Senior School Bulletin

There is a real joy in watching a young person share something they are proud of. You see it in the way they stand a little taller, the excitement as they explain what they have created and the expression on their face when others stop to appreciate their work. At our LUX Exhibition on Friday evening, I saw this pride in abundance. The creativity on display was wonderful, and our students' pride was infectious as they shared their work and performed with such confidence, maturity and flair.

Earlier that day, the energy was just as wonderful, but in a very different way. The Big Chop and The Greatest Shave brought a real buzz to our Senior School, with students and staff putting themselves forward and the crowd eagerly watching as the transformations unfolded. There was excitement, laughter and plenty of encouragement, but beneath the spectacle was something genuinely moving: people willing to put themselves out there, not for recognition, but to raise money for two fabulous charities. The generosity behind it all was every bit as powerful as the event itself.

As I reflected on Friday, I found myself thinking about how differently we can each contribute and what we can offer to others. Sometimes it is through sharing something we have worked hard to create; sometimes it is through doing something that helps someone else. Both take a willingness to step forward and give something of ourselves.

Since joining Clayfield at the beginning of this year, I have loved discovering the many ways our students bring something of themselves to our Senior School community. Friday was a lovely reminder of just how much there is to celebrate. Watching our students take such pride in their creativity, share their talents so generously and put themselves forward to support others left me feeling incredibly proud. It is a privilege to see these different sides of our students, and to be reminded of all they have to offer.

Our motto, Let your light shine, feels particularly fitting. We each have something to offer, and it won't look the same for everyone. Sometimes that light shines on a stage, sometimes through an act of generosity, and sometimes in ways we may never fully realise. What matters is that we are willing to let others see it.

Teacher Education Scholarship Applications

Applications for the PMSA Teacher Education Scholarship (TES) are open.

The scholarship supports students who are planning to undertake studies in teaching or early childhood education. Valued at $2,000 per year for up to four years, the scholarship aims to encourage and support the next generation of educators, while fostering connections with PMSA schools throughout their studies and future careers.

Students in Year 12 who are interested in applying for the scholarship are invited to fill out an expression of interest form via the QR Code below. Applications close Friday 23 October 2026.

LUX 26: Celebrating Creativity and Community

The LUX 26 Creative Arts and Languages Exhibition was a wonderful celebration of creativity, courage and connection, bringing our Clayfield College community together to experience the extraordinary talents of our Music, Drama, Dance, Visual Art and Language students.

Across the event, our students had the opportunity to share their creativity in many different forms. Through music, movement, performance and visual expression, they communicated ideas, emotions and stories that invited audiences to pause, reflect and connect. Each performance and artwork represented not only talent, but also the dedication, imagination and persistence required to take an idea and bring it to life.

What made LUX 26 particularly special was the sense of community that surrounded it. Students, families, staff and friends came together to celebrate the Arts and, importantly, to celebrate our students from Years 1 to 12. Events such as LUX remind us that the Arts are not simply subjects that are taught in a classroom. They are an essential part of the cultural life and identity of our College.

Celebrating creativity matters deeply in education. Creativity encourages young people to be curious, to take risks, to solve problems and to see possibilities beyond the classroom.  It gives students the confidence to develop their own voice while also learning to listen to, understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. In a rapidly changing world, these qualities are increasingly important.

The Arts also provide something uniquely human: the opportunity to connect with others. A piece of music, a dramatic performance, a dance or an artwork can communicate ideas and emotions to others. When we gather at event such as LUX to experience these moments, we strengthen our sense of belonging and remind students that their ideas and creativity is valued.

LUX 26 was more than a Visual Art exhibition and a program of performances, it was a celebration of the vibrant Arts and cultural community we enjoy at Clayfield College, and of the imagination, confidence and individuality of our students. Most importantly, it reminded us that when creativity is nurtured, shared and celebrated, it enriches not only the individual, but our entire community.

Congratulations to all of the students involved for their hard work and dedication for making LUX 26 a huge success. Sincere thanks must also go to the Creative Arts and Languages staff for providing these opportunities and nurturing our students to produce such outstanding work.

