Chontae Hayden, a 2018 graduate from St Clare’s School in Lathlain, is using her skills and experience to help at-risk children in regional WA. 

Her talents have recently been recognised through employment with the Earbus Foundation, a WA-based children’s charity committed to reducing middle ear disease in Aboriginal and at-risk children. 

St Clare’s Principal, Clare Kanakis, said the opportunity was just reward for Chontae’s commitment to her studies. 

“Chontae worked with great perseverance and commitment to finish her Year 12 studies in 2018,” she said. 

“She participated in several work placements in primary schools, developing excellent practice in working with young children. We are immensely proud, but not surprised that her dedication and skills have been recognised by Earbus.

“Chontae’s securing of this amazing opportunity was assisted by the care and tenacity of St Clare’s School staff members, Maria Fisher and Kerri Jondahl.”

Chontae is a Noongar woman who grew up in Merredin and moved to Perth in 2004.

“My passion for Indigenous culture has been with me all my life,” she said. “However, my desire to assist my community came about while completing a two-year work experience in a primary school where it became apparent there needed to be recognition of support and guidance for Indigenous children.”

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