Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers 

As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect on a year filled with growth and achievement under our guiding theme of ‘Be Fearless – Let’s Illuminate the Sky’. The intent of this theme was to speak to the courage, creativity, and commitment we encourage in every member of our school community. During the year as a community we have explored new possibilities, embraced challenges, pursued innovative thinking and worked towards shining brightly as individuals and as a collective.

Henri Matisse once famously declared, "Creativity takes courage."  This quote serves as a reminder to each of us that true creativity requires a profound willingness to step outside the confines of convention, embrace vulnerability to take risks and ultimately to be fearless in our pursuits.

It has been immensely rewarding to see our students embrace this guiding theme so wholeheartedly. Our year has included courageous outdoor education endeavours, sports teams full of grit and spirit, mountain bike riders braving rough slopes, thoughtful investigations by the HEAL, STEM and Creative Arts Illuminate Program groups, additional water fountains and an enhanced Foundation Courtyard, enthusiastic use of the new learning spaces and equipment in THE EDGE, and the spectacular creativity and effort that was on display at events such as LUX 25, Opus Concerts and Speech Night. 

For me, the most heartwarming part of the wonderful learning experiences and capital improvements which have occurred in 2025 is that they speak to the way that we work together as Team Clayfield - a team which is built on courage, creativity and commitment. It really shows that when we are genuinely united as a team – PMSA Board, College Advisory Council, Clayfield College Foundation, Clayfield College Old Collegians' Association, P&F Association, parents, staff and students – we are fearless in the way that we illuminate the sky. 

Throughout the year, our community shone brightly at events like Foundation Day, On the Green, Opus Events, the Luminous Lunch, Arts Day, and LUX 25 Exhibition. Programs like the Cambridge Scholars' Program, Trafalgar Exchange, Year 8 Exchange Program and Duke of Edinburgh expanded our students' horizons, while the year concluded with the innovative IGNITE Program.

Opus Concert

On the Green 

THE EDGE Opening

Arts Day

As the year closes, we bid farewell to several staff members: Mrs Audrey Fellowes, Dr Leesa Taylor, Mrs Angela Clark, Ms Lou Bromley, Mrs Anita Wood, Mr Grady Howard and Miss Brooke Armstrong-Broos. We thank them for their contributions to our community and wish them every success in their future endeavours. We take the opportunity to wish Mrs Saskia Greasley and Mrs Sofie Menzies all the very best as they head off on leave which will commence at the start of 2026. 

Finally, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your continued support this year. I wish each of you a joyful and restful holiday season. May your Christmas be filled with warmth, laughter, and the excitement of new dreams ready to unfold.

Kind regards

Dr Andrew Cousins

Principal