Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I trust your children are settling back into the rhythm of the school routine. It was wonderful to see the students eagerly participating in the Interhouse Cross Country events last week. Their Clayfield spirit was evident, as they proudly competed for their Houses with determination and tenacity. It was also wonderful to see so many members of our Clayfield community at the finish line cheering on and congratulating the students for their achievements. Following on in the theme of determination, we have a number of students who embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Silver Adventurous Journey yesterday. This journey involves a sailing trip on Moreton Bay for six nights. We wish these students all the best as they test their outdoor skills and resilience.

Thank you to all who attended our Care@Clayfield parent event this week. Dr Justin Coulson's presentation was well attended with over 150 attending in person and more online. Dr Coulson shared what anxiety looks like and provided simple strategies for parents and caregivers to help children and teenagers overcome worry, fear and panic. Next term, we will have clinical psychologist, Dr Judith Locke, join us for our third Care@Clayfield parent event. More information about this event will be shared in due course. 

I'm pleased to share that the refurbishment of the Visual Arts Rooms is now complete. The rooms are great, functional spaces specifically designed for the students to have the space to create, learn and refine their artistic skills. Due to unforeseen circumstances, there has been a slight delay with the finalisation of the Primary Playground Project, but I have been assured it will be completed by early to mid-May. Both staff and students are eagerly anticipating this! The next upcoming capital project will focus on the Design Technology Workshops and GLA rooms, situated in the current location of MU2. The project has gone to tender and we expect the site establishment and demolition of MU2 to commence over the June/July holiday period. The Design Technology spaces will have a real FABLAB/Future Innovation focus and in doing so support the subject offerings in the Design and Engineering curriculum areas. I look forward to sharing more information about this project over the coming weeks. 

Given the continued enrolment growth and investment in capital projects by the PMSA, the College has commenced the recruitment process for a Director of Corporate Services. This role will join the Senior Leadership Team to oversee risk and compliance, support the delivery of major capital projects, ensure the efficient and effective business and operation functions of the College, and contribute to the College's strategic objectives. It is an exciting time in the growth of the College, and I am confident this appointment will ensure we are all equipped for the future ahead. 

Later this term, I will be on sabbatical participating in the Advanced Leadership Program at Cambridge University. As a lifelong learner, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my learning journey and leadership growth. Mrs Audrey Fellowes, Deputy Principal - Head of Primary will assume the role of Acting Principal during my absence from 29 May to 25 June, and from 8 July to 12 July. Mrs Lakshmi Mohan, Deputy Principal - Head of Teaching and Learning will serve as Acting Principal during the second and third week of the June/July holidays, from 26 June to 12 July. To oversee the operational aspects of the Primary School, Mrs Miriam Bryan will assume the Acting Head of Primary role and Mrs Robynne Bailey the Assistant Head of Primary role during this time. My sincere thanks to Mrs Fellowes, Mrs Mohan, Mrs Bryan and Mrs Bailey for graciously taking on these responsibilities during my absence.

Kind regards,

Dr Andrew Cousins 

Principal