Senior School Bulