Dhupuma Yearbook 2022/23 by Barker College

2022/23 Year Book

Dhuŋgarra Dhupumabuy djorra AOC Buku-wurrpan dhiyaŋu Barkerŋu wäŋaŋuru Yolŋunha Gunyaŋaralili, ŋunhi walala ŋaḏup’thun walalaŋgala wäŋalili gä buku-wurrpan ŋalapaḻmirrinha. Ŋathili marrtjina (ganan ŋilimurrunha) dhiyaŋuwala ŋilimurruŋgu ḏilak gä yuṯa ḏilak. Dhiyaŋa walala yakurra mulka-rom-manikay-dhäwu dhuwala ŋilimurru marŋgithirri yukurra. Buku-wurrpan ŋilimurru ŋunhi walala yakurra dhambay manapan gä ŋoy ŋaḏup’thun dhiyaku djamarrkuḻi’wu, dhuwala Dhupuma Barkerŋura, marr walala yurru nhina gä marŋguthirri marrma’wu romgu-Yolŋu-Ŋäpaki. Märr ŋilimurru waŋgama waŋganykurru dhukarrkurru dhiyala wäŋaŋura gä wukurriŋura Dhupuma Barkerŋura.

The Barker community acknowledges the Yolŋu peoples of Gunyaŋara for welcoming us to their land and pay our deepest respect to the Elders past, present and future, for they hold the traditions, song lines, stories and culture, from which we all learn. We acknowledge our connection and commitment to honour the djamarrkuli of Dhupuma Barker as they learn and live in two worlds. May we walk together in peace for a reconciled country based on justice and hope.

Message from the Head of Barker College

Dhupuma Barker is a very special place. After only a little more than two years, the students, staff and community have come together like family to learn and grow in beautiful Gunyaŋara.

Phillip Heath AM Head of Barker College

In this our second year book, we celebrate the many achievements of our families, our students and our dedicated staff. There are some wonderful highlights to share. Our School is a joy for the whole Gunyaŋara community and we are so grateful for your care.

He is much loved by all, he has inspired many, found lifelong friends and family in community and he will always have a home at Dhupuma Barker. We wish him and the family safety and peace on their travels and look forward to seeing him again soon.

Dhupuma Barker has over forty wonderfully committed students. Attendance is strong and our life is heartwarming each day.

Some absolute highlights for the School have included the success of the Robotics program and the rise to fame of the tenacious Djirikitj Firebird; the development of the new school premises which have now begun with the generous support of Rio Tinto and community; and the marvellous achievement of extending the classes to Middle Years students in Years 7-10. These are all extraordinary accomplishments so early in our history. The partnership we share with the Gunyaŋara community makes all of this possible, and the djamarrkuli are set to soar. They are looking up to the stars, they are looking towards their future, and it is truly bright.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing photos from the classroom at Dhupuma Barker, with djamarrkuli working on projects and sharing their writing and maths work under the care of Mr Tom, Ms Lori, Ms Sarah, and our dedicated Yolŋu educators, Janet, Cedric, Jerisha, Tanya, David, Lizzie, Erika and Mike. On-Country learning is the best part of every week, and I am so grateful to our Yolŋu co-teachers for providing these rich and exciting learning opportunities. I would like to make special mention of Mr Tom Spencer, who, with his family, Jacqui, Elsie, Ben and Cora, have made Gunyaŋara their home since the inception of Dhupuma Barker in 2021. His love and care for community, his dedication to the students and focus on their individual learning growth, his welcoming heart and joy for adventure has cultivated the heart and soul of the School.

Manymak! “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Welcome

How amazing! Three years! Dhupuma Barker has lived up to all of our hopes and aspirations. Congratulations to all of our wonderful staff and families for your support throughout 2023.

Martin Lubrano Head of Barker College Junior School

Alison Binet Deputy Head People & Culture

Dhupuma Barker is an incredible school, setting the benchmark for school-community partnerships in the Northern Territory and across Australia. Amazing opportunities in learning both in the classroom and On-Country, as well as programs in dance, music, song, robotics and a variety of sports, provide a wellrounded and engaging program that meets the needs of the Djamarrkuli and the community. The Djamarrkuli rise to the challenges and engage positively in the learning and activities. They continue to show wonderful improvement in learning. Attendance is incredible and this is having a positive impact on their development. The trip to Dallas, Texas for the Djirikitj Firebirds in May was an absolute highlight of the year. The six Djamarrkuli were wonderful representatives of their school, their families and community. They took on the world and gave an amazing account of themselves. It was a privilege to be a part of their experience. It has been great this year to connect more broadly across community this year. Regular activities with the Nhulunbuy Christian College and Yutjuwala Djiwarr Flexible Aged Care centre have been tremendous additions to the program. The Northern Territory Robotics Championships was another new initiative and we are so proud that we can share opportunities like this with other school and community groups across north-east Arnhem Land.

The School has been saddened this year with the passing of significant supporters of our school. We are grateful for the commitment and support of these important community figures, their legacy will live on in our school for generations. Dhupuma Barker is blessed with an incredible team of educators. Mr Tom, Miss Lori, Miss Sarah, Janet, Tanya, Lizzie, Cedric, Valerie, Mike, David, Erika all play an important part in the life of the School. We are grateful for their work and dedication to the Djamarrkuli We have also maintained a positive FaFT program and thank Holly and Jerisha who look after families in community with this important area of the school. It is also wonderful to have the support from Marina in community and from Hornsby, Miss Annelise, Miss Alison, Mr Phillip, Mr Martin, Rev Andrew and the Robotics staff. It is a team effort. Mr Tom finishes his time at Dhupuma Barker this year after three wonderful years with his family in Gunyaŋara. The success of the school is a testament to his commitment, care, enthusiasm, adaptability and leadership. We thank him for his work since the school’s beginning and wish him well as he travels Australia with his family in 2024. We know that he will be greatly missed at Dhupuma Barker and more broadly in Gunyaŋara. We are excited about the next stage of development of our school with the new School buildings and the expansion into High School. 2024 promises to be another great year.

