From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the start of an exciting new year at Clayfield College. As we return to the vibrant hum of classrooms, the laughter in the playground and the shared purpose of learning, I extend a warm welcome to all our families, both returning and new. At the time of writing, we have 129 new students joining us at the start of this term, including for the first time, four streams commencing in Year 7. This marks an exciting chapter for our school community, as our Parallel Learning model now extends to Year 9.

This year, our guiding theme is 'Be Fearless - Let's Illuminate the Sky'. It speaks to the courage, creativity, and commitment we encourage in every member of our school community. Together, we’ll explore new possibilities, embrace challenges, pursue innovative thinking and work towards shining brightly as individuals and as a collective.

We are delighted to welcome several new staff members to our College this year. Each brings unique talents and experiences that will enrich our school community. I encourage you to introduce yourselves when you see them and join us in making them feel part of the Clayfield community.

Primary School

• Miss Emily Baigrie – Primary Teacher
• Miss Avalon Banfield – Primary Information Literacy and Technology Coordinator
• Mrs Cassie Li – Chinese and EALD Teacher
• Miss Hannah O’Brien – Primary Teacher
• Mrs Susan Ryan – Teacher Aide - Primary
• Mrs Penny Patterson - Primary Teacher

Secondary School

• Mrs Yee-teng Davis – Science and Biology Teacher 
• Mrs Rebecca Geevarghese – English and Humanities Teacher
• Dr Steven Griffiths – Science and Biology Teacher
• Mr Geoffrey Lamb – English, Humanities and Learning Support Teacher
• Mrs Rebecca McGuinness – Food Technology Teacher
• Mrs Rachael Mukauskas – Secondary Enrichment Coordinator
• Mrs Adreena Shannon – HPE Coordinator
• Mr Paul Clarke - Technology Teacher 
• Ms Margaret Beale – Teacher Aide – EALD

Corporate Staff

• Miss Bridget Andrew – College Nurse
• Mrs Anita Chandwani – Senior Accountant
• Miss Jenny Draney – Finance Officer
• Mrs Hannah Jenns – Primary Administrator

Boarding House

• Miss Felicity Anderson - Boarding House Assistant 
• Mr Thomas Samuel - Boarding House Assistant 
• Miss Lauren Taylor – Boarding House Assistant 
• Mr Sam Taylor – Boarding House Assistant
• Mr Ross Thomson – Boarding House Assistant 

Whole of School

• Ms Tanya Mathias – Associate Chaplain
• Ms Toni Kirton – Dean of Wellbeing and Safeguarding

Further to my correspondence at the end of last year, I am also pleased to share the following staff appointments: 

• Mr Adrian Walker – Acting Dean of Secondary  
• Ms Tina Mills – Assistant Head of Boarding 
• Mrs Kim Eagle – Dean of Curriculum 
• Mrs Mirian Bryan – Dean of Primary 
• Ms Sian Graham – 2IC English, Humanities and EALD 
• Ms Katrina Ash – English, Humanities and Learning Support Teacher 
• Ms Anita Wood – Gibson House Leader 
• Mr Jacques Stemmet – Head of e-Learning
• Ms Emily Rossow – Head of English Humanities and EALD 
• Mrs Robynne Bailey – Head of Pre-Prep to Year 2 
• Mr Brett Steeples – Head of STEM 
• Mrs Sam Lennon – Head of Year 7 
• Ms Amy Hayes – Head of Years 8 and 9 
• Ms Mariella Gibson – Head of Years 10 and 11 
• Ms Georgia Corpe – Head of Year 12 
• Mr Justin Desmarchelier – Secondary Music and Christian Education Teacher 
• Mrs Lauren Coote – Years 3 to 6 Coordinator
• Mr Noah Castellaro – Secondary HPE Teacher
• Ms Joanne Knight – Secondary Business and EALD Teacher

We trust that the revised academic and pastoral leadership structure will enhance communication, addressing key areas highlighted in last year’s MMG survey data.

Structure Supporting Student Learning and Wellbeing 

Aligned with our Teaching and Learning and Care@Clayfield frameworks, we value our partnership with parents and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Our Deputy Principals have outlined the appropriate contacts for support, whether your child is in Primary or Secondary.

During the holiday period, we have made significant progress in enhancing our campus facilities to support your child’s learning journey. Among the capital works projects are:

• The refurbishment of the swimming pool, including new diving blocks.
• The addition of two new classrooms in the Middle Years Building to support our growing enrolments.
• Numerous renovations to the Boarding House including new bathrooms, internal courtyard, reception and lift.
• Significant progress in the construction of the Design Technology Fabrication Laboratories building. The project remains on schedule and is expected to be completed around Easter.

These improvements reflect our commitment to providing the best possible environment for our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

As we embark on this new year together, I encourage us all to embrace the fearless spirit of our 2025 theme, supporting our students to dream, explore and shine. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering a school culture where every child feels valued, known and understood and empowered to succeed.

I look forward to connecting with you throughout the year and hope you can join us at our first community event, the P&F Welcome Evening on Friday 7 February.

Warm regards,

Dr Andrew Cousins

Principal