussed the notion of “moving on” from the phase of childhood and what this would require them to let go of,” said Mrs Evans.
“Each student filled out a card writing something that they wished to ‘let go’ or ‘stop doing’ as a part of this journey.
“Parents then reciprocated by writing on the back of the card with a message of support or equally something they are willing ‘let go’ to allow their child to progress.”
Following this ceremony families walked to Noosa Main Beach and the students all made their way into the water drawing on the symbolism of a river as it journeys from a mountain stream to the ocean.
