This week our Year 7 students have been on their three day camp at Fitzroy Falls, just two weeks after our Year 10 students completed their ten day camp at Coolendel. The Outdoor Education component of our Pastoral Program plays a crucial role in assisting the boys to develop into men. This week’s Happy Families article by Doctor Arne Rubinstein, highlights the significance of an important rite of passage for young people. He suggests and affirms our belief as a College that Rites of Passage help to meet the needs of young people creating a sense of belonging, by helping them to feel safe and supported, to have a clear sense of self and gain important life skills. Whilst many families would have their own Rites of Passage our Camps provide valuable opportunities for the boys to develop a clear sense of identity as a group of young people who walk a shared path, it helps to foster improved communication skills and an appreciation for the environment as well as increased motivation as they challenge themselves to try new things. The opportunity to step away from the usual routines and the screens play an important role in reducing levels of stress and encouraging positive behaviour supported by a strong sense of team. I encourage you to take some time to read the attached article and would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the members of staff who attended these camps for their generosity of time and spirit, without these staff members your sons would not have such wonderful opportunities. Thank you also to the parents and boys who have embraced the opportunity, which has allowed the boys to make memories that will last a lifetime. In particular, I would like to acknowledge and thank the extraordinary hardworking Pastoral Care Coordinators of Year 7 and 10, Mr Russell Bates and Mr Jeremy Forshaw and their Assistants Mr Marco Panozzo and Mrs Jade Roper as well as Mr Geoff Volk who led our Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh candidates on their training expedition.

Mrs Hughes
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing