Yulunga 

Welcome to Dharawal Country and our Dapto High School Karrara Hub, 

 a place where we yarn about Aboriginal Education in our school. 

Year 7 students have been working through multiple hands-on projects across a range of materials including metal, acrylics, agriculture, and timber.

Metal: Students created personalised dog tags, practising measuring, cutting, and finishing techniques.
Acrylics: Students designed and made their own phone holders, learning how to safely cut, shape, and assemble acrylic materials.
Agriculture: Students worked with seeds and planting projects, exploring growth requirements and plant care.
Timber: As part of their wood unit, students designed and created bullroarers — one of the world’s earliest musical instruments and long-distance communication devices. Bullroarers have been used by many cultures for nearly 20,000 years.
Bullroarers are used by holding a string in one hand and whirling the shaped piece of wood through the air. As it spins, it produces a deep, low-pitched vibrating sound capable of travelling long distances. Among Australian Aboriginal peoples, bullroarers were used as an effective communication tool. The sound could notify others that someone was approaching, signal messages across distances, or alert communities that animals or people were nearby. Traditionally, bullroarers were used by men and older boys as part of cultural learning and communication practices.

Broc Yid 2025

On Country with Aunty Shas 2025

​Krisharna Leighton​

Karrara Students’ On-Country Excursion to Hill 60 and Sandon Point

On Wednesday, a group of Karra students had the chance to join an on-country excursion to Hill 60 and Sandon Point, guided by Aunty Shas and Kathleen. The trip was an eye-opening experience that not only deepened our understanding of local Indigenous culture but also highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect these important sites.

Hill 60: A Special Connection 

Our first stop was Hill 60. We learned that this place is full of cultural and historical significance, with shell middens, stone tools, and burial sites that have been here for thousands of years. Aunty Shas shared stories about the deep connection to the land and how Hill 60 was used for gatherings and ceremonies.

Sandon Point:

Next, we visited Sandon Point, which holds just as much importance for the Dharawal people. This area has been a gathering place for generations, where people came to hunt, fish, and take part in cultural practices. Aunty Shas shared how the land has always provided food, medicine, and tools, and explained the deep cultural connection the community has to this place.

An important part of our visit was hearing about the discovery of Indigenous skulls at Sandon Point. These skulls were found during excavation work in the area, which sparked discussions about the need to protect the site from further disturbance. Aunty Shas emphasized the sacred nature of these remains and how crucial it is to preserve the site with respect to the ancestors who once lived there.

Their ongoing advocacy and education efforts are making sure that this sacred site remains respected and safeguarded for the future.

We left the day with a greater appreciation for the land and the need to keep it safe for future generations.

NAIDOC Celebrations 2025

Thank you to all the students, staff, families, and special guests who joined us for Dapto High School's combined NAIDOC Week and SRC Induction Ceremony.

We came together to celebrate the rich culture, history, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to proudly welcome our new Student Representative Council members for 2025/2026.

A special thank you to Uncle Peter Button for his powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, and to Ella F and Kallani D for their beautiful performance of the National Anthem in both English and Dharawal. Our Karrara Dance Group also delivered a stunning performance that honoured culture, connection, and storytelling through movement.

Congratulations to our new school leaders:

✨ Captains: Charlize & Mitchell

✨ Vice Captains: Eve & Anastasia

We also celebrate our Prefects, Year Group Representatives, and our Karrara and Wollimi SRC members. We look forward to everything you will achieve in your leadership journeys!

Thank you to Mr Batt for his ongoing support and dedication as SRC Coordinator, and to our outgoing Captains Jasmine and Logan for their outstanding leadership and for guiding today’s ceremony with such care and pride.

A huge thank you as well to Mrs Leighton’s and Mr Pfeffer’s Year 12 Hospitality classes, who catered a delicious morning tea featuring NAIDOC-inspired food items, including:

• Bush salt and pepper crocodile

• Desert pea mocktails

• Green ant Yo-Yos

• Finger lime cream cheese cupcakes

• Bush jam scones

• Kangaroo sausage rolls with feta and beetroot dip

It was a truly special day of culture, celebration, and leadership. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Reconciliation 2025

Nagunbi, everyone — that’s hello in Dharawal language.

Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered here today on Dharawal Country — land that has been cared for by the Dharawal people for thousands of years. I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples with us today.

This land — where Dapto High School proudly stands — holds deep stories, sacred places, and cultural strength that continues to this day.

This week is National Reconciliation Week, and the theme is “Now More Than Ever.”

