The Rite Journey: A Year of Growth, Reflection, and Transformation

Year 9 students celebrate their achievement after completing the Sandy Running Festival and raising money for Australian Christian Aid ‘Bright Futures’ who provide invaluable health care for women and children in Uganda and South Sudan.

At Portside, the Rite Journey is a vital component of our Year 9 program, designed to guide students as they transition from childhood into young adulthood. This year-long journey has offered students the opportunity to reflect on key aspects of life, explore their identities, and confront the challenges and responsibilities that come with growing up. Through both personal reflection and group discussions, the Rite Journey has empowered students to better understand themselves and the world around them.

Exploring Identity, Relationships, and Faith

Throughout the year, our Year 9 students explored four main themes that are central to their development as young adults:

1. "Who am I?" – A deep dive into personal identity and self-awareness.

2. "How do I get along with others?" – Exploring relationships, empathy, and conflict resolution.

3. "Is there something more?" – Examining faith, purpose, and the deeper meaning of life.

4. "What do I have to give?" – Reflecting on service, leadership, and the impact we have on others.

These themes were explored in small group discussions, where students engaged with topics such as leadership, faith, relationships, death, solitude, well-being, and service. These discussions encouraged critical thinking and provided students with a safe space to ask questions, challenge ideas, and seek deeper meaning.

Challenges to Build Character

The Rite Journey isn’t just about reflection—it’s about action. Throughout the year, students faced a series of challenges that required them to demonstrate key virtues such as courage, commitment, collaboration, consideration, and compassion. These challenges were designed to help them build resilience and strengthen their character.

The pinnacle of these challenges came in Term 3 when students embarked on a solo night camping experience in the stunning Flinders Ranges. This experience pushed students to embrace solitude, reflect on their personal growth, and develop a sense of independence and self-reliance. It was a powerful moment in their Rite Journey, marking a key milestone in their development.

Hands-On Learning and Problem Solving

In addition to their discussions and challenges, students were fortunate to visit ‘The Brambles’ Farm at Verdun several times throughout the year. This unique opportunity allowed students to engage in problem-based learning, teamwork, and hands-on life skills. From working on the land to solving real-world problems, these visits taught students valuable lessons in collaboration, responsibility, and resourcefulness.

Celebrating Growth and Maturity

As we reflect on the 2024 Year 9 cohort, we couldn’t be more proud of the growth and maturity they have shown throughout the year. They’ve faced a variety of challenges, but through courage, perseverance, and a commitment to Godly character, they have grown into young adults ready to take on the next phase of their journey.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents, mentors, and friends who have been instrumental in supporting these students throughout the year. Their encouragement and guidance have been invaluable in helping our Year 9's navigate this transformative journey.

A Prayer for the Future

As our Year 9 students approach their final years of schooling, we pray that they continue to grow in wisdom and understanding. We encourage them to hold onto the words of Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” May they continue to walk in the light, embrace the challenges ahead, and remain grounded in their faith as they journey into adulthood.

We look forward to seeing the incredible things these students will accomplish in the future.