Junior School Welcome

Welcome Back to Term 4

Dear Junior School Parents and Families

Welcome back to Term 4. I hope all Junior School families enjoyed a restful and refreshing holiday break and had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

As we begin the final term of the year, we look forward to another exciting season of learning, growth, celebration and community across the Junior School. Term 4 is always a special time as we celebrate the progress students have made throughout the year while also beginning to prepare them for the opportunities and transitions that lie ahead in 2027.

It is also a valuable opportunity for students to continue developing independence, organisation and personal responsibility as they prepare for next year and beyond.

Before the break, our Year 5 and 6 students returned from an outstanding week in Canberra. The tour provided rich opportunities for learning, reflection, friendship and personal growth, and our students represented Clayfield College with pride. I would like to sincerely thank the staff who supported this experience and the families who entrusted us with their children throughout the week.

Staffing and Program Updates

As we commence Term 4, I would like to acknowledge a number of staffing updates within the Junior School.

We warmly welcome back Ms Peta Richardson following her Long Service Leave. I would like to sincerely thank Ms Ebony Woolnough for the outstanding care, professionalism and continuity she provided throughout Term 3 while supporting students and staff during Peta's absence.

We also welcome Ms Maxine Moore, who will be teaching 5S during Mrs Esther San Miguel's maternity leave. We are grateful to Maxine for her flexibility in stepping into this role and look forward to the experience and expertise she will bring to the class.

Supporting this transition, Ms Sophie Wain will be stepping into Maxine's EAL Teacher Aide role for the term. We thank Sophie for her willingness to support these arrangements and ensure continuity for our students.

We also wish Mrs Alessandra Kiehne all the very best as she commences maternity leave. As Alessandra's leave began earlier than anticipated, we implemented a number of short-term arrangements towards the end of Term 3. We are now fortunate to welcome Ms Kim Crawford, who has been working within the Senior School, to support our Junior School Music program for Term 4.

As part of these arrangements, Ms Kim Crawford will teach Pre-Prep Music, while Mrs Saskia Greasley will teach Year 1 Music classes. We are grateful to both staff members for their flexibility and commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of learning for our students.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Years 5 and 6

At the end of last term, we shared exciting plans for the reimagining of our Year 5 and 6 precinct, including a connected Upper Junior Learning Hub and dedicated Junior School Science Lab scheduled to open in 2027. You can read more about this exciting project here. 

The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive. While the physical spaces are an important part of the project, the vision extends well beyond new classrooms. The initiative reflects our commitment to creating learning experiences that support belonging, specialist expertise, leadership, life skills and readiness for Senior School.

Throughout Term 4, we will begin sharing more information about the educational programs and opportunities that will accompany the launch of the Hub in 2027. Families will have opportunities later this term to learn more about the vision, ask questions and engage with the planning as we continue to shape this exciting next chapter for Years 5 and 6.

After School Club

Our After School Club program continues to operate Monday to Thursday for students in Years 1 to 6. 

After School Club provides a supervised environment for students after the school day and includes opportunities for homework, quiet activities, recreation and social connection with peers.

Families wishing to utilise this service are asked to register through Student Services via studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au with the following details:

• Child's Name
• Child's Class
• Preferred days for After School Club (eg. Mon - Thurs)

Places are limited, and bookings are required. 

Students in Years 1 to 3 must be collected by 4:30pm and students in Years 4 to 6 are to be collected by 5:00pm.

Further information regarding operating hours, collection procedures and booking arrangements is available through Student Services.

Student Absences and Extended Leave Applications

Regular attendance is essential to supporting student learning, wellbeing and participation in College life.

Short-Term Absences (Less than three days)

All short-term absences must be submitted via Parent Lounge, accessible via the College App and/or the College website before 8:20am. Planned short-term absences can also be logged in advance. Please see the Parent Guide below for step by step instructions to submit a student absentee notification.

Longer-Term Absences (Three days or more)

If your child will be absent for three or more consecutive school days, families are asked to complete the Extended Leave Application Form and submit it to absences@clayfield.qld.edu.au (with student name and class) prior to the leave period whenever possible.

