Transforming Schools · At School & Online
Transforming School Culture, Community and Learning.
Blending Ancient Practices and Modern Educational Practice
Our Approach
Blending Ancient Practices and Modern Educational Practice
A Rite of Passage is a structured, intentional process that helps people move through significant life transitions – like adolescence, parenthood, career shifts or elderhood—with greater confidence, meaning and support.
For thousands of years, cultures across the world used Rites of Passage to nurture emotional growth, belonging and leadership. In modern life, we’ve lost many of those frameworks -leaving people to navigate change alone, without the tools or support they need.
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Schools supported across Australia
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Years of experience in this work
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Lives impacted through our programs
What Schools Gain Through Rites of Passage
Build Community & Belonging
Learn the base code behind a Rite of Passage so you can apply it anywhere.
Experiential 21st Century Skills
Build your own Rites of Passage program for your community, school, workplace or clients.
Healthy Rites of Passage
How to facilitate the sharing of stories in groups to build community and belonging.
Increase Educator Capability
How to utilise intentional challenges to build resilience and growth mindsets in young people.
Transformational Experiences
Inspire your next phase of growth and evolution through the crafting of a compelling vision.
Improve Mental Health Outcomes
Help those you lead to feel seen, safe, connected through a process of recognising gifts.
What Schools Say
Educators and leaders speak.
Dr. Arne Rubinstein
Founder & Director
Medical Doctor (MBBS)
Executive courses — Harvard & Oxford Universities
Order of Australia (OAM) — 2024
30+ years in rites of passage work
450,000+ lives impacted across 25 countries
A globally recognised expert on Rites of Passage.
Arne Rubinstein, OAM is a globally recognised expert on Rites of Passage. He has attended executive courses at Harvard and Oxford Universities and in 2024 he was honoured with the Order of Australia (OAM).
With over three decades of experience, his transformational work has impacted over 450,000 individuals across 25 countries. Dr. Arne is dedicated to reintroducing healthy Rites of Passage into modern society.
After 15 years in Emergency Medicine, he left to set up programs that support organisations, families and individuals to thrive. His programs have gained recognition from major corporations and educational institutions worldwide.
Driven by a vision to reinstate healthy Rites of Passage into the mainstream again, Dr. Arne collaborates with diverse cultures and organisations, including schools around Australia and multiple Indigenous communities.
Preview Past Programs What we've built with schools.
Every program is designed with the school, not for it. Here are three examples of what that looks like in practice.
Parent–Child
Camps
Deepen your bond with your child and learn how to support them through life’s critical transitions.
Training
Learn the foundations of authentic leadership for personal growth and the ability to facilitate transformation in others.
Schools
Build a healthy, resilient, connected school community with programs designed by ROPI and delivered by trained educators.
Speaking
Inspire your community with new wisdom and ideas. Dr. Arne speaks to organisations, schools, and communities worldwide.
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Young people need support and guidance to make a healthy transition into young adulthood. Their parents and educators play a key role in facilitating this growth, and we give you the tools and experience to do just that.
Voices that don't lend their names lightly.
“Their approach seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern educational practices, creating programs that resonate deeply with young people as they navigate the challenging transition to adulthood.”
Nick Johnstone
Former Principal, Bishop Druitt College
“The combination of practical tools, space for self-reflection, and connection to a like-minded group of humans was incredibly powerful. It helped me step into a more grounded, clear and compassionate version of myself as a leader, facilitator and human.”
Jen Ziegner
Founder, Mountains & Marathons
“It was life-changing. It gave me a framework for supporting others, but more importantly, it gave me clarity and courage in my own life. I’ve since brought this work to schools and communities and continue to see the ripple effects.”
Lars Verburg
Founder, Rites of Passage Netherlands
“This program has been the most meaningful and significant work we have ever been part of as high school teachers, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Dane Robinson
Dean of Studies, Somerset College
Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know before you book. If your question isn’t here, reach out directly.
What does the Rites of Passage Institute offer schools?
We provide tailored programs for students, parents, and teachers that support young people to make a safe and healthy transition into adulthood.
What ages are the programs designed for?
We work mainly with students in the middle to senior school years, but we also provide workshops and resources for parents and teachers.
What outcomes can schools expect?
Our programs build resilience, empathy, leadership, and stronger relationships between students, teachers, and parents. They help create safer school communities and more confident young people.
How are the programs delivered?
Our trained facilitators work alongside your school to deliver engaging workshops, camps, and resources. We also offer leadership training for staff who want to embed the framework into their ongoing practice.
How do we bring a program to our school?
Simply get in touch with us, and we’ll work with you to design a program that fits your school’s unique needs.
Is there flexibility to integrate this into our existing wellbeing or pastoral care programs?
Absolutely. The Rite of Passage Program is designed to be customised by each school, rather than an off-the-shelf program, and is here to enhance what is already being done, not replace it.
How are parent workshops run and what topics are covered?
They can be run both in-person and online and cover topics such as adolescent development, mental health, technology, and healthy rites of passage.
Does this work need to be gendered?
No. We encourage schools to explore any design that fits their unique community.
Ready to start the conversation?
Every school partnership begins with a conversation. Tell us what your community is navigating and we will help you find the right path forward.