Senior School Bulletin

Staffing Update

Head of STEM, Mr Brett Steeples, will be moving on from Clayfield College to take a teaching position at San Sisto College. We thank Brett for his leadership of the STEM Department and wish him the very best as he transitions to this next opportunity in his career journey.

Coordinator Learning Enrichment Senior, Ms Rachael Mukauskas, has accepted a position at Queensland University of Technology. We thank Rachel for her contributions to the College and wish her the best for her next endeavour.

The College has commenced recruitment for these positions, and it will be our priority to ensure that all students are supported during this changeover period.

The beginning of a new term often brings small changes that invite us to see familiar places in a different way. During the first few days of Term 3, I have enjoyed watching our students reconnect, embrace new routines and support one another as they settled back into the life of our Senior School. It has been a reminder that while change can feel different for each of us, it also creates opportunities for new conversations, new perspectives and continued growth.

These moments remind us that growth often begins with a willingness to embrace something new. Whether it is approaching a learning challenge with greater confidence, trying a new activity or simply stepping outside our comfort zone, it is often those small decisions that lead to the greatest personal growth.

One of the things I value most about our Senior School is the way our students support one another through change. Over the past few days, I have seen many quiet examples of kindness and encouragement as students helped one another navigate new routines and settle quickly back into our community. These everyday moments strengthen the sense of belonging that is such an important part of our Senior School.

As Term 3 unfolds, there will be many opportunities for our students to learn, contribute and discover new strengths. I encourage each student to choose one area they would like to explore or improve this term. The goal does not need to be ambitious; what matters most is taking the first step and continuing to build from there.

Families might continue this conversation at home by asking, “What is one thing you would like to challenge yourself to do this term?” and “What is one small step you can take this week to begin?”

Welcome Back to Term 3

I hope all students and families enjoyed a restful and enjoyable holiday break and had the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends. Term 3, the start of Semester 2 is an exciting time in the academic year, providing a fresh opportunity for students to build on their achievements, embrace new challenges and continue their growth as learners.

As we begin the semester, all students are encouraged to approach their studies with enthusiasm, curiosity and determination. The habits established in the early weeks of term often set the tone for the months ahead and support further growth and success.

Progressive Reports

Progressive reports provided at the end of last term provide an important snapshot of student progress in Term 2 assessment, offering valuable feedback on student’s areas of success and areas for improvement.

Progressive reports are designed to support ongoing growth and improvement. They provide students with an opportunity to reflect on their strengths, identify areas for development and consider how their classroom habits and learning behaviours are contributing to their academic success.

Goal Setting for Term 3

One of the most effective ways for students to improve their learning outcomes is through purposeful goal setting. Over the coming weeks, all students will have the opportunity to develop academic goals for each of their subjects.

Working alongside their subject teachers and Heads of Department, students will reflect on their Semester 1 progress and identify specific, achievable goals that will guide their learning throughout the remainder of the year. This process encourages students to take ownership of their learning, recognise areas for growth and build upon their existing strengths.

Students will complete their goals in a Word document before submitting them through a Microsoft Form. As part of this process, students will be expected to share their completed goal setting word document with their parents or caregivers so that families are aware of these goals and can support their student’s progress throughout the term.

Goal setting provides students with a clear sense of direction and purpose. By identifying what they want to achieve, and the steps needed to get there, students are better able to stay focused, motivated and accountable for their learning.

Mindbridge Education Term 3 Tutoring

Students seeking additional academic support may wish to consider the on-campus tutoring program offered by Mindbridge Education, which is now accepting enrolments for Term 3.

The program provides small-group tutoring sessions with approximately four to five students per tutor, creating an environment where students can receive personalised support while also benefiting from collaborative learning. Sessions are led by 99+ ATAR tutors and high-achieving university students and are available across Mathematics, Science, English and a range of senior subjects.

Whether students are looking to build confidence, strengthen understanding of key concepts or prepare for future assessment, tutoring can be a valuable addition to their academic program.

New students receive their first session free, allowing families to explore the program and determine whether it is the right fit for their child.

To register for Term 3, please visit the link below. For further information, please contact info@mindbridgeedu.com.au.

Assessment Calendars

Assessment calendars for all assessment for Years 7 to 12 for Semester 2 will be available to students and parents/carers on Monday 27 July. By regularly referring to these calendars, students can plan ahead, manage their time effectively and avoid last-minute pressure. We encourage students to use the assessment calendar alongside their diary or digital planner to map out key dates, establish study routines and balance their academic commitments throughout the term. 

Academic Captains' Book Week Short Story Competition

All students are reminded of the Academic Captains, Megan Groundwater and Ema Costello’s Book Week Short Story Competition for students in Years 3 to 12.

This year's theme is a ‘A Light in the Dark’, offers students the opportunity to explore ideas of hope, resilience, discovery and transformation through creative writing. Students may choose to interpret the theme literally or metaphorically, and all genres are welcome.

