Rites of Passage

LEANNE RUSSELL, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

A rite of passage is a profound journey marking a transition from one stage of life to another. It challenges us to step beyond the familiar, embrace growth, and discover new strength and purpose. For our students, this journey lays the foundation for resilience, connection, and self-discovery, equipping them to face life’s challenges with courage and confidence.

Imagine stepping away from the comfort of home, the support of family, and the ever-present pull of technology. Picture an eightday experience that challenges, empowers, and transforms – a journey that helps students discover who they are and who they want to become.

This is the essence of the Rites of Passage, a cornerstone of our Year 8 Camp, designed to guide students on their transition from childhood to young adulthood.

The Rites of Passage framework, created by Dr Arne Rubinstein, was introduced to the Middle School in 2022 after Year 8 Coordinator, Paul Jubber, completed a Leadership Training course in New South Wales.

To ensure its impact, all camp staff undergo specialised training, including an in-house development session led by Dr Rubinstein himself.

This equips staff with the tools and insights to guide students through this transformative experience, preparing them for the challenges and growth that lie ahead.

The program

At the heart of this program are three key phases: Separation, Transition, and Reintegration.

Separation

Students leave behind their usual environment – school, family, technology, and creature comforts –as they embark on this adventure.

Transition

Through challenges that test their mental and physical resilience, students begin to grow and transform, discovering newfound courage and self-confidence.

Reintegration

Upon their return, students reunite with their families and settle back into their usual lives, bringing with them the lessons learned and emotions experienced during their journey. This is a significant moment for many of our families, and many of the parents are astounded by the raw emotion that this process evokes.

During camp, students are provided with challenges. These challenges push their boundaries, build a sense of self-efficacy and confidence, they learn resilience, find courage and work together with other people.

Many students depart for camp with a ‘me’ centred focus. This is understandable in this context, as there are uncertainties, anxieties, excitement and nervousness around how they will cope with or without friends, whilst engaging in activities that challenge their comfort levels and the added feeling of being away from the support of home.

Throughout the camp, students face tasks that push them beyond their limits, fostering resilience, teamwork, and a shift from a “me” mindset to a “we” perspective. As they work together, they begin to recognise the value of collaboration. Strengths and weaknesses emerge within the group, and students learn to support each other, maximising strengths, and supporting weaknesses to build a functional and cohesive team.

The four-week challenge

On their return, the transformation continues through a four-week challenge designed to embed the lessons of camp into their everyday lives.

Each child is provided with a Program Workbook to help them take their learnings and integrate them into their relationships on their return.

Week 1 – The Golden Check-In

Families create a space each week for open and honest communication, discussing their thoughts and monitoring each other’s wellbeing through a series of questions asked by the child and their parents/carers.

Week 2 – Time Together

Students spend one-on-one time with each parent or carer, engaging in activities they both enjoy. This strengthens their bond and helps build and maintain healthy, positive relationships.

Week 3 – Create a Vision

Families work together to envision what their relationship could look like in five years and identify the steps to achieve it.

Week 4 – Honouring

Each family member takes time to acknowledge and celebrate one another’s unique gifts and talents.

This reflective process encourages students to recognise that they have the power to shape the direction of their lives—at home, at school, and in their future careers.

It also teaches them that one of the most effective ways to assert themselves and step into adulthood is through open communication. By sharing their thoughts and feelings, they help those around them understand their experiences, emotions, and aspirations.

By having their parents/carers involved in this experience, students are also reminded that their families ultimately want the best for them, supporting them as they navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey from adolescence to adulthood.

This journey they undertake is not just about personal growth but about fostering stronger relationships, instilling resilience, and equipping students with the skills to navigate life’s complexities. It is a powerful reminder that transformation begins when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.

As Dr Rubinstein highlights, “Faith in our potential is what drives us forward, but transformation requires time, courage, and the willingness to be vulnerable.”

For our Year 8 students, this experience is a crucial step in becoming thoughtful, self-aware, and compassionate young adults.