Senior School Bulletin

There are some people we remember long after we have forgotten the details of a particular day, week or even year. Sometimes we remember them for something they said or did. More often, I think, we remember the way they made us feel.

Since joining Clayfield College at the beginning of this year, I have had the privilege of watching our Senior School students in all sorts of moments; the busy, the challenging, the exciting and the ordinary. What has struck me is how much of the experience of these years is shaped by the people around us. The friend who knows when to make you laugh, the teacher who encourages you to keep going, the student who quietly looks out for someone else, or the person who is simply there when you need them. These relationships are such an important part of what makes Senior School life what it is.

We don't always know which moments, or which people will stay with us. A conversation in passing, a shared laugh, someone cheering you on, or a person who noticed when you weren't quite yourself can become part of a memory without us realising it at the time. School life can move quickly, with one event following another, but the people we experience it with often become the part we remember.

I have also been reminded this year that our students are not only being shaped by the people around them; they are shaping the experience of others too. As they take on leadership, represent the College, perform, compete, support their friends and navigate the everyday challenges of Senior School, they are having an influence that they may not always recognise. A Year 12 student may not realise that a younger student is watching them. A friend may not know how much their encouragement mattered. Sometimes the greatest impact is made without us ever knowing it.

As we come to the end of the term, perhaps this is a lovely time to pause and think about the people who have made a difference to our experience this year. Not only the people who achieved something remarkable, but those who were there, who encouraged us, who made us laugh, or who helped us through something difficult. And perhaps, without even realising it, each of us has been that person for someone else.

We may not remember every detail of our time at school, but we will remember the people who were part of it.

Semester 2 Co-curricular/Group Photos

Term 4, Week 1 - Wednesday 7 October and Thursday 8 October 

Please see the Photo Schedule for Semester 2 Co-Curricular/Group Photos below. 

• Parents/Students please check the schedule for photo time and uniform requirements. 
• Students must arrive promptly for the time noted in the schedule. 
• Students appearing in photos which requires the Summer Formal Uniform, Sports or a specific uniform (i.e. QGSSSA) to be worn, must have the correct uniform, including correct jewellery, no make-up, neat hair and green ribbons, in order to participate in their photo on the day.  
• Note: This is the final year, in which the old uniform is to be worn and permitted for photos. 
• Students not in correct uniform will be unable to be in their photo. 

Teacher Education Scholarship Applications Open

Applications for the PMSA Teacher Education Scholarship (TES) are open.

The scholarship supports senior students who are planning to undertake studies in teaching or early childhood education.

Valued at $2,000 per year for up to four years, the scholarship aims to encourage and support the next generation of educators while fostering connections with PMSA schools throughout their studies and future careers.

Nominations now open for the myQCE Student Reference Group

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is recruiting new members for the myQCE Student Reference Group in 2027. 

The group gives students the chance to have their say about the QCE system processes and senior schooling. Queensland students who will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2027 are eligible to apply. The group meets four times per year via Microsoft Teams and membership is ongoing until students graduate from Year 12. 

Nominations close on Friday 9 October 2026 , for more information and to nominate, visit the myQCE website via the link below.

September Holidays Year 12 Study Bootcamp

Monday 21 September to Thursday 24 September

Tutors from MindBridge Education will be available each day from 9:00am to 12:30pm in The EDGE 3.1/3.2 to help students with questions or queries. If you are interested in this study opportunity, please follow the link below to pick the subject/s you would like assistance with and the session/s you will attend.

All QCE subjects offered at Clayfield College will be covered however, based on student interest, priority will be given to subjects that the cohort indicates are highest areas of need.

Reminder that all students are required to sign in on arrival and must leave the College campus at 12.30pm.

Happy End of Term 4!

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, I would like to congratulate all our students on their academic efforts and achievements throughout the semester.

Students have completed assessments, engaged in meaningful academic goal setting, reflected on their Progressive Reports, attended tutorials and worked diligently towards their academic goals. Our Year 11 and 12 students have also navigated their Block Examinations with maturity and determination, demonstrating the habits and resilience required for academic success.

Students have also participated in a range of academic extra-curricular opportunities including such as the Book Week Short Story Competition, Debating, Chess and Readers Cup to mention just a few. It has been wonderful to see students embracing opportunities both inside and beyond the classroom.

As we head into the break, I encourage all students to take the opportunity to rest and recharge. Holidays are an important time to spend with family and friends, pursue interests beyond the classroom and return refreshed for the final term of the year. While some students, particularly our Year 12 students may have study or preparation to complete, it is also important to find balance to enjoy a well-earned break.

Term 4 Mindbridge Tutoring

MindBridge Education's on-campus tutoring program will continue in Term 4.

Sessions will run on Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Upper LRC from Week 2 to Week 8.

During these sessions students will work in small groups with experienced tutors and can focus on consolidating learning, extending their understanding or preparing for upcoming assessment. 

Places are limited and will be allocated in order of registration. Further information and bookings can be made via the link below.

Chess Returns in Term 4

We are also pleased to share that Chess Club will return next term, running in Weeks 1 to 5 and Week 8.

Chess is an academic co-curricular opportunity aimed to encourage students to challenge themselves, connect with peers and develop important skills such as strategic thinking, problem solving, concentration and perseverance. Beyond the game itself, chess encourages students to think critically, consider multiple perspectives and learn from both success and setbacks.

Whether students are experienced players or looking to learn the game for the first time, we encourage them to get involved and take advantage of this engaging co-curricular opportunity. More details will be available in the Term 4 Week 1 Collective.

RUOK? Day - Taking Time to Connect

This year, our college community proudly recognised RUOK? Day, an important national initiative that reminds us of the power of meaningful conversations and the difference they can make in someone's life.

Throughout the day, students and staff were encouraged to take a moment to check in with one another and ask a simple but powerful question: “Are you okay?” While these three words may seem small, they can open the door to connection, support and understanding. RUOK? Day reinforces the message that looking after our mental wellbeing is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in creating a caring and inclusive community.

A range of activities were held across the College, providing opportunities for students to connect with peers, reflect on the importance of mental health and learn more about how to support friends who may be facing challenges. The strong level of engagement demonstrated our students' willingness to look out for one another and foster a culture of kindness and empathy.

In the Senior School, we know that young people navigate many pressures, including academic demands, work commitments, social relationships and future pathways. Days like RUOK? Day serve as a valuable reminder that support is available and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

We thank all students and staff who participated and contributed to making the day such a success. Most importantly, we encourage everyone to continue the conversation beyond RUOK? Day. Genuine care, active listening and regular check-ins can have a lasting impact on the wellbeing of those around us.

Remember: asking "Are you okay?" is only the beginning. Listening with compassion and staying connected can make all the difference.

House Changeover Dinner

Crazy Hair and Sock Day Youngman House Fundraiser

Friday 9 October 2026

Upcoming Events