Please note that family holidays taken during school term time are recorded as Unauthorised Absences in line with College and legislative requirements. Thank you for your support in helping students make the most of the learning opportunities available throughout the term.

Friendly Reminders

• The College App provides current information about events and activities, as well as important notices, alerts and a live school calendar. Please refer to the College App Guide linked below for further information.

• Parent Lounge provides up-to-date information including a student’s timetable, teachers, policy documents, excursion details, view Report Cards and schedule Parent Teacher interviews. Please refer to the following link for information on and access to Parent Lounge.

Keeping Family Details Current

As we commence the term, families are encouraged to ensure their contact, emergency and medical details remain up to date in Parent Lounge. Maintaining accurate records helps us communicate effectively and respond appropriately should the need arise.

Communication Channels

As a gentle reminder, the ways we will continue to communicate with you are outlined below, along with guidance on who to contact in the first instance should you need to reach out to our team. 

Useful Contacts

Week 1 Highlights

Monday 5 October

• King's Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 6 October

• Students return for Term 4
• Junior School Assembly

Wednesday 7 October

• Co-Curricular and Group Photos
• Semester 2 Co-curricular Groups Photo Schedule

Thursday 8 October

• Year 2 Star Lab Science Incursion

Friday 9 October

• Crazy Hair, Wig and Sock Day (Youngman House Fundraiser in support of the Kids' Cancer Project and Word's Greatest Shave - see Upcoming Events section)
• LUX Art Show
• World Mental Health Day Activities

Semester 2 Co-curricular/Group Photos

Wednesday 7 October and Thursday 8 October 

Please see below for the Semester 2 Co-Curricular/Group Photo schedule.

• Parents/Students please check the schedule for photo time and uniform requirements. 
• Students must arrive promptly for the time noted in the schedule. 
• Students appearing in photos which require the Summer Formal Uniform, Sports or a specific uniform (i.e. QGSSSA) to be worn, must have the correct uniform, including correct jewellery, no make-up, neat hair and green ribbons, to appear in their photo on the day.  
• Students not in correct uniform will be unable to be in their photo. 

Note: 2026 is the final year in which the previous Clayfield College uniform may be worn in official College photographs. 

Co-curricular/Group Lists 7 to 12: photo schedule and group lists (when finalised) will be published in student daily notices. 

Co-curricular/Group Lists 2 to 6: photo schedule and group lists (when finalised), printed for viewing in Primary Administration. 

Summer Uniform Reminder

A reminder that all Junior School students are expected to wear the College Summer Uniform throughout Term 4.

As the weather continues to warm, please ensure that:

• All uniform items are clearly named.
• Hats are brought to school each day and worn whenever students are outdoors.
• School shoes are clean and polished.

• Students are wearing the correct College socks and uniform items for their year level.

   

Families are encouraged to check that uniforms still fit comfortably following the holiday break and that any replacement items are purchased early if required. Thank you for your support in helping our students continue to represent Clayfield College with pride.

Sun Safety Reminder

As we move into the warmer months, students are reminded to bring their College hat and a named water bottle each day. Clayfield College is a Sun Safe school and all students are expected to wear their hat whenever they are outdoors.

Uniform Shop

Phone: 3262 0251

Email: clayfieldcollege@theuniformcompany.com.au

Before School Hours and Supervision

Please do not drop students at school before 7:30am, as staff supervision is not available prior to this time. 

No student should be on campus before 7:30am unless they are attending a scheduled co-curricular training session and proceed directly to that activity under the supervision of the relevant staff member or coach.

Students arriving before 8:00am must report to the Lower LRC, where supervision begins at 7:30am.

External Activity Providers

Please contact Alice David - Administrator and Reception Supervisor, via studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au, for any questions you may have regarding external activity providers.

Looking Ahead

Term 4 is always a busy and rewarding term, with many opportunities for students to learn, challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements. 

Some key events include:

Thank you

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. The relationship between home and school plays such an important role in every child's success, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us each day.

We look forward to a wonderful term ahead filled with learning, growth, celebration and new opportunities for every student in the Junior School.

Warm regards

Mr Damien Marshall

Director of Junior School