Junior School Bulletin

Year 5 and 6 Learning Hub and Upper Junior Program Information Session

A reminder that our Year 5 and 6 Learning Hub Parent Information Session will be held this evening, as per event details below. 

Families who have not yet registered are still very welcome to attend. 

The session will provide an overview of the Learning Hub model and the opportunities it will create for students as they move through Years 5 and 6. For families who are unable to attend, we will share the presentation and a separately recorded overview in the coming weeks.  

Event Details

• Date: Thursday 22 October 
• Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm 
• Venue: Clayfield College Chapel 

Year 5 Leadership Process

The nomination process for the 2027 Junior School Leadership Team has now commenced for our Year 5 students. Over the coming weeks, students will participate in a range of activities and opportunities designed to support reflection, growth and leadership development as part of the selection process. 

We are continually impressed by the enthusiasm with which students approach leadership opportunities, and we look forward to seeing them embrace the process. The successful candidates for a number of 2027 Junior School Leadership Team positions will be announced at the end of Term 4.

Andrews Cup AFL

Congratulations to all students who represented Clayfield College at the Andrews Cup AFL competition on Tuesday. I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit Summerfields and watched some of the games throughout the day. 

What impressed me most was the way our students approached the competition. They played with great heart, supported one another and represented the College exceptionally well. Regardless of the result, the positive attitude, resilience and sportsmanship they demonstrated were a credit to themselves, their families and the College community. 

Thank you also to Ms Lewin for her leadership of the program, and to the coaches who supported the teams both on the day and throughout the training and preparation leading into the competition. Their encouragement and commitment played an important role in making the experience such a positive one for our students. 

2027 Junior Orientation Day (Pre-Prep to Year 5)

We are looking forward to welcoming students to their 2027 Orientation Day experience on Friday 30 October. During the morning, students will spend time in their next year level, meet new classmates and take part in learning experiences designed for the year ahead. 

Please note that the teachers students work with on Orientation Day may not be their classroom teachers in 2027. As is often the case in the Junior School, some teachers may move between year levels from one year to the next. Class placements and teaching teams will be shared with families prior to the commencement of the new school year.  

Britton Shield Aquathlon

Unfortunately, the Britton Shield Aquathlon was postponed due to the inclement weather. We know many students were looking forward to participating and appreciate the flexibility shown by families following the change of plans. 

We remain hopeful that the event will be rescheduled and, once a new date is confirmed, details will be shared with families. We look forward to seeing our students embrace the opportunity when the competition is able to proceed.

Term 4 Save the Dates

Please visit the Upcoming Events page for details on Term 4 events. 

Key dates are listed below:

Year 5 and 6 Learning Hub Information Session - Thursday 22 October (Week 3)

Located in the College Chapel from 5:00pm to 6:00pm this session will share information regarding the Year 5 and 6 Learning Hub and opportunities available to students in 2027.

Junior Music Celebration Assembly - Tuesday 3 November (Week 6)

Located in the Assembly Hall from 2:20pm. Further details will be provided in due course. 

Junior School Semester 2 Sports Awards Assembly - Tuesday 10 November (Week 6)

Located in the PE Centre from 2:00pm. Further details will be provided in due course.

Speech Night: Year 6 Attendance - Tuesday 17 November (Week 7)

All Year 6 students continuing into Senior School at Clayfield College will participate in a special Speech Night presentation. Further details regarding bookings will be provided in due course. 

Year 6 Celebration Service and Function - Friday 27 November (Week 8)

Further details and booking information are shared via Upcoming Events.

Junior School Presentation Day - Wednesday 2 December (Week 9)

Pre-Prep to Year 6 Students are invited to attend. Further details and booking information will be shared via Upcoming Events.

Term 4 Class Leaders

This week in assembly we presented our new class leaders with their badges and certificates. Well done to all students chosen for these important leadership roles. 

2027 Student Leaders

We are excited to have shared information with current Year 5 students and families about the 2027 student leadership application process. Students have been encouraged to talk with their parents and caregivers about the roles they wish to apply for and complete the online form before next Wednesday. 

Chess Mates in Term 4

Chess Mates will be running on Mondays from 3:10pm to 4:10pm (Prep to Year 2) and Wednesdays from 3:20pm to 4:10pm (Years 3 to 12). Our friendly teachers make chess fun while building concentration, problem solving and confidence. Beginners are always welcome. Book online at chessmates.com.au/schools or call 0475 431 622.

Burragun Prep to Year 2 HASS Incursions

Last Thursday, Uncle Boomerang had our Prep to Year 2 students dancing, singing, throwing rubber boomerangs and asking many curious questions as they examined the large collection of First Nations artefacts he had brought in to show them. These included beautifully carved wooden toys, skins, Bush Tukka, strings made from native hibiscus and wax from native honeybees. In his discussions about Turrbal and Yagara seasons, we were reminded just how many seasonal markers we see around us every day. We will think differently next time we see a silky oak tree flowering or a magpie swooping.  

Please refer to Photo Gallery for highlights.

Stop, Drop and Roll

On Monday, Year 1 welcomed some very special guests. Four firefighters from Windsor Fire Station visited to teach our students what to do in the event of a fire or emergency. Firefighters Lawrence, Logan, Nick and Jason taught us how to make lots of noise if we were trapped in a fire and showed us the protective gear that firefighters wear.

Luthando M did a fantastic demonstration of how to ‘go, go, go’ when there is lots of smoke, while George C. demonstrated how to ‘stop, drop and roll’. Year 1 even received some homework from the firefighters! Students were challenged to memorise their parents’ phone numbers, learn their home address and check that their house has working smoke alarms. 

Please refer to Photo Gallery for highlights.

Year 3 Twilight Experience

Last Friday evening, our Year 3 students enjoyed a wonderful Twilight Experience, designed to strengthen friendships, build confidence and foster a strong sense of belonging across our Year 3 classes. The excitement of being at school after hours added to the occasion, with students eagerly embracing the opportunity to connect with peers and build new friendships. 

Working in mixed class groups, students participated in a variety of activities that encouraged teamwork, communication, problem-solving and creativity, including a hoop relay, grip ball competition, domino challenge and an orienteering-style treasure hunt. Throughout the evening, students demonstrated resilience and cooperation as they tackled challenges, solved problems and supported one another. A pizza dinner provided a welcome opportunity to relax and connect before the group settled in to enjoy a movie together. 'Big Ups' also gave students and staff the opportunity to celebrate those who stepped up, led by example and made a positive impact throughout the evening. 

Please refer to Photo Gallery for highlights.

Kokoda Leadership Experience

Last Thursday, our Year 5 students participated in the Kokoda Leadership Experience, an important step in preparing for the leadership opportunities and responsibilities that await them in Year 6. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to build character by reflecting on their individual strengths and considering when to step forward and lead, and when to step back and support others. 

Students completed a walk along the Mt Coot-tha Walking Trail and participated in a range of team challenges, including a rope challenge, bootcamp-style drills and the stretcher grand prix. These activities required collaboration, resilience and effective communication as students worked together to overcome obstacles and achieve shared goals. A highlight of the day was cooking their own burgers for lunch at the Grey Gum picnic area, showcasing their well-developed Food Technology skills. 

At various points throughout the experience, our instructor, Damon, shared insights into the Kokoda Campaign of World War II, educating students about the experiences and hardships faced by all those involved. These stories provided a powerful context for discussions about courage, sacrifice, resilience and leadership. 

All in all, it was a rewarding and memorable day, challenging students both physically and mentally, while providing a valuable foundation for their future journey as Year 6 leaders. 

Please refer to Photo Gallery for highlights.