Rites of Passage

For thousands of years humans have participated in various rites of passage associated with cultural, spiritual or physical milestones. These key moments in an individual’s life are celebrated by those in the community to which they belong. Likewise, at Pacific, we acknowledge the importance of our Year 9 students participating in their own rite of passage through the learning that takes place through their Rite Journey program. There are a number of aspects to the program; what it means to be male or female, the transition to young adulthood, the influence they have on their peers and strategies to cope with change. Underpinning this program of instruction, discussion and action, is the intentional embedding of knowing what it means to be responsible. Fundamentally, we desire for our students to take appropriate courses of action in their world that demonstrates a profound sense of responsibility. This is reinforced daily across all year levels.

One of the key milestones in the Year 9 student calendar is their two-week Outdoor Education experience. We wish them well as they take part in a range of activities tailored to encourage students to think deeply about the foundations on which their decisions are made that affect themselves and their groups. We thank Ms Kim Wood for her leadership of this program and also thank the staff attending at various times; Ms Marg Gunn, Mrs Emma Lendrum, Mrs Ceilidh King, Mr Chris Bartlett, Mr Duncan McNee, Pastor Tim Jarick and Mrs Natalie Campbell. We pray that all staff and students stay safe and that young people delight in the opportunity to grow in this stage of their Rite Journey.

Year 5 into Year 6 Tours

I was most impressed with the maturity and genuine interest and excitement on display by Year 5 students during the small group tours I conducted last week. I know that the same could be said of the tours that our Head of Middle College Learning Mrs Rae Hall conducted. We thank the Year 5 teachers, Mrs Shelley Hogan, Mrs Lu Pollard and Mr Scott Crompton for their organisation and preparation of students for this important first step in their rite of passage to Middle College next year. We also thank parents for taking time to speak with Mrs Hall and I last week; we hope that these mini conferences provided further comfort for you and your child. A Zoom conference meeting for families will take place on Monday 2nd November from 5.30pm for both new and continuing students entering Years 6 and 7 in 2021 and their parents. Further details will be advertised closer to the time.

Ponytail Project

On Tuesday 27th October, Year 11 students Cosette Winter and Georgie Jones will be running the Ponytail Project in support of the Cancer Council. Both students have demonstrated their capacity to lead and most importantly raise awareness and much needed funds for cancer research. Every ponytail chopped will make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students