Clontarf Aboriginal College welcomes US Ambassador
27 October 2022
United States Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy met with staff and students from Clontarf Aboriginal College on Friday 14 October as part of her visit to Western Australia.
The Ambassador was given a tour of the campus, learning about Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar, Clontarf Aboriginal College programs and the opportunities available to all students at the College.
Year 12 College Captains led the visit and the tour around the campus, and were highly commended by the Ambassador and all visitors as knowledgeable, wonderful representatives of the College.
Samuel Monger, Year 12 College Captain said:
‘It was nerve-wracking talking to someone who is part of ‘American royalty’ but it was also very exciting because it’s not every day you get to meet someone that is a high-profile American government representative. She was a very nice lady, she seemed very interested in what we had to say about the school and our experiences.’
Principal, Frances Haji-Ali added:
‘We were very honoured to have the Ambassador visit our College. It was a wonderful opportunity for our College Captains to share their story and discuss all that we do at Clontarf Aboriginal College.
“We appreciated Ambassador Kennedy’s genuine interest in our programs and the time she spent meeting with staff and students.’
Ambassador Kennedy said:
‘I had the chance to meet Sam, Vai-Lee, Randall and Owen, inspiring Indigenous students at Clontarf Aboriginal College who have overcome significant challenges to pursue careers in auto mechanics, carpentry, cultural education and performance. They showed me the school’s six-season garden with Indigenous plantings and the autobiographies they have written. We talked about the Milwaukee Bucks and the Perth Wildcats, the Freo Dockers and the West Coast Eagles, and the example of Blessed Edmund Rice and elders like Aunty Jill Hill who are helping them reach their goals.’
