Text Size
Ask a Celebrant

Coming of school age

PDF Print E-mail

Perhaps this rite of passage is one of the newest to be considered.

This transition is one of major significance to both child and mother or major caregiver.


Have you considered gathering a group of other parents together and hiring a celebrant to work with you to create a ‘Coming of School Age” or “Starting School” Ceremony.
Some aspects to be explored in such a ceremony could be:
  • Highlights since birth
  • Major challenges faced from birth until now
  • Skills and knowledge gained
  • What will be missed
  • What will be gained
  • Affirmation of love and support whatever activities we undertake in life.
Ceremonies usually involve music, singing, story-telling, poetry, prose and could also involve dance, processions and the use of symbols such as lighting candles or using Dreams & Treasure boxes.

Such a ceremony could involve both parents and children participating as much as possible.

The role of a celebrant is to:
  • work with the group to plan the ceremony for its form and content are psychologically and socially appropriate
  • lead and guide the ceremony through its various stages,
  • conclude the ceremony, by affirming the participants and the value of this next stage of life’s journey
Ceremonies are usually followed by some food and drink, again appropriate to the situation. Depending on where such an event is held, such a meal could be a picnic, an BYO luncheon or afternoon tea in a community hall or catered for by an appropriate restaurant or function centre.

Being newer ceremonies finding a celebrant to use may take a little time. Please contact us if you need assistance locating such a celebrant.

If you have ideas to share about how such a ceremony could work or suggestions for its components please write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Let the celebration be your gift !

Club together to hire a celebrant and work together to organise this rite of passage.