Secondary Bulletin

During Week 6 there are End of Semester and Block Examinations for all year levels. These exams are considered formal assessment and students are expected to attend. We know students have been preparing for these exams and whilst we understand that the exams provide a challenge, they also offer a chance to consolidate learning, think critically, apply skills and reflect on learning achievements. 

We encourage all students to take on this challenge and prepare as effectively as possible for the upcoming exams.

The following is some useful information about exams:

Equipment

• Mobile phones, smart watches and other BYOT devices must not be taken into exam rooms. 
• Students may only take required equipment into an exam. This equipment is checked as students enter. No equipment is lent or borrowed, student to student, during an exam. If students do not have the equipment they need, they should let the supervising teacher know before the exam begins. Equipment should be stored in a clear plastic sleeve or zip lock bag. 
• EALD students in Years 7 to 9 may bring their own paper bi-lingual dictionary to exams if they wish.
• Water bottles may be brought into an exam room. For Year 10 to 12 students, any bottles should be clear and have no labels or markings on the bottle. 

Exams

• Students should arrive in good time prior to the exam start time so that it can commence on time. Years 10 to12 students should sign in and out at reception whenever arriving for an exam or leaving after their final exam of the day.
• Any student arriving late to an examination will not automatically be granted extra time. 
• Students are expected to enter and exit the exam rooms in silence and not to talk during their time in the exam room, including during the collection of papers.
• No student is to leave an exam room before the exam concludes, unless unwell or to use the bathroom, when they will be accompanied by a teacher.
• Years 10 to 12 students who are unwell and unable to attend an exam are required to present a doctor’s certificate immediately upon return to school. All students who are unwell and unable to attend exams are to let Main Reception know as soon as they are able.
• All students must wear full school uniform when they are in school exams.
• Years 7 to 9 students will complete exams in the morning and attend normal lessons when not in exams.
• Years 10 to 12 students are required to be at school only for exam sessions. If, however, students have more than one session in one day, they do not leave the school until the final examination has been completed.
• If Years 10 to 11 students wish to stay at school to study, they must do so in the LRC. Year 12 students are provided with a separate room for study during the exam block period. 
• Normal rules apply about visiting shops, eating and drinking in public and wearing school uniform to and from school during exam block. If oral presentations require “costume”, changes must be made at school.

Best wishes with your final preparations for exams and we hope they go smoothly and positively for all.

Pymble Exchange

On Tuesday, our students enjoyed a vibrant day out exploring Brisbane City. Highlights included tenpin bowling, the Brisbane Wheel, South Bank, a CityCat ride, and shopping in Queen Street Mall. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the Pymble Ladies’ students and enjoy our beautiful city together. 

Mrs Chez Patterson will accompany the group to Sydney, and we sincerely thank her for supporting this valuable initiative.  

Winter Uniform

 Please note that from Monday 26 May, all students are required to wear the full Winter Uniform. 

 As we transition to the cooler months, we remind our Secondary students (Years 7 to 12) of the importance of maintaining our uniform standards.  

Winter Uniform Requirements

Girls (Years 7 to12)

• Blazer: Compulsory and must be worn to and from school.
• Blouse with Tie: Long-sleeved white Winter shirt, neatly tucked in, worn with the Winter tie.
• Skirt or Pants: Navy skirt (covering the kneecap) or navy trousers.
• Tights/Socks: Navy tights or navy ankle socks (warmer weather), available from the Uniform Shop.
• Hat: Bottle green felt hat worn to and from school and outdoors.
• Shoes: Polished plain black leather shoes with black laces (no coloured laces, stitching, or metal eyelets).
• Optional: Knitted jumper or vest may be worn but must be covered by the blazer outside the College.

Boys (Years 7–12)

• Blazer: Compulsory and must be worn to and from school.
• Shirt with Tie: Long-sleeved white Winter shirt, neatly tucked in, with the school tie.
• Trousers: Navy trousers worn with a black belt.
• Socks: Navy striped crew socks, available from the Uniform Shop.
• Hat: Navy felt hat worn to and from school and outdoors.
• Shoes: Polished plain black leather shoes with black laces (no coloured laces, stitching, or metal eyelets).
• Optional: Knitted jumper or vest may be worn, but must be covered by the blazer outside the College.

Additional Reminders

• Hair must be tidy, in a conservative style. Long hair must be tied back if it touches the collar, using College-approved green accessories.
• Jewellery must be minimal – only plain small studs or sleepers (one in each earlobe) and a watch are permitted.
• Make-up, false eyelashes, and nail polish are not permitted.
• Students must maintain a neat and well-presented appearance at all times.
• No Gum is permitted at school.