Entries are due Friday 31 July, Term 3 Week 3. Please note this new due date.

Students may submit one story, and previously written pieces may be entered provided they connect clearly to the theme.

Word limits:

• Years 3 and 4: 500 words maximum
• Years 5 and 6: 500 words maximum
• Years 7 and 8: 700 words maximum
• Years 9 and 10: 800 words maximum

• Years 11 and 12: 1000 words maximum

   

The Academic Captains look forward to celebrating the creativity, imagination and talent of our student writers, with winners and runners-up announced at Assembly and recognised in The Collective later in the term.

Who Will Be Crowned the 2026 Arts Day Champion House?

The results are in, the points have been checked, and the competition has never been closer! After an incredible display of talent, creativity and House spirit on Arts Day 2026, the coveted title of Arts Day Champion House is ready to be awarded. Which House combined outstanding performances in both the Choral and Dance Competitions to claim overall victory?

The announcement will be made at our Week 4 Assembly. Be sure to join us as we celebrate the achievements of all Houses and reveal the 2026 Arts Day Champion! 

House Spirit Excellence

This week’s House Spirit Excellence award goes to Campbell House for their outstanding efforts in keeping their locker areas clean and organised. Well done to all members for demonstrating pride in their shared spaces and contributing to a positive school environment.

Locker Room Reminder

We are excited to see our Senior students settling into their newly organised locker areas, which provide a more practical and unified space for everyone. As we begin the term, students are reminded that the locker rooms are a drop-and-go zone and will only be open from 8:00am each day. Students are reminded to put their phones away by 8:20am, ensure no food is consumed in the locker areas and ensure the bathroom facilities are used if they need to change. If you misplaced an item during the locker clean-up, please check the locker room foyer or see Mr Walker.

Locker Locations: 

• Boys: Lower Level 
• Girls: Upper Level

Ashburn House Pyjama Day Fundraiser

Friday 24 July 2026

One of our favourite fundraising events is fast approaching. On Friday 24 July, students are invited to wear their pyjamas to school in support of children in foster care. 

Students should wear appropriate closed-in footwear and are reminded to bring their sports uniform if they have HPE lessons or sporting commitments on the day. 

Duke of Edinburgh – Adventurous Journey Opportunity

Students interested in completing their Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey are encouraged to register their interest for our September canoe expedition in the Noosa Everglades. This multi-day paddling experience provides a unique opportunity to develop resilience, teamwork and independence while exploring one of Australia’s most stunning natural environments. 

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a globally recognised program that supports students in building skills across service, physical recreation, adventurous journeys and personal development, and this canoe trip will contribute directly to the Adventurous Journey component through navigation, outdoor survival and leadership experiences. 

We are also excited to share that our Year 7 students will commence the Bridge Program in Semester 2 as an introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Bridge Program is designed to develop confidence, teamwork and foundational outdoor skills, preparing students for future participation in the Award. For further information or to express interest, please email Ms Greig at rgreig@clayfield.qld.edu.au.

How we Contribute to the Culture of the College

I hope families enjoyed a wonderful break and had the opportunity to spend some quality time together. As we begin another term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the kind of community we continue to build together here at Clayfield College.

At the heart of our Care@Clayfield pastoral care framework is the desire for every student to feel known, valued and understood. We know that young people thrive when they feel seen for who they are, when their strengths are recognised and when they know that the adults around them genuinely care about their wellbeing. This sense of connection and belonging is fundamental to both learning and personal growth. 

One of the ways we bring this to life is by encouraging student voice. When students feel safe and confident to share their ideas, opinions and concerns they develop a stronger sense of agency and belonging. Sometimes student voice is about contributing ideas, sometimes it is about asking for help and sometimes it is about speaking up when something doesn't feel right. Whatever the circumstance, we want our young people to know that their voice matters and that there are adults who are ready to listen.

This is particularly important in the context of our commitment to the Child Safe Standards. Creating a safe environment is not the responsibility of one person or one group, it belongs to all of us. Every student deserves to feel respected, supported and able to seek help when needed. By fostering open communication and trusting relationships between students, families and staff, we strengthen the culture of care that sits at the centre of our College community.

A phrase I often return to is, the behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept. While simple, it reminds us all that culture is built through everyday actions. Whether it is stepping in when someone is being excluded, challenging disrespectful language or checking in on a student who may be struggling, the small moments matter. Our young people watch how adults respond and they learn from the standards we are willing to uphold.

This connects closely with what I believe speaks volumes about character: two things that cost nothing are good manners and integrity. In a world that can sometimes feel rushed and impersonal, kindness, courtesy and honesty remain incredibly important. A greeting, a thank you, an apology when needed, including others, being truthful and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching… these simple acts help create the respectful and caring community we all want for our children.

As we move through the term, I encourage each of us - staff, students, parents - to consider how we contribute to the culture of the College community each day to create an environment where every young person can feel safe, connected and empowered to thrive.