Senior School Bulletin

It is often in the quieter moments of our Senior School life that student strengths are most visible. While achievements are often recognised through performances, results or public accomplishments, some of the most meaningful contributions are seen in the everyday ways students demonstrate effort, character, creativity and support for others.

Across our Senior School, I have noticed the pride students take not only in their own involvement and achievements, but also in celebrating the contributions of others. Whether preparing for Arts Day, competing in upcoming sporting fixtures or working towards assessment milestones, these shared experiences continue to strengthen both connection and belonging within our community.

There is value not only in students recognising their own abilities, but also in acknowledging the strengths they see in others. Genuine encouragement and thoughtful recognition can have a significant impact, helping students to feel valued, connected and more confident in their contribution.

Celebrating the success of others also strengthens the sense of belonging within our community. When students take pride in one another’s efforts and achievements, they help create an environment where individuals feel supported to participate, grow and share their talents with confidence.

At Clayfield College, we encourage students to recognise the value that each person brings to our community. This week, I invite each student to take a moment to genuinely recognise the contribution of someone else and let them know the impact it has had.

Families might continue this conversation at home by asking, “What is something you appreciated in someone else this week?” and “How did you recognise their contribution?” These reflections help students to understand the importance of valuing both their own strengths and those of others.

I am delighted to have joined the Clayfield College community, and thankful for the warm welcome I have received from staff, students and parents. Across the English and Humanities classes, I have already met many insightful and curious students and can already tell that the College is home to many voracious readers, exceptionally creative writers and budding historians and geologists. 

At the moment, students are busily preparing for their exams and other assessment in the English and Humanities realm, with most completing assessments that involve short or extended response exams, extended written assignments or creative writing. 

We also have a number of students who are participating in the following National Competitions: 

• Australian History Competition
• Reader’s Cup – Years 7 to 10

We congratulate those students selected to participate and wish them the best of luck.

Next week we have the first of our Subject Selection evenings during which I look forward to meeting many of you. 

After School Tutoring Opportunity with Mindbridge Education

After school tutoring provided by Mindbridge Education for students in Years 7 to 12 began last week. The program, which runs every Thursday afternoon from 3.30pm to 5.30pm is delivered by 99+ ATAR tutors and high performing university students with strong academic backgrounds and mentoring experience from Mindbridge Education.

Pricing is $50 per session when paid in full for the term or $60 per session with weekly payments. Families are invited to join the waitlist below:

If you have any questions about this after school tutoring opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact info@mindbridgeedu.com.au

Subject Selection Evening

The Year 10 into Year 11 Subject Selection Evening is scheduled for Monday 18 May. The presentation will commence at 6:00pm in the Chapel and the evening will conclude at 7:30pm. Important information with regards to subjects being offered in 2027 and the subject selection process will be shared. Members of the Teaching and Learning Leadership Team and subject specialist teachers will be present on the night to answer any questions you may have.

Exam Block

Block exams occur in Week 6. Exams will occur each morning for Years 7 to 9 followed by normal lessons. Years 10 to 11 are in exam block all week and will attend for exams only. Year 12 are in exam block on Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 May. Exam block timetables and exam procedures for students will be emailed to all students by the end of this week. Students should be planning for these exams in their study plans. The following information from our Academic Captains should assist with this preparation.

Information from our Academic Captains

With exam season approaching, developing sustainable study habits and figuring out what study methods work best for you is becoming increasingly important. As a reminder:

The Senior-Led Study Club is available every Thursday lunch at 1:00pm in the Upper LRC for English, Maths, Science and Social Science tutoring and homework help for Years 7 to 10. The only exception to this will be on Thursday of Week 6 (28/05). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend and make use of this resource, whether you need extra support, help staying on track or simply a productive place to study.

We have also curated a small pool of study tips from our Year 12s. While everyone studies differently, these are some of the strategies that we have personally found most helpful across a range of subjects. We hope they provide a few new ideas and make the exam period feel a little more manageable. For more assessment-specific study tips, come to Study Club!

