Secondary Bulletin

Illuminate Program Overview 

— Sari Weyer, Year 7

My name is Sari, I’m in Year 7, and as part of the Illuminate STEM Program this year, my partner Lucas and I worked on our science experiment titled Electroflocculation. Like our fellow STEM students, we conducted research, performed test runs, wrote conclusions and experiment reports, and experienced plenty of trial and error along the way!

 

Our completed experiment reports were then submitted to our amazing STEM teachers, Mr Steeples, Mr McIntosh, and Miss Wrakuale, with selected projects entered into The State Teachers Association Competition. Lucas and I are excited to share that our project is currently being judged (fingers crossed!). Other projects in STEM explored topics ranging from mould growth in hand sanitiser and flight performance affected by wing design, to the impact of sunscreen on plant growth.

On Friday 24 October, Clayfield College held the annual Illuminate Showcase, where students shared the incredible work they have completed through this year’s Illuminate programs. From science experiments and creative narratives to drama scenes and original music, students proudly presented their projects to parents, teachers, and peers.

 

The morning began with a presentation of participation certificates and student speeches from both Primary and Secondary, representing each Illuminate group, STEM, HEAL, and Creative Arts.

 

Overall, the Illuminate Program and Showcase were fantastic opportunities to share our knowledge, creativity, and curiosity with the wider College community.

Illuminate Showcase

On Friday 24 October, Clayfield College hosted its third Illuminate Showcase. The event included students receiving participation certificates and also provided an opportunity for students to share their Illuminate projects with the wider College community.

The 2025 HEAL (Humanities, English and EAL) Illuminate Program invited students to push the boundaries of their creativity and critical thinking through an in-depth exploration of the concept of 'fearless.'

The STEM Illuminate Program offered a unique opportunity for students to participate in a STEM challenge or investigation focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

The Creative Arts (Music) Illuminate Program gave students who were interested in challenging themselves musically the opportunity to develop and extend their musicianship skills through a variety of music technology activities.

Year 12 Families

Missed open days earlier in Term 3?

Several universities offer campus tours on school holidays for Year 12 students and their families, and registration is online. Here are four of the major universities in Southeast Queensland offering tours during the holidays:

• University of Queensland Campus Tour
• Queensland University Technology Campus Tour
• Griffith University Campus Tour
• Australian Catholic University Campus Tour

Casual Jobs for Clayfield Students

Grill'd and Eat Street are looking for casual hospitality workers. The flyers for these opportunities are now online:

Work and Study in 2026!

Queensland Health is offering a Podiatry Trainee Program, giving students the opportunity to be mentored and gain hands-on experience working with podiatrists while they study.

Two local accounting firms have also contacted Clayfield about their 2026 cadetship programs, allowing students to work while studying accounting or commerce.

Find out more online:

QTAC Applications

A reminder that QTAC applications are now open. The application fee is $70 until 30 September. From 1 October, the fee increases to $150.

For key dates and more information, visit the QTAC website:

Interhouse Debating Challenge

The Interhouse debating challenge is the first of its kind for many years at Clayfield College. There is stirring enthusiasm as each House prepares the research and planning required for the arguing for or against their respective topic. 

The House who wins will do so from the shared experience of teamwork, communication, goodwill, and preparation. The ultimate challenge for the winning House will be to then succeed over the debating team made up of teaching staff; many of whom who are luminaries with many years of experience in the debating world.

The most successful team will close the year as revolutionaries in their legend being known to future generations as The Clayfield College debating champions of 2025.

The Clayfield Spirit Games House Spirit Photo Competition 

The Clayfield Spirit Games brought an incredible sense of energy, teamwork and fun across the Secondary School, as the Main Oval came alive with laughter and encouragement during egg-and-spoon races, relay challenges, creative ball games, sack races and even a water balloon challenge, all showcasing the true essence of House spirit. 

The winning photo is Youngman House.  This action shot captured the spirit of Clayfield perfectly, reflecting the joy, unity and friendly competition that defines our community.

Year 10 Camp

Last week the Year 10 cohort embarked on the next phase of their leadership preparation; Year 10 Camp. Hosted at Emu Gully’s Helidon Spa location, the camp foregrounded the ANZAC qualities of teamwork, leadership, courage and resilience. 

Before each activity, facilitators set the scene with an inspirational story from Australian military history designed to inspire students with the attributes needed to successfully complete their task. Students then found themselves tasked with a range of challenges that pushed them out of their comfort zone and encouraged them to reflect on their teamwork and leadership. 

Highlights included racing to get the whole group through a series of underground tunnels without being spotted, working together to carry ‘wounded casualties’ through muddy terrain and communicating blindfolded to rescue a teammate. Through all the activities students were pushed to work through the challenges as a group, listen to one another and problem solve collaboratively. 

Whilst many experienced moments of frustration, the sense of accomplishment at achieving their goals was palpable. Nightly debriefs provided an opportunity to reflect and shout-out others in the group who had helped them that day, fostering strong bonds across the cohort.

I thank all the students who attended for their positive and can-do attitude to everything that was asked of them. I would also like to thank on their behalf Mr McIntosh, Ms Andrew and Ms Rossow for giving up their time to ensure that camp was a safe and enjoyable experience for all.