We thank parents and carers for their continued support in upholding our uniform expectations. For any queries, please contact the Pastoral Care Team.

Year 12 WBF Update and Exam Preparation

This term, our Year 12 students have welcomed several external providers to the College to enhance their study of Life Skills in Wellbeing Foundations. In week 3, representatives from the Australian Retirement Trust spoke to our seniors about financial literacy and superannuation. 

This presentation was particularly insightful, as the guest presenters demonstrated the importance of long-term financial independence for girls and women. In week 4, the team from Batyr visited our seniors and, through the power of storytelling, guided our Year 12s through thoughtful reflection on their final schooling years while providing them with strategies and tools to face adversity during their last year of school. 

Batyr concluded their presentation by asking students to write words of encouragement to be displayed in their common room. We sincerely hope our Year 12s found these presentations helpful and supportive in planning for their future.

Care@Clayfield with Tony Parsons

Tony Parsons is a nationally respected drug awareness educator and the founder of National Drug Awareness. With a distinguished background in some of Australia’s most high-profile drug investigations, Tony brings real-world insight into the challenges facing young people today.

He works with elite athletes, government departments, and schools across Australia and overseas, delivering impactful education on drugs, alcohol, vaping, and criminal influences. Known for his relatable and down-to-earth approach, Tony is also a key contributor to national policy on vaping and a passionate advocate for empowering youth to make informed, positive choices.

Earlier this week, students from Years 6 to 12 had the opportunity to engage with Tony Parsons, a passionate and knowledgeable external presenter, who led an important session titled Brain Under Construction. The session focused on the real and often hidden effects that substances like drugs, alcohol and nicotine can have on developing brains and bodies.

Tony reminded students that their brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgement.  Highlighting the fact that these substances may interfere with the brain’s natural development, leading to issues with memory, emotional regulation, and mental health over time appeared to resonate with our students. 

In addition to the discussion on drugs and alcohol, Tony shone the spotlight on vaping, specifically Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Tony pulled back the curtain on what’s inside these devices. Students learned that:

• vapes contain harmful chemicals that are inhaled directly into the lungs

• many of these chemicals are not well-regulated in production

• toxins found in vapes can damage not only the brain but also the lungs and teeth

• despite marketing tactics, vapes are not a safe alternative to smoking

Nangs, commonly known as nitrous oxide gas, were also discussed. Tony shared how inhaling these can cause serious harm to the brain and nervous system and explained how easy it is to underestimate their risks due to misleading perceptions in social settings.

A key theme of the presentation was social pressure. Tony encouraged students to consider how choices made trying to fit in can lead to long-term consequences. He offered strategies for setting personal boundaries and emphasised the importance of knowing your values and limits.

Tony closed his presentation with a powerful message:
You are enough. You don’t need to try and be the person next to you. Students were reminded that while they have the freedom to make their own choices, those choices carry consequences. Knowing where to draw the line, your own personal line in the sand, can help you stay true to yourself and avoid being swept into poor decisions.

Care@Clayfield Parent Information Session with Tony Parsons (Recording) 

In the evening, Tony then addressed our parents and carers. If you were unable to join us, a recording of his presentation is available below. 

Christian Mission, Service and Training Assistance Program

The Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) is offering a limited number of opportunities for students currently in Years 10, 11 and 12 within Brisbane Boys’ College, Clayfield College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School to participate in the Christian Mission, Service and Training Assistance Program.

The purpose of the assistance program is to:

• Provide an opportunity for students to serve God and grow in their Christian faith through engagement in a Christian Mission, Service or Training opportunity.
• To inspire other students to be actively involved in Christian Mission, Service and Training.

Christian Mission and Service assistance packages will be available with a maximum value of $1250. 

Christian Training assistance packages will be available with a maximum value of $400.

For more information, please follow the link below.

P&F Meeting

A quick reminder that the P&F meeting is on Monday 26 May at 6:30pm in the Boardroom at Clayfield College for those attending in person. If you can’t make it in person, please join via Zoom using the below link.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Care@Clayfield Parent Event with Jonny Shannon

Semester 1 Co-Curricular Photo Day

As previously advised, Semester 1 Co-Curricular Photo Day is occurring in Week 7 on Wednesday 4 June and Thursday 5 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. 

The Clayfield Family Photo:  An email has been sent to Parents who are past Collegians requesting their child's/children’s attendance.  If you have not received this email and believe you should have, please contact Mrs Sarah Wyer 3262 0412 or swyer@clayfield.qld.edu.au. 

Co-curricular/Group Lists Years 7 to 12: photo schedule & group lists will be published in daily notices. 

Co-curricular/Group Lists Years 2 to 6: photo schedule & group lists printed for viewing in Primary Administration. 

House Chapel