Mr Cleary, originally from the United Kingdom came to Australia with his wife 10 years ago. 

“I was a relief teacher over in the UK and John was a music specialist at the time and I took his class,” Mrs Cleary said. 

“I am from Adelaide and my visa ran out and John always wanted to travel so he came to Australia on a holiday visa,” she said. 

Mr Cleary said when he followed his wife to Australia, he never expected he would still be living here a decade later. 

“We came across to Adelaide, bought a van and did a lap of the country. We had a friend in Katherine so we came here. We only owned everything that was in our van,” Mr Cleary said. 

The couple worked in Ngukurr for three years before calling Katherine home. 

“Three months became three years then three years became 10. I have been the principal here at Casuarina Street since 2013. 

“Both of our girls were born here, we have had a lot of support from the community, our friends became our family.”

Mr Cleary took his Australian citizenship oath in front of the entire school today. 

“Mr Cleary is very proud of his roots, but he has decided to call Australia home,” a student said. 

“We all feel very proud Mr Cleary wants to share this special citizenship ceremony with us today,” another student said.