The RITE Journey @ CCC

THE RITE JOURNEY

THE CCC WAY WHY THE RITE JOURNEY @ CCC? At CCC we know that parents are a child’s first educators, greatest influencer and biggest advocates. Our job as RITE Journey teachers and staff is to partner with parents to help navigate the challenging teenage years.

The teenage years are commonly fraught with trials and tribulations.

Devices and social media are at teenagers fingertips’, adding to the already tumultuous hormones and emotions that can cause havoc for a young person. Teenagers are changing physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.

At CCC we want to affirm and honour the work you are doing as parents. We are here to listen, to discuss issues, to support and to help you. Together we will help equip your child, as they mature and start to step out of their childhood years into the magnificent future that God has planned for them.

Every child is created wonderful and unique by our Creator God. Our desire is that each young person will recognise their God-given gifts and talents, and find their worth and hope in Him.

A Contemporary

Rite of passage A year long program, designed to: • Acknowledge & celebrate each student’s shift into adulthood; • Offer conversations & experiences to guide this transition; • Foster connections with positive adult role models; • Educate & include parents/carers in the process; • Connect students with their strengths; • Build self-awareness; • Discover a lasting hope and faith in Jesus, as their Lord and Saviour.

2024

KEY DATES Calling & Departure WHEN: 1&2 March (girls)/ 8&9 March (boys) WHO: Students and parents/caregivers Students show gratitude for their childhood and are called on their journey to adulthood. Parents, carers and mentors join the students for an opportunity to learn, reflect and look forward.

FOLLOWING & CHALLENGES When: TERM 2 & 3 When: Students and mentors Students are guided throughout the year by a number of supportive adults. Resilience is built by giving students challenges and helping them acquire the skills, resources and mindset necessary to overcome them

ABYSS When: 16 to18 October (boys/Girls) WHO: STUDENTS AND STAFF The biggest challenge of the year takes students out of their comfort zone to help them learn more about themselves.

HOMECOMING When: 1 November (Boys/Girls) WHO: STUDENTS AND PARENTS/CAREGIVERS Students are celebrated and honoured at a gratitude ceremony involving teachers, parents/carers and mentors.

Please add these dates to your calendar. It is important that students and parents are available for these key events.

The RITE JOURNEY

TOPICS COVERED WHO AM I REALLY? Students gain an understanding of themselves by exploring self-identity and the expectations placed on them by society. Topics include self-awareness, being fearfully and wonderfully made, and body image.

HOW DO I GET ALONG WITH OTHERS? This theme assists students in exploring their role in relationships. Conversations include emotional literacy, listening, non-violence, anger management and healthy sexuality.

IS THERE SOMETHING MORE? Throughout this unit students reflect on some of the deeper aspects of life including their God-given gifts and talents, and discovering their worth and hope in Him.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO GIVE? The final theme prompts students to consider their future, what they have to offer the world and calls them to responsibility. Topics include leadership, intentions, kindness and gratitude.

THE RITE JOURNEY

OUR COMMUNITY

Student: Sienna ”I’m very social and being on my own, away from my friends, was probably the hardest thing about the 24-hour solo. My takeaway from this experience was people are very important, don’t take them for granted. Being by yourself can open your mindset a bit and you start thinking about what is really important to you.”

PARENt: MELISSA “Watching the year 9 boys over the course of this year, they seem to have developed a greater level of respect for themselves, the school and each other. As a parent, I can see that through the RITE Journey, he has gained a lot more confidence in himself, and who he is as a young adult.”

TEACHER: MR MILLER “I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching the students this year. It has been a great opportunity to see them come closer together and have the confidence to share their thoughts and opinions. They have tackled many aspects of being a young male and while they might not always get it right, they have learnt some valuable lessons which I hope will help shape them to be young godly men.”

The RITE JOURNEY

Your Questions WHY DO WE TEACH THE RITE JOURNEY @ CCC? As a Christian school we are committed to partnering with parents in the growth of their children. This includes growth of intellect, growth of character, growth of body and mind, and spiritual growth.

Is the RITE Journey a Christian Course?

