On the evenings of Monday 20 February and Wednesday 22 February, our young men and women of Year 9, along with their parents, celebrated The Calling; a ceremony to acknowledge the transition from childhood to adulthood.
After a symbolic crossing of the Olinda Creek, and a walk in the sunset, our young adults ‘climbed’ up to Mount Lilydale Mercy College, and there was the…
"…valley we look upon. The peaks and troughs; undulations. Areas of pure beauty, areas of painful memories. A valley where the sun always rises and sets in full view. And a valley full of wine...A valley that imbues love but demands respect; one that has a 40,000-year history in its people, and eons more its land".
It was here that we made our connection to how adulthood is the same. It is an ongoing journey, and commences with tomorrow’s sunrise. And as we watched the beauty of the sun setting over the hills, reflecting off this valley, we thought of the beauty of a childhood, and the memories that make us who we are. And we understood that as that same sun comes up tomorrow, it is a different young person who rises with it.
Parents then took their child on a journey through some memories, sharing items with them that are dear to their hearts. Students in return shared a letter of gratitude, expressing their love and thankfulness for taking them this far in the journey. At this point, a note was made for future ceremonies to provide more tissues! Parents in this moment began realising that their child was now ready for their departure on the journey to being an adult.
Assembling together again, we stood under the gum that stands proudly over the greeting place of our College and said:
“Parents, place your hand on your child’s shoulder. Let us look to this beautiful Lemon Scented gum. It isn’t native to this part of the land, but it is welcomed, this perhaps just like many of us. The Wurundjeri look at the country and therefore this tree in many different elements that make up the whole. These are physical elements of culture, such as language (Woi wurrung), dance, animals and the environment, and within those are the spiritual elements. It serves the country as a gracious host. Its leaves bring us together in peace and respect for all life that is cradled by the land. They carry messages of good spirit, and return to the Earth to nourish soil and be born again. The layers of these symbols reflect the layers within us, and within your journey. Together, we then release a leaf to the breeze as a symbol of letting go of childhood — you’re ready to make this step of personal growth. Look to the sunset, take a deep breath and tell yourself you’re ready. THIS is your Rite Journey.”
And with a hug that only a parent can give, our former children started their journey. First stop? A hot chocolate from Catherine's Cafe, basking in the beautiful twilight.
Below are some comments received from our parents:
“You gave us, as parents, a really special gift and moment in time with them. I went home filled with great love, pride, and a sense of community on this night as we all shared in it together."
“These things are so important for our kids. This is something we'll always remember.”
“It was just beautiful.”
