Primary News

Dear Families and Carers of Clayfield College Primary,

On behalf of the Primary staff, I welcome back our existing families and warmly welcome all our new families beginning at Clayfield College for the 2023 school year. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday and are ready for the stimulating year of learning opportunities the staff have planned for 2023. Whilst it was a staycation in Brisbane for me, I enjoyed the time spent with family and friends to rest and recharge.

I anticipate this detailed letter will equip you with information to assist you and your child with a smooth beginning for the 2023 school year. For families new to Clayfield College, I encourage you to contact the school if there is anything requiring further explanation. It is important to all staff that you have the necessary information to make a seamless transition.

New Students ONLY

On Monday 23 January, we welcome all new students starting at Clayfield College (including Pre-Prep Monday students). Please note the following arrival arrangements: -

Pre-Prep full time students and families - Pre-Prep classroom arrive at 9:00am

Pre-Prep part time students and families - Pre-Prep classroom arrive at 11:00am

Prep - Year 6 students and families - Primary Building at 9:00am where staff will meet you and take you and your child to their classroom. 

Please come to school in your school uniform and bring with you your stationery, books and school bag together with your play hat and Morning Tea. Please label all belongings with your child’s name (teachers will provide subject details and labelling for all books). 

Collection for students in Years 1-6 will be at 11:00am from the Primary Building and Prep students are to be collected at 10:20am from the Prep Classrooms.  

We are very much looking forward to meeting you at this time.

Parent/Teacher Introductions

On Monday 23 January, all returning students from Prep-Year 6 are welcome to drop their books and stationery to their new classrooms between 1:30pm – 3:10pm. Please label all belongings with your child’s name (teachers will provide subject details and labelling for all books). Between this time, you are welcome to meet with your child’s teacher for a brief 1:1 introduction and discussion.

A Meet the Teacher afternoon is scheduled for Monday 30 January, where further details about classroom procedures and other information pertaining to the year, will be shared. 

Classrooms for 2023

First Day Organisation

Term 1 begins for all students on Tuesday 24 January. All books and stationery are to be brought to school by this date. Student Diaries will be distributed to all children on the first day of school and a timetable will be placed in the Diary, so you can easily view when sports days and other subjects are for your child. Dress will be full school, formal summer uniform for all students on the first day of school.

2023 Lesson Times

Students can be dropped to school from 7:30am when there will be a teacher on duty in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC). We kindly ask you not to drop your children off before this time as there will be no one in the classrooms or playground to supervise your child. 

First bell - 8:25am

Roll call - 8:30am

Morning tea - 10:20am –10:40am

Lunch - 12:50pm-1:30pm

End of day - P-2 – 3:00pm

End of day - 3-6 – 3:10pm

First Day Morning and Afternoon Procedure

Students from Prep – Year 6 may be dropped at Circular Drive to walk in themselves. Alternatively, you are welcome to park and walk your child to their classroom. The parking around the College during the first week of school can be busy and we therefore suggest that you give yourself plenty of time to find a park. Please be mindful of our neighbours in the surrounding streets; and we kindly ask that you do not block driveways as we value the positive relationships between our neighbours and the College.

For students in Pre-Prep, all caregivers and parents must sign in and out daily. There is no parking in the driveway next to the Pre-Prep Centre, as this is for the After School Care organisation. Thank you very much in advance for your understanding of this.

At the conclusion of the day, staff will bring students down to Circular Drive from 3:05pm (P-2) and 3:15pm (3-6). Pre-Prep students can be collected from their classroom between 2.30pm-3.00pm. Students in Years 5-6 may be collected at Circular Drive if they have younger siblings. Otherwise, they may be collected from Bayview Terrace. Students in Year 4 may be collected from Bayview Terrace if they have an older sibling.

Staff are very understanding with our younger students, who may feel anxious in those first few days of starting a new school year. Sometimes a swift goodbye can be the best, to avoid prolonging the anxiety. If your child has had a particularly difficult separation, I encourage you to call Student Services; 3262 0262 for an update of how they have settled. Our wonderful College Counsellor, Ms Kelsey Lahey, will be a presence around classrooms before school in the first week and can assist should any challenges arise. If you foresee any problems, please contact me and we will put some strategies in place ahead of the first day.

2023 Term Dates

To assist with your planning of the school year and holidays, please find below the school term dates for 2023.

I would urge parents to avoid taking children out of school during term to minimise the disruption and progress of students’ learning. However, if it is necessary, parents are reminded of the legal requirements to submit a request for leave to me via e-mail (afellowes@clayfield.qld.edu.au). Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

2023 Calendar Events

The 2023 school calendar can be found on the College App and Parent Lounge. All families are invited to attend the Parents and Friends Welcome Evening on Friday 17 February in the Chapel Courtyard at 6.00pm. This is a lovely opportunity to get to know existing and new families of Clayfield College. I hope to see many of you there. 