The program holds its origins in a Christian living program written by Andrew Lines when he was teaching at a Lutheran school. Although the RITE Journey is not marketed as a Christian program, the leadership at CCC have prayerfully considered how to facilitate this program in a way that is consistent with our Christian mission, vision and values.

Cooloola Christian College presents from a Christian biblical worldview.

WHY Year 9?

This particular program is intended for reaching young people at a point of transition in their lives. As students prepare to move into Senior school, we see that this makes most sense to offer this in Year 9. This marks a change in expectation and responsibility both at school and in their wider community.

How much of their time at school is spent doing the rite journey?

Students spend their Pastoral Care lessons doing the RITE Journey. Their Pastoral Care (PC) teacher facilitates discussions, activities, challenges and camps.

Is the rite journey compulsory?

Yes. If there are legitimate concerns or issues related to specific RITE Journey content, we are always happy to discuss and adjust where appropriate clear communication between teachers and families is ideal and the support of parents is appreciated and crucial for a successful student experience.

The RITE JOURNEY

Your Questions Does the rite journey detract from academic study?

All subjects run as normal, in addition to the RITE Journey. At times students may attend excursions associated with the RITE Journey but all subject teachers are aware and cater for this accordingly. Personal growth and responsibility in students benefits their academic study and help prepare them for added pressures and responsibilities expected in Senior.

What is the mentoring aspect of the course?

It takes a village to raise a child. Young people will benefit from having an adult sow into their lives who is not their parents and is not in a particular role where they are obliged to be involved, like a pastor or a teacher. Successful mentoring stems from the authentic and lasting relationship. We want to encourage families to actively seek out a person to be a mentor to their Year 9 child, to support them this year and into the future. More guidance around mentoring will be sent home during Term 1.

How safe are the challenges?

All challenges and camps are planned through our risk assessment process and policy, which requires RITE Journey teachers to identify and respond to potential hazards. A commitment to the safety of your child is our utmost priority at CCC.

WHAT happens during the abyss?

This is the culmination of the year of challenges; a night away from home where students are challenged physically, mentally and spiritually. Students are given an opportunity to overcome obstacles in their minds and recognise that there are going to be many times in life that they will be challenged, but with God nothing is insurmountable.

Is there a way for parents to be more involved?

Please read the resource materials that we send home and be active in communicating with your child and their RITE Journey teacher. There may be opportunities to help with excursions and events. Your support in prayer and continuing conversations at home will be hugely beneficial.

The RITE JOURNEY

YOUR QUESTIONS Are parents allowed to know what is being covered in the rite journey?

Absolutely. Planning and news will be communicated regularly with parents. One of the key RITE Journey ideals is that whilst we need to maintain and foster the trust of students in the classroom, students are always encouraged to continue conversations initiated at school with their parents and caregivers at home. Articles and readings will be made available for parents and mentors to supplement the meaningful conversations that happen at home. A key refrain of the RITE Journey is “you can share your story and experiences with others outside of this room, but you must respect others by not sharing their stories outside of this room.”

Should I be concerned about any content covered?

There are certainly some sensitive topics discussed around body image, menstruation, sexuality, pornography, risk-taking, violence and abuse. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of your child, but at the same time, there may be a level of discomfort for some students when addressing many of the things that are relevant to the lives of young people. Teachers will advise ahead of time when these topics are going to be covered to allow families to raise this with their child if they wish. Please contact your RITE Journey teacher if you need clarification or advice on what is being discussed and how to continue addressing this with your child at home.

How can I find out more?

The RITE Journey website and Parent Information recordings on the will have valuable information. There will also be updates shared regularly.

What we learn

RITE JOURNEY RESPONSIBILITIES If you made a mistake, apologise. if you’re thankful, show it.

If you’re confused, ask questions.

If you learn something, teach others.

If you’re stuck, ask for help.

If you’re wrong, fess up. if you love someone, tell them.

If you trip, get back up.

If someone needs help, help them.

If you see wrong, take a stance.

Cooloola Christian College 1 College Rd, Southside QLD 4570 (07) 5481 1000 admin@ccc.qld.edu.au