Senior School Bulletin

NAPLAN Testing

NAPLAN testing for students in Years 7 and 9 will commence on Wednesday 11 March and continue through Thursday 12 March, Friday 13 March and Monday 16 March.  Testing on Wednesday will be after Morning Tea in lessons 2 and 3. On all other days testing will occur in lessons 1 and 2. 

NAPLAN is a national assessment program that provides valuable information about student learning progress in literacy and numeracy. The results help identify strengths and areas for improvement so that teaching and learning can be further supported.

To ensure students are fully prepared, they should have the following with them for every day of NAPLAN testing:

• A fully charged device
• Wired headphones

• A pencil

   

Students should visit the IT Department before test day if there are any concerns about their NAP Locked Down browser installation. We encourage all students to try their absolute best. We look forward to them demonstrating the skills and understanding they have developed.

After School Tutoring Opportunity with MindBridge Education

Clayfield College is pleased to announce an optional after school tutoring opportunity for students in Year 7 to 12. The tutoring program, delivered by Mindbridge Education, will run here at the College and will provide structured academic support in Year 7 to 12 subjects in a focused and supervised environment. 

Whilst the tutoring is facilitated and run by Mindbridge Education, a Clayfield College staff member will be present during tutoring sessions.

Sessions are two hours in duration and follow a research‑based Pomodoro 50‑20‑50 study structure designed to maximise focus, strengthen understanding, and improve retention. Students are supported in small groups with a 1 to 4 or 1 to 5 tutor to student ratio, ensuring personalised guidance and meaningful academic support.

The program is delivered by 99+ ATAR tutors and high performing university students with strong academic backgrounds and mentoring experience. Pricing is $50 per session when paid in full for the term or $60 per session with weekly payments.

To assist with Mindbridge’s planning, families are invited to register their interest below.

Expression of Interest Form:https://mindbridgeedu.com.au/clayfieldcollege-eoi

If you have any questions about this after school tutoring opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact info@mindbridgeedu.com.au

Year 10 to 12 Block

The Year 10 to 12 block will begin in Week 8. Timetables will be distributed to students by the end of this week. Additional information about block arrangements will be provided in next week’s Collective, however, we hope all Year 10 to12 students are already planning and preparing for this exam block.

A Learner at Clayfield College

This week and next, all students are being reminded of the attributes of an effective learner here at Clayfield College. This information is shared below. Staff and students have been discussing the meaning of each of these attributes and have been sharing examples of how students can actively demonstrate these attributes in the learning environment. 

There is something powerful about the way our Clayfield community cares for one another. Over the past week, I have noticed students pausing in busy corridors to check in on a friend, helping a peer work through a challenging task, and sharing notes after a lesson to ensure no one falls behind. These moments may seem small, but they speak volumes about the culture we are building together in our Senior School.

A strong community is not shaped by grand gestures alone. It is built through everyday choices: choosing to include, to assist, to listen, and to lead with integrity. When our students take responsibility not only for their own learning but also for the wellbeing of those around them, they strengthen the sense of belonging that defines Clayfield College.

What continues to stand out to me is that leadership here takes many forms. Sometimes it is confident and visible; at other times it is quiet and steady. Both matter. Each positive action, however small, adds to the welcoming, vibrant spirit that sets our college apart.

This week, I encourage each student to intentionally notice someone else’s contribution to our community. Who has shown kindness? Who has demonstrated initiative or courage? Take a moment to acknowledge their effort or simply say thank you.

Families might continue the conversation at home by asking, “Who made a positive difference in your week?” When we recognise and celebrate the good in one another, we don’t just strengthen our community, we make Clayfield a place where everyone can thrive.

House Excellence

This term in the Senior School, the Director of Senior School is awarding a weekly Excellence point to the House that best demonstrates our focus behaviour. Our focus this week was Email etiquette. I received this email from Dana Solomon, a perfect example of clear and polite communication, please see as follows:

Dear Mr Walker,

 

I hope you are well.

 

Sara and I have ended up on a theme for Arts Day this year and is as follows:

 

Be strong, strive for the stars.

 

Thanks!

 

Kind Regards,

Dana

The winner of the Excellent Point this week is... Radcliffe House! Next week our focus is: no chewing gum is permitted at the College.

Kilvington Grammar Exchange

Years 8 to 9 Students | Kilvington Grammar School, Melbourne | 9 to 15 August

Expressions of interest are now open for the Kilvington Grammar Exchange. This program offers Years 8 to 9 students the opportunity to take part in a Parallel Learning exchange with Kilvington Grammar in Melbourne.

