But thankfully things have changed and the barriers have been broken down with children now very much accepted in the community.

And it is the Dungog community who rally behind the special education class at Dungog High School and assist with fundraising so the students can enjoy excursions like their fellow classmates.

Teachers’ aid Annette Nelson has been with the unit for eight years and through that time has seen the students grow into independent young men and women.

“Every few years we have a big fundraiser so we can take the students on an excursion,” she said.

“Since I have been at the unit we have been to Queensland twice where they got to go to Seaworld and Australia Zoo and other places too.

“We took them to Hoggs Breath for dinner one night and everyone was so welcoming to us.

“One of the staff members put on the pink pigsuit and had fun with the students.

“A lot of the children don’t get an experience like that and the people there were really great.

“Sometimes we have to hire a mini-bus to get around but we try and use public transport if possible.

“We usually have three days away but it depends on what we do and how we are going money-wise.”

The unit has an excursion every three to four years so the students get to enjoy the experience at least once while they are at high school.

“It helps to promote their independence. We have shared accommodation and they learn responsibility, getting ready on time and looking after their own belongings.

“Quite often their parents have done it all for them so this is a good way for them to learn how to look after themselves.

“It’s not just a holiday for them, they are learning along the way and getting on with others outside of school.

“They learn give and take and to be diplomatic.”

Annette’s daughter Mel was a student in the class until 18 months ago.

She went on two trips to Queensland – one in year 7 and then again four years later.

“I had never been on a plane before and we went to Sea World and I got fishy kisses from the seals,” said the 19-year-old.

Since leaving school Mel did a hospitality course at TAFE as well as 18 months of work experience at Big W at Greenhills.

She is now employed for nine hours a week at Big W, has got her learner’s permit to drive, has been to New Zealand and America to compete in sailing and is heading to the Peace Games in Japan in September.

“I’ve also been to America for G’Day USA when I was in year 12 and I am trying to get picked in the sailing team to compete at the World Games in Los Angeles later in the year,” Mel said.

“I did sailing as a sport when I was in the unit and I have kept going with it.

“I travel a lot to compete and I’ve been to a lot of places in NSW, Canberra and Adelaide.”

Dylan Saunders is a former student in the unit and is now in a transition program at Mai-wel and works at PACE Setters.

“Because of the hard work of the staff in the support class and the kindness of the people in the community with fundraising, I was able to take part in many activities that helped me be able to do what I do now,” he said.

“Thank you for the help that I was given at the school and hope that with kindness from the community, the students in the support class today can continue to take part in the activities.”

The unit held a cake stall fundraiser in Dungog’s main street just before the end of June.

Mrs Nelson said two families who previously had students in the unit donated prizes for the raffle.

“We really appreciate all the community does for these students,” she said.

“They have always been very generous with their donations and supporting our fundraisers.”