2023 Students

Transition

Year 2

Year 5

Peter Bukulatjpi

Zion Yunupingu

Cyrus Angeles

Jovhan Burarrwanga

Justin Gurruwiwi

Tyrese Dhamarrandji

Year 3

Andrew Thorne

Adela Ganambarr

Bella Baxter

Grant Yunupingu

Violet Ganambarr

Jaydan Bukulatjpi

Sean Yunupingu

Isiah Gurruwiwi

Limaia Gumana

Jamien Gurruwiwi

Alicia Gurruwiwi

Year 6

Lilani Gurruwiwi

Veronica Gurruwiwi

Kerisha Darcy

Eli Marawili

Redrick Marika

Whitney Marika

Lorraine Marika

Harry Nixon Smith

Micayla Maymurru

Zara Marika

Alana Yunupingu

Jasmine Yunupingu

Naomi Wanambi

Jamal Yunupingu

Kymani Yunupingu

Murphy Yunupingu

Year 1

Year 4

Cordelle Angeles

Davina Ganambarr

Angie Gumana

Talitha Wirrpanda

Marlisha Yunupingu

Nikita Yunupingu

Year 2 Zion Yunupingu

Staff

Tom Spencer Classroom Teacher

Lori Cross Classroom Teacher

Sarah Adams Classroom Teacher

Marina Wangurra Global Project Manager East Arnhem

Janet Gurruwiwi Co-Teacher

Valerie Dhamarrandji Co-Teacher

Elizabeth Roe Co-Teacher

Tanya Yunupingu Co-Teacher

Cedric Marika Co-Teacher

Mike Gambley Co-Teacher

David Yunupingu Co-Teacher

Erika Saffi Wellbeing Officer

Jerisha Burarrwanga FaFT

Holly Gurruwiri FaFT

Student Reflection

I love it when we do maths and read books. I have enjoyed going to the Christian College this year and spending time with them. Angie

I really enjoy learning about maths and counting big numbers. My favourite things to do at school are playing with the magnets and when we get to go hunting. Cordelle

I love everything about school. My favourite thing this year was going on a plane to Sydney and Dallas for robotics.

I like doing sport, going swimming and eating food. I like Learning on Country, playing football, spelling, maths and reading.

Cyrus

Sean

Everything at school is fun. I like doing sport, spelling, maths and sketch drawing on the Ipads. Micayla

Indigenous Outreach Projects Indigenous Outreach Projects had the privilege of working alongside Dhupuma Barker School in Gunyaŋara, Laynhapuy Homelands School, Dhalinybuy and Yirrkala. The beautiful landscape and extraordinary talent that are featured in this music video clip is truly inspiring. We would like to give a special thank you to all the stakeholders involved; Barker College, East Arnhem Regional Council and Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation. Also a massive thank you to the incredible talent, long time friends and Leaders of these communities; Djakapurra Munyarryun, Yirrmal, Cedrick & Michael who showcased their beautiful voices, cultural dance and amazing sounds of the yidaki.

SCAN TO WATCH VIDEO

Dhupuma Barker Issue #131

Opening of Dhupuma Barker On 19 April, the community at Gunyaŋara in North East Arnhem came together to celebrate the opening of Dhupuma Barker. The School opened as a bilingual primary school for 25 Yolŋu children from the community. By the end of the first week, an additional four students were enrolled, and several students from other communities had come to spend a day or more checking out the new school! Dhupuma Barker is a partnership between the Yothu Yindi Foundation and Barker College, aspiring to revive the ideals of the former Dhupuma College, and prioritise Yolŋu Matha (language), Rom (culture, knowledge) and Galtha (ways of learning). The original Dhupuma College opened in 1972, as the first transitional college for high school students in Arnhem. The School aimed to embed Yolŋu knowledge and teachings into boarding school life. The name ‘Dhupuma’ was given to the School by Mr Mungurrawuy Yunupingu of Yirrkala and refers to ‘looking up to the future’. Dhupuma College operated successfully for nine years and many of today’s Yolŋu leaders are alumni, with a rich understanding of the importance and efficacy of culturally informed education and a vision to promote this for their grandchildren. Tom Spencer, formerly of Darkinjung Barker, has relocated with his family to Gunyaŋara to teach in the School, alongside our Yolŋu staff Janet, Caroline, Dela and Valerie, with wellbeing support from Berry. Sophie Mynott, Director of Barker Global Partnerships, and Marina Wangurra, Barker Global Project Manager East Arnhem, have managed the project to set up Dhupuma from Barker’s side, with the invaluable assistance of many Barker staff, parents and students who supported the project. The opening was a momentous occasion with a buŋgul (ceremonial dance) performed by students and members of the community, a smoking ceremony for students and staff, speeches and a magnificent cake.

The students loved receiving their uniform and exploring their new classroom, and parents and community members enjoyed the opportunity to meet Phillip Heath, our Head of HR Alison Binet, Tom and Sophie, and to congratulate them and Marina, Janet, Caroline, Dela, Valerie and Berry on their work to get the students enrolled and the School ready for operation. The opening of Dhupuma Barker is the first step in a broader vision for Yolŋu education in the region. The primary school, with an attached early childhood education program, is the start of what will ultimately be a whole of life education project, on which Yothu Yindi Foundation have partnered with Studio Schools Australia and Melbourne University to deliver high school and tertiary education. We look forward to the wonderful contribution that the students and staff of Dhupuma Barker will make to the broader Barker community. Molly Glendenning Barker Global Research Assistant Sophie Mynott Director of Barker Global Partnerships Formal Logo

34 • The Barker • Issue 131 • Winter 2021

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Junior School Issue #132

The Journey has Begun Strongly Dhupuma Barker opened at the start of Term 2 and our students are going from strength to strength. Perhaps the greatest indicator of this is the substantial increase in school attendance. Many of our students have gone from attending very few days a term at their previous schools, to joining us almost every day at Dhupuma. This is a great sign that the students are feeling comfortable and happy in their new school environment. Some djamarrkuli (children) are so keen they are waiting at the school gate every morning when I arrive at 7am. The students spent Term 2 settling into the routine we have established. On arrival, they get changed into their uniform, have some bacon and eggs if they haven’t eaten already, then head to the basketball court to shoot hoops before school starts. The morning session begins with our school prayer in Yolŋu Matha (language) and English. Students are then placed into small groups for literacy activities. Initially we focused on word recognition (sight words), and we now have literacy rotations. Some students are learning initial sounds, others are blending words together, some are reading books from our library. We use lots of games to learn sight words. Anyone who visits Dhupuma Barker will find it very difficult to beat the djamarrkuli at a game of ‘Go Fish’ – they seem to have different rules in East Arnhem! The most pleasing part of our morning sessions has been the effort the students put in to learning to read and write in English and Yolŋu Matha.

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After our literacy sessions we focus on numeracy. This is taught as a whole class and it’s wonderful to see the older students supporting and guiding the younger ones. The djamarrkuli really enjoy hands on activities, so where possible we make our own resources to engage the students. We always finish with a game where the students take great pleasure in beating Mr Tom! Yolŋu cultural education is the core of our daily life at Dhupuma Barker. The Yolŋu Assistant Teachers and Cultural Advisors teach the djamarrkuli the Yolŋu way. There is a big emphasis on making sure the djamarrkuli know and understand who they are and where they belong. It is most important that students learn their Moiety, skin name, totems, homeland and clan group. Raypirri (discipline) is a big focus in and out of the classroom. Raypirri begins before you are born and relates to words and actions – no teasing, helping each other, no fighting, working together, respect everything and everyone around you. Raypirri is discussed daily in the classroom. We also regularly leave the classroom for On-Country activities at the beach or in the bush, including storytelling, care for the environment, and students performing Buŋgul dances of significant animals.

Junior School

We have been lucky to have many fantastic visitors to Dhupuma Barker in our first term. We’ve had nutritionists from Flinders University working with the students and discussing superfoods vs sometimes foods. Miss Bev from Apple has joined us several times to help the djamarrkuli make ebooks, and we have had lessons on crocodile safety and safe camping. We also welcomed Ben Roarty, former Melbourne Storm player, who spent time with all the children from Gunyaŋara. The djamarrkuli love sport and we try to get out once a day for a whole school game. Basketball, AFL and tag are the highlights and always bring a smile to the students’ faces. I am still trying to convince them to follow the Penrith Panthers or Sydney Swans! Dhupuma Barker is one of the highlights of my teaching career to date. I am extremely proud of the behaviour, focus and engagement of the djamarrkuli. My family and I have moved to Gunyaŋara, about 1km from the school. The whole community have made me, my wife Jacqui, and our three children feel very welcome. We love driving down Yunupingu Drive as

the djamarrkuli scream “Mr Tom” and run over to the car to say hello. My youngest child now refers to me as “Mr Tom”. One of the Dhupuma students has spent time with my son, teaching him and playing the yidaki (didgeridoo) with him. Just another great moment we get to experience. We very much looked forward to Term 3 as we welcomed Lori Cross as the second classroom teacher. Lori Cross has been a part of the East Arnhem community for close to 30 years. I am excited to work with Lori and wish her and her family all the best as she begins her Barker journey. Together we look forward to watching our students continue to grow as students and Yolŋu people. Manymak! Tom Spencer Teacher, Dhupuma Barker

Spring 2021 • Issue 132 • The Barker • 11

Junior School Issue #133

News from the Northern Territory

It’s getting hot at Dhupuma Barker! The black cockatoos are wheeling around the sky, mangoes are ripening and the water in the bay is getting flat and glassy, perfect for fishing. The heat and humidity are rapidly rising but that hasn’t stopped us from continuing work during our busy days. Term 4 has started strong with high attendance and a lot of positive energy in the classroom. We have worked consistently to establish and maintain daily routines and are seeing the benefits of these efforts. We are delighted with the progress the students have made in English during Terms 2 and 3. We have been focusing on explicit teaching of phonics, spelling patterns, daily writing and guided reading. The Yolŋu teacher aides have been working with the students on writing sight words and simple sentences in Yolŋu Matha. In this way, the children are provided with the opportunity to develop basic Literacy in both languages. The students have worked hard to participate to the best of their abilities in all curriculum areas. Their favourite activity by far is getting out of the classroom and on to the beach. We have been fishing, collecting oysters, hunting for mud mussels in the mangroves 12 8 • The Barker • Issue 133 • Summer 2021

and taking beach walks. It is fantastic to see the deep love the children have for their country and the pride they take in sharing their vast knowledge with us and others. We have had several visitors to the School and the students are always welcoming and interested in finding out about other peoples’ lives. It is great to see the children growing in confidence when interacting with unfamiliar Balanda people. We are looking forward to some special events this term. We have a new bus; have already participated in the launch of the new Arnhem Space Centre; will be participating in a five week swimming program at the town pool; welcoming the Indigenous Outreach Hip Hop Project and working on an end of year community celebration. It will be another hot Christmas in the NT before we know it! Lori Cross Dhupuma Barker Teacher Tom Spencer Dhupuma Barker Teacher

Junior School

Issue #134

News from the Northern Territory It is great to see our students' smiling faces back in the classroom and their eagerness to learn remains the same.

