20
November
2020
A year of significant personal growth came to an end for CBC Fremantle's Year 9 cohort under a setting spring sun on Thursday evening.
The memorable ceremony, which marks the official conclusion of The Rite Journey for the Class of 2023, began with the spectacular sight of more than 100 boys walking shoulder-to-shoulder along Attadale Reserve.
The awe-inspiring moment is a symbol of the tight-knit bonds that have been forged among boys in their Rite Journey classes over the year as they were challenged, and supported, to step outside their comfort zones.
Then, standing in front of their teacher as waves lapped against the Swan River foreshore, each gentleman was presented with a compendium chronicling their CBC journey so far. Each folder contained reports and other mementos from over the years, as well as the letter they wrote when they enrolled at CBC.
After a final firm handshake from their teacher, the gentlemen were returned to their parents - mirroring a special moment in the programme's Calling and Departure Ceremony where the young men are symbolically handed to their Rite Journey teacher by their parents.
As a brisk breeze washed over the Attadale foreshore, the gentlemen and their parents began the gorgeous walk along the banks of the Swan to Point Walter.
Along the way each family found a special place to share a few moments together, and for parents to present their sons with a letter honouring their growth into outstanding young men over the last ten months.
After arriving at Point Walter Reserve, the community gathered a final time to end the powerful programme in the saw way it began.
"May we be men of character and patience; men who are honest, caring and loving," Year 9 student Cooper McManus prayed.
"We pray for our gorgeous sons and hope that they embrace all that they have shared and learned this year on their Rite Journey as they mature into fine young men, and valued members of society," Tracey Lamers read on behalf of all of the boys' parents
"We ask that these young men are protected and enlightened on their journey into manhood," concluded Rite Journey teacher, Mr Jeremy Peris.
The Rite Journey seeks to reinforce and promote the attributes of positive masculinity, which form the basis of the CBC gentleman. In their classes, teachers guide discussion on contemporary issues, boys' emotions, and other struggles facing young men as they make the transition into adulthood.
The programme also incorporates a number of challenges where boys are pushed outside of their comfort zones in supported environments in order to develop self-confidence and resilience.
The Homecoming ceremony comes two weeks after the programme reached its crescendo during Rite Journey week. Over five days, boys were placed in a series of unique environments that challenged them to step up and demonstrate everything they have been learning in their classes during the year.
Click here to view and download more photos from the evening.