Primary School Staffing for 2023

An important strategic commitment of the College is to continue the development and capacity of our teaching staff. I am delighted to be working alongside such a devoted and passionate Primary School staff in 2023, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Clayfield College. 

We are delighted to welcome the following staff to the Primary School this year, as we further expand our classes. Collectively, they bring a vast experience in many disciplines, and they will be a wonderful addition to our superb teaching team.

Pre-Prep        Mrs Kara Madders –Teacher Aide & Mrs Kerri Panaretos – Teacher Aide

Year 1             Miss Alexandra McLean

Year 2             Mr David Peckham

Year 3             Mrs Michelle Hollander

Year 4             Mr Tim O’Rourke

Year 5             Mr Justin Reedy

Year 6             Mrs Lauren Coote

Primary Sports Coordinator – Ms Sharyn Simpson 

We are delighted to have Ms Simpson join us after several years as Andrews Cup coordinator at Somerville House. Mrs Peta Richardson will continue her teaching role in Primary HPE and take a pivotal role in school carnivals and specific Andrews Cup events.

Please note the Primary School staff list for 2023 below.

Primary Leadership and Administration  

Primary Core Teachers 

Primary Specialist Teachers 

Primary Support Staff 

Daily Morning Arrival 

Teachers are on duty from 8:00am and therefore you will understand the associated risks involved in leaving children before this time. If arriving before 8:25am, students are permitted to drop their bags outside classrooms, put their hats on and go to the playground area. The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is open from 7:30am if students arrive before 8:00am. There should be no Primary students left unattended before 7:30am. A bell will ring, which signifies the beginning of the school day at 8:25am and students should line up outside their classroom to wait for their teacher. The playground equipment is not to be used before school; however, the Amphitheatre and Leopard Terrace area are available for play. Palm Grove, Prep outdoor area and the veranda areas are strictly out of bounds before school.

The Pre-Prep classroom door opens at 8:30am daily. A parent or carer must wait with their Pre-Prep student until such time. 

Afternoon Pick Up Times and Collection Points

If you have siblings in Prep to Year 2 and Years 3 to 6, please arrive at the later time between 3:15pm to 3:30pm.

‘Meet the Teacher’ Information Afternoon

Staff will be holding a ‘Meet the Teacher’ information afternoon on Monday 30 January. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s class and specialist teachers, familiarise yourself with classroom procedures and hear all about the exciting learning opportunities for the year ahead. In addition, timetables, expectations, curriculum matters, and daily routines will be explained, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the learning your child will experience this year and I therefore encourage you to attend. If you are unable to attend, teachers will email home information discussed. 

Session 1 - Pre-Prep to Year 2 (in core classrooms)

4:00pm-5:00pm

Session 2 – Years 3 to 6 (in core classrooms)

5:00pm –6:00pm

Student/Parent/Teacher Meetings - Term 1

Student/Parent/Teacher meetings will be held on Tuesday 21 March and Thursday 23 March for Pre-Prep to Year 6 families.  The link to online bookings for meetings and interview times, and further details, will be provided in future Clayfield Collective editions and App alerts.

Student/Parent/Teacher Feedback/Feedforward

Clayfield College is always seeking ways to provide the best possible feedback on student’s academic and pastoral progress. We aim to offer families many opportunities throughout the year to engage with their child’s development through Student/Parent/Teacher conferences, Gallery Walks, digital folio feedback and feedforward, and Semester 1 and 2 report cards. Please access the link below for an overview of our Primary Collaborative Partnership program for 2023. 

Primary Photographs

Primary School class and individual photographs will take place on Monday 30 January. All students are required to wear full, formal school summer uniform on this day. Further details will be provided via the App.

Sun Safety

For many years now, we have had a ‘No Hat No Play’ policy in the Primary School. Please make sure you provide a named school hat each day for your child. In the past, students have relied upon spare hats to be used which can be an unhygienic practice due to the spread of hair lice. The release of energy is such an important part of play time for every student and therefore we appreciate your help in making sure your child has their hat at school every day. Each classroom has sunscreen for students to apply before morning tea and lunch. 

Uniform Guidelines 2023

Parents are asked to assist the College in ensuring their children are correctly dressed each day. Shoes should be polished, and hair kept tidy, with the wearing of green scrunchies or ribbons if hair is longer than their collar or cut neatly, above the collar. Hairstyles such as mullets or designs shaved into heads are not permitted.

Mobile phones and Smart watches

Mobile phones are discouraged at school. However, if your child brings a phone to school, they must sign these in at Student Services before 8:25am. Mobile phones may then be collected at the end of the school day and only used once off campus. Please note, Primary students are not permitted to wear smart watches.