We have some new ideas and routines for our classroom this year and we can already see the positive impact this is having on their learning. As students arrive to school they have a checklist they must complete. This includes one-on-one learning with any of the teachers in the classroom. Some students spend 30-40 minutes on their learning before school even begins. We always complete our Literacy and Numeracy throughout the day and the Djamarrkuli have this routine perfected. Some new and exciting learning adventures we are introducing this year include Drumcorp (bucket drumming) which involves fitness, rhythm and dance. The students have already completed some lessons and we can already feel that this will be enjoyed by all. Other activities include learning to touch type and health lessons that are run through the local Miwatj Health Clinic. But most importantly, Learning on Country lessons have begun. The Yolŋu people still use the bark from the trees to

create their beautiful art pieces. Valerie, one of our talented support teachers and an extremely great artist, took us out bush and showed us the process of removing the bark from the tree and how to dry it over a fire. We now wait for the drying process before the Djamarrkuli can create their own paintings. We are also delighted to have our school bus which enables students to attend school. Check out the artwork on our bus! Attendance rate this Term have been incredible with many students at School well over 80% on days. We are so proud of the children. Lori Cross Dhupuma Barker Teacher Tom Spencer Dhupuma Barker Teacher

Autumn 2022 • Issue 134 • The Barker • 9

The Barker #134.indd 9

18/3/22 12:09 pm

Junior School Issue #135

Dhupuma Barker Celebrating its First Birthday The official opening of Dhupuma Barker on 19 April 2021, to the sound of the Yidaki, singing and dancing by the Yolŋu djamarrkuli and community was a significant occasion bringing together the months of planning and preparation by Yothu Yindi Foundation, Gumatj Corporation and Barker College. The establishment of the School was aided by the expertise, dedication and support of local woman Ms Marina Wangurra as the Strategic Consultant, working in conjunction with the Director of Indigenous Education from Barker, Sophie Mynott. Twelve months on, the celebration for the first Birthday of the School was a greatly anticipated event in the community. On Tuesday 3 May the community, students, staff along with the Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath, Head of Junior School, Martin Lubrano and Deputy Head People & Culture, Alison Binet, gathered together at the School and shared in festivities including a Bungul (ceremonial dancing with the djarrmakuli, community and staff) along with speeches by Yothu Yindi Foundation Chair, Australian of the Year Galarrwuy Yunupingu, Phillip Heath and the teachers, Lori Cross and Tom Spencer. A wonderful feast including fish cooked on the open fire was shared by the entire school community and rounded out what was an incredible occasion. The success of the School is being realised in any number of areas; student attendance and confidence, skill in English language and curriculum learning, staff teaching practice, community engagement and twoway learning both in class and On-Country. Community support is incredible and there is a shared responsibility as well as pride in their own school. The 28 Dhupuma Barker djarrmakuli are extremely proud of their school. They arrive from 7:00am in the morning, many of them can’t wait until the official start time of 8:15am. On the morning after the birthday celebration, as Tom Spencer, Lori Cross and I walked the 1km to school from the teacher residences at 7am, we were greeted by children who promised to be at school soon, as well as picking up two along the way who just wanted to join us on the walk and get to school. Another arrived at the same time, dropped off on an early run out of town 15km away to collect high schoolers and others for town school.

BUNGGUL or BUNGUL

8 • The Barker • Issue 135 • Winter 2022

The djarrmakuli arrive and dress quickly in the uniform shirt and then immediately begin some learning activities, either individually or with one of the staff members. Once some reading is signed off, they have some breakfast and begin activity either in the classroom or head to the basketball court to kick a footy or shoot some hoops. And then instinctively, they call - “it is class time”. They want to be in the classroom. Official class starts with “Circle Time” and the School Prayer (spoken in English and Yolŋu-Matha). Community is alive in the classroom. Attendance is incredibly positive. There are ten djarrmakuli who are over 90% attendance with a further five over 80% and four more over 70%. These figures are outstanding, as high as any Indigenous school in the Territory, possibly the country. Dhupuma Barker staff are incredible. Tom Spencer and Lori Cross, alongside well-regarded co-teachers Caroline Dhamarrandji, Valerie Dhamarrandji, Janet Gurriwiwi, and Lizzie Roe along with Wellbeing Officer Berlius Hetharia, are paramount in the School’s success. Relationships are strong and they care for the djarrmakuli. The children feel safe and connected, they belong. Often the bus does two or three runs in the morning to pick up the djarrmakuli who are running late or need some encouragement. In addition, the support of the Faft educators, Leah Cheynoweth and Jerisha Burarrwanga, is wonderful, and the team work together effectively, regularly collaborating and sharing in On-Country and classroom experiences. Reaching the first year anniversary of the School’s opening is extremely rewarding and a significant milestone. We are so proud of the teachers and the djarrmakuli for all that they are achieving. Learning experiences are rich, and the djarrmakuli are showing exciting levels of improvement. They are engaged in learning and are benefitting from immersion in culture, language and heritage as part of their day-to-day curriculum. Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School

