Junior School Bulletin

As we approach the final week of Term 1, there is plenty happening across the Junior School, alongside some important dates to note as we prepare for the term break and the start of Term 2. 

Last Day of Term 1

Please note that Wednesday 1 April is the final day of Term 1 for students, with normal dismissal at 3:10pm. As this is a shorter final week, we encourage families to keep an eye on routines, uniforms and key commitments as we wrap up the term. 

As we approach the final days of Term 1, we would like to thank our students, staff, and families for a positive and busy term. We appreciate the continued energy, care, and support shown across our community and look forward to finishing the week well before wishing everyone a safe and restful break. 

All Junior School staff wish our families a happy and restful Easter. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support of the College, our students, and staff. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school for Term 2 on Tuesday 21 April. 

Commencement of Term 2

All students will return for Term 2 on Tuesday 21 April (Week 1). We look forward to welcoming everyone back after the term break, refreshed and ready for the learning ahead. 

Student /Parent /Teacher Conferences

Thank you to all families who participated in the recent conferences. These conversations provided a valuable opportunity to connect at the end of a busy term. The focus of the meetings was on learning behaviours and goal setting, supporting students to reflect on their learning in Term 1 and consider how they will approach their learning moving forward. We will come together again at a similar point in Term 3 to review the goals set and reflect on each child’s progress. 

If you were unable to attend a conference and would like to speak with your child’s teacher, please feel free to contact them directly to arrange a suitable time. 

Winter Uniform Transition - Junior School

During Term 2, the Junior School will transition to the Winter Uniform. The timing of this change will be guided by the weather and will be communicated through The Collective. A one‑week transition period will apply, during which students may wear either the Summer Uniform or the Winter Uniform.

Please see the key information below.

Pre‑Prep

• The College tracksuit or navy fleecy jumper may be worn over the Pre‑Prep uniform.

   

Prep to Year 6

• Students may wear College navy knee‑length socks or navy stockings with the formal uniform.
• Only stockings and socks purchased through the Uniform Shop are acceptable.
• Year 6 students who choose to wear the long College trousers must wear College navy socks.
• The College jumper or vest may be worn with the formal uniform.

• The College tracksuit or navy fleecy jumper may be worn on HPE days only.

   

Thank you for your support in ensuring students are dressed appropriately as we move into the cooler months.

Britton Shield Touch Football

Our Britton Shield Touch Football teams competed last week and enjoyed a terrific day of competition. Despite challenging weather conditions at times, the boys showed great resilience, persisting with enthusiasm and commitment throughout the day. 

Students demonstrated strong skill development, a positive attitude and excellent sportsmanship. They represented the College with pride, consistently supporting one another and approaching each game with determination and team spirit. 

Results: 

• Under 8 (one team): 4th place out of five teams 
• Under 10 (two teams): 4th and 6th place out of seven teams 

• Under 12 (two teams): 2nd and 3rd place out of four teams 

   

We congratulate all students involved on their effort, attitude and commitment, and thank staff and families for their support on the day. 

Britton Shield Tennis

Our Britton Shield Tennis players have demonstrated great determination and resilience throughout the competition this week. Students approached training and match play with commitment and sportsmanship, continuing to develop their skills and confidence across the day. 

We are proud to congratulate our students on their fantastic performance, achieving 1st place in both the Red Ball and Green Ball events. Well done!

ANZAC Day

Prep to Year 12 students will commemorate ANZAC Day at our College assembly on Wednesday 22 April. 

Junior and Senior School students are also encouraged to attend the ANZAC Day service at Kalinga Park on Saturday 25 April, a long‑standing community event that has been attended by the Clayfield community and surrounding suburbs for over 100 years. It would be wonderful to see as many Clayfield College students as possible attend and march together as a school. 

• Location: Kalinga Park  
• Time: 6:45am for a 7:00am Service   

• Date: Saturday 25 April  

   

Students are asked to meet Mr Marshall and Mrs Podoliak at the corner of Park Avenue and Kalinga Street from 6:45am. Students are required to wear their full summer formal uniform (including hat) to represent Clayfield College with pride.

Pre-Prep to Year 1 Easter Bonnet Parade

Next week on Wednesday 1 April, Pre-Prep - Year 1 students will participate in their much-loved Easter Bonnet Parade. Bonnets will be prepared in class with no requirements from home. We welcome parents to join us for this event which will be held in the Chapel commencing at 2:15pm. You are welcome to take your child home at the end of the Parade. 

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 Prep. Please find below a helpful website to support families. 

Illuminate 2026

Junior School Enrichment and Extension 

Illuminate at Clayfield College is our academic extension and enrichment program designed to support students whose curiosity, thinking and learning needs extend beyond what is typically offered in the classroom. The program provides targeted opportunities for students to deepen their thinking, strengthen learning skills and engage in purposeful challenge. 

Years 5 and 6 

In 2026, Illuminate in Years 5 and 6 will operate as a cohesive, inquiry‑driven learning experience. Rather than working through separate subject‑based projects, students engage in a single, integrated inquiry that draws on skills and knowledge from multiple learning areas. All inquiries are connected through one unifying and meaningful theme: Our Shared Planet. 

Throughout the program, students undertake a sustained personal or paired inquiry that develops over time. They are supported to explore complex ideas connected to Our Shared Planet - such as environmental sustainability, human impact, wellbeing, technology or community responsibility. Students ask thoughtful questions, conduct research, consider multiple perspectives and refine their thinking as their inquiry evolves. Along the way, they build independence, responsibility and confidence in communicating their ideas clearly and purposefully. 

The Illuminate journey culminates in a presentation‑style showcase, where students share both their learning process and outcomes with an authentic audience. This celebration highlights the depth of students’ understanding, the skills they have developed and the impact of their thinking and is a highlight of the program each year. 

Years 3 and 4 

Students in Years 3 and 4 will have access to subject‑specific enrichment opportunities in English and Mathematics across Terms 2 and 3. Selected students may be invited to participate in learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom, providing opportunities to stretch their thinking and further develop skills, confidence and enjoyment of learning. 

These enrichment groups are flexible and responsive, informed by current student data and teacher professional judgement. This allows us to recognise strengths, respond to emerging needs and ensure learning opportunities remain purposeful and well balanced within each cohort. 

In addition, some students may be offered the opportunity to participate in a range of academic competitions, including the Da Vinci Decathlon, Readers Cup and the All-Hallows’ Maths Competition. We look forward to supporting students as they engage in these enriching experiences and celebrating their enthusiasm, effort and achievements. 

Further Information 

Participation in Illuminate and associated enrichment opportunities is by invitation. Individual families will be contacted before the end of term if their child is being invited to participate. 

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.