Junior School Bulletin

We are well and truly back into the rhythm of Term 3, with classrooms full of energy and a busy calendar of learning, sport and community events already underway. 

This week, it was a pleasure to welcome our Short Stay students and their families to Clayfield College. The opportunity for students to learn alongside peers from different cultural backgrounds enriches the educational experience for everyone involved. Through these connections, students gain a broader understanding of the world, develop empathy and intercultural awareness and are encouraged to consider different perspectives. Clayfield College has a proud history of celebrating diversity and fostering global-mindedness, and we look forward to the many friendships and learning opportunities that will emerge during the coming weeks. 

Important AusAlert Information

AusAlert will be tested nationally on Monday 27 July 2026, with all compatible mobile devices across Australia receiving a test alert. 

In Queensland, the AusAlert national test will occur at 2.00pm.

As the test will take place during the school day, we will be asking any students who hand their mobile phones into Junior School Administration at the commencement of the school day to either turn off their devices or switch them to aeroplane mode. 

Supporting Students

A loud and unexpected alert may interrupt lessons and could cause some young people to feel concerned or unsettled. It is important to reassure students that AusAlerts are issued to help keep communities safe during emergencies.

The Australian Government has developed a range of resources for children and teenagers, available here. These resources include information about AusAlerts and an example of what the alert sounds like.

We encourage families to discuss the test with their child ahead of Monday. Staff will also support students by talking about the alert and its purpose prior to the test.

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Week 6

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held during Week 6. Information regarding conference schedules and booking procedures was shared with families by classroom teachers at the end of last week. Families are encouraged to refer to this information for details regarding available appointment times and booking instructions. 

Conference bookings will open this Saturday (25 July) at 9.00am and appointments will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

These conferences provide a valuable opportunity for parents, students and teachers to come together to celebrate progress, discuss areas for growth and establish goals for the remainder of the year. Students are encouraged to attend alongside their parents where possible. 

If families have any questions regarding conference arrangements, they are encouraged to contact their child's teacher in the first instance. 

Andrews Cup Football

On Tuesday, our Year 4 to 6 girls represented Clayfield College with great enthusiasm at the Andrews Cup Football Competition. 

Thank you to Ms Lewin and the coaching team for their support and preparation of the students leading into the event. Most importantly, congratulations to all students who competed throughout the day, demonstrating determination, teamwork and sportsmanship. It was wonderful to see so many smiles, displays of resilience and genuine enjoyment of the game. 

Andrews Cup Football Competition Results:

• A Division: 2nd
• C Division: Equal first
• Juniors: 7th

Year 4 and 5 Outdoor Education Camp

Our Year 4 and 5 students are currently enjoying their Outdoor Education Camp at QCCC Mapleton, with myself and several other staff members fortunate enough to be sharing in this experience alongside them. Students are embracing the opportunities on offer with enthusiasm and are demonstrating resilience, teamwork and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. 

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the planning and preparation of this important experience. It has been wonderful to see students challenge themselves, build new friendships and create lasting memories in a supportive outdoor environment. 

We look forward to sharing more about the camp and celebrating the many highlights of the week in next week's Collective, please refer to the Photo Gallery for the suite of camp departure images. 

Grandparents’ Day

We are delighted to invite grandparents and special friends to our annual Grandparents’ Day on Friday 21 August 2026. 

This much-loved Junior School event provides an opportunity for students to celebrate the important people in their lives by sharing their learning, spending time together in the Junior School, and creating special memories with family and friends. Please refer to the flyer below for further details.

To assist with planning, we ask that all grandparents and special friends intending to attend register by Friday 14 August. 

We look forward to welcoming our special visitors to Clayfield College for what is always one of the most cherished events on the Junior School calendar. Please see the attached invitation for further details.  

Ashburn House Pyjama Day Fundraiser

Friday 24 July 2026 

On Friday 24 July, Ashburn House will be raising funds for The Pyjama Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children living in foster care.

The Pyjama Foundation works to break the cycle of disadvantage by building positive, long-lasting relationships with children in foster care. Through consistent mentoring, educational support and the development of essential life skills, the Foundation helps children build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Their goal is to empower every child to reach their full potential, both during their time in care and into adulthood.

To show our support for this wonderful cause, all students and staff from Pre-Prep to Year 12 are invited to wear their favourite pyjamas to school on Friday 24 July.

Please note:

• Closed-in footwear must be worn (no slippers, Ugg boots or Crocs).
• Pyjamas should be appropriate for a school environment.

If you would like to make a donation to support The Pyjama Foundation, please go to the College website and navigate to the below page.

College website > pay online > donations>Ashburn House Fundraising

Campbell House Jeans for Genes Day Fundraiser

Friday 31 July 2026 

Next week, on Friday 31 July, all Junior and Senior students are invited to participate in Jeans for Genes Day, and can come to school dressed in appropriate denim attire. On this day, a bake sale will be available to students in Year 6 through to Year 12 in the Old Collegians' Courtyard at Lunch.

Every dollar we donate goes directly to the Children’s Medical Research Institute and helps find treatments and cures for children’s genetic diseases.  

Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff and the many opportunities that make our Junior School such a vibrant and connected community. I wish all families a wonderful weekend and look forward to sharing further highlights and celebrations with you in next week's Collective. 

Lunchtime Clubs in the Junior School

At Clayfield College, we know that most of our Junior School students love spending their breaks outdoors. Whether they are running, playing games with friends, exploring the playground, or enjoying active play, we strongly encourage children to make the most of these opportunities for movement, social connection and fresh air. 

At the same time, we recognise that not every child recharges in the same way. Some students prefer a quieter space to unwind, create, read, play a board game or engage in a focused activity during their lunch break. Our lunchtime clubs provide these alternative opportunities and help ensure there is something for everyone. 

We are always looking for ways to make our lunchtime offerings more engaging and inclusive. If your child has interests or ideas that are not currently reflected in our club roster, we would love to hear from you. Please share any suggestions for activities, clubs or quiet spaces that your child might enjoy, as parent feedback helps us continue to create a lunchtime program that meets the diverse needs and interests of our students. Please email me your thoughts at mbryan@clayfield.qld.edu.au  

Year 5 and 6 Canberra Tour

Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER)  

In Week 10 of this term, our Year 5 and 6 Students will undertake an educational tour of the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.  

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $90.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. 

Upon receipt of this rebate, a credit will be applied to your parent account by the accounts department. 

Term 3 and 4 Debating

Year 5 and 6 QDU Debating 

Students in Years 5 and 6 are invited to participate in Debating this Semester. This exciting opportunity to develop confidence, critical thinking and public speaking skills is being offered by Mrs San Miguel and Mrs Patterson this year. Training sessions will be held every Wednesday from 3:15pm to 4:15pm in Room 61 (5S). 

During these sessions, students will work together to research topics, construct persuasive arguments and practise debating techniques. Teams will find that they are required to commit additional time after hours to complete their debates. 

The competition is organised by Queensland Debating Union (QDU) between local primary schools and consists of four evening debates, commencing at 6:00pm, and will be hosted by Eagle Junction State School on the following dates: 

• Round 1: Thursday 20 August 
• Round 2: Thursday 10 September 
• Round 3: Thursday 15 October 

• Round 4: Thursday 5 November 

   

For each debate there will be a different topic area, prescribed by QDU and the allocation of the ‘affirmative’ or ‘negative’ team is randomly organised. Closer to each debate, students will find out which school they are up against. 

Debating is a fantastic way for students to strengthen their communication, teamwork and leadership skills while engaging with current issues and learning to present their ideas with confidence and respect. We look forward to another rewarding and successful season of debating. Please email esanmiguel@clayfield.qld.edu.au for further details. 

Bush School

This term, our Prep students have begun their Bush School outdoor learning program, which includes six immersive learning experiences at the Downfall Creek Bushlands Centre in Chermside West. During the first three sessions, students are participating in interactive programs led by bush rangers, exploring native animal habitats and learning about the things living creatures need to survive. Through hands-on activities and guided investigations, children are developing a deeper understanding of the local natural environment and its unique wildlife. 

This week, our visiting short-stay students joined the program and were delighted to experience the Australian bushland firsthand. It has been wonderful to see students learning together, asking thoughtful questions and embracing new discoveries.  

Design Technology - Parent Engagement

As part of their Design Technology unit, our Year 6 students were delighted to welcome parent guest speaker Joe Adsett, father of Julian, who generously shared his expertise as an architect. Students are currently working on a project to design their Dream Classroom and Outdoor Learning Space, following the design process of understanding user needs, researching ideas, developing concepts, creating design drawings and seeking feedback. 

Joe provided valuable insight into how these same processes are used in the real world, introducing students to the wide range of roles within an architectural firm and demonstrating how architects gather information from clients to develop a design brief. Through interactive examples and real-life experiences, he helped students understand the importance of balancing creativity with purpose and functionality. 

Joe also inspired students to think beyond conventional ideas by showing how nature can influence innovative design. Drawing on examples such as seed pods, flowers and coral, he explained how designers use the natural world as a source of inspiration when creating unique and practical spaces. 

Students were encouraged to be bold and imaginative with their designs while considering sustainability, materials and the needs of those who will use the space. We extend our sincere thanks to Joe for sharing his time, knowledge and passion with our students. His visit provided a memorable and authentic learning experience that will undoubtedly inspire the exciting designs students create in the coming weeks. 

Learning Through Experience - Year 6 Excursion to Fort Lytton

Year 6 students recently participated in an engaging living history excursion to Fort Lytton as part of their Unit of Inquiry exploring the social, economic and political causes and effects of immigration. Travelling by boat along the Brisbane River before arriving at Fort Lytton, students were immersed in a series of interactive and theatrical experiences that brought Australia's migration history to life. Throughout the day, talented actors portrayed different waves of migration and demonstrated the processes migrants experienced when arriving in Australia. Students commented on how authentic the experience felt, with many feeling as though they were part of the historical events themselves. This meaningful and memorable excursion deepened students’ understanding of the important role immigration has played in shaping Australia’s multicultural society. 

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 7 August, Term 3 Week 4. 

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.