There was plenty of excitement at Dapto High School as we welcomed our incoming Year 6 students for Transition Day 2025! The day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to experience high school life, make new connections, and engage in a range of hands-on cultural and creative activities.

Students took part in a Karrara information session, where they learned about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and opportunities available at DHS, including the Personal Learning Plan (PLP) and mentor processes that support students throughout their journey at high school.

The hands-on workshops were a big hit — students made bush tucker scones and lemon myrtle drinks, and created salt dough ornaments while yarning with our Karrara SRC leaders and senior Aboriginal students. These sessions encouraged storytelling, creativity, and cultural sharing in a relaxed and supportive setting.

Out on the oval, students enjoyed boomerang throwing and participated in men’s and women’s group activities. The girls learned the DHS Welcome Dance, while the boys explored didgeridoo playing techniques and breathing exercises — guided by our cultural mentors.

The day was filled with smiles, laughter, and learning, giving our future students a real sense of the strong cultural identity and community spirit that makes Dapto High School such a special place to learn and grow.

On the 14th of November, 15 of Year 6 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from surrounding primary schools came into DHS for a cultural transition day. Students and parents were greeted by our Kararra team and Principal Mr Fitsimons. We then headed to the library, where our new school Acknowledgment of Country was read by Charlotte in year 10. We talked about student PLPs, the Karrara website, mentors, and achievements made by students. We were taken on the Karrara walk, learning the meaning behind the name Karrara and the significance of Mullet Creek. During the walk, we spoke about the conservation of trees such as the big Oak tree along the trail. We talked about how it had a story behind why it has been kept there for so long. Students then met in the hospitality rooms to prepare their lunch of: saltbush- flavored chicken burgers and pea flower and lemon myrtle mocktails. Crocodile was cooked up for tasting as we yarned with new friends. 

Charlotte F