The evening was especially meaningful for me because it gave me rare, uninterrupted time with both of my parents. My dad works away a lot, so we don’t often get the chance to sit together, talk openly, and just enjoy each other’s company. When he is home, I really cherish the moments we have, and the ceremony gave us the space to connect in a way we don’t always get to in our busy lives.

The structured questions during the ceremony were actually a powerful way for us to talk. It wasn’t just me asking them questions—it was also them asking me things that made me think deeply. Some of the conversations felt confronting, but I knew how important it was to be honest at this stage of my journey. Even when it felt uncomfortable, I chose to answer truthfully because I believe being uncomfortable in these moments is what helps shape you into a good man.

Looking ahead, I know there will be challenges this year, especially with exams coming up for the first time. I’m already thinking about how I’ll prepare for them and manage the stress that comes with new academic expectations.

As part of my Rite of Passage commitment, I want to live each day as the person I’m aiming to become. I want to show the core values we talked about and strive to be the best version of myself. Helping others whenever I can is also something that’s important to me. I’m stepping into this year determined and hopeful about what’s ahead. Dexter Green – 9TRW

The most meaningful part of the Odyssey ceremony for me was when we went outside the chapel to show our letters to our parents. It stood out because we all had the chance to talk together and have a deep conversation. Attending the ceremony really strengthened my relationship with my parents. They understood me better, what I’m grateful for, and the ways I’m willing to change. I’m glad I was there that day.

I feel like I’m starting to develop a more hardworking mindset and becoming more mature, especially in knowing the difference between having fun and doing the wrong thing as I move further into my Rite of Passage. The challenges I’m expecting this year are the exams and, of course, the Odyssey program itself. I hope to grow by learning to study before tests because I never really have before, and that mindset has stopped me from getting higher scores.

Through the Odyssey, I hope I can become more reliable—not just to my mates, but to everyone around me. Alex Lim – 9GLE

The most meaningful part of the ceremony was when we put the habits that we and our parents wanted to change into the jars and poured water into them. It stood out to me because we were able to wash away all the bad habits and enter the next stages of our journey. Attending the ceremony with my parents allowed me to create a better bond with them as I was able to open up and talk to them in a way that I have not done in a long time. I think I am starting to develop the responsibility of cleaning up after myself and doing things that don’t just benefit me. Challenges I hope and look forward to face this year are the Odyssey camp at the end of Term 4 and trying different things in PE and Outdoor Rec. I hope that these activities will make me a stronger person and help me grow in my Character and leadership skills. One commitment I would like to make for myself is to step up at home and help my family around the house and doing things the first time they ask me to. Cristian Bianchini – 9TRE

The most meaningful part of the night was probably when my parents read the letter I wrote. They said it was really good, and it felt special having both my mum and dad there because it brought us closer together.

I feel like I now have more responsibilities, especially doing things on my own. This year I expect to face harder work, exams for the first time, NAPLAN, and the challenge of becoming a young man. One intention I’d like to make is to become a Middle School Leader. I really want that opportunity, and I’m committed to working towards it. Joey Leeson – 9BRE

On the 2nd of March, we had our Year 9 Odyssey commencement ceremony. On that night, we received information for our Odyssey journey, and each of us spent some quality time with our parents. The most meaningful moment for me was the letter of love we gave to our parents. It was really special to see my parents read the letter, and how they felt about it. Attending the ceremony made me realise that I shouldn’t take all the things my parents do for granted. There always there to help no matter what.

The qualities I am developing as I move further into my Rite of Passage include courage, and responsibility. As I move further into my journey, I need to take responsibility for what I do, like how I approach upcoming exams, or sport games. This year we have exams and, it is going to be really tough. I hope to grow through these challenges by just trying my hardest at everything. I would like to have a better mindset of helping out wherever I can, to never give up, and to grow from challenges that come my way. Jack Prophet – 9BRW