“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are” – E.E. Cummings
That journey of growth and self-discovery is now underway for Carramar’s Year 9 students, with the launch of the 2025 Compass program. Compass challenges students to reflect on who they are, where they’re going, and the kind of adult they want to become. While Duncraig students take part in the Rite Journey, Compass is Carramar’s unique way of supporting young people as they take their first steps toward adulthood.
The program began with Compass Day, where students were formally commissioned in a special ceremony that acknowledged their transition into young adulthood. This commissioning serves as both a symbolic milestone and a shared commitment from parents and staff to support students as they embrace greater independence and responsibility.
Following the ceremony, students participated in a solo beach reflection, a time for quiet contemplation, goal setting and writing a letter to their future selves. These letters will be returned to students during camp in Term 4, providing an opportunity to look back and reflect on their personal growth.
The Compass program will conclude with the Year 9 Camp, which includes outdoor education experiences such as camping and cooking. These activities are designed to encourage independence, resilience, and self-reliance, while also offering space to reflect and set intentions for the years ahead.
Student reflections highlight the impact of the program so far:
“To me, being a young adult is making mistakes and learning from them on the way to adulthood… the Compass program has helped me think about this by spurring conversations around relationships, emotions and the difficulties of life.”
– Ezekiel
“I found being alone on the beach to be incredibly peaceful, an experience I rarely enjoy and one I’d be happy to do again.”
– Ezekiel
“It’s really comforting to know that my teachers and parents are supporting me on my journey. Having people who care and want to see me succeed makes a big difference and helps me feel more confident about the future.”
– Lily
“I feel like I’ve come to appreciate everyone in my life a bit more than I did before… I’m lucky to have a great family and supportive teachers and cohort who are part of my daily life.”
– Lily
With Compass now underway, Carramar’s Year 9s are not just learning how to navigate school, they’re learning how to navigate life beyond the classroom.