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Year 9 - the Abyss

Over Monday–Wednesday of the last week of term 4, Year 9 students participated in their final challenge as part of The Rite Journey – our Year 9 EMPOWER Program. Students were only allowed to take with them on their overnight camp a booklet filled with reflective questions and thought-provoking stories, a dream catcher kit and their guidebooks.

They were set out in solo camp spots and their challenge was to remain alone, uncommunicative, and self-sufficient for 18 hours.

Here are some of their reflections from, firstly James Stansbie, then Grace Fredheim, Promise Mudzingwa and Kayley Biggar:

I believe the purpose of the abyss was to teach us how to deal with challenges in life effectively as individuals. The abyss is a challenge we set upon ourselves, it is not enforced, which can make it more difficult, but this is where the aspect of independence comes in.

The most difficult part of the abyss was resisting the urge to communicate with others because if you did talk you were not punished. The option was left to you whether or not you passed the challenge. I often thought how easy it would be just to pop over to my friend’s tent and there could have even been a chance I wouldn’t have been caught but we had to make the choice. Personally the abyss taught me to be self-sufficient. While there we had to look after ourselves and had a choice over how we spent our time, I also realised that if you are willing to accept and embrace your situation, it makes it easier to deal with.

James Stansbie – 2018 College Vice Captain 7-10

At the beginning of the year, the Year 9 students were introduced to the Year 9 EMPOWER program – The Rite Journey. As part of this transition to adulthood, students took part in various activities throughout the year, including the most recent event – The Abyss. The Abyss is an 18 hour solo camping experience, in which students are alone with no social or technological distractions during this time.

Most of the girls found resisting distractions, being in their own head and staying away from technology the hardest part of the experience. However, many said in their reflection that it was easier than they expected and many surprised themselves by passing the challenge, whereas many of the boys could not resist the temptation of social communications.

Overall, in The Rite Journey this year, many Year 9 students found this program rewarding and feel that it has been a successful pathway into adulthood.

Grace Fredheim, Promise Mudzingwa & Kayley Biggar

Mr Andrew Pritchard - Director of Pastoral Care K-10