Winter 2022 • Issue 135 • The Barker • 9

Junior School

Issue #136

The Sky is the Limit

After months of planning, anticipation, brainstorming and COVID-19 delays, the students at Dhupuma Barker were treated to an unforgettable week with the crew from the Indigenous Outreach Hip Hop Projects (IOP). This group of hip hop artists travel across Australia, showcasing their talent with community and engage them through music and dance. The five very talented dance and music production artists burst into our school community for a week in June, inspiring each and every one of our students. The artists are skilled performers with an amazing ability to connect and inspire. Together, they form a playful and joyous team who made everyone want to get up and bust some moves. The IOP crew stayed in the community for a week, spending several hours teaching the kids choreography. They immediately formed wonderful relationships that had our Djamarrkuli (children) running to school in the mornings. They took every chance possible to identify and foster leadership qualities in the students. Whilst sheer fun and laughter came from the joy of dance, the crew continually spoke with the students about their three rules - No Shame, Be Proud, Respect. Student attendance for the week was the highest we have recorded since the opening of Dhupuma Barker, with close to 100% of djamarrkuli at school as well as several students visiting from other communities. Our classroom and surrounding areas were filled with laughter, smiles, strength and positive energy.

In addition to the daily dance workshops, the students and teachers collaborated with the IOP crew to write an original rap song to share their love for country and community. Once the lyrics were set, the kids took turns practising and recording their lines, under excellent guidance from the crew. There is no doubt that a week of hip hop dance, song-writing, music production and experiences with the fabulous IOP crew greatly benefitted the kids and community of Gunyaŋara. After spending time at two other nearby communities, Dhalinybuy and Yirrkala, it promoted unity amongst everyone. We invited the entire community to Dhupuma Barker to come and enjoy a showcase performance of the hip hop artists and students. With around 100 people packed into the classroom, the music video was screened for the first time. The response was amazing. Cheers, laughter and deep sense of pride burst through the roof and echoed throughout the community. Lori Cross Dhupuma Barker Teacher

Spring 2022 • Issue 136 • The Barker • 9

Indigenous Education Issue #137

Garma Festival The word Garma is a Yolŋu word meaning two-way learning, and it couldn’t be more apt for the event. The Garma Festival is an annual festival held in Gulkula, North-East Arnhem Land that is widely recognised as Australia’s premier Indigenous Festival. The festival is hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, with whom we have a lasting partnership in the establishment of our Dhupuma School in Gunyangara, NT. In recognition of this connection, the Yothu Yindi Foundation invited Barker students and staff to attend the Festival, and to assist with the coordination of the Youth Forum, a key component of the event. So, a delegation of seven members of the School Council, Phillip Heath, staff and 16 Senior students made the journey (approximately 2,800km as the crow flies) to Gunyangara, then on to Gulkula to the site of the Festival. Over four days, the three key components of Garma run concurrently - the Key Forum, The Youth Forum and Cultural events and activities. It is a coming together of Yolŋu, other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Balanda (non-Indigenous) peoples to discuss key issues, learn together and celebrate Yolŋu Culture, miny’tji (art), manikay (song) and buŋgul (dance). The theme for 2022 was Nhaŋa Ŋathilyurra, a Yolŋu phrase meaning to look ahead towards the future. Before the Festival, a historic first visit of Hornsby students to Dhupuma was a wonderful opportunity for the students to see the School and begin to understand the impact of the wonderful work being done by staff, Community members and of course the students. “Garma is such an important event because it shows what is possible, and it is my hope that this spirit of collaboration and two-way learning between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can be a defining part of the future across our Nation.”

The Key Forum and Cultural Events The Key forum involves First Nations leaders, political leaders, and experts in fields of education, health, economics and other key areas discussing issues that are pertinent to First Nations people and our Nation more broadly. It was here that Anthony Albanese PM delivered the Key Address, a pivotal moment in time where he again committed to enshrining an Indigenous Voice into our Constitution and announced the proposed question for the referendum. It was both inspiring and humbling for our students and staff to be there for that moment. “There is so much hope for the future of Aboriginal Culture if we walk side by side and open our hearts, minds and ears to change, led by Indigenous Voices.” Imogen, Year 11

Throughout the four days, Cultural workshops and activities were on offer throughout the program. Our students and staff learnt weaving, experienced ancient ceremonies, and learnt about Yolŋu traditional medicine, stories and language. Every evening as the East Arnhem sun set, we watched in awe as dancers took to the Buŋgul ground to perform traditional ceremonial dances. In these highly significant traditional ceremonies, Elders, men, women and children performed ancient dances while senior holders of the Yolŋu songlines shared their songs and music. It was truly a breathtakingly spectacular experience and one that our students and staff will never forget.

Charlie, Year 12

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Indigenous Education

It was also an absolute highlight to see our Dhupuma students performing at the Festival, and watch the friendships and connection develop between the students from Hornsby and our Dhupuma Barker students and staff. COVID had prevented this in the past, but it was truly beautiful to see those connections begin to build. Our Hornsby students took every opportunity to play footy or dance with the many willing kids on the oval in between more official activities. “Being able to walk On-Country with the Yolŋu people, to hear stories about the land, the stars, the dreaming - it was so beautiful to share space with a people so honest and open with their knowledge and beliefs.” Zali, Year 11

The Youth Forum Sixteen Senior students, a combination of Year 11 and 12, had the great privilege of being invited to participate in and help coordinate the Youth Forum. Itself a mini-Garma, packed with activities and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from across the Nation. A meeting of First Nations and non-Indigenous Youth from across Australia, the activities aimed to build confidence and capacity in young people, as the leaders of the future. The Youth Forum kicked off with the Education Fair, at which our students facilitated a STEAM activity with the aim of building connections between the group. Students also participated in Yolŋu Cultural activities, in team building and personal development activities and engaged with the Imagination Declaration - a statement produced by the participants of the last Youth Forum in 2019.

