Primary School News

Dear Primary Parents and Carers, 

On behalf of the Primary staff, I welcome back our existing families and warmly welcome the many new students and their families beginning at Clayfield College for the 2025 school year. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday and are ready for the exciting year of learning opportunities the staff have planned for 2025.  

I anticipate this detailed communication will equip you with information to assist you and your child with a smooth beginning for the 2025 school year. For families new to Clayfield College, I encourage you to contact the College if there is anything requiring further explanation. It is important to all staff that you have the necessary information to make a seamless transition. 

New Students Only

On Tuesday 28 January, we welcome all new students starting at Clayfield College (including all new Pre-Prep students). Please note the following arrival and collection arrangements: 

Please come to school in your school uniform and bring with you your stationery, books and school bag together with your play hat and morning tea. Please label all belongings with your child’s name (teachers will provide subject details and labelling for all books).  

We are very much looking forward to meeting you at this time. 

Stationery Drop-off and Parent/Teacher Introductions

On Tuesday 28 January, all returning students from Pre-Prep to Year 6 are welcome to drop their books and stationery to their new classrooms between 1:30pm to 3:10pm. 

Please label all belongings with your child’s name (teachers will provide subject details and labelling for all books). During this time, you are welcome to meet with your child’s teacher for a brief introduction and discussion.  

A Meet the Teacher afternoon is scheduled for Monday 3 February, where further details about classroom procedures and other information pertaining to the year will be shared.  

Classrooms for 2025

First Day Organisation

Term 1 begins for all students on Wednesday 29 January. All books and stationery are to be brought to school by this date. Student Diaries will be distributed to all children on the first day of school and a timetable will be placed in the Diary, so you can easily view when sports days and other subjects are for your child. Dress will be full school, formal summer uniform for all students on the first day of school. 

2025 Lesson Times

Students in Prep to Year 6 can be dropped to school from 7:30am when there will be a teacher on duty in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC). We kindly ask you not to drop your children off before this time as there will be no one in the classrooms or playground to supervise your child.  

First Day Morning and Afternoon Procedure

Students from Prep to Year 6 may be dropped at Circular Drive to walk in themselves. Alternatively, you are welcome to park and walk your child to their classroom. The parking around the College during the first week of school can be busy, and we therefore suggest that you give yourself plenty of time to find a park. Please be mindful of our neighbours in the surrounding streets, and we ask that you do not block driveways as we value the positive relationships between our neighbours and the college. 

For students in Pre-Prep, all parents and carers must sign in and out daily. There is no parking in the driveway next to the Pre-Prep Centre, as this is for the After School Care organisation. Thank you very much in advance for your understanding of this. 

At the conclusion of the day, staff will bring students down to Circular Drive from 3:05pm (Prep to Year 2) and 3:15pm (Years 3 to 6). Pre-Prep students can be collected from their classroom between 2:30pm and 3:00pm. Students in Years 5 to 6 may be collected at Circular Drive if they have younger siblings. Otherwise, they may be collected from Bayview Terrace. Students in Year 4 may be collected from Bayview Terrace if they have an older sibling. 

Please do not come to Circular Drive before these times, as students will not be ready and therefore staff will ask you to circle the block to keep our line moving efficiently. 

Staff are very understanding with our younger students, who may feel anxious in those first few days of starting a new school year. Sometimes a swift goodbye can be the best, to avoid prolonging any anxiety. If your child has had a particularly difficult separation, I encourage you to call Student Services; 3262 0262 for an update of how they have settled. If you foresee any problems, please contact me and we will put some strategies in place ahead of the first day. 

2025 Term Dates

To assist with your planning of the school year and holidays, please find below the school term dates for 2025.

I would urge parents to avoid taking children out of school during term to minimise the disruption and progress of learning. However, if it is necessary, parents are reminded of the legal requirements to submit a request for leave to me via e-mail (afellowes@clayfield.qld.edu.au). Thank you for your assistance in this matter. 

2025 Calendar Events

The 2025 school calendar can be found on the College App and Parent Lounge. All families are invited to attend the P&F Welcome Evening on Friday 7 February in the Chapel Courtyard at 5:30pm. This is a lovely opportunity to get to know existing and new families of Clayfield College. I hope to see many of you there.    