For me, reconciliation is personal.

I was born on Awabakal Country, in what we now call Newcastle.

I was raised in Hermidale, out in the red heart of Wongaibon Country.

I lived for over twenty years on Wiradjuri Country, in and around Bathurst.

And now, I live and teach here on beautiful Dharawal land, where the escarpment meets the sea.

Every Country I’ve lived on has taught me something.

Each place holds its own strength, stories, and songlines.

But across all these lands, one message is clear:

Now more than ever, we must walk together.

Reconciliation is not a moment. It’s a movement.

It’s listening with an open heart.

It’s learning the truth — even when it’s hard.

It’s valuing the world’s oldest living cultures, not just in the past, but in our present and future.

So I ask each of you:

Learn a local word.

Hear an Elder’s story.

Ask questions.

Be kind. Be curious. Be part of the change.

Because reconciliation lives in what we do next — in our classrooms, our conversations, and our choices.

Now more than ever, your voice matters.

And so, with deep respect, I say:

Yanu — see you again.

Thank you. 🖤💛❤️

Sorry Day 2025

Nagangbi Njirgang, our names are Janaya and Aliyah and we are proud Wiradjuri woman born and raised on Dharawal Country.

We would love to firstly pay our respects to our Elders past and present for they hold the knowledge and traditions that we live by today. We would also love to extend our Acknowledgement to all first Nation Peoples that are here with us today.

What does sorry day mean to us. There are a few words that come to mind..

Pain.. Trauma... Acknowledgement... Truth telling.. Historical injustices... Strength...healing and Survival!!!

We are here today to Acknowledge our First Nations People, our Stolen Generation.

Truth telling no matter how hard that is, is key to recognising the mistreatment of our people and address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forcible removal of children from their families.

It's easy for us to stand up here and read a speech but getting you to really understand we want you all to picture this for a minute..

One sunny day, playing and laughing in the yard with some cars and dolls alongside your siblings.

You see a car pull up out the front. You try to run and hide because you have seen around town what that these white men do, they take the children away!!

As you try to run, you aren't quick enough, they grab you by the arm whilst you're screaming out for your Mum and crying uncontrollable, and they forcibly throw you in the car.

Your Mum races out after hearing all the unbearable cries for help and is ripping at the car handle screaming "don't take my babies away". She is pushed away from the car to the ground below.

She gets back up and tries to fight with all her might and chases after that car as it drives off trying to get a hold of something... anything to stop that car taking her babies.

She runs till she can't run any longer. She collapses to the ground in a ball, screaming a scream that comes from the depth of her soul.

The pain is instantly excruciating, her heart feels ripped out of her body, tears continuously flowing and the thought of the unknown is now her new reality.

She doesn't even know where her babies are going or if she will ever see them again...

But even after all that trauma felt by Mum and babies, the kids then face an even bigger battle.

Picture this... Depending on the shade of their skin the children were forced to either be slaves for white families or if you were of a pailer complexation, you were made to act, dress, attend an all-white school, taught and made to live the white way.

Their own language to never be spoken again, their clothes taken, their haircut and from then on, their lives changed forever!!

As Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples we are raised with strong connections to our people and country. Their connection to their people and country were ripped away from them.

Some of these kids to never see their mother, their father, their siblings, their families, or their home ever again.

Some children that young when they were ripped away, they do not remember anything about home or their loved ones.

Some stolen generation may have gotten the chance later in life to go back home longing to find their connections to their families and country, but some have had their loved ones pass away and they never have been able to fix their broken hearts or feel that belonging that they once felt.

Our family's story like many others comes from a lot of hurt and sadness and the unknown that seeps down from generation to generation. Not being able to even follow your family tree with confidence is traumatic and one that we live with daily.

So today we stand here before you acknowledging the unjust that our people have suffered and the generational trauma that our people carry day in and day out. The healing journey that many families are still facing to this day needs to be acknowledged, accepted, and respected.

We cannot even begin to fix the problems of the present without first acknowledging and accepting the truth of our history.

Take the time to educate yourself on the true history of Australia and talk with our knowledge holders, our Elders as they have the truth of what they have suffered and continue to work through each day.

Moving forward, let us all stand together and continue to play an important part in this journey by respectfully acknowledging the past and walking together into the future.