English

Always carefully review the required structure for your assessment pieces. Highlight and annotate quotes from the novels you are studying and set time limits for when you want chapters read by. Reread them if necessary or use LitCharts plot summaries as a useful recap before completing assessment. For assignments, implement feedback as soon as you receive it so that you have time to ask more questions and make final edits. When memorising quotes or speeches, start with small sections and work consistently. 

– MG Year 12

Maths

Revising your notes every week or writing down everything you remember from the week’s content can really help with information retention. If there is something you are confused about, ask your teacher or go to the tutorials. When studying, remember to have timed breaks where you get some exercise or at least stand up. Having a goal for how much you are going to get done (eg. one chapter, ten questions, a practice exam etc) will direct your time and effort, rather than just copying notes. 

– SG Year 12

Science

Consistently revising content, whether through rewriting key processes from memory or completing practice questions, is something I have found really helpful for retaining information long-term. Getting help with difficult concepts early is key; especially through tutorials or online resources like Atomi and YouTube videos, since hearing ideas explained in different ways often makes them easier to understand. I have also found that setting specific goals or writing a to-do list before studying helps me be more productive, so I can get a clear idea of what needs to get completed.

– IP Year 12

Social Science

One of the most helpful ways I prepare for Social Science assessments is by researching credible websites and articles to build a strong overall understanding. I then use resources like ChatGPT and YouTube to clarify difficult concepts and explain ideas more simply. To revise, I use mind maps and “brain dumps” to identify gaps in my understanding. Before exams, I memorise a flexible essay structure that can be adapted to different questions. I also teach the content to family members, as being able to explain ideas confidently shows that I genuinely understand the topic.

– RT Year 12

House Excellence

This week in PC, our focus was on punctuality and attendance. Congratulations to Ashburn for taking out the win this week!

A big well done to all students for their commitment and effort. Keep up the great work as next week’s focus will be on wearing our winter uniform with pride. The current House Spirit tally is below.

Arts Day 

17 June 2026

On Arts Day, we will welcome our guest dance judge and performer, Chloe Ernst.

Chloe Ernst began dancing at the age of two, growing up and training in Hervey Bay where she developed a strong passion for performance and the arts from a young age. During her final years of high school, she expanded her training by travelling weekly to HQ Dance Academy, further developing her versatility and technical foundation across a range of styles. In 2024, Chloe relocated to the Gold Coast to complete her full-time dance training at Dance Force Australia, where she worked with a variety of industry professionals and performed extensively, including in a graduate tour production that travelled around Australia. 

These experiences strengthened her passion for both performing and teaching while providing valuable insight into the professional dance industry. Chloe now teaches at three dance studios across Brisbane, where she enjoys mentoring and inspiring dancers of all ages in a positive and encouraging environment, helping them build confidence, creativity, performance quality, and strong technical foundations. Alongside teaching, she continues to audition for professional dance contracts and pursue industry opportunities.

In addition to her dance career, Chloe is currently studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Queensland University of Technology and holds a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Business Management, and she is excited to be adjudicating and looks forward to celebrating the talent, passion, and hard work of all performers involved in our House competition.

An integral part of our commitment to Wellbeing through Belonging, is the Wellbeing and Foundations program. This program is designed to respond to the specific needs of each cohort, allowing for timely interventions that address wellbeing, emotional challenges and social issues.

As part of their Wellbeing and Foundations program, this week our Year 10 students participated in an engaging workshop delivered by educators from True Relationships. True's All Schools Program is a comprehensive sexuality education program delivered to students across Queensland by expert educators in sexual and reproductive health. This session provided students with valuable, age‑appropriate information to support their wellbeing and decision‑making.

Students explored what healthy relationships look like, including the importance of respect, trust and communication. A key focus was helping students understand consent, emphasising that it involves clear, willing agreement that is informed, mutual and can be withdrawn at any time.

The workshop also covered respectful communication, relevant laws and important health information, including awareness of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and ways young people can access accurate support and advice.

We are proud of the thoughtful and respectful way our students engaged with this important learning, which plays a key role in supporting their development into informed, respectful young adults.