Kilvington students will first visit Clayfield College, creating opportunities for shared learning experiences and meaningful connections within our school community. Clayfield students will then travel to Melbourne, where they will be immersed in Kilvington’s vibrant school environment and participate in school life alongside their exchange partners.

This program is application based. For further information, please contact Mr Walker at awalker@clayfield.qld.edu.au.

Central Australia Service Trip

Discover the Red Centre’s dramatic and untamed landscapes on this cultural immersion and trek learning journey, exploring sections of the Larapinta Trail, the wonders of Kings Canyon, and the sacred sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. You’ll be immersed in one of the world’s most ancient landscapes through a combined cultural immersion, service program, and on-Country trekking experience, more information below. 

Who: Years 7 to 10

Where: Central Australia

When: 19 to 28 September 2026

Harmony Day

Week 9 Tuesday 24 March | 10:30 to12:50PM | PE Centre | Prep to 12 

Clayfield College will celebrate Harmony Day, recognising Australian identity and the many cultures that make up our College community. The day is an opportunity to reflect on inclusivity, respect and belonging, and to celebrate the diversity that enriches our school. Students who are interested in processing under their nation/region please submit relevant information via the link below.

Youngman House – Cancer Fundraiser

Some of you will remember The Big Chop from 2024. This year we’re planning on running a similar event. 30 students and staff donated their ponytails in 2024, raising $5k for child cancer research, and we hope that this year will be just as successful. 

As mentioned in Assembly last week on 9 October (Term 4), any students and staff will have the opportunity to donate a minimum of 20cm of their hair which will be turned into wigs for cancer and alopecia patients OR shave their hair to raise funds for the Leukemia Foundation. 

Clayfield’s Chop will run in conjunction with World Mental Health Day and Youngman’s fundraising event, Crazy Sock & Hair Day, with all proceeds going towards the Kids Cancer Project or The World’s Greatest Shave. 

If you can't donate your hair but would love to show your support, please donate to our campaign page, in which all funds go towards the two foundations. There will be more details to come out later once we have an estimation on how many people are planning to participate. If you have any questions feel free to email or come find Ema, Isabelle, Mimi, Bella, or Hayley (Year 12). 

If you are interested in donating or shaving your hair, please fill out the form linked below:

We hope to see many of you involved and remember there's time still time to grow your hair before October, so mark your calendars and get growing!

Pathways in Focus: Discovering Opportunities with UQ

Last Wednesday, our Year 10 Get Set for Work students and Year 11 and 12 Exit Preparation classes were delighted to welcome representatives from the University of Queensland (UQ).

Students heard about UQ Open Day on 2 August and learned more about what makes UQ a leading university, currently ranked number one in Queensland. The team shared insights into UQ’s strong industry partnerships, many of which are embedded directly into degree programs, along with its impressive global reach including more than 130 exchange partners across 30 countries. These opportunities provide students with pathways to gain real world experience and international perspectives during their studies.

A particular focus of the session was degrees and careers within Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Students explored how communication, critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving, often described as “soft skills”, are in fact highly transferable capabilities valued across a wide range of professions.

Experiences like these are a vital part of our Careers and Pathways program. Guest speakers enrich student learning by offering authentic insights, broadening awareness of post school options and creating valuable opportunities for questions and meaningful conversations. We thank UQ for their time and for inspiring our students to think confidently about their next steps. Stay tuned for Careers in STEM! 

Year 11 Students Shine at the Semi‑Formal

Our Year 11 girls brought joy, elegance and plenty of laughter to this year’s Semi‑Formal, held in the beautiful Alabaster Room at Victoria Park Function Centre. From the moment they arrived, it was clear the evening would be one to remember. Smiles were wide, spirits were high and the dance floor quickly became the heart of the celebration.

Dressed in an array of stunning outfits that showcased their individual styles, the students embraced the night with confidence and enthusiasm. Whether they were dancing with friends, posing for photos, or sharing stories outside on the deck, the sense of camaraderie was unmistakable. It was a wonderful reminder of how fun-spirited this cohort is as they journey through the senior phase of learning.

Members of the Senior Leadership Team and supervising staff were delighted to see the students enjoying themselves in such a positive and respectful way. The atmosphere was warm and uplifting and it was lovely to watch friendships strengthen and new memories form.