Senior School Bulletin

One of the strengths of our Senior School community is the way students learn not only from their teachers, but also from one another. Across daily interactions and shared experiences, students regularly exchange ideas, perspectives and encouragement that contribute to a culture of learning and growth.

Over recent weeks, I have noticed the thoughtful way students support one another and approach challenges collaboratively. This has been particularly evident as students prepare for Arts Day sharing ideas, offering feedback and encouraging one another throughout the process. These moments reflect the value students place on learning together and the important role connection plays within our community.

Some of the most meaningful learning happens through conversation. I was reminded of this while speaking with students before one of the QGSSSA Cross Country races over the weekend, where encouragement and shared advice were just as important as preparation itself. I have also noticed similar support among our boys through their basketball commitments, particularly in the way students encourage and learn from one another as a team. Even during a busy exam week, these moments of connection continue to strengthen both confidence and belonging across our Senior School.

There is also value in recognising that every student has something important to contribute. Taking the time to listen to others with openness and curiosity helps students to develop empathy, respect and a broader understanding of the experiences and strengths within our community.

At Clayfield College, we encourage students to see learning as something strengthened through connection and collaboration. This week, I invite each student to learn something new from a peer and to reflect on how that experience may have broadened their perspective.

Families might continue this conversation at home by asking, “What is something you learned from someone else this week?” and “How did it change your thinking?” These reflections help students to recognise the important role relationships and shared experiences play in personal growth and learning.

Semester 1 Co-Curricular Photo Day

Semester 1 Co-Curricular Photo Day is occurring in Week 7 on Tuesday 2 June and Wednesday 3 June. Please see attached Photo Schedule for Semester 1 Co-Curricular/Group Photos. 

• Parents/Students please check the schedule for photo time and uniform requirements. 
• Students must arrive promptly for the time noted in the schedule. 
• Students appearing in photos which requires a specific uniform (i.e. Sports/Music) to be worn, must have the correct uniform to appear within their photo on the day.  
• Students must be in full school uniform (Winter Uniform – Secondary with Blazer), including correct jewellery,  no make-up, neat hair and green ribbons. 
• Students who are not in correct uniform will not be included in the photo. 

Co-curricular/Group Lists Years 7 to 12: Photo schedule and group lists have been emailed to students and will be published in daily notices.

BEEP Department Catch Up

Excursions and incursions play a vital role in enriching student learning by connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences. These opportunities enhance engagement, deepen understanding and support the development of critical thinking and social skills. By interacting with experts, environments and authentic contexts, students are able to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. This term, students in our classes have had the opportunity to be involved in three events. 

Year 7 Health and Physical Education

The Year 7 students have thoroughly enjoyed their HPE lessons working with the Delta Gymnastics team this term. Throughout the program, students developed their confidence and fundamental gymnastics skills in a fun, safe and supportive environment. They demonstrated enthusiasm and resilience while learning a range of movement patterns, balance activities and coordination skills, while also building teamwork and communication skills. The engaging sessions provided students with valuable opportunities to challenge themselves and experience success through active participation.

Year 10 Accounting and Business

Earlier this term, our Year 10 Accounting and Business cohort had the privilege of attending a workshop from BOP Industries where we worked with an organisation dedicated to helping students develop entrepreneurship and innovation skills to solve problems and work towards developing a product. During the session, we collaborated in teams to tackle a specific design brief, which involved brainstorming a unique business concept, identifying a target market and ultimately pitching our final idea to the group. As Year 10 students, it was a fantastic hands-on experience that taught us valuable lessons in creative problem-solving and teamwork, while also giving us a taste of more practical applications for our subject and communication. We are excited to apply these new skills to our business venture in Semester 2.  

Year 11 Legal Studies

On Friday 5 May, our Legal Studies class attended an excursion to the QEII District Court and the Supreme Court in Brisbane. At the beginning of the visit, we were given a tour of Banco Courtroom, where we learnt about the layout and special purpose of the courtroom. We were also shown the paintings of past Justices displayed throughout the courthouse, which highlighted the history and significance of the Queensland legal system.

After the tour, we were able to observe real-life court proceedings, including trials and sentencing hearings. This gave us the opportunity to see how Judges, Lawyers, and other court officials operate within the courtroom environment.

At the moment in Legal Studies, we are learning about Queensland sentencing principles and the factors considered during sentencing. Watching real cases helped us better understand how judges apply the law, consider different factors, and determine appropriate penalties based on the circumstances of each offence. Overall, the excursion was a valuable and interesting experience that connected our classroom learning to the real-world justice system.

Empowering Safe and Purposeful AI Learning at Clayfield

Clayfield College integrates Microsoft Copilot within our secure, school-monitored ecosystem to ensure a safe digital environment for our students. As generative AI becomes more deeply embedded in everyday life, we want to reinforce our commitment to using these tools strictly for educational purposes.

Our focus is not merely on providing access to technology, but on cultivating critical thinking, academic integrity and responsible digital citizenship. When students use Copilot to brainstorm essay structures, unpack complex concepts or refine their research skills, they are learning to collaborate with technology meaningfully, rather than relying on it as a shortcut.

To support this, we ask for your partnership in encouraging your child to use Copilot exclusively for their learning and growth. While external platforms carry data and privacy risks, our tailored Microsoft environment safeguards student data while they develop vital future-focused skills. While Microsoft’s specific age restrictions mean that Copilot access begins from Year 8 onwards, we ensure all students are prepared for this digital landscape by delivering structured AI workshops annually to every year level.

By ensuring AI is used solely as an educational scaffold at school and at home, we help our students become discerning, ethical creators who command technology, rather than being driven by it. We appreciate your ongoing support in fostering these high standards across our College community.

Da Vinci Decathlon

On 20th and 21st May Years 7 to 10 entered the Da Vinci Decathlon State Competition. This is a rigorous competition with a specific focus across ten disciplines. Each student represented Clayfield with pride and polish. Our Year 9 team received a 1st in the State in Ideation and Code-Breaking as well as 2nd in Science - congratulations to Year 9!

Congratulations to all the teams, you truly let your light shine!

House Excellence

This week House Excellence focused on keeping our environment organised and well presented. The winning House was Youngman House for their consistent effort and pride in shared spaces.

Next week our focus will be on keeping locker rooms tidy. Ensure all belongings are organised and spaces are left clean. Below is the updated ‘House Spirit’ Tally.

Focus behaviours for the remainder of the term include:

• Week 7: Kindness
• Week 8: Being prepared for class
• Week 9: Engagement and participation in Arts Day

Gibson House Farmer’s Day Fundraiser

On Friday 5 June (Week 7), Gibson House will host a special Bake Sale Fundraiser for Farm Angels during morning tea and lunchtime, alongside a Free Dress Day where students are invited to dress like a farmer in flannels, boots, hats and country-style outfits. Please note, all outfits are to be appropriate and inline with school appearance expectations. Students are encouraged to bring along some money to purchase delicious baked treats and support this meaningful cause.

All funds raised will be donated to Farm Angels, an Australian charity dedicated to supporting rural and farming families doing it tough. Farm Angels provides practical and compassionate assistance to primary producers affected by drought, flood, fire and other hardships. The assistance to farmers and their families ranges from financial support, food hampers, care packs and wellbeing check-ins. Since beginning as Drought Angels in 2014, the organisation has supported thousands of farming families across rural communities in Australia. For more information visit the link below.

We look forward to seeing students and staff at the bake sale and in their famer outfits. Thank you for supporting Gibson House’s nominated charity, Farm Angels, and our Aussie farmers! Please see below poster for more bake sale information.

Pastoral Care (PC) Time

Recently students were asked to reflect on their PC time at the beginning of each day. Student feedback shows that PC time is valued as a chance to connect with others, relax and prepare for the day ahead. Many students enjoy the opportunity to socialise across year levels and build friendships in a supportive environment. Activities such as games quizzes and shared celebrations add energy and enjoyment while PC teachers play an important role in creating a positive atmosphere. While experiences vary overall, PC time is seen as an important part of fostering connection wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

Student Voices:

“It’s time to relax before the day and talk to friends”

“The friendly and inclusive vibe makes it enjoyable”

“I enjoy talking with my friends in different grades”

“I love when we play games that get everyone going for the day”

“My PC teacher is always so nice and we always get to do fun things”

We are pleased that students value PC as a space where they feel connected and part of our Clayfield community. 

Arts Day – 17 June

Arts Day promises to be an exciting and engaging experience for students, with a wide range of workshops designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and new skills. Highlights include Stage Combat, where students will learn the art of safe and realistic performance fighting while building physical awareness and teamwork and Spanish Cooking, a hands-on workshop with a professional chef where students will create traditional dishes while exploring language and culture. Alongside these, students can choose from dance, musical theatre, yoga, drumming, visual arts and more, ensuring there is something for everyone. Students will have the opportunity to select workshops that match their interests, making Arts Day a vibrant celebration of creativity and learning across the College.

Duke of Edinburgh

Students are invited to take part in a five-day Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey through the pristine Noosa Everglades from 19–23 September. 

An information evening will be held on Thursday 11 June at 5.30pm in The Chapel to discuss the upcoming opportunity. 

To express interest in this Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey or to register your attendance at the information evening please complete the form below.

Cambridge Information Evening

For Year 9 and 10 students attending the Cambridge Scholars' program, there will be an information evening for parents and students at 6:00pm in the Chapel on Tuesday 9 June.

Care@Clayfield Parent Evening

Dr Justin Coulson: Parental Guidance

It was a pleasure to welcome so many families to our recent Care@Clayfield parent event, where we were privileged to host parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson for his engaging and thought-provoking presentation, Parental Guidance.

This event strongly connected with our College strategic pillar of Wellbeing through Belonging, inviting us to reflect on how we cultivate meaningful relationships with our children and foster a sense of connection within our families.

Dr Coulson encouraged us to pause and consider how we show up for our children each day. A key message that resonated deeply was the importance of time - genuine, attentive time - as the foundation for building strong, trusting relationships. In the busyness of daily life, this reminder to be present and intentional is both simple and powerful.

Drawing on contemporary research, Dr Coulson highlighted that children are fundamentally seeking three core experiences:

• Autonomy: opportunities to make choices and develop independence
• Competence: a sense of capability and achievement

• Relatedness: feeling connected, valued, and understood.

   

These three elements underpin not only wellbeing, but also our children’s confidence, resilience and sense of belonging. As parents and caregivers, nurturing these needs through everyday interactions can have a profound and lasting impact.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended the evening. Your commitment to partnering with the College in supporting your child’s wellbeing is deeply valued and contributes to the strength of our community.

In addition to the above I would like to draw your attention to an upcoming live event for parents, Raising Boys, also with Dr Coulson. To help our families navigate the challenges of raising young men, including battles over screen time, sudden drops in school motivation and explosive emotional outbursts, we have secured free access to a live "Ask Me Anything" online session with Dr Coulson on Tuesday 16 June.

Celebrating the launch of his highly anticipated new book, BOYS, Dr Coulson will be answering your most pressing questions about how to deeply connect with your son, manage the ongoing tension around screens, and guide him toward becoming a good, resilient man.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
• Time: 7:30pm to 8:30pm AEST
• Where: Online (Join from the comfort of your living room)

• Cost: FREE for Clayfield College families

   

Click below to register and receive your private event link

I look forward to seeing parents at our next Care@Clayfield parent event with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg in August.

Fuel for Learning - Rethinking Energy Drinks

As part of our ongoing focus on student wellbeing, we are continuing to support students in making positive choices that enhance their learning and overall health. One area that has come into focus is the use of energy drinks, particularly in the mornings before school. While these drinks may seem like a quick solution to boost energy, they often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which are not conducive to sustained concentration, emotional regulation or effective learning throughout the school day.

Energy drinks can lead to short bursts of alertness followed by significant “crashes” in energy levels, impacting focus, mood and engagement in the classroom. For growing adolescents, high caffeine intake can also disrupt sleep patterns, increase feelings of anxiety and reduce overall wellbeing. Developing consistent, healthy routines in the morning can make a meaningful difference in how students feel and perform across the day.

We encourage students to consider more supportive alternatives that provide steady, nourishing energy. A balanced breakfast, even something quick such as toast, yoghurt or fruit, can significantly improve concentration and stamina. For those in a rush, options such as milk or a simple fruit smoothie can provide hydration and essential nutrients without the negative effects associated with energy drinks. By making small, positive changes, students can better support their wellbeing and set themselves up for success in their learning.