Primary School Staffing for 2025

An important strategic commitment of the College is to continue the development and capacity of our teaching staff. I am delighted to be working alongside such a devoted and passionate Primary School staff in 2025, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Clayfield College.  

We are pleased to welcome the following staff to the Primary School this year, as we further expand our classes, with an additional Year 5. Collectively, they bring a variety of experience, and they will be a wonderful addition to our superb teaching team. 

Please note the Primary School staff list for 2025 below.  

Primary Leadership and Administration  

Primary Core Teachers 

Primary Specialist Teachers 

Primary Support Staff

Daily Morning Arrival

Teachers are on duty from 8:00am and therefore you will understand the associated risks involved in leaving children before this time. If arriving before 8:25am, students are permitted to drop their bags outside classrooms, put their hats on and go to the playground area. The LRC is open from 7:30am if students arrive before 8:00am. 

There should be no Primary students left unattended before 7:30am. A bell will ring, which signifies the beginning of the school day at 8:25am and students should line up outside their classroom to wait for their teacher. 

The Prep outdoor area and the veranda areas are strictly out of bounds before school, except in inclement weather. 

The Pre-Prep classroom door opens at 8:30am daily. A parent or carer must wait with their Pre-Prep student until such time.  

Afternoon Pick-Up Times and Collection Points

If you have siblings in Prep to Year 2 and Years 3 to 6, please arrive at the later time between 3:15pm to 3:30pm. 

Duty of Care is handed over at the end of the school day and it is the College’s preference that pick-up times are strictly adhered to. However, if you are on Campus with your child, please be aware that you are fully responsible for their supervision. Treetops Playground and oval are strictly out of bounds. 

‘Meet the Teacher’ Information Afternoon

Staff will be holding a ‘Meet the Teacher’ information afternoon on Monday 3 February. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s class and specialist teachers, familiarise yourself with classroom procedures and hear all about the exciting learning opportunities for the year ahead. In addition, timetables, expectations, curriculum matters, and daily routines will be explained, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the learning your child will experience this year, and I therefore encourage you to attend. If you are unable to attend, teachers will email home information discussed.  

Term 1 Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences

Pre-Prep Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday 18 March to Thursday 20 March for Pre-Prep families. Prep to Year 6 Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday 18 March and Thursday 20 March for Prep to Year 6 families. The link to online bookings for meetings and interview times, and further details, will be provided in future Clayfield Collective editions and App alerts.

Feedback and Feedforward 

Clayfield College is always seeking ways to provide the best possible feedback on student’s academic and pastoral progress. We aim to offer families many opportunities throughout the year to engage with their child’s development through Student/Parent/Teacher conferences, Gallery Walks, digital folio feedback and feedforward, and Semester 1 and 2 report cards. 

Please see attached an overview of our Primary Collaborative Partnership program for 2025.  

Primary Photographs

Primary School class and individual photographs will take place on Monday 3 February. All students are required to wear full, formal school summer uniform on this day. If students have HPE on this day, please bring your PE gear to change into after the photos. Further details will be provided via the App. 

Sun Safety

For many years now, we have had a ‘No Hat No Play’ policy in the Primary School. Please make sure you provide a named school hat each day for your child. In the past, students have relied upon spare hats to be used which can be an unhygienic practice due to the spread of hair lice. The release of energy is such an important part of play time for every student and therefore we appreciate your help in making sure your child has their hat at school every day. Each classroom has sunscreen for students to apply before morning tea and lunch.   

Clayfield College follows the National Australian Standards for Sun Safety. Please find sections of the Sun Safety Policy attached for your reference. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students and community sun safe. 

Uniform Guidelines 2025

Parents are asked to assist the College in ensuring their children are correctly dressed each day. Shoes should be polished, and hair kept tidy, with the wearing of green scrunchies or ribbons if hair is longer than their collar or cut neatly, above the collar. The use of a green headband is helpful for hair that falls over the eyes. Hairstyles such as mullets, undercuts or designs shaved into heads are not permitted. 