“In the future, I hope to lead a generation not of empty talk, or mere speech - but of genuine and authentic action, causing real change in an area which must be addressed.” Yue Hun, Year 12

The Youth Forum attendees agreed on one word to signify their experience, their feelings about Garma and the importance of moving forward towards reconciliation - that word was CHANGE. Symbolically, they created the word CHANGE with wicking rope and set it on fire, igniting the fire within each of the attendees to create change in their hearts, minds and in our Nation. “We can learn so much from their Culture, but what does this mean if it remains within us and doesn’t change anything?” Sophie, Year 11

We are humbled by our partnership with the Yothu Yindi Foundation and so honoured to have been asked to participate in the Garma Festival and specifically the Youth Forum. Each and every one of us felt the warm welcome of the Yolŋu people as they so generously shared their Culture and Land with us. We are very proud of the students that attended and the openness with which they embraced the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Garma Festival and in Yolŋu culture. We hope that they carry this experience in their hearts and minds for the rest of their lives and that the spark has been ignited within them to do what they can to walk with First Nations people to drive change. Lucy Pitkin Dean of Indigenous Education

Summer 2022 • Issue 137 • The Barker • 33

Indigenous Education

Communities Coming Together We were thrilled to welcome a delegation of Yolŋu community members from Gunyaŋara, NT ahead of the Indigenous Education Fundraising Dinner. The aim of the dinner was to raise much needed funds for the construction of a new permanent school for the students of Dhupuma Barker. For the first time, we were able to have members from our Dhupuma Barker community meet our Darkinjung and Ngarralingayil communities for a wonderful morning of learning and sharing. The Board and members of Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council joined us to welcome our guests, with the students of Darkinjung Barker conducting a beautiful assembly and sharing their NAIDOC dances. Lead by Jai and Ollie on the clapping sticks, students performed a welcome song, the girls performed a berry picking dance, the boys performed shake a leg, then they all shared a brolga dance, and a farewell song. Later in the morning we travelled to Wollombi to meet Ngarralingayil Barker students. In a stunning outdoor assembly, the children performed the Honey Tree dance and an animal dance, Taba Naba a song from The Torres Strait and Djabarda led his peers by playing the yidaki for their all-time favourite “Red, Black and Yellow!”

Cedric Marika, caretaker and lead dancer of the Gumatj clan, showed the Ngarralingayil students how to divide for men’s dances and women’s dances leading the boys in a Brolga dance. The girls joined afterwards, led by Caroline Dhamarrandji, co-teacher of Dhupuma Barker. There was much laughter as our Yolŋu friends thought Martin Lubrano was almost ready to fly away during the Brolga dance. When we shared lunch with the Dhupuma community, Murphy Yunupingu, Gumatj elder and an integral partner in the development of the School, thanked Phillip Heath for such a wonderful welcome to Sydney. “Everything we do for education is about learning from one another. Two-way learning every day. In Yolŋu we respect that I learn from you, and you learn from me. Today we have learned together with the other Barker communities at Darkinjung and Ngarralingayil. We are one people, we are all brothers and sisters, and we are honoured to meet together today to see the djamarkuli Learning on Country. “ Annelise Annelise Pearce Pearce Operations Operations Manager Manager Aboriginal Aboriginal Campuses Campuses

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Junior School Issue #138

The Season for Growing and Knowledge of Everything The sound of the horn and the djamarrkuli come running from their houses and climb into the back of the troopy. There is always lots of chatting and laughing while we drive house to house and pick up more students and families. We are greeted at school by Erika (Wellbeing Officer) who has prepared a hearty breakfast for all the djamarrkuli. We gather in the classroom, put on our uniforms, brush our teeth, exercise and say our morning prayer. We count the students sitting in the circle. 1, 2, 3….24, 25, 26. These are fantastic numbers for our little school. Miss Lori takes the younger students named Midawarr class (the season for growing) and Mr Tom keeps the older class named Djambatj (knowledge of everything). The School has started well for 2023 and we have had great support from all of our staff. We would like you to meet our wonderful staff below:

English name/yäku: Lizzie Yolŋu name/yäku: Djalulu Skin name/Malk: Galigali Homeland/Waŋa: Galawarra

English name/yäku: Janet Yolŋu name/yäku: Watjwatj Skin name/Malk: Gutjan Homeland/Waŋa: Bariny Bariny

What do you like about Dhupuma Barker?

What do you like about Dhupuma Barker? I love all of the djamarrkuli. Seeing them come to school, playing, learning, enjoying themselves. I love getting them out on Country and seeing them use their knowledge. This school is manymak! English name/yäku: Cedric Yolŋu name/yäku: Balpirrirriwuy Skin name/Malk: Balaŋ Homeland/Waŋa: Guluruŋa What do you like about Dhupuma Barker? The djamarrkuli are learning both ways. Good teachers with Yolŋu and Balanda. I’m looking forward to the future and seeing what this school becomes as we continue to grow and learn together.

What do you like about Dhupuma Barker? I love going out Learning on Country with the kids. This is when they are at their happiest. I enjoy seeing the kids pick up a book everyday and sitting down learning to read. English name/yäku: Mikey Yolŋu name/yäku: Guyarŋa Skin name/Malk: Wāmut Homeland/Waŋa: Gunyaŋara

What I like about Dhupuma is watching the djamarrkuli learn and how much they have grown in the past few months. I want to teach these kids to be the future yidaki players for ceremonies. English name/yäku: Erika Yolŋu name/yäku: Nonna Skin name/Malk: Galikali Homeland/Waŋa: Mallarrami What do you like about Dhupuma Barker? I love all the smiling faces and the kids so keen to learn. We have the freedom to learn in both Yolŋu Matha and English. Tom Spencer Dhupuma Barker Classroom Teacher

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Junior School Issue #139

Shooting for the Stars

introduce the children at Dhupuma Barker to VEXIQ Robotics.