Cultural Exchange 2025 - Bogabilla

2025 Reconciliation Conference

2024 Mural with Corinne Payne

Cultural Exchange Program 2024

Young Warriors Program 2024

Active Citizenship Program 2024

Northcott Opening Dapto 2024

A group of talented Indigenous students, including Riley, Lily, Amirah, Aliyah, Charlotte, Zalia, and Jett, recently participated in the opening ceremony for the NorthCott Disability Community Hub. Their professionalism and dedication truly shone as they represented both themselves and our school with pride. The students captivated the audience with a lively dance performance and showcased their musical skills by playing the Didgeridoo, adding a vibrant cultural element to the event. Their efforts not only enriched the ceremony but also highlighted the strong spirit of community engagement at Dapto High School.  

Y7 Clap Sticks 2024

Throughout Term 3 of 2024, our Year 7 Koori students engaged in a creative and culturally enriching project with local Indigenous artist Corinne Payne. The focus of this project was to learn about, create, and produce their own clap sticks—an important element of Indigenous culture.

Clap sticks, hold deep cultural significance. They are traditionally used in ceremonies, music, and storytelling, serving as a rhythmic accompaniment to songs and dances. The act of playing clap sticks can foster community connections and convey stories and messages important to Indigenous culture. Through this project, students not only learned about the practical uses of clap sticks but also their symbolic meanings in storytelling and cultural expression.

Under the guidance of Corinne Payne, students participated in a series of workshops where they:

1. Learned about Local Symbols and Meanings: Students explored various local Indigenous symbols, understanding their significance and how they relate to their own cultural identities.

2. Designed Personal Stories: Using the knowledge gained from the workshops, students designed their clap sticks to reflect their personal stories and cultural heritage. This allowed them to connect with their identity and express their individual narratives through art.

3. Painted Their Clap Sticks: The students painted their designs onto the clap sticks, incorporating traditional motifs and symbols. This creative process not only fostered artistic skills but also encouraged self-expression and pride in their culture.

The collaboration with Corinne Payne has been an invaluable experience for our Year 7 Koori students. Through the creation of clap sticks, they have gained a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage and the significance of storytelling in Indigenous communities. This project not only enhanced their artistic skills but also fostered a strong sense of identity and community among participants.

Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Corinne Payne for her guidance and expertise, and to the school community for their support in fostering a culturally rich environment for our students.

Kylie Captain Workshop

DHS Welcomes Renowned Educator Kylie Captain for Inspiring Workshop

On Friday, September 6th, Dapto High School (DHS) had the distinct privilege of hosting Kylie Captain, a distinguished Gamilaroi woman whose extensive expertise spans over two decades in education, finance, and community services. Captain, a best-selling author and seasoned educator, brought her wealth of knowledge and passion for amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices to our school, making a significant impact on both students and staff.

Captain’s visit was part of our Term 4 Cultural Exchange Program, which involves collaboration with schools including Corrimal, Wee Waa and Lightning Ridge High School. Students from Figtree, Illawarra Sports, Kanahooka and Warrawong joined us of the two-hour workshop which was a blend of engaging yarning sessions and interactive activities designed to empower students and foster a deeper understanding of Aboriginal cultures and histories.

The workshop was anchored in Aboriginal cultural protocols, emphasising respect and deep listening. Captain’s session covered a range of topics essential for personal growth and leadership, including the importance of gratitude, goal-setting, kindness, and well-being. Students participated in a guided goal-setting activity using Dream Big Journals and Captain’s motivational book, Create the Life of Your Dreams in Your Teens. Each participant received a copy of these resources, equipping them with tools and inspiration to navigate their future endeavors with confidence and pride.

Captain’s commitment to personalising her guidance and supporting diverse histories and cultures resonated deeply with our students. Her approach not only provided practical strategies but also highlighted the significance of honouring one's heritage while embracing diversity.

Captain’s visit was part of our Term 4 Cultural Exchange Program, which involves collaboration with schools including Corrimal, Wee Waa and Lightning Ridge High School. Students from Figtree, Illawarra Sports, Kanahooka and Warrawong joined us of the two-hour workshop which was a blend of engaging yarning sessions and interactive activities designed to empower students and foster a deeper understanding of Aboriginal cultures and histories.

NAIDOC Week IRT Visit

Yulunga! On Monday, DHS students had the pleasure of sharing their culture with the residents of William Beach IRT as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations. Students from Years 7 to 12 presented artifacts and stories. Our girls' dance group performed their 'Welcome Dance,' and the Young Warriors group showcased the didgeridoo and clap sticks playing. Charolette F spoke about her cultural journey and what NAIDOC means to her, while Zalia P and Aliyah D gave the Acknowledgment of Country. Riley, Malik, and Kyan shared the process of making and decorating their didgeridoo.