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

Mobile phones are discouraged at school. However, if your child brings a phone to school, they must sign it in at Primary Administration before 8:25am. Mobile phones may then be collected at the end of the school day and only used once off campus. Please note, Primary students are not permitted to wear smart watches. 

Crunch and Sip

Each day the children will be given an opportunity to enjoy a morning snack during the first two lessons. This time will provide students with a chance to ‘refuel’ on fruit or vegetables and ‘rehydrate’ with water. As many children enjoy early breakfasts or participate in before school activities, this important snack time will ease any hunger pains and improve concentration before the morning tea break. 

Please ensure you pack a healthy snack for your child to enjoy for ‘Crunch and Sip’ in their lunchbox each day. This snack is in addition to morning tea and lunch and cannot be provided by the Tuckshop. Please be aware of the Nut Free Policy that we adhere to in the Pre-Prep environment. 

Croc’s Café (Tuckshop)

Primary students in Prep to Year 6 have the option to enjoy healthy food from the Café at morning tea and lunch time. The FlexiSchools online ordering system is available for all students. If you do not have a previous account, please log on to the FlexiSchools website where you will find all the details to order from the Croc's  Café. All ordering services close at 8:30am on the day of service. Orders can also be placed in advance and cancelled should your child be absent from school. Students in Years 3 to 6 can bring a small amount of money to school to purchase extra items directly from the Café, once they have finished their lunch and they have been dismissed. The College is not responsible for money brought on campus. 

In the event of a student forgetting their morning tea/lunch, Mrs Jenns in Primary Administration will contact families. If you are unable to bring food, we will organise a basic morning tea/lunch, which will be charged to you. Morning tea and lunch are kindly delivered by the Café. staff to the Primary Administration building every day, where class Tuckshop leaders will collect their class orders. 

For existing families with a Flexischool account, please ensure you update your child’s class details to their current year, prior to your first order. 

Fundraising Days

Please find our Pre-Prep to Year 12 fundraising days, where all students can participate in activities or dress up to support a chosen charity.   

After-School Activities (External Providers)

The activities outlined at the link below are managed and run by external providers and available for Term 1. Please note for Pre-Prep and Prep students, coaches and staff will collect the students from classrooms and escort them to various activities.

Please let your child’s teacher know of any after-school activities you have booked for your child. 

Please contact the provider directly for bookings and information. Mrs Lisa Humphreys is the College contact for any questions you may have studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au.  

Class Coordinator and Primary Working Parties

The P&F Association works to support school friend-raisers and social events throughout the year.  

Traditionally, the Primary School has had a Friends of Primary Group with its main aim to nurture and support the wonderful Primary School community, particularly the Class Parent Coordinators, who play a valuable role as a contact point for families, facilitate social opportunities for their class and are there to welcome new families to the Clayfield College community.  

In 2025, we are trialling a different format with a working party for each event, rather than a single Friends of Primary Support Group or President. The following working parties will be in place for next year. 

The Class Coordinator is a year-round role, and we are looking for one person to help coordinate this group and one to two volunteers for each class. Once classes are announced, please feel free to nominate yourself. The role of the Class Coordinator is to facilitate social events in their class. We welcome new parents to the College, to take up this role, it is a great way to meet other families. 

By splitting the group into events, the goal is for families to opt in and out of their desired volunteering event, taking away the enormity of the role. If you are interested in finding out more or wish to be part of any of these working groups, please complete the attached. 

Communication

Please note the following forms of communication used in the Primary School: 

Formal 

• The College App 
• Student Diary 
• The Clayfield Collective 
• Parent Lounge 
• Email 
• Class Dojo 

Informal 

• Class WhatsApp 

The College App

This is the main form of communication used by the College. As a condition of enrolment, we request every caregiver download the College App (free download). The App provides current information about events and activities, as well as important notices and alerts (for example, training cancellations or venue changes, wet weather plans and ETA of buses returning from co-curricular activities). It also includes a live school calendar and key school contacts. You are able to manage your notifications and subscriptions to ensure you are only seeing what is relevant to your family.  

Please refer to the following link for information and access.  