In Term 2 2022, Robotics staff from Hornsby travelled to Gunyaŋara to introduce the children at Dhupuma Barker to VEXIQ Robotics. A week of activities and familiarisation set them off on a pathway toward unlocking significant talent and passion. It was surprising how quickly they were able to build the skills required to be successful, navigating the challenges of coding and the technicality of the 2022-23 VEXIQ game. A qualification event for the National Robotics Championships was held in July leading up to the Garma Festival, where US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy attended for a demonstration. The children scored enough points to secure an invitation to the National Robotics Championships in Sydney in December. No one expected them to be a threat at these championships. They had only been doing Robotics for about eight months. They didn’t have access to regular coaching and they were still very much in the novice category. Just making Sydney and the chance to visit Barker was a community celebration. To the surprise of all, the Firebirds were not only competitive, they showed remarkable adaptability in Sydney, combining well in their match alliances to work their way up the leaderboard and place 4th overall, providing qualification to the World VEXIQ Elementary School Robotics Championships in Dallas,

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Texas. Sean, our leading Yolŋu coder, demonstrated in the Skills component of the competition that for these kids, given the opportunity, anything is possible. Sean’s code ranked the Firebird's robot 1st in Australia. A trip overseas was an incredible achievement. However, the logistics of arranging this for a group of children from remote Australia was a mammoth challenge. No birth certificates, no passports, challenging family situations, and funding a trip all stood as barriers to the children representing their community, their school and their country. Fortunately, incredibly generous sponsors and remarkable work by our Indigenous Campuses Operations Manager (Annelise Pearce) and our Global Project Manager East Arnhem (Marina Wangunarr), managed the logistics to make the trip to Dallas a reality. Six children; Justin, Cyrus, Whitney, Sean, Andrew and Micayla, along with their teacher Mr Tom (Spencer) and co-teacher Valerie, travelled to Sydney where they joined Martin Lubrano and Annelise Pearce for the trip to Dallas at the beginning of May. In Dallas, we were joined by Mr Phillip Heath, other Yolŋu community leaders, Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO, and the Robotics coaches, forming a strong and supportive tour group.

760 teams qualified for this tournament representing over 27,000 teams who started the 2022-23 VEXIQ Robotics game journey. An opening ceremony in the Dallas Dome, only slightly smaller than Qudos Bank Arena (Homebush), saw a parade of the 33 Nations represented at the Championships, and our own Justin carried the Australian Flag with representatives of the other eight Australian teams. A proud moment for our tour group and Gunyaŋara. For the Competition, 760 teams were split into ten division groups. The Djirikitj Firebirds were in the Science Division and had ten qualification matches partnering with teams from across the world. Anyone would have forgiven them for being overawed and intimidated. Not the Firebirds! They adapted incredibly well to the enormity of the event, the crowds, being away from home without parents and the cultural juxtaposition from home. Across the two days of matches they were awesome. They adapted to challenges, made necessary corrections and represented with distinction. In their first World Championships, and for some their second time ever out of community, they placed 40th in their division, and but for a more favourable draw pairing with more expert teams, they would have finished higher. Yet their enthusiasm never waned. Ask them and they will tell you they won every match. For them, being there, seeing their robot work, experiencing an auditorium on the scale of the Dallas Convention Centre and making connection with children from all over the world was success. They were champions!

The days around the tournament saw visits to Forth Worth Stock yards, a shopping outlet mall, Six Flags Amusement Park, Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park and a Medieval Dinner Show. These are experiences they will never forget. They have had their eyes opened to the world. They have experienced things they may have never dreamed possible. They flew for over 22 hours to the other side of the world. And they took this in their stride. They were resilient beyond expectation, showing maturity and adaptability beyond their years. As a community, we can be extremely proud of the children from Gunyaŋara who carry our name alongside theirs, Dhupuma Barker. They have set the bar high. They are the first primary school team from our school to represent in Robotics internationally and hopefully they inspire all other Robotics players to reach for the stars. Look out for the Djirikitj Firebirds in the new 2023-24 VEX IQ game. They are bound to be shooting for the stars again.

Martin Lubrano Head of Junior School

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Issue #140

The Inaugural Swimming Carnival The students of Dhupuma Barker participated in their very first swimming carnival at the end of Term 1, following weekly swimming lessons provided by our local Travelling Tadpole Swim School. In preparation for the carnival, the students were placed into teams according to age and swimming ability: Fire (Red Team) and Storm (Blue Team). The kids spent an afternoon at school tie-dyeing their shirts and loving the results of that process. They made some banners and pom-poms and we talked about the importance of cheering each other on at the pool. The teachers prepared lunch, snacks and prizes, ready to celebrate the students’ amazing achievements in the pool through the term. The first races were for the younger djamarrkuli, with help from the older kids. They all learned to keep one hand on the wall and to wait for the whistle before kicking with all their might to get to the finish line. There was much laughter and cheering from the edge of the pool, with the whole school supporting every race. Once the little kids’ races were finished, the older students completed several 50 metre races: freestyle, backstroke and a variety of medleys. The all-round favourite was the Boat Race, where students found that paddling an inflatable boat carrying team members is harder than it looks. It was fantastic to see the younger kids running along the edge of the pool cheering on older swimmers.

