News from the Field Studies Centre
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” Psalms 46:10 NIV
The five stages of group development are commonly referred to as forming; storming; norming; performing and adjourning. As we approach the final two weeks of the first term-long Field Studies Programme, I am confident to say that most boys are spending most of their time in the norming and performing phases. This reflects the reality of the challenges that they have each faced over the term to learn to live with and get along with each other 24/7. Relationships aren’t perfect. We all make mistakes at times and when the mistakes impact relationships, all we can do is try to make the next interaction more positive. The social-emotional lessons that the boys are learning on the FSP are profound and will stand them in good stead as they journey through the remainder of their time at Trinity.
There are regular breaks from the highly social nature of the experience built in to the FSP, with the most significant being the solo experience. Due to the inclement weather, the solo was shortened from 24 hours to closer to 10 for this cohort. But the experience remains significant. Learning to be comfortable with ourselves, our thoughts and who we are is a process that we all must work through. Having the opportunity and encouragement to deeply reflect on one’s values and how they align with the way that we are living is not a common experience for boys in Year 9. However, it is an integral part of the FSP rite of passage that every boy will undertake as they navigate their time in the Middle School.
The Bundarwa pastoral group had a chance meeting with Jerrinja elder Aunty Delia this week on their hike at Culburra Beach. Aunty Delia was keen to share with the boys the significance of the group’s name, meaning the place of the ancestral spirit Bundoola, or rain spirit. She told the boys that she was honoured that the Field Studies Centre has named our pastoral groups after significant places for the traditional custodians of the land on which we travel and learn, during the boys’ time at the Woollamia Campus.
This week we also had a visit from the ministry team from All Saints Anglican Church in Nowra. Senior Minister Geoff Thompson, his Assistant Minister Rusdyan and Youth Minister Caz thanked the students for their families’ contributions to the Hope Centre Ministry that were brought down on family visiting day, and provided an insight into the significant needs that some of the members of the local community have and how the donations will support them. The team then shared a meal with our lunch time group and were very interested to hear the boys’ reflections on their time at Woollamia.
Tim Knowles | Head of the Field Studies Centre (FSC)