Student Diary

Every student from Prep to Year 6 will be issued a College Diary on the first day of Term 1. As well as a student organisational tool, the College Diary is a daily form of communication between families and teachers in the Primary School. The diary is to be brought to and from school every day where teachers will stamp/sign each day of the week. 

Every year level will have different expectations for the use of the Diary according to their age. This will be shared at the beginning of the year at our Meet the Teacher information afternoon. Please use this communication tool for any general messages you would like the teacher to know. Personal and confidential matters can be addressed via email directly to your child’s teacher. 

The Clayfield Collective

The Clayfield Collective is sent via email every Thursday. This communication includes information/articles from our student leaders and upcoming events for Primary, Secondary and the whole school.  

Parent Lounge

Parent Lounge provides up-to-date information on College life. Such information includes your child’s timetable and teacher, policy documents, excursion details, school calendar and parent directory.

Parents are also able to update their contact details and child’s medical details, view Report Cards and schedule Parent Teacher interviews. You should have by now received access to Parent Lounge; if you have not received this yet, please reach out to our IT department. Parent Lounge is accessed via our Clayfield College website or CC App by logging into Parent Lounge with your email linked to your child’s enrolment, and College supplied email (new families only). 

If you experience any issues logging in, use the Forgotten Password link to reset your password or email the Clayfield IT Department at ithelpdesk@clayfield.qld.edu.au. 

Please refer to the following link for information and access.

Email

Staff can be contacted via email during the school week. Email addresses will be distributed on our Meet the Teacher afternoon for your information. Please note the best way to contact your class teacher is via the Student Diary, as they will check these every morning. 

If you are contacting the teacher via email, please be aware they may not be checking emails throughout the day and therefore will not be able to reply immediately.

If the matter is urgent, please call Student Services on 3262 0262, where a message will be passed on and the teacher will contact you.   

Class Dojo

This platform is used by our Primary teachers for the sharing of class specific information and pictures, directly with their class parents. It is important to note that Class Dojo is not used for Primary or Clayfield College formal notices. In Pre-Prep, Storypark is used for sharing of activities, with posts at various times throughout the week. 

Class WhatsApp

The Friends of Primary Group, through the Class Coordinators, facilitate a WhatsApp Group per year level for any parent who wishes to join. This informal platform shares social events and practical information. This is a parent-based community platform which is run independently from the College; however, a staff member is included in each class group. Positive and friendly communication is encouraged. 

Parent/Student Details Update and Student Permissions/Agreements

As an annual requirement for all returning students Pre-Prep to Year 12, we require the following to be actioned by you in Parent Lounge. 

For new families commencing this year, both requirements have been completed through your enrolment process and therefore no action is required by you.  

Please see attached documents for details and Parent Lounge requirements. 

Would you please kindly complete this requirement by Tuesday 28 January 2025. 

Device Overnight Waiver

For lower Primary Students, we understand that laptops and iPads contribute significantly to the weight of school bags. Other families find the device a distraction at home and would prefer staff to control the use of them throughout the week. With this considered, and to support our families, the College has lockable trolleys for student devices in Years 1 to 5.  

This waiver must be accepted in Parent Lounge prior to commencement of this arrangement. 

Social Media Laws 2025

Please read an important letter from the College, outlining the new social media laws that will take affect from September 2025. 

Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy

At Clayfield College we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel valued and respected. Our Bullying and Intervention Policy ensures that any incidents of bullying are addressed promptly and effectively, fostering a culture of kindness and support for all.   

Learning Resource Centre

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is utilised by students throughout the school week for book borrowing and quiet play before school and at lunch time. The LRC is open from 7:30am Monday to Friday.  

Clubs Program

The Prep to Year 6 Clubs program will begin in Week 3 of Term 1 and information in relation to this will be distributed via the Clayfield Collective and App soon. Clubs are optional, at no cost to families and the offerings change each term. 

Homework Club

I am delighted to share that we have increased our Homework Club offering for students in Years 1 to 6 on Monday to Thursday. Please find information below pertaining to these Clubs. 

Years 1 to 3 

Homework Club is available for students in Years 1 to 3 in the Primary Technology Lab from 3:05pm to 4:30pm Monday to Thursday. In order to attend, Primary students must be registered via email to  studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au.

