Junior School Bulletin

It has been another positive and busy week in the Junior School, with a great deal happening across classrooms, co‑curricular activities and events. Thank you to the many families who took the time to read and respond to last week’s communication regarding Circular Drive. We have already noticed a slightly smoother traffic flow, and a few brief reminders are included below to help maintain this momentum. 

Well done to our Year 3 and Year 5 students who have been participating in the NAPLAN assessments this week, with testing continuing into next week. We are proud of the calm, focused approach students have shown and the way they have approached each assessment with a personal‑best mindset. As always, no single assessment defines a child’s learning journey, and it has been pleasing to see students giving their best effort. Thank you to our teachers and school support staff for the care, preparation and organisation that has ensured these assessments have run smoothly. 

Andrews Cup Swimming – Outstanding Results

Our Junior School team enjoyed a fantastic day at the Andrews Cup Swimming Championships on Monday, with some outstanding performances and results to celebrate. 

The girls finished second place in the Springfield Cup race, placed sixth overall, and were thrilled to take out the Percentage Cup - a wonderful reflection of the depth, effort and commitment shown across the entire team. 

Congratulations to all our swimmers for their determination and sportsmanship on the day, and sincere thanks to Amy Lewin and all staff involved for their excellent preparation, organisation and support. 

A great effort all round, well done to everyone involved. 

Circular Drive – Pickup and Drop‑off Reminders

Thank you for your continued support in helping Circular Drive operate as safely and efficiently as possible. As a brief reminder: 

• Circular Drive is for quick drop‑off and pick‑up only - parking or waiting is not permitted. 

• Students using Circular Drive need to be able to enter and exit the car independently, with parents remaining in their vehicle. 

• If your child is not ready when you arrive, please continue around the block and re‑enter rather than waiting in the drive. 

• Families requiring additional assistance are asked to park in surrounding streets and walk in. 

• Please avoid stopping on Gregory Street and follow all signage and traffic directions. 

• Where possible, enter Circular Drive from the Bayview Terrace end and note that right‑hand turns are not permitted when exiting. 

Small actions - being ready, keeping traffic moving and following directions - make a significant difference during busy periods. Ultimately, we want to make this process as efficient and easy as possible for our families, while not compromising student safety. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to review and refine this process. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of the Junior School. 

Harmony Day

Week 9 Tuesday 24 March | 10:30 to12:50pm | PE Centre | Prep to 12 

Clayfield College will celebrate Harmony Day, recognising Australian identity and the many cultures that make up our College community. The day is an opportunity to reflect on inclusivity, respect and belonging, and to celebrate the diversity that enriches our school. Students who are interested in processing under their nation/region please submit relevant information via the link below.

Assembly Calendar

Please find below the link to the Semester 1 Assembly Performance Calendar, which outlines the classes presenting at assemblies up until the mid‑year break. The Semester 2 calendar, featuring the remaining classes, will be shared in May. 

We would love for you to join us on the day of your child’s performance. Please find below Week 8 and Week 9 Class performances for Junior School Assembly.

• Tuesday 17 March: Junior School Assembly (4M performing)

• Tuesday 31 March: Junior School Assembly (3H and Year 3 Strings performing)

   

Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences

Thank you to all parents and caregivers who have registered for our upcoming Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences. We are very much looking forward to welcoming families on campus next week. 

Our Pre‑Prep to Year 6 conferences will be held from Tuesday 17 March to Thursday 19 March. Bookings have now closed, and we thank families for their cooperation in supporting the smooth organisation of these conferences. 

We kindly ask that families arrive promptly for their scheduled conference time and that meetings conclude as planned, to ensure all parents and students are provided with an equal and respectful opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher. 

These conversations between home and school are an important part of supporting student growth. They provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate strengths, and discuss next steps in learning. Students are encouraged to attend alongside their parents or caregivers in Prep to Year 6, as they have prepared for these conferences and value the opportunity to share and reflect on their learning. 

Should you wish to arrange a follow‑up discussion after the conference, we ask that this be organised directly with your child’s teacher at a mutually convenient time. 

We look forward to these important and meaningful conversations. 

No Phone Zone

Signs are up on our Pre-Prep entry gates to remind families that mobile phones should not be used in the Pre-Prep area when children are in attendance. This helps us comply with changes in the Early Childhood Education and Care Services National Regulations and the National Quality Standard that came into effect in September 2025. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to rbailey@clayfield.qld.edu.au or to the Pre-Prep team.  

What does independence look like?

Our Pre-Prep to Year 2 team has been talking about what independence looks like for each year level. This week our spotlight is on Year 2. Please find below a helpful website to support families.

Buddy Program

Classes in Pre-Prep to Year 6 have all been allocated their buddy class for the year. Cross‑grade buddy programs are powerful because they help students form meaningful connections beyond their year level, building a stronger sense of belonging across the school. 

For older students, it helps develop leadership, empathy, and nurturing skills as they support younger peers, while younger students gain confidence and benefit from having positive role models. Research shows that mixed‑age interactions strengthen communication, improve social‑emotional development, and enhance collaboration. By working and learning together, students at all ages grow in resilience, connection, and community spirit. 

Our Buddy Program at Clayfield is a simple yet impactful part of school life. The smiles say it all! 

Message from the Finance Team

Back to School Boost – Parent Account Credit

Eligible families will receive a $100 credit applied to their parent account as part of the Back to School Boost government initiative.

This credit applies to parents of children in Prep to Year 6 and will be automatically issued before the end of term. No action is required from families who are eligible.

If you have any questions regarding your parent account, please contact the Finance Office.