Please refer to the Photo Gallery for highlights from this event.

Term 4 Mindbridge Tutoring

Students seeking additional academic support may wish to consider the on-campus tutoring program provided by MindBridge Education, which resumes this term.

Tutoring sessions will run on Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Upper LRC, beginning on Thursday 15 October (Term 4, Week 2) and continuing through to Week 8.

Students work in small groups with experienced tutors who are recent Queensland graduates, the majority of whom achieved an ATAR of 99 or above. Sessions are tailored to the needs of individual students, allowing them to focus on the subjects and content areas where they would benefit most. Students also work with the same tutor each week, helping to build continuity and strong working relationships.

Whether students are looking to consolidate their understanding, prepare for upcoming assessments or challenge themselves further, tutoring can be a valuable addition to their academic program.

The first session is free, with no obligation to continue. For further information and bookings, please visit the link below:

Questions can be directed to: hello@mindbridgeedu.com.au

Advice for External Examinations

As External Examinations draw closer - trust your preparation. Focus on consistent revision, maintain healthy routines, seek support when required and remember that there is still time to finalise preparation - all effort counts. We hope the following video created by your Academic Captains will inspire you and make you smile.

Year 8 Discovering Character Strengths

Year 8 students have begun an exciting new unit in Wellbeing and Foundations: Character Strengths and Leadership. Last week’s opening lesson invited students to look closely at what makes them who they are.

Students were introduced to the six virtues and 24 character strengths that are recognised in cultures around the world. Working in small groups, they brainstormed times when they had personally shown or demonstrated each strength, from acts of kindness and moments of bravery to times they showed curiosity, teamwork or perseverance. Many students were surprised by how many examples they could find in their own lives.

Students then completed a character strengths survey designed to reveal their “signature strengths,” the qualities they naturally draw on most often. The survey also pointed to strengths they could grow into. For many students this was the most exciting part, as it opened up new ways of thinking about how they can use these strengths to support themselves and others, and gave them something to build on.

Students were engaged throughout the session, and one of the most impressive moments came when they shared who they admire in their lives and why. Their reflections were thoughtful and sincere, and showed a real appreciation for the people who inspire them.

In the next session, Year 8 will begin to explore leadership. Students will consider which qualities make a great leader and role model, and how they can use their own strengths to set a positive example for Clayfield College students.

Wellbeing Matters: The Power of Belonging

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) Professional Development Day focused on student wellbeing and safety. While a range of important topics were explored, one message stood out above all others: a strong sense of belonging is one of the most significant protective factors in a young person's life.

Belonging is more than simply being present at school. It is the feeling of being accepted, valued, respected and connected to others. When students feel that they belong, they are more likely to engage in learning, seek support when needed, develop positive relationships and experience greater wellbeing. Equally important, a strong sense of belonging can play a vital role in keeping young people safe during times of challenge or vulnerability.

As we move through Term 4, it is important to recognise that this can be a particularly demanding time for many students. For some, there is the pressure of external examinations and tertiary pathways. Others may be navigating their first internal assessments, preparing to transition into a new year level, or managing expectations associated with academic achievements, awards and future aspirations. While these milestones can be exciting, they can also bring uncertainty, stress and self-doubt.

During these periods, belonging matters more than ever. Knowing that there are peers, teachers and family members who genuinely care can make a significant difference in how young people cope with challenges. Small actions, such as checking in on a friend, inviting someone into a conversation or simply taking the time to listen, helps strengthen the connections that support wellbeing.

At our College, we remain committed to creating an environment where every student feels known, valued and supported. By fostering a culture of belonging, we help ensure that each young person has the confidence, connection and support they need to flourish, both at school and beyond.

House Changeover Dinner

On Wednesday evening, Year 11 students gathered with our graduating Year 12 cohort in the Foundation Courtyard for a wonderful Changeover Dinner. Students spent the evening in their House groups, sharing memories, celebrating House spirit and farewelling the Year 12 students as they prepare for their next chapter. The occasion also provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the announcement of our 2027 student leaders. It was a memorable evening that highlighted the strength of our community and the passing of leadership from one cohort to the next.

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