As places fill up very quickly, you are encouraged to book in early for the day(s) you would like to attend. Further, Primary students must be signed out by a parent or caregiver from the Tech Lab. Students are not permitted to leave this room unattended. 

All students must bring an afternoon snack. There will be a 15 minute play time for students to eat their snack and play before beginning Homework or quiet activities. 

Pick-up time is strictly by 4:30pm, with no exception. Thank you for adhering to this timeframe. 

Years 4 to 6 

Homework Club is available to students from Years 4 to 6 in the Lower LRC on Monday to Thursday from 3:15pm to 5:00pm. In order to attend, Primary students must be registered via email to studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au . 

As places fill up very quickly, you are encouraged to book in early for the day(s) you would like to attend. Further, Primary students must be signed out by a parent or caregiver from the Lower LRC.  Students are not permitted to leave the Lower LRC unattended by a parent or caregiver unless they are moving to a co-curricular activity. Parents must inform Student Services of this activity when registering their child and give permission for their child to leave the Lower LRC. 

Pick-up time is strictly by 5:00pm. If you are running late or know that you will not be on Campus by this time, could you please call ahead on the College number (3262 0262), which is diverted to the Lower LRC.   

Years 1 to 6 Homework Club Agreements 

If your child has changed their activities, or your afternoon plans have altered affecting their attendance at Homework Club, we must receive notification via email to  

studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au. 

Homework Club is a school program and as such, all students using this facility are expected to adhere to the Clayfield College Positive Behaviour Framework. These include listening to staff instructions, remaining in the LRC or Technology Lab unless given permission to leave, and respecting peers and staff. 

Thank you so very much for your assistance with these processes.  

Who Should I Ask? 

In most cases, your child’s teacher should be the first point of contact for questions of an academic or pastoral nature. If the answer cannot be found here, Mrs Miriam Bryan in (Years 3 and 4), Mrs Robynne Bailey (Pre-Prep to Year 2) and Mrs Lauren Coote (Years 5 and 6), would be the next people you should discuss concerns with. Please be aware, I am available and committed to discuss any matter; however, in most cases, I would obtain information pertaining to your child from the class teacher in the first instance. Therefore, following the above guidelines may produce a more efficient outcome for you.  

General information should be directed to Student Services at the Main Reception, which can be found at the entrance of the College. 

Useful Contact Details

Primary Sport Overview 2025

Information pertaining to both Andrews Cup and Britton Shield competitions and training dates will be distributed by Ms Lewin in the coming weeks through the Clayfield College App. Please find below the 2025 Primary Sports Overview which gives you a variety of information about the sports on offer this year. 

HPE Requirements

Swimming in HPE lessons will commence in Week 2. Once students have their timetables on the first day, you will note the days they will have HPE. Further communication will come from their HPE teacher and core teacher. On HPE days, students are permitted to attend school in their PE uniform (regardless of whether it is a theory or a practical lesson).  

We have so many exciting things to celebrate in the year ahead at Clayfield College. The Primary staff and I look forward to being part of the educational journey of the children in Primary School and celebrating in their achievements throughout 2025.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this rather lengthy, although important letter. I hope it has provided you with sufficient information as you commence the school year. The beginning of a school year can be both an exciting and anxious phase as some little ones are starting school for the very first time. It has also been a long time away from school, and naturally, this may cause apprehension for some students. The Primary staff recognise and understand this and would like to support you in any way; please reach out if you require assistance.  

I am grateful to be leading the Primary School this year alongside our vibrant Primary Staff and Primary Leadership Team; Mrs Miriam Bryan, Mrs Robynne Bailey, Mrs Lauren Coote and Mrs Sarah Wyer; a team of devoted and enthusiastic staff. We look forward to sharing wonderful memories and developing a productive partnership with you to ensure our students achieve to their potential and continue to ‘let their light shine’ in the 2025 school year.  

Upcoming Key Dates

Yours sincerely, 

Mrs Audrey Fellowes 

Deputy Principal - Pastoral/Head of Primary 

afellowes@clayfield.qld.edu.au