The Waterford Journey

The Waterford Journey is a year-long integrated Religious Education and Formation program for our dedicated Year 9 campus, Waterford Place. The program unambiguously reflects a Catholic Christian worldview, integrating faith, life, and culture. The Waterford Journey promotes growth by understanding key aspects important to becoming a responsible, caring, and respectful young adult who can see value in contributing to society. This program allows students at the College to consider and develop their understanding of the importance of themselves, key relationships, and their spirituality. Learning opportunities beyond the integrated Religious Education and Formation program complement the more structured learning curriculum at an important stage of an adolescent’s development.

Explicit elements of The Waterford Journey

Acknowledge and celebrate each student’s shift into adulthood
Offer conversations and experiences to guide this transition
Foster connections with positive adult role models  
Educate and include parents/caregivers in the process  
Connect students with their strengths
Build self-awareness

Principles of The Waterford Journey

To offer a healthy rite of passage for adolescents in the Terrace context.
To provide a teacher-guide who promotes and supports a modelled example of adulthood that reflects the aspiration of a Gentleman of Terrace.
To acknowledge and develop boys holistically.
To show students, by example, that they are cared for and loved.
To develop strong, respectful, and meaningful relationships with peers and adults.
To encourage students to discover their talents and abilities.
To address the physical, social, psychological, emotional, and spiritual changes happening in students’ lives in a safe and structured way that celebrates growth.
To nurture self-esteem and help students understand that individual rights should be balanced with responsibility and service to others.
To encourage resilience in the face of challenge.
To provide a safe means for young people to share and discover who they are.
To encourage students to consider the ‘childish’ behaviour and attitudes they are ready to let go of and begin considering the adults they will become and their contribution to the world.

Students undertaking The Waterford Journey move through seven distinct stages. As students progress through the stages, they participate in several key Rites of Passage rituals. A key aspect of the program is a dedicated mentor program, which is vital in supporting the transition of young men into adults.