Secondary Bulletin

Youngman House Fundraiser

On Friday 29 August, join Youngman House for a fun-filled crazy hair/wig and sock free dress day and bake sale (Secondary students only) to support The Kids’ Cancer Project! Enjoy delicious homemade treats and help raise funds for vital research that’s working hard to find kinder, more effective treatments for children battling cancer. Let’s mix a little fun with a whole lot of heart to make a real difference!

If you are travelling to school on public transport, you must wear your uniform and change at school.

Languages Teachers’ Queensland Speaking Competitions

On Sunday 3 August, more than 55 Clayfield College students from Years 4 to 12 proudly participated in the Languages Teachers’ Queensland (LTQ) Speaking Competitions. This annual event provides students with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their language skills, cultural understanding, and confidence in public speaking. 

Clayfield College was represented across both the Chinese and Spanish language programs, with students demonstrating outstanding preparation, perseverance, and enthusiasm. Each competitor dedicated many weeks to rehearsing their speeches, refining pronunciation, and practising fluency with the support of their teachers, peers, and families. Their commitment was evident on the day, as students spoke with clarity and confidence before an audience and adjudicators. 

Our Primary and Secondary Spanish students also excelled at the LTQ State and Brisbane Speech Competitions. Several placed in the top three across both competitions, with many receiving the prestigious Elite Award at the State event, an exceptional honour recognising outstanding performance. This year’s LTQ Speaking Competitions were an inspiring celebration of languages, culture, and learning.

2026 Leadership Speeches

Over the last week, we have been privileged to listen to the 2026 prospective captain speeches across all facets of the College. Our students impressed us with their leadership, courage, and passion as they spoke with conviction and vision, and we wish each of them the very best as they continue through the leadership application process.

It has been a busy Term 3 so far in the STEM Department!

At the end of last term, we welcomed our new technologies teacher: Frank Sikalas.

We are fortunate indeed to have a teacher that has such passion for Digital Technologies, Design, Engineering and Robotics!

International Mathematics Olympiad

In the June/July holidays, one of our Year 12 students, Caroline Zhang (pictured centre) was selected in the team to represent Australia in the International Mathematics Olympiad, and the team was awarded a Bronze Medal!

Science Week

A week of creativity and discovery that saw students dive into experiments, hands-on activities, and interactive events that brought science to life across the school, beginning on Monday with Kahoot activities in PC and a Scavenger Hunt at lunch. Throughout the week the students participated in a variety of science-based learning opportunities, ranging from making pinhole cameras to liquid nitrogen ice cream!

The Science Fair, held in the Assembly Hall, was the grand finale of Science Week! Students shared exciting experiments and creative projects, and everyone got involved.

Science week was a wonderful celebration of science at Clayfield College and congratulations must go to our Coordinator of Science, Mr McIntosh and the team of STEM ambassadors.

STEM Illuminate Program

Meanwhile our STEM Illuminate Program students continue with their research projects! 

THE EDGE

The opening of THE EDGE was a massive success! The space has quickly become a hub of innovation, with students fully immersed in the Design space and the Engineering workshop, bringing their ideas to life. 

Robotics Club 

The Clayfield College Robotics Club is up and running and hard at work under the guidance of Mr Sikalas and Mr Stemmet.

Why Rest Is Part of Success

As we pass the midpoint of the term and look ahead to exams, it is normal for stress levels to rise. Many of our students feel the pressure to constantly be doing more; more study, more training sessions, more extracurricular activities. While academic and co-curricular activities are a priority, one of the conversations I find myself having with students is about the importance of maintaining balance. 

When life gets busy and stress increases, the first things we tend to drop are often the very things that help us feel mentally well. This can be seen as, hanging out with friends, watching an episode of your favourite show, listening to a podcast, reading for enjoyment, spending time in nature, or simply doing something that brings you joy. These moments are not optional, they are essential. Engaging in regular self-care isn't about avoiding responsibility. It's about prioritising energy to meet your responsibilities in a healthy way. 

As the term ramps up, I encourage you to schedule in time for the things that help you recharge and feel good. I encourage you to make it as much a priority as your study sessions and extracurricular commitments. Investing in our mental health helps us achieve and feel our best. 

If you are finding it difficult to find balance or feel overwhelmed, please contact your Head of Year. Support is always available. 

Kelsey Lahey

College Counsellor 

Quick QTAC Facts for Year 12 Families

This week in Exit Prep, Year 12 went through a slide deck for navigating their application portal by QTAC. The slide deck is now available to download on the Careers and Pathways website here:

Year 12 also created their ATAR portal registration during Exit Prep. It’s important to note that QTAC releases the ATARs through a different portal to the application portal.

QTAC Information Night

QTAC experts will walk you through key tips for a successful application. This session is perfect for students (and parents!) wanting to feel confident and prepared throughout the QTAC process. Don’t miss your chance to get insider advice straight from the source.

When: Wednesday 17 September

Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm

University Scholarships

Each fortnight, we publish the Options Careers Newsletter to our Careers and Pathways website, and every edition has information about scholarships, as well as informative careers articles and jobs information.

2026 PMSA Teacher Education Scholarships

Each year, the PMSA offers a limited number of Teacher Education Scholarships to selected current Year 12 students or recent graduates from our PMSA schools. 

The scholarship aims to foster a respect for the importance of education as a profession and enable aspiring educators to make a difference in the schools and communities they serve. The scholarships are each worth $2,000 per year for up to four years of study for suitable students entering an undergraduate teacher education degree or early childhood education course. 

Applications close 24 October 2025. This year’s proposed scholarship prospectus and the application timeline can be accessed here:

For Year 10, 11 and 12 Families

Have you checked out the Options Careers Newsletters we publish on the Careers and Pathways website? Each edition is a one stop shop of information for families about careers, jobs, and tertiary study.

Find the newsletter on the Careers and Pathways website here: 

Year 11 Semi Formal 2026