The Year 9 students have experienced close to 5,000 sunrises in their lifetime. Concordia - The Rite Journey begins with a sunrise to symbolically represent a new day where the students are called to the adventure of journeying towards adulthood. It is a call to taking on more responsibility and the building of knowledge and competencies for adult life.

As the Year 9 students sat in their Home Class groups, each parent shared a meaningful piece of wisdom for the group to take hold of as they shared this significant time together. This then led into a family time where each student presented their Gratitude Gift to their parents, acknowledging the impact they have had on developing them into the person they have become. It was a beautiful time to witness as each family shared together, a sunrise and start to a day that would stand out among the 5,000 previously experienced.

The Departure is symbolised in a 'challenge day' for the students, to represent the challenges experienced and the qualities needed on the journey to adulthood. 150 of us embarked on a two-hour hike around Brownhill Creek, where various challenges were attempted. The Summit, The Rock and The Rope provided opportunity for the Year 9 students to show teamwork, leadership, grit, resilience, communication and perseverance as in Home Class groups. This then led onto a challenge of another kind, at West Beach Adventure where comfort zones were pushed in a 'challenge by choice' format.

We want to congratulate the Year 9 students for the way they approached the challenge day and started the Rite Journey for 2025. It was difficult, it was hot, it was tiring, and it was rewarding as we completed the day together.

We will build on the lessons learned from this experience as we prepare for our Adventure Camp to the Flinders Ranges midway through Term 2.

Ben Crook
Year 9 Leader