Rites of passage – not simply an activity, but a must do for all boys

Headmaster's Blog

Over the last fortnight I was reminded about the importance of the numerous special moments and ceremonies which our boys participate in each year. When one considers them closely, such events can be seen as a 'Rite of Passage'; some by deliberate design, and others simply because of how they occur at different points of a boy's journey at Scotch.

While penning this copy of Thistle, several of our Year 12 boarders journey down south to complete the final stage of their 'End to Enders' Bibbulmun Track programme. A programme they commenced in Year 7, and one they choose to complete each year until the culmination which takes place as they are piped into Albany this Saturday.

A couple of weeks ago, our Year 5 boys proudly received their leadership badges at a special ceremony attended by our School Captain and me. Our Year 5s are in their final year of Junior School, and this time represents a special rite of passage as our senior boys in the Junior School, sharing an important role of mentoring and role modelling for our boys from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 4.

Year 12 students mentored our Year 5 students about what it means to be a leader.

In the same week, our Year 9s and their House Heads, House Captains and other support staff travelled to Rottnest to participate in their annual House programme orientation. This special four day programme is geared at facilitating a deeper connection to their Senior School houses which will become integral to their journey and ultimately their graduation as Year 12s.

Year 9 Ferguson on the Rottnest Camp

Finally, last Saturday night our Year 12s had their College Ball. As the School Captain Val Davies reflected, these moments are both exciting and nostalgic as throughout the year this group of Year 12s will participate in many rites of passage for the last time at Scotch.

The night was an amazing example of the importance of sharing a special time with friends, partners, parents and staff. Thanks to everyone who volunteered over so many months to make the event so special for our young men.

Schools should ensure that rites of passages are not accidental, but commonplace and built into a boy's journey through school. Such rites need to be well planned and sequenced accordingly.

In essence to be truly meaningful, rites of passages should compose some common elements such as:

• Community involvement – including parents, staff, friends and family will add depth and meaning to the event.
• Symbolism – including special symbols, rituals and even clothing (i.e. special ball attire, leadership blazers) will make events more memorable and special.
• Liminality – each stage may pose challenges, such as walking the whole bib track, participating in activities while on camp that may not be in one's comfort zone, and school leaders having to challenge fellow students if their behaviour does not match expectation.
• Reflection – providing time to reflect and discuss an activity to highlight what it meant for them personally and as a group. Reflection assists the students to grow and mature.

Throughout 2025 our boys, and young men will no doubt get the chance to participate in formal and informal rites of passages as we help them to navigate their schooling and personal journey while at Scotch.

Have a great fortnight

Dr Alec J O'Connell
Headmaster