From the Principal

Growing Good Boys into Great Young Men: Rites of Passage in the Oblate Tradition

During the last fortnight, I’ve found myself reflecting on the heart of our Mission in the Oblate tradition: to accompany young people with a spirit of presence, compassion and hope. St Eugene de Mazenod reminded us that every young person is ‘a story of God’s love’ to be viewed with dignity, loved with a passion, and brought to know their own worth in the eyes of God. It is through intentional moments of education and encounter that we support our boys in discovering this truth about themselves.

Last week highlighted just how powerful these moments are. Our Year 7 Camp offered many boys their first true challenge of secondary school - a chance to step out of their comfort zone, navigate new friendships and discover a quiet strength they all possess. Their rite of passage at camp presented moments of encounter, and called on their resilience, teamwork and courage. There were many things about the camp that weren’t comfortable, or easy, or nice. Some things were hard or completely new and unknown. Watching them step into challenges, encourage one another, lift one another up, and find meaning in shared experience was a reminder that formation happens most deeply in community. I was struck by how naturally boys rise to meet expectations when they are invited into experiences that stretch both their character and their courage.

The Year 9 Rite Journey ‘Calling’ and ‘Departure’ ceremonies echoed this same powerful spirit, offering a different but equally profound experience. Literally and metaphorically perched on the edge of a precipice, these significant rituals drew our boys into a sacred pause and invited them to recognise that they were crossing an important threshold into something new. By marking this transition with symbolism, reflection, gratitude and intention, we both invited and gave the boys permission to step forward with a deeper sense of responsibility for who they are becoming.

It is undeniably true that it ‘takes a village to raise a child’ and last week overflowed with Moments of Grace for our boys where we witnessed their transformation unfolding gradually before our eyes.  Through quite different, but equally impactful rites of passage our Year 7s and Year 9s were encouraged to consider the kind of young men they are called to become – young men of faith, strength and generosity.

‘Leave Nothing Undared for the Kingdom of God’

God Bless. Our community remains always in my prayers.

Prayer for a Son

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a son who will know Thee—and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the weakness of true strength.

General Douglas MacArthur

Sabrina Hughes

Principal