Points were awarded for race winners, participation, sportsmanship, supporting other team members and general great behaviour. The points tally remained very close throughout the day and at the final count it was a draw between Storm and Fire. Students were awarded a trophy (chocolate Easter bunny) to share with a member of the other team. We were impressed by the strength and skill they have developed through regular attendance at swimming lessons this term. The swim instructors continually commented on the steady progress of the Dhupuma Barker students, as well as noticing improvement in their listening, focus and effort. Well done, Dhupuma Barker! What a fantastic way to finish off the swimming program. Lori Cross Dhupuma Barker Teacher

Issue #140

Look up, look ahead, look to the future. These were Dr Yunupingu’s words when he opened Dhupuma Barker in his community of Gunyaŋara. I’m sure he is looking down on all the djamarrkuli at Ski Beach and is feeling proud of what is happening. So what does two and a half years look like at Dhupuma Barker? Attendance continues to increase, students are engaged more than ever, and the students have had a number of amazing experiences. Who would think so much could happen in such a small, remote community in East Arnhem Land? These experiences include; • working twice a term with experienced Apple iPad educators who support the children and staff with technology. Their skills on the iPad and linking it to their everyday learning has been amazing. • NASA launching 3 rockets and our students getting to sign one of the fins of the rocket. We all watched the rockets launch from the front of our houses in Gunyaŋara.

• Swimming lessons. Students receive 2 x 10 swimming lessons in terms 1 and 4. This is extremely important for our students, considering where they live. The swimming instructor who has been here for a number of years comments on the improved behaviours and attitude of our students since we have opened our school. • Nhulunbuy Christian College – we have partnered with NCC where we meet every Friday in town to play sport, paint and share stories and have lunch together. • Miwatj Health team join us every Thursday morning to talk to the students about healthy bodies, healthy homes and healthy lifestyles. • Flinders University join us every fortnight and bring their medical students to work with all the Dhupuma students.

• Our Djirikitj Firebirds robotics team finishing 5th in Nationals and competing in Dallas. • Indigenous Hip Hop team have visited our school twice. The community involvement and student attendance during hip hop is incredible. Check out both film clips here » https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-to0Q5GWpI

We would like to thank all the community members across Arnhem Land who continue to support our students. To all of the Barker community, a big thank you for your continued support of our djarmarrkuli. Tom Spencer Dhupuma Barker Classroom Teacher

» https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t57OpTCth8E • On-Country learning sees our students making spears, collecting pandanas leaves for weaving, swimming at local water holes, eating local bush food including maypal (oysters), djindjalma (mud crab), ngarirri (fish), maranydjalk (stingray), miyapunu (turtle), dhambala (mud mussels) and mundjutj (berries).

On-Country, Culture and Heritage

The students and school have gone from strength to strength this year. Attendance rates have solidified with more djamarrkuli coming to school more regularly. Because of their regular attendance, the kids have shown steady growth in many areas of their schooling. They are all achieving in literacy: speaking and listening, reading, spelling and writing, in English and in Yolŋu Matha. In Maths, they have shown a deeper understanding of number and are developing more efficient ways to calculate basic addition and subtraction stories. We have done lots of Learning On-Country around Gunyaŋara, incorporating Yolŋu cultural knowledge, science, geography, history and the arts in our studies. It has been great to see the students making progress in all areas of the curriculum, but it is even more gratifying to see their growth in confidence, resilience, persistence and empathy. Overall, the kids are much more willing to “have a go” in class and truly encourage and support each other. The teachers and wider community are very proud of the students’ engagement and achievements and are eager to see their continued growth and successes. Tom Spencer Lori Cross Sarah Adams Dhupuma Barker Teachers

Reflections – Yolŋu Teachers

This year has been so rewarding for our djamarrkuli attending school. They are enjoying themselves with all the different activities they do each week. The community weren’t interested in sending their kids to school 3 years ago. Now they are waking up their kids and telling them to get to school and learn. Kids are getting excited for the next day of school. The parents and grandparents are so proud of what’s happening at Dhupuma Barker and they cannot wait to see the new school being built and finished. We love our little school. We would like to thank Dr G Yunupingu and yellow rose R Yunupingu for their support of this school. We know they would be very proud of all the djamarrkuli.

Dhuwalanydja dhuŋgarra yawungu manymakthirri mirithirri ŋanapurruŋgalaŋuwu djamarrkuḻiwu ŋunhi walala yukurra marrtji bitjan bili wukirrilil. Ŋänḏi ga bäpa ga gurruṯumirri walala yukurra mirithirrina ŋayaŋu djulŋithirri nhaltjan yukurra dhiyala djäma wukirriŋura (Dhupuma Barker). Ga’ wäwawu (Dr G. Yunupingu) ga yapawu (R. Yunupingu) ŋunhi manda yukurrana dhipala wukirrilili. Ŋilimirru marŋgi ŋunhi manḏa bini mirithinya galŋa ŋamathinya ŋilimurruŋ galaŋuwu djamarrkuḻiwu. Yo manymak!

Janet Gurruwiwi Valerie Dhamarrandji Elizabeth Roe Tanya Yunupingu Cedric Marika Mike Gambley David Yunupingu Dhupuma Barker Co-teachers

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Junior School Prayer

Gungayu ŋärraha gärthura Gärray God Märr ŋarra yurru birrkayun lätjuguma Gä nhama lätjuguma Gä waŋa lätjuguma Marr ŋarra yurru marrtji wängyi ga gunayun ŋarragu Wukirri ga lätjuguma birrkayun ga manymak Melkuma wiripuwu djamarrkuli Yäkuyu Djesu Gärray waya. Yo! Yo!

Help me this day, O God, to try to think in a kind way, to try to act in a kind way, to try to speak in a kind way, that I might leave my school this day knowing that I have shown kindness to others; for Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen.

In loving memory of

Dr G. Yunupingu ga R.D. Yunupingu \

November 2023