Junior School Bulletin

As we approach Mother’s Day, we look forward to welcoming our mothers and caregivers to the College tomorrow for our Mother’s Day Breakfast. It will be a special opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the care, generosity and commitment that sits at the heart of College life.

Moments such as these provide a timely reminder of the vital role parents play as partners in the educational journey. At the College, we know that children thrive most when there is a strong, trusting relationship between home and school - where families and staff work together with a shared understanding of each child’s needs, strengths and aspirations.

Our mothers, fathers and caregivers contribute in countless ways: supporting learning at home, reinforcing values, engaging participation in school life and working alongside staff to ensure every child feels known, valued and supported. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for the ongoing involvement of our families in shaping a positive and connected Junior School experience.

Junior School Winter Uniform Transition

As communicated previously, the Junior School will be moving into the Winter Uniform this term. We can now confirm that a one‑week transition period will commence this Monday 11 May, during which students may wear either the Summer or Winter Uniform.

We kindly ask that all students are wearing full Winter Uniform by Monday 18 May.

This transition period is intended to provide families with flexibility as the weather cools, while ensuring a consistent and respectful learning environment for all students.

Pre‑Prep 

• The College tracksuit or navy fleecy jumper may be worn over the Pre‑Prep uniform as needed. 

Prep to Year 6 

• Students may wear College navy knee‑length socks or navy stockings with the formal uniform. 
• Only stockings and socks purchased through the Uniform Shop are acceptable. 
• Year 6 students who wear long College trousers must wear College navy socks. 
• The College jumper or vest may be worn with the formal uniform. 
• The College tracksuit or navy fleecy jumper may be worn on HPE days only. 

Families are reminded to ensure uniform items are clearly labelled, particularly jumpers and fleeces, that may be removed during the day. 

For full details regarding winter uniform requirements, please refer to the Clayfield College Uniform Policy below. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.  

P&F Mother’s Day Stall

Our annual P&F Mother’s Day Stall will be held this Friday and it is always a much‑loved highlight for our Junior School students. We look forward to seeing our students enjoy the experience of selecting special gifts to take home, and the care and excitement with which they choose something for the important women in their lives.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the P&F and our parent volunteers who generously give their time, energy and support to make events such as this possible. Experiences like the Mother’s Day Stall not only creates special memories for our children but also reflects a strong partnership between families and the College that enriches life in the Junior School. We are very grateful for the continued support and involvement of our parent community.

Opus 1

On Wednesday evening, our Opus 1 Concert was a truly memorable celebration of music and community. It was wonderful to see students from across the Junior and Senior Schools perform with such confidence, maturity and enthusiasm, and to experience the breadth of musical talent across the College. 

The program featured performances from Avanti, Campo delle Voci, Ciao Bella, Corelli Strings, Faure Flutes, the Middle School String Quartet, Symphonic Winds and Viotti Strings, with each ensemble showcasing the results of sustained commitment, collaboration and practice. 

I was immensely proud of our students for the way they supported one another and embraced the joy of performance. I would also like to acknowledge and thank our dedicated music staff, whose guidance, expertise and encouragement underpin evenings such as this, as well as families for their continued support of the performing arts. It was a lovely evening and one that reflects the strength of our music program and wider school community. 

Britton Shield Cross Country

On Thursday, our Junior School boys represented the College with great determination and sportsmanship at the Britton Shield Cross Country, held at Limestone Park, Ipswich. It was terrific to see students approach the event with such commitment, resilience and team spirit, regardless of results. 

Congratulations to all students who competed and for their effort, perseverance and positive attitude displayed throughout the day. Events such as these provide valuable opportunities for students to challenge themselves, support one another and develop confidence beyond the classroom. 

Our sincere thanks go to the coaches and teachers who supported students on the day, both in preparation and on course, as well as to the parents and families who were able to attend and encourage the boys. Your support plays an important role in creating positive and memorable experiences for our students. 

Strengthening our Technological Foundation

Technology is a vital tool in the modern classroom, and ensuring our staff have access to the highest-quality equipment is essential for driving innovation. Since last term, in close collaboration with our IT Department, we have successfully deployed 85 new laptops to our staff.

These devices are specifically configured for the flexible nature of modern education. Whether staff are facilitating a lesson in the classroom or working remotely, the new system ensures that access is secure, files are synchronised and updates occur seamlessly in the background. This minimises downtime and allows our educators to stay focused on what they do best: delivering an exceptional learning experience for our students.

I would like to thank the IT department for their tireless efforts as they endeavour to optimise the digital landscape of the College.

