Clontarf’s ’09 graduates look ahead to new vista

With thousands of WA students having graduated in the past three weeks, three Clontarf Aboriginal College students share their hopes and dreams.

Three students from Clontarf Aboriginal College’s Class of 2009: From left, Quaylin MaCauley, Jarlyn Spinks and Corey Walsh. They were part of a 30 strong body of Year 12 students graduating from the College on November 4. All three of the above students come from regional centres and communities outside Perth but have made the choice to stay in Perth to pursue further career and training options.Photo: Robert Hiini.

By Robert Hiini
Parish Reporter

Although their stories are unique, the emotions expressed by Corey, Quaylin and Jarlyn upon their graduating would be familiar to most: young and not so young.
“Nervous,” “excited” and “a little bit sad” were how the Clontarf Aboriginal College students described their feelings, speaking to The Record an hour before graduating in front of nearly 200 family members, friends and guests on November 4.
The 17 year olds joined 13 of their College peers and thousands of students throughout WA as the Class of 2009 bade farewell to their teachers, looking forward to a world of new opportunities in study and work.
Quaylin MaCauley, is waiting to see if there are any employment opportunities with Ertech where he has participated in a civil construction traineeship since March – learning how to operate bobcats, excavators and loaders – planning to “hit the mines” if nothing materialises with the company.
Jarlyn Spinks says she is thinking of extending by a year her two-year Telstra traineeship in administration while Corey Walsh wants to learn sport and recreation at Tafe, hoping to eventually work in the area of training and coaching.
During the graduation ceremony Jarlyn was presented with prizes for the highest scoring student in maths, outdoor education, food technology, as well as receiving an award for overall excellence and being announced Dux of the year.
Corey took out Most improved student in Year 12 and the Clontarf Board Achievement Award while Quaylin was given awards in cross country and athletics, an Australian Defence Award for leadership and the Clontarf Citizenship Award.
All three of the students came to the College from towns outside Perth and plan to stay on in the city, at least initially.
Jarlyn’s first year at the College was her last. Hailing originally from Looma, a small community of 300 – 500 people, two hours out of Broome, she plans to stay on in Perth with relatives.
While Quaylin is originally from Broome and has been with the College three years, Corey comes from Quairading, 180km east of Perth. Both young men are hoping to stay at accommodation provided by Clontarf’s Football Academy.
They say they want to keep in contact with their friends, and look forward to catching up with everyone again at Quaylin’s 18th birthday party in January.