Senior School Bulletin

One of the moments that has stayed with me from last week was our College NAIDOC Assembly, led by our Senior School students. I came away feeling incredibly proud of the care with which they shared their stories and the respect shown by students and staff across our community. It was a reminder that one of the most meaningful ways we contribute to any community is by taking the time to listen, to learn from one another and to value perspectives that may be different from our own.

As I reflected on this moment, I found myself thinking about how often we are encouraged to have our own voice heard. Yet some of the most meaningful learning comes when we choose to listen with curiosity and respect. It is through listening that we begin to understand experiences beyond our own, challenge our assumptions and grow in empathy. What I found particularly meaningful was seeing these values reflected through student leadership. Our Senior School students demonstrated that leadership is not only about being heard; it is also about listening, understanding and creating space for others. When we do this, we strengthen the relationships that sit at the heart of Clayfield College. 

Our Senior School students have many opportunities each day to contribute positively to the communities they are part of. Often, this is not through grand gestures, but through the simple choices they make: 

• Taking the time to listen, including others, showing respect and being open to learning from different perspectives. These moments may seem small, yet they are the actions that shape the culture of our College and influence the way we show up for one another each day.

Families might continue this conversation at home by asking, “What is something you learned by listening to someone else's perspective this week?” and “How did that change the way you thought about a person or situation?”

Important AusAlert Information

AusAlert will be tested nationally on Monday 27 July 2026, with all compatible mobile devices across Australia receiving a test alert. Students who have a compatible device may receive the alert during school hours.

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

As the test will take place during the school day, we ask students to either turn off their devices or switch them to aeroplane mode on Monday morning before:

• handing them into Main Reception (Years 7 to 9); or

• securely storing them in their lockers (Years 10 to 12).

   

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.

The Importance of Creativity

In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological change, one human capability continues to stand out as irreplaceable: creativity. While knowledge remains important, it is creativity, the ability to generate new ideas, solve problems, innovate and adapt, that will enable our students to thrive in the future.

Global employers are placing growing value on creative thinking. The World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies creative thinking as one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after workplace skills, alongside analytical thinking, resilience and technological literacy. 

Creativity is not simply an enrichment activity or an optional extra. It is a fundamental capability that helps young people become adaptable, confident and innovative learners prepared for a future that is impossible to predict fully today.

The Arts provide some of the most powerful opportunities for students to develop creative thinking.

• Music challenges students to listen deeply, interpret meaning, make artistic decisions and express ideas through sound. Whether composing or performing, students learn to experiment, refine and take creative risks. Music teaches persistence, problem-solving and innovation, qualities that are essential in any future career.
• Drama encourages students to imagine new perspectives, explore complex situations and communicate ideas with confidence. Through improvisation, role-play and performance, students learn to think on their feet, collaborate and respond creatively to challenges. Drama develops empathy and adaptability, helping students understand different viewpoints and navigate an increasingly diverse world.

• Visual Art empowers students to transform ideas into tangible creations. Through drawing, painting, design, sculpture and digital media, students learn to observe carefully, think critically and communicate visually. The creative process encourages experimentation, reflection and resilience as students develop original responses and discover that multiple solutions can exist to a single challenge.

   

Collectively, the Arts teaches students that innovation often emerges through curiosity, exploration and persistence. They learn that mistakes are not failures but opportunities for growth and discovery.

Creativity is not confined to the Arts. Language learning also plays a significant role in developing creative and flexible thinking. When students learn another language, they gain more than vocabulary and grammar. They learn to view the world through a different cultural lens. They develop the ability to interpret meaning, communicate ideas in multiple ways and navigate unfamiliar situations. This process strengthens cognitive flexibility- the capacity to shift perspectives, think creatively and adapt to new contexts. Language learners become more confident communicators, more empathetic global citizens and more capable problem-solvers. In a globally connected world, these attributes are invaluable.

Creativity also contributes significantly to students’ wellbeing and engagement. Creative learning encourages curiosity, agency and personal expression. Students who are given opportunities to create, perform, design and explore often develop greater confidence in themselves as learners. They discover that they can generate ideas, solve problems and contribute positively to their communities.