Crunch and Sip

Each day the children will be given an opportunity to enjoy a morning snack during the first two lessons. This time will provide students with a chance to ‘refuel’ on fruit or vegetables and ‘rehydrate’ with water. As many children enjoy early breakfasts or participate in before school activities, this important snack time will ease any hunger pains and improve concentration before the morning tea break. Please ensure you pack a healthy snack for your child to enjoy for ‘Crunch and Sip’ in their lunchbox each day. This snack is in addition to morning tea and lunch and cannot be provided by the Tuckshop.

Tuckshop - Cashless in 2023

Primary students in Prep – Yr 6 have the option to enjoy healthy food from the Tuckshop at morning tea and lunch time. The FlexiSchools online ordering system is available for all students. If you do not have a previous account, please log on to the FlexiSchools website where you will find all the details to order from the Clayfield College Tuckshop. You will notice there is a cut-off period at 8:30am every day; therefore, morning tea and lunch orders need to be placed before this time daily. Tuckshop staff will not be taking orders with cash, and we therefore respectfully ask that you do not order directly from the Tuckshop or send money with your child. All snacks eg. Iceblocks must be ordered from home. Students are not to bring money to school. Therefore, the Flexischools online ordering system is the preferred method for Primary students using the Tuckshop. 

In the event of a student forgetting their lunch, we will contact families. If you are unable to bring a lunch we will organise a basic lunch, with the cost added to your school account.

For existing families with a Flexischool account please ensure you update your child’s class details to their current year, prior to your first order.

Fundraising and Awareness Days PP-12

 Please find our fundraising and awareness days, where all students can participate in activities or dress up to support a chosen charity.  

Awareness Days

Random Acts of Kindness Day – 17 February (white accessory)

NAIDOC Week – 17 July (Indigenous accessory)

RU OK Day – 13 September (yellow accessory)

Clubs Program Prep-Yr 6

The Clubs program will begin in Week 3 of Term 1 and information in relation to this will be distributed via the Clayfield Collective soon. Clubs are optional, at no cost to families and the offerings change each term. 

Co-Curricular Activities 

The activities listed below are managed and run by external providers and available for Term 1. Please note for PP and Prep students, coaches and staff will collect the students from classrooms and escort them to various activities. Please let your child’s teacher know of any after school activities you have booked for your child.

Please contact the provider directly for bookings and information. Mrs Alice David is the College contact for any questions you may have studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au. 

Class Coordinator and Primary Support Group

The Clayfield College Friends of Primary Group work as part of the Clayfield College Parents and Friends Association (P&F) to support school fundraisers and social events throughout the year. 

The main role of the Friends of Primary Group is to nurture and support the wonderful primary school community, particularly the Class Parent Coordinators, who play a valuable role as a contact point for families, facilitate social opportunities for their class and are there to welcome new families to the Clayfield College community. 

2023 is shaping up to be a very exciting year of events at Clayfield College! The Friends of Primary Group will support P&F led events and fundraisers, such as the Primary Disco and BBQ and Jazz on the Green. The group will also coordinate the Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls. There will be opportunities for members of the primary community to volunteer and get involved in these events as they occur throughout the year. 

If you are interested in finding out more or wish to be involved with the Friends of Primary Group or would like to volunteer to become a Class Parent Coordinator, please contact Katrina Ash on 0403 250 349 or at k.swierzawski@gmail.com. 

We look forward to welcoming you all to our meetings and catch ups throughout 2023!

Communication

Please note the following forms of communication used in the Primary School:

Formal

• The College App
• Student Diary
• Clayfield Collective
• Parent Lounge
• Email
• Class Dojo

Informal

• Class Whats App

The College App

As a condition of enrolment, we request every caregiver download the College App (free download). The App provides current information about events and activities, as well as important notices and alerts (for example, training cancellations or venue changes, wet weather plans and ETA of buses returning from co-curricular activities). It also includes a live school calendar and key school contacts. You are able to manage your notifications and subscriptions to ensure you are only seeing what is relevant to your family.  Please refer to the following link for information and access  https://www.clayfield.qld.edu.au/the-essentials/resources.

Student Diary

Every student from Prep to Year 6 will be issued a College Diary on the first day of Term 1. As well as a student organisational tool, the College Diary is a daily form of communication between families and teachers in the Primary School. The diary is to be brought to and from school every day where teachers will stamp/sign each day of the week. Every year level will have different expectations for the use of the Diary according to their age. This will be shared at the beginning of the year at our Meet the Teacher afternoon. Please use this communication tool for any general messages you would like the teacher to know. Personal and confidential matters can be addressed via email directly to your child’s teacher.

Clayfield Collective

The Clayfield Collective is sent via email every Thursday. This communication includes information/articles from our Senior Leadership Team and upcoming events such for Primary, Secondary and whole school.  It is imperative that you read the Primary What’s Happening Section to be kept up to date of all events and information.

Parent Lounge

Parent Lounge provides up-to-date information on College life. Such information includes your child’s timetable and teacher, policy documents, excursion details, school calendar and parent directory. Parents are also able to update their contact details and child’s medical details, view Report Cards and schedule Parent Teacher interviews. Parent Lounge, which is available for new families from 23 January 2023, is accessed via our Clayfield College website by logging into Parent Lounge with your username (5-digit code included on your Fee Statement or Letter of Offer). The password is originally ‘password’ and then can be changed as desired. It can also be accessed via the Clayfield College App.

Please refer to the following link for information and access  https://www.clayfield.qld.edu.au/parent-lounge.

Email

Staff can be contacted via email during the school week. Email addresses will be distributed on our Meet the Teacher afternoon for your information. Please note the best way to contact your class teacher is via the Student Diary, as they will check these every morning. If you are contacting the teacher via email, please be aware they may not be checking emails throughout the day and therefore will not be able to reply immediately. If the matter is urgent, please call Student Services on 3262 0262, where a message will be passed on and the teacher will contact you. 

Class Dojo

This platform is used by our Primary teachers for the sharing of class specific information and pictures, directly with their class parents. It is important to note that Class Dojo is not used for Primary or Clayfield College formal notices. 

Class Whats App

The Friends of Primary Group, through the Class Coordinators, facilitate a WhatsApp Group per year level for any parent who wishes to join. This informal platform shares social events and practical information. This is a parent-based community platform which is run independently from the College; however, is monitored by a member of staff.

Parent/Student Details Update & Student Permissions/Agreements

As an annual requirement for all returning students P-12, we require the following to be actioned by you in Parent Lounge.

For new families commencing this year, both requirements have been completed through your enrolment process and therefore no action is required by you. 

• 2023 Student Excursion and Activities Permission
• Parent/Student Details and Medical Information Update
• 2023 Student Technology Agreement

Please see attached documents for details and Parent Lounge requirements. 

Would you please kindly complete this requirement by Monday 30 January 2023.

Learning Resource Centre

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is utilised by students throughout the school week for book borrowing and quiet play before school and at lunch time. The LRC is open from 7:30am Monday – Friday. For students in Years 3-6, Homework Club is offered from Monday – Thursday; 3:15pm – 5:00pm. Students must be booked in for Homework Club via email to studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au. It is preferred that parents sign their child out of Homework Club from the Lower LRC. Alternatively, a text message or phone call to your child when you have arrived at the College is acceptable, if communicated to the staff member in the LRC. 

Who Should I Ask?

In most cases, your child’s teacher should be the first point of contact for questions of an academic or pastoral nature. If the answer cannot be found here, Mrs Bryan or Mrs Bailey would be the next person you should discuss concerns with. Please be aware, I am available and committed to discuss any matter; however, in most cases, I would obtain information pertaining to your child from the class teacher in the first instance. Therefore, following the above guidelines may produce a more efficient outcome for you. 

General information should be directed to Student Services at the Main Reception, which can be found at the entrance of the College.

Useful Contact Details

Primary Sports

Information pertaining to both Andrews Cup and Britton Shield competitions will be distributed by Mrs Simpson in the coming weeks through the Clayfield College App.

Upcoming Key Dates

Monday 23 January    PP-6 Parent/Teaching Introductions

Monday 30 January    PP-12 Class & Individual Photos

                                    ‘Meet the Teacher Afternoon PP-2’

                                    ‘Meet the Teacher Afternoon 3-6’

Tuesday 7 February   Primary Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Friday 17 February     P&F Welcome Evening

Sunday 19 February   PP-12 Commencement Supper & Chapel

Parents and Friends Evening

We hope you will be able to join us for the P&F Welcome Evening on Friday 17 February, in the Chapel Courtyard 6.00pm-8.00pm.

We have so many exciting things to celebrate this year at Clayfield College. The Primary staff and I look forward to being part of the educational journey of the children in Primary and celebrating in their achievements throughout 2023. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this rather lengthy, although important letter. I hope it has provided you with sufficient information as you commence the school year. The beginning of a school year can be both an exciting and anxious phase as some little ones are starting school for the very first time. It has also been a long time away from school, and naturally, this may cause apprehension for some students. The Primary staff recognise and understand this and would like to support you in any way; please reach out if you require assistance. 

I am grateful to be leading the Primary School this year alongside the Primary Leadership Team; Mrs Miriam Bryan, Mrs Robynne Bailey and Mrs Sarah Wyer; a team of devoted and enthusiastic staff. We look forward to sharing wonderful memories and developing a productive partnership with you to ensure our students achieve to their potential and continue to ‘let their light shine’ in the 2023 school year. 

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Audrey Fellowes

Deputy Principal - Head of Primary

afellowes@clayfield.qld.edu.au