Careways Mural 2024

Over the past 10 weeks, Mrs. McCann and a group of students have been actively involved in creating a mural for the local Careways Centre in Koonawarra. The mural serves as a representation of everything, Dapto High School, featuring elements such as swooping magpies and the school's RISE values. The mural will now be displayed proudly at the Careways Centre, alongside artworks from other local schools. The school extends its gratitude to Mrs. McCann and all the students who participated in this meaningful project. 

 Karrara in Canberra 

During the 5th and 6th of June, 15 Koori students had an enriching experience immersing themselves in the culture and histories of Australia's First Nations peoples in Canberra. The visit was a journey of discovery and learning that allowed the students to connect with their heritage in profound ways.  The students began their exploration at the  Australian War Memorial, learning about the experiences and stories of Indigenous soldiers and their service in the military. At the National Museum of Australia, they took part in the "A Living Culture" program where students explored objects in the gallery that represent both the past and the present of their culture. A highlight was meeting Stephen Jones at Parliament House, who joined in with the pushup challenge with the kids. The group later ventured to Mt Murja with our principal Mr Burnett for a On Country experience with Thunderstone. Students were engaged with bush tucker tastings and learned more about the importance of understanding and maintaining our Motherland. A visit to Parliament House for the 'Yerribee' tour shed light on the stories of Indigenous parliamentarians and how Australians First People are participating in the Nation's democratic processes. The day concluded with a Smoking Ceremony and yarn with Gwenda Stanley, a passionate advocate for First Nations Peoples and coordinator of the Tent Embassy in Canberra. This visit to Canberra was a transformative experience for the 15 Koori students and teachers, enabling them to deepen their understanding of their culture and histories while fostering pride, connection, and awareness  of themselves.

 Yanggaa Garaba On Country Day 

During Yanggaa Garaba On Country Day, students at Nowra Showgrounds and Bens Walk engaged in a cultural experience by immersing themselves in Dharawal language and dance. They were taught about the cultural significance of the landscape and had the chance to interact with Uncle Bob while discussing artifacts around a fire in a cave along Bens Walk. These activities allowed the students to explore the histories and teachings of the local community. Southern Stars 2024.

On Country with Aunty Shas 

Yesterday, on the 27th of March, I had the privilege of accompanying 20 Year 10 students on a transformative journey to meet two esteemed Aboriginal community members Aunty Shas and Kathleen. This immersive experience provided us with an invaluable opportunity to delve deep into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Dharawal people, fostering a profound sense of connection and understanding. Our day commenced in the library, where we spent the first two periods engrossed in learning about the traditional ways in which Indigenous people lived off the land. Through captivating stories and hands-on demonstrations, we gained insights into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of Aboriginal communities, particularly in utilizing natural materials for various purposes. We were introduced to the coolamon, a versatile vessel used by Indigenous communities for collecting water, carrying babies, and storing food. Exploring historical artifacts and learning about its multifaceted utility shed light on the resourceful practices of Aboriginal ancestors and their deep connection to the land.

Our cultural immersion journey took us to Mt Keira, known to the Dharawal people as Djeera, where we embarked on two enlightening bushwalks guided by Aunty Shas. As she rhythmically tapped the clap sticks as a mark of respect to the elders and spirits of the mountain, we felt a profound sense of reverence and acknowledgment for the land we traversed.

Aunty Shas and Kathleen shared with us the captivating Dreamtime story of Mt Djeera, weaving a tapestry of mythology and history that deepened our appreciation for the spiritual significance of the land.

Discovering the dual significance of the Lomandra plant, traditionally used for weaving and as a vital source of hydration, offered us a glimpse into the symbiotic relationship between nature and culture within Aboriginal traditions.

This immersive cultural experience has left an indelible mark on my understanding and appreciation of the local Dharawal people and their enduring cultural legacy. Through the wisdom imparted by Aunty Shas and Kathleen, I have gained a deeper respect for Aboriginal traditions, a heightened awareness of our shared history, and a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to engage with and learn from the custodians of this land.As I reflect on this enriching journey of cultural discovery, I am profoundly grateful for the insights, knowledge, and perspectives shared by Aunty Shas and Kathleen. Their generosity in imparting cultural wisdom and heritage has illuminated my path towards greater cultural sensitivity, empathy, and respect for Aboriginal culture and history.

Mia Barnes