From the Principal

Over the last week, the College has held several sessions to support students with their subject selections for 2022 and beyond. I understand that these vital conversations are normally accompanied by questions about post-schooling options, a substantial amount of educational jargon and a varying level of fear about the unknown. 

From my perspective, the most important part of this journey is making an informed decision and clearly understanding the pathway options which is best suited to your learning journey. These information sessions and counselling interviews are all geared to assist every student to make the best possible decision. As a new initiative in 2021 Year 9 students will have the opportunity to select their subjects for Year 11 2023. Commencing this conversation earlier provides the opportunity to make an informed decision, support and extend learners as required and provide a greater understanding, assurance and certainty about the subjects which are offered at the College.  

I am aware that many myths circulate about the selection of subjects and what the journey towards post-schooling may or should look like. I recently came across an article (Choosing your senior school subjects doesn’t have to be scary. Here are 6 things to keep in mind.) written by Professor Bahr who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) and Professor of Education, at Southern Cross University dispelling some of these myths. I encourage you to take 5 minutes to read Professor Bahr’s thoughts.  

• Myth 1: You need an ATAR to go to university
• Myth 2: Your senior subjects majorly influence your career
• Myth 3: You should do ‘hard’ subjects to get a high ATAR
• Myth 4: Your ATAR will stand as the measure of your ability in the future
• Myth 5: Year 12 will be demanding and stressful
• Myth 6: Taking a VET subject in Year 11 or 12 will affect your ATAR

Professor Bahr suggests that these myths really lead to four key questions when selecting subjects:  

• What do you like?
• What comes easily to you?
• Will the selection give you variety in your day?
• In which subjects will you have the most fun?

I acknowledge and thank the staff who drive the subject selection process and encourage any member of our community who has any questions to please reach out. The subject selection process is driven by the Teaching and Learning Team which includes the following staff - Dean of Academic Administration (Mr. Richard Hardy) and the Heads of Department (Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan, Mrs. Angela Lockyer, Mrs. Kim Eagle, Ms. Chris Barnes, Mrs. Chantal Charter and Mrs. Meegan McLoughlin). 

CLAYFIELD COLLEGE 90TH ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER - POSTPONED

The Queensland Government has announced today that face mask restrictions will continue to apply for South East Queensland. Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your place of residence and can only be removed when seated for eating and drinking.

In light of today’s announcement, we have had to make the hard decision to postpone the 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner that was scheduled for tomorrow night. Unfortunately, these restrictions mean that we would not be able to have the pre-dinner drinks, dancing is only allowed with masks on, and we would not be able to mingle in the way that we would like.

We are disappointed and know this is a very challenging time for everyone, and we appreciate your understanding and support. 

We will be rescheduling this event to a later date. We remain excited to celebrate with you and will get back to you with more information on specific dates next week. Your registration will automatically be applied to the rescheduled event, but if you cannot attend, your ticket will be refunded.

I appreciate your understanding