At Clayfield College we aim to provide students a wide variety of opportunities to be creative and express themselves. As we commence Term 3 we are looking forward to an array of activities from our singers working with acclaimed artist Ben Lee at On the Green to our drama students taking part in the Queensland Theatre Project, to our Language students participating in the Language competition and our budding artists preparing their works for the LUX exhibition. We look forward to sharing these creative moments with you.

Celebrating Spanish Language and Culture

Our Senior Spanish students recently enjoyed two memorable cultural learning experiences that brought language to life beyond the classroom.

During Senior Spanish Day, students explored Hispanic culture through interactive workshops in art, salsa dancing and Latin American cooking, led by local experts and community members. From reflecting on identity and belonging to learning salsa and preparing traditional arepas, students experienced the richness and diversity of the Spanish-speaking world in authentic and meaningful ways.

Our Year 11 and 12 students also attended the Spanish Film Festival, where they enjoyed lunch at a Hispanic restaurant, ordering and interacting in Spanish before watching the contemporary Spanish-language film Los Domingos (Sundays). These real-world experiences strengthened students' language skills while deepening their intercultural understanding and appreciation of Hispanic cultures.

At Clayfield College, we believe language learning extends far beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for students to become confident communicators and globally minded citizens.

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 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.

House Spirit Excellence

This week’s House Excellence focus was ensuring lockers were secure with locks correctly attached. Congratulations to Youngman House, who demonstrated outstanding responsibility and organisation to take out the win.

Upcoming Focus Behaviours

• Week 3: Correct Uniform
• Week 4: Correct Equipment
• Week 5: Punctuality

• Week 6: Wearing of Hats, particularly during lunch breaks

   

Well done to all students for continuing to demonstrate pride in our College expectations.

Duke of Edinburgh

Students interested in completing their Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey are encouraged to register their interest in the upcoming Noosa Everglades canoe expedition this September.  This program is an exciting opportunity to develop resilience, teamwork and leadership skills in a stunning outdoor environment. We are also pleased to announce that Year 7 students will commence the Bridge Program in Semester 2, building confidence, teamwork and foundational outdoor skills as an introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. For further information or to express interest, please contact Ms Greig at rgreig@clayfield.qld.edu.au.

Ashburn House Pyjama Day Fundraiser

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.  

Conduct Beyond the College Gates: Letting Our Light Shine

Here at Clayfield College we place great importance on developing not only capable learners but also young people of character, integrity and compassion. While much of this growth occurs within the classroom and through College activities, the values we uphold are equally important beyond the College gates.

As members of our College community, students are ambassadors for themselves, their families and the College. Whether spending time with friends, participating in community events, attending sporting activities, travelling in public or engaging online, students are expected to conduct themselves in ways that reflect respect, responsibility and good citizenship.

Our society is built upon laws that help keep people safe and ensure communities function well. Adhering to these laws is an important responsibility for all citizens. Equally important is demonstrating respect for others through our words, actions and decisions. Acts of kindness, consideration, honesty and accountability help create communities where everyone feels valued and safe.

In today's connected world, this responsibility extends to online spaces. Digital interactions should be guided by the same principles we expect in face-to-face relationships: respect, empathy and integrity. Thoughtful choices online can have a positive impact, while poor decisions can have lasting consequences for both ourselves and others.

As a Christian community, we are reminded that our actions provide opportunities to reflect God's love and grace to those around us. Scripture encourages us to be positive influences in our communities:

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

This verse reminds us that our behaviour matters. Every interaction presents an opportunity to demonstrate kindness, respect and good character. By making wise choices and treating others with dignity, we can positively influence those around us and contribute to a stronger, safer and more caring community.

As we work together to guide and support our young people, let us continue to encourage the qualities that define respectful citizenship: integrity, compassion, responsibility and respect for others. Every positive choice, whether made at school, at home, online or in the wider community, helps build a culture of trust and belonging. By caring for one another and acting in ways that reflect both our College values and our Christian faith, we strengthen not only our College community but also the communities in which we live, serve and belong.