Senior School Welcome

Welcome to Term 4

Dear Senior School Parents and Families

As we begin our final term, it is hard not to reflect on how much our students have experienced, learned and grown throughout the year. We have seen them take on new challenges, build confidence, develop friendships and discover more about themselves along the way. When we see our young people every day, we don't always notice the changes, but over time those small moments add up. We see it in greater confidence, growing independence and in the way they respond when things don't quite go to plan.

Our theme this year, Keep on getting Stronger, Keep on getting Wiser, speaks beautifully to this journey. It reminds us that growth is not about getting everything right. It is about learning from our experiences, having another go, making good choices and continuing to move forward.

There is still so much to look forward to in Term 4. For our Year 12 students, there is the growing realisation that their time at Clayfield is drawing to a close, while for our younger students there are still new experiences, goals and opportunities ahead. Across the Senior School, I hope our students make the most of these final weeks; the achievements, the friendships, the laughter and the everyday moments that make this time so special.

It will be wonderful to welcome all Senior School students back for the commencement of Term 4 on Tuesday 6 October. A particularly warm welcome to the new students and families joining our Senior School community this term. I look forward to seeing everyone back on campus and to sharing this final term of the year with you.

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. 

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.

• Staff can be contacted via email during the school week. Email addresses are the first initial of the teacher’s name and their surname with @clayfield.qld.edu.au. 

   

• Students are expected to take pride in their presentation by wearing the correct school uniform at all times, in line with the CollegeUniform Policy, and ensuring a neat, tidy appearance that reflects the standards of Clayfield College. Please refer to the Uniform Policy  for further information.

   

• Students are expected to support a focused and connected learning environment by following the College’s mobile phone and smart device procedures, with Years 7 to 9 securely storing phones at Main Reception on arrival and Years 10 to 12 keeping them switched off in lockers during the school day.

• Pastoral Care (PC) begins at 8:30am each morning and is an important time for roll marking, communication of Daily Notices, organisation, wellbeing support, and uniform checks, so please ensure students arrive on time and notify the College via the app of any late arrivals or appointments.

   

• Crocs Café offers healthy, nutritious options for Senior School students at breakfast, morning tea, and lunch, with orders placed via FlexiSchools (by 8:30am daily cut-off) or purchases made by EFTPOS, noting that mobile phones cannot be used for transactions during the school day in line with College policy.

Co-Curricular and Year 12 Photos

On Wednesday 7 October (Term 4, Week 1), the following co-curricular photos and cohort level photos are scheduled:

• 2026 Senior School Student Captains
• Year 12 Cohort
• Semester 2 Co-curricular

Please check the schedule for photo time and required uniform; all photos will be taken in the PE Centre.

A Community of Belonging, Respect and Responsibility

Every student has the right to learn in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. Clayfield College is committed to fostering a culture of care and connection, underpinned by clear expectations and shared accountability. This includes upholding the PMSA commitment to fair, inclusive and respectful learning environments, alongside the College values of Care, Integrity, Resilience and Respect.

High standards of behaviour are expected from all members of the community and are grounded in self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others and their property. In supporting this, we all share responsibility for promoting positive behaviour through our actions, communication and conduct.

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. All students arriving after 8:30am must sign in at Reception, and those leaving early must be signed out by a parent or carer.  

Please see the Parent Guide below for step by step instructions to submit a student absentee notification.

Longer-Term Absences (Three days or more)

We recognise that, at times, exceptional personal circumstances may require leave during term time (e.g. family emergencies); however, non-essential absences, including family holidays, are strongly discouraged and recorded as unauthorised. 

If your child will be absent for three or more consecutive school days, families are asked to complete an Extended Leave Application Form and submit it to absences@clayfield.qld.edu.au (with student name and class) prior to the leave period. All requests are reviewed by the relevant Director and recorded on reports.

Year 12 Arrangements for Weeks 1 to 6

In the lead up to the ATAR External Exams, our Year 12 students have been working hard, with many of them engaging in the Academic Boot Camp and Trial ATAR Exams over the holidays. We applaud those students who availed themselves of these additional opportunities to practice their content knowledge and skills and receive valuable feedback. 

Lessons and Tutorials 

Students will have regular timetabled lessons from Tuesday 6 October to Wednesday 14 October. Following this, from Thursday 15 October to Friday 23 October, they will have a Study Block during which they are be able to engage in scheduled tutorials as required. The updated Tutorial Schedule can be accessed using the link below. 

External Examination Protocols

On Wednesday 14 October, Mrs Eagle and Mrs Mohan will meet with the cohort to discuss External Examination protocols. This session will run from 10:40am to 11:30am in Room 17. All students must attend this session as important information regarding the External Exams will be shared. 

Speech Night Awards Assembly

On Wednesday 21 October, Speech Night Prize Winners will be announced in a special Assembly. This Assembly will commence at 8:30am and conclude at 9:30am. All Year 12 students are expected to attend this Assembly. 

External Examinations

The External Examinations commence on Monday 26 October and conclude on Friday 13 November (for the subjects offered at the College).  You can view the External Exam timetable using the link below. 

We wish our Year 12 students the very best with their study and preparations. As they navigate these final few weeks, our teachers, Heads of Department, Mrs Eagle and Mrs Mohan are here for any academic support or assistance they may require.

Years 7 to 12 Academic Procedures and Policies 

The Years 7 to 12 Academic Procedures and Policies Document provides an overview of all procedures and protocols that need to be adhered to by staff, students and parents with regards to: 

• Academic integrity
• Assessment
• Drafting, scaffolding, conferencing and feedback
• Subject changes, and
• AARA 

You can access the document via the link below. It is also available on Parent Lounge and Student Café under Links: Assessment and Reporting. 

Clayfield College Home Learning Policy

At Clayfield College we believe that home learning plays an important role in consolidating concepts and skills taught in the classroom. However, we also acknowledge that the expectations around home learning and the time associated with the same, are unique to different year levels, and as such will vary as students’ progress from Year 7 to Year 12. 

Criteria to Qualify for Academic Awards

Please find below the criteria to qualify for an academic award in Years 7 to 12. We draw your attention to the last paragraph which specifies the attendance requirements around qualifying for an award.

Tutorials

Our dedicated teaching staff offer tutorials to provide small group and individual support to students. Please find here the 2026 Term 4 Tutorial Schedule.

2026 Term Dates

To assist with your planning for the remainder of the school year and holidays, please find below the remaining school term dates for 2026.

Fundraiser Days  

Key Dates for Term 4

Supporting Our Young People

Thank you for the conversations we share, the encouragement you provide and the trust you place in us. The partnership between our families and the College is an important part of supporting our young people as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of Senior School. We look forward to continuing this work together throughout Term 4.

Warm regards

Mrs Natasha Podoliak

Director of Senior School