CBC Fremantle's Year 7 students joined the significant men in their life for a very important walk along the Swan River on Sunday morning.
The annual Share the Journey walk gathers about 150 pairs of sons and dads, grandfathers, uncles and other significant male role models, under the trees at Dyoondalup (Point Walter).
The location is a common picnic and paddling spot for many CBC families, and will surely take on an even more special meaning after the Year 7 tradition.
The morning began with the College's Director of Student Leadership, Mr Mike Pickford, preparing the boys for a unique morning focussing on their significant male mentor, while Parent Auxiliary Chair, Mr David Contera, and Principal, Mr Domenic Burgio, spoke to the older men about the important role they play in the young boys' lives.
The pairs set off for their walk along Blackwall Reach shortly after, and many local dads would have reminisced about their own Swan River adventures when they were only a little older than the boy beside them.
Along the way, the men were encouraged to speak about many of the topics that are too often missed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, ranging from family history to hopes for the future.
Intertwined in each conversation were tales from the older mens' childhood, family legends and nuggets of wisdom, served with a healthy dose of love and laughter.
Before long, the men reached Quarantine Park where they heard from Shayne Buckland, father of last year's College Captain, Alex.
Shayne spoke about his own experience as a father to Alex ('20), William (Year 10) and Orlando (Year 7) who joined him on the walk.
He highlighted the important role men play in raising boys into gentlemen, and how critical it is that they provide a positive example.
Shortly after, the group started the return trek, taking the opportunity to reflect together on Shayne's message.
As they approached their final stop, the groups took a moment to reflect on the trees lining Honour Avenue which pay tribute to fallen veterans.
Alex Buckland delivered the final address of the event, giving boys some advice on how to make the most of the special bond they share with the men who sat by their side.
Then, it was time to enjoy a sausage sizzle prepared by a dedicated group of student leaders, accompanied perfectly by Mr Burgio's famous caramelised onions.
Share the Journey is an initiative of the Parent Auxiliary, who sought an opportunity to highlight the role of significant male mentors in the development of tomorrow's gentlemen, and to introduce the CBC rites of passage context from the first year at the College.
In the decade since the first walk, the event has evolved into an integral part of the CBC journey which sets families up for success over the years ahead.
