From the Deputy Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to the 2026 school year!
We hope you enjoyed a restful and refreshing break, and that your child is returning with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the exciting year ahead.
A new school year always brings a sense of possibility, fresh opportunities to learn, new challenges to embrace, and countless moments for personal and academic growth. We are delighted to be partnering with you once again as your daughters and sons take their next steps.
Our campus is already buzzing with anticipation. Staff have been preparing enthusiastically for the start of Term 1, ensuring classrooms, programs, and learning environments are ready to inspire curiosity and confidence from day one. The commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning community remains at the heart of everything we do.
2026 Team Clayfield
An important strategic commitment of the College is the ongoing development and growth of our teaching, corporate and support staff. We recognise that the strength of our College lies in the expertise, professionalism, and passion of the people who work with our students every day. By investing in staff development, we ensure that our learners benefit from high‑quality teaching, innovative practice, and a supportive environment that reflects current educational research and best practice.
This year, we continue to prioritise professional learning, leadership development, and the recruitment of talented leaders, educators and support staff who bring fresh perspectives and specialised skills to our community. We are delighted to welcome several new staff members to the College, each of whom will contribute meaningfully to our culture of excellence and our commitment to student success.
New Staff
Senior Leadership Team
Andrew Hines: Director of Corporate Services
Damien Marshall: Director of Junior School
Natasha Podoliak: Director of Senior School
Junior School
Suzie Cartledge: Teacher Aide
Emma Darbyshire: Teacher Aide
Katie Kosa: Prep Teacher
Maxine Moore: Teacher Aide
Senior School
Lisa Brodesser: Teacher Aide
Kimberley Crawford: Music Teacher
Melissa Graham: College Nurse
Natalie Horrobin: Careers Counsellor
Lilly Li: Mathematics Teacher
Rebecca McDonald: Teacher Aide
Shannon McGeady: English and Social Science Teacher
Belinda Pilgrim: English and Social Science Teacher
Sandra Yate: Teacher Aide
Boarding House
Sophie Giesemann: Boarding House Assistant - Residential
Sian Hernit: Boarding House Assistant - Residential
Sydney Martin: Boarding House Assistant and Tutor - Residential
Saxon McGregor: Boarding House Assistant - Residential
Additionally, current staff who are changing roles or taking on additional roles of responsibility include:
Senior School
Morgan Andrew: Head of Year 8
Katrina Ash: Campbell House Leader
Rebecca Geevarghese: Gibson House Leader
Amy Hayes: Head of Year 9
Travis McIntosh: Radcliffe House Leader (Terms 1 to 3)
Frank Sikalas: Technologies Coordinator
Sarah Zambelli: Mathematics Coordinator
Communication
As we begin this new year together, we look forward to celebrating achievements, sharing important updates, and keeping you connected with the many activities and initiatives that shape life at the College.
Communication Channels
Key communication channels include:
| Channel | Information |
|---|---|
| College App | Absences, notices, calendar |
| The Collective | Weekly bulletin (Junior, Senior, Boarding, Co-Curricular sections) |
| Parent Lounge | Report cards, timetables, student and medical details, permissions/sign-on for activities |
| School Diary | Student organisational tool, communication between home/school (Prep to Year 9) |
| Teacher/parent communication | |
| Class Dojo/Story Park | Learning moments (Junior School only) |
Who should you contact?
Useful Contact Details
| Deputy Principal | Mrs Lakshmi Mohan |
|
| Director of Junior School | Mr Damien Marshall | dmarshall@clayfield.qld.edu.au
|
| Director of Senior School | Mrs Natasha Podoliak | npodoliak@clayfield.qld.edu.au |
| Director of Boarding | Mrs Kathryn Searle |
|
| Chaplain | Rev Paul Yarrow |
|
| Dean of Curriculum | Mrs Kim Eagle |
|
| Dean of Senior School | Mr Adrian Walker |
|
| Dean of Wellbeing and Safeguarding | Ms Toni Kirton | tkirton@clayfield.qld.edu.au |
| Dean of Primary | Mrs Miriam Bryan |
|
| Head of Pre-Prep to Year 2 | Mrs Robynne Bailey |
|
| Years 3 to 6 Coordinator | Mrs Lauren Coote |
|
| Junior School Administration | Mrs Jenny Brumley Mrs Hannah Jenns | juniorschool@clayfield.qld.edu.au
|
| Main Reception | Mrs Alice David | info@clayfield.qld.edu.au |
We can’t wait to welcome our students back on campus and to embark on another wonderful year of learning and growth. We remain deeply grateful for the partnership, trust, and encouragement we receive from our College community. Thank you for your continued commitment to our shared vision and for the many ways you contribute to the life of our College. Your involvement plays an essential role in shaping a vibrant learning environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
Warm regards
Mrs Lakshmi Mohan
Deputy Principal