AI-Powered Differentiation with Dr Nici Sweaney

We are constantly exploring how emerging technologies can be harnessed to deepen student engagement and personalise learning. On Thursday 14 May, we are excited to welcome Dr Nici Sweaney, founder of AI Her Way, to lead our upcoming Twilight PD session for teachers.

Dr Sweaney is a renowned expert in ethical AI strategy, and she will be facilitating a hands-on workshop specifically designed for our teaching staff. The session will focus on how Generative AI can be used for differentiation. Our teachers will explore practical ways to adapt instruction, customise content and design tailored feedback; ensuring that every student, regardless of their starting point, is met with the right level of challenge and support.

We are committed to ensuring our staff are not just AI-curious, but AI-capable. This session is a vital step in our ongoing journey to optimise our classroom practice while maintaining a human-centred, ethical approach to technology.

I would like to thank our teaching staff for their dedication to professional growth during these Twilight sessions as we work together to refine our digital pedagogy for the benefit of all students.

Life Education

From Friday this week, the Junior School will be welcoming back our Life Education presenter, Miss Natalie Hopsick for a week of learning with Healthy Harold. Students from Pre Prep to Year 6 will be timetabled for a session of age-appropriate learning aligned to the Australian National Curriculum Health and Physical Education Learning Area and General Capabilities.  

Each module is designed to inspire and empower students, providing knowledge, skills and strategies around topics of physical health, safety and social and emotional wellbeing through interactive learning experiences.  

Parents and carers are encouraged to access information and resources from the Life Education Team via the link below. 

For further information about your child’s session, please contact mbryan@clayfield.qld.edu.au 

Junior School Chess Competition 

Our partner provider, Chess Mates, has been enjoying weekly lessons with our Year 4 students this Semester, as well as strong attendance in their after-school program. To add to the fun and to continue to hone student chess strategies and skills, Chess Mates are offering a day of chess-filled excitement for interested students in Years 2 to 6. 

The competition will run on Thursday 11 June 2026. Registration is FREE for this friendly event - win or lose; every game is a chance to learn and grow as a chess player, all while enjoying the day. Medals will be awarded at the end of the event. 

How to Register: 

To secure your spot in our Term 2 Chess Competition, please reach out to Miriam Bryan, mbryan@clayfiled.qld.edu.au. 

Under Eights Day Activities

Friday 15 May  

Our Pre-Prep to Year 3 students look forward to a morning of fun and play during school on Friday 15 May in Lessons 1 and 2 to celebrate Under Eights Week. Our teachers and support staff have preparations under way for a wonderful selection of games and activities that will be available in our classrooms and playgrounds. Students are invited to come to school in their HPE uniforms for the day.   

Year 1 and 2 Incursions - Step into History

This week, our Year 1 and 2 students took part in exciting ‘Step Into History’ incursions connected to their Semester 2 History and Social Science unit. Their incursions involved fun, hands‑on learning experiences that brought the past to life in an engaging and memorable way. 

On Wednesday, the Year 2 students rotated through four interactive stations to experience Writing, Cleaning activities, Toys and Games, and Technology from the past. Our special thanks go to the parent volunteers who supported these activities.  

On Thursday, the Year 1 students went back in time to play with a range of toys and puppets from the past including spinning tops, jack-in-the-boxes, elastics, skittles, quoits, dominoes, hobby horses, pick-up sticks, jacks, skipping ropes, matchbox cars and dolls. 

Junior School Captains - Responsibility and Innovation

This term, our Junior School Captains have demonstrated responsibility and initiative through a range of purposeful leadership activities. A highlight has been the return of the Junior School flagpole to daily use, with Junior School, House and Sports Captains participating in a structured flag roster. Working in pairs, each group takes responsibility for a full week, ensuring the flag is respectfully raised each morning and lowered at the end of the day. This meaningful formality has been embraced with pride and care, reflecting the Captains’ commitment to upholding school traditions and modelling respectful behaviour for others. 

The Captains have also led several student-focused initiatives that reinforce inclusion and innovation. They proudly awarded Xavier Gunn as the Term 1 Sportsperson of the Term, recognising his fairness, honesty, integrity and leadership as a positive role model. Designed and voted on by students, this award reflects authentic student voice and was created to promote sportsmanship and inclusivity across the playground. 

Looking ahead, the Captains are launching the first of their ‘Friday Oval Lunchtime Sports’ this week, beginning with small field soccer, organised and led by the students themselves. The confidence, responsibility and creativity demonstrated through these initiatives reinforce why being a Junior School Captain is such a valued and memorable part of the Year 6 experience at Clayfield College.