The Rite Journey at Timaru Boys’ High School continues to offer all Year 10 boys significant support and guidance as the students transition from juniors to seniors, a time of life that can pose difficult challenges. 

Given the current lack of rites of passages in the Western World, young people are left to invent their own, which are often unhealthy and unsafe. The Rite Journey reinvents the traditional process of a Rite of Passage to assist in transitioning boys from dependency to responsibility.

On Thursday 2 March, our Year 10 boys took part in “The Calling”. This symbolises the start of the Rite Journey year and sees the boys walk down to South Beach via the Salt Water Creek walkway. “The Calling” is a chance for students to reflect on their childhood and recognise those people who have played a role in shaping them to be the person they are today. The boys also write a negative behaviour that they wished to rid themselves of on a rock, and throw it in the sea. This is the first step in transitioning from a boy into a young man. The boys completed this challenge outstandingly well and have made a very positive start to the year ahead.

On Sunday 5 March the Hadlow to Harbour fun run took place. This is the second challenge for Year 10s to complete, providing an opportunity for boys to run, or be supported by a parent or caregiver. The turnout from Year 10 was fantastic and it was great to meet and greet many parents and caregivers at the conclusion of the race and enjoy the BBQ put on by the Timaru Boys’ High School Prefects.

We see the Hadlow to Harbour as a great way for boys to challenge themselves physically and mentally and it is becoming a significant event in the Year 10 Rite Journey Calendar. We appreciate the support of The Rotary Club of Timaru North in running this awesome event - they have always encouraged and supported our large number of entries.