Secondary Bulletin

Thinkers' Challenge

On Tuesday, our Academic Captains launched the Thinkers’ Challenge, a two part initiative running in Week 5 and Week 7. As well as the Thinkers’ Challenge, student representatives from each House are taking part in a Debaters’ Challenge, building their skills and ideas in preparation for the Interhouse Debate. This exciting series will culminate in a much-anticipated Student versus Teacher Debate at the end of Term 4, promising lively discussion, quick thinking, and plenty of school spirit.

Before School Hours and Supervision

A friendly reminder that, unless students are participating in co-curricular activities, they are not permitted on the College campus before 7:30am, as there are no staff members on duty.  

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is open from 7:30am if students arrive before 8:00am.

Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter. 

Reflection on Bullying, No Way! Week – Empathy in Action: Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.

This week, the Secondary School had the opportunity to participate in the national Bullying, No Way! Week. Students participated in daily activities aimed at reflecting this year’s theme, Be bold. Be kind. Speak up. 

The message of this year’s Bullying, No Way! Week helped students to reflect on the importance of their role in stamping out bullying, demonstrating ‘Empathy in Action’ by speaking up, reaching out for support and making a positive difference in their peers’ lives. Students also had the opportunity to reflect on the importance of Belonging during Wellbeing and Foundations classes this week, creating resources and offering pledges to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring Clayfield College is a place for everyone to belong. Thank you to the students and staff who engaged in this week’s lunch time activities, your involvement truly reflected this year’s theme of boldness, kindness and empathy in action!

On Monday 11 September, the Secondary School will be acknowledging “RU OK Day”.  Be sure to add a splash of yellow to the College uniform (ribbon, socks, for example) on this day and join the Heads of Year in the Chapel Courtyard for more fun activities!

Ms Georgia Corpe 

Head of Year 12

EDGE Workshops and Digital OnGuard Risk Assessment

Our new EDGE Building (Entrepreneurship, Design, Growth, and Engineering) is home to cutting ‘edge’ workshop facilities, providing Clayfield College students with the tools to design, create, and innovate. Equipped with top-of-the-line 3D printers, a large-bed laser cutter, a band saw, pedestal disc sander, drill press, drop saw, and a full range of Milwaukee cordless tools to name a few, the workshop offers a professional-grade environment for hands-on learning. Students also have access to a wide variety of hand tools, ensuring they can bring their ideas to life with precision and creativity.

While we are proud of the cutting-edge technology and resources available, we are equally committed to ensuring safety is at the forefront of all workshop activities. Clayfield College has implemented OnGuard, a comprehensive online safety and risk assessment platform, to prepare students for safe and responsible use of all machinery and equipment. Through OnGuard, students complete machine-specific safety modules, risk assessments, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements before stepping into the workshop.

Our workshop is fully equipped with appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, aprons, gloves, and ear protection. This proactive approach ensures that while students are developing valuable skills in design and engineering, they are doing so in a safe, well-supervised, and professional environment. The EDGE Building represents our ongoing commitment to combining innovation with the highest standards of safety for every learner.

Clayfield College Robotics Club Builds Skills for the Future

This term, the Clayfield College Robotics Club has been launched and is buzzing with creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork as students from Years 7 to 12 dive into the exciting world of robotics. Meeting weekly in our state-of-the-art learning space, club members have been exploring mechanical design, programming, and engineering principles using LEGO Spike Prime kits. These hands-on sessions encourage students to experiment, collaborate, and iterate on their ideas, while building valuable STEM skills for the future.

Beyond building robots, students are learning how to tackle challenges like engineers, breaking down problems, testing multiple solutions, and adapting designs to improve performance. With opportunities to compete in local and national robotics competitions, the club fosters not only technical expertise but also leadership and communication.

We look forward to seeing our Robotics Club members continue to innovate and inspire, as they design solutions to real-world challenges and represent Clayfield College on the competitive stage in the future. 

University of Queensland Inspires Future Designers and Engineers

Last term, students in our Year 11 and 12 Engineering classes, along with a combined Year 11 and 12 Design class, had the privilege of working with guest presenters from the University of Queensland. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications in the fields of design and engineering.

Stephanie Wyeth, Senior Lecturer in Design at UQ, led an engaging workshop on urban planning, challenging students to think critically about sustainable development, community needs, and creative problem-solving. Dr Anh Tran, Program Coordinator for UQ Women in Engineering, delivered interactive workshops for our Engineering students. She shared insights into engineering pathways, tertiary study options, and the diverse opportunities available within the profession, while also inspiring our young women to see themselves as future leaders in the field.

The sessions not only expanded students’ technical knowledge but also highlighted the role of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in shaping the future of our built environment and engineering solutions. We are grateful to UQ for their ongoing support in fostering our students’ passion for STEM at Clayfield College. 

Sophie’s STEM Adventure at Caltech

Sophie C recently travelled to Los Angeles to attend the highly competitive Women in STEM summer program at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). With only 500 high school students selected and just six international girls, Sophie had the unique opportunity to tour the Caltech campus, take part in inspiring STEM activities, and even stay overnight in the undergraduate dorms. We are so proud of Sophie for representing our College on the global stage and pursuing her passion for science and innovation!

Quick QTAC Facts for Year 12 Families

QTAC is open for 2026 tertiary study applications. The fee to apply is $70 until Tuesday 30 September. From Wednesday 1 October, the fee increases to $150.

Once a student has applied, they can change their preferences three times for free. If they need to change their preferences a fourth time, there is a fee.

For further information on fees, see QTAC’s website here: 

QTAC Information Night

QTAC experts will walk you through key tips for a successful application. This session is perfect for students (and parents!) wanting to feel confident and prepared throughout the QTAC process. Don’t miss your chance to get insider advice straight from the source.

When: Wednesday 17 September, 6 :00pm to 7:00pm

For Year 10, 11 and 12 Families

Have you checked out the Options Careers Newsletters we publish on the Careers and Pathways website? Each edition is a one stop shop of information for families about careers, jobs, and tertiary study.

Find the newsletter on the Careers and Pathways website here: 

Year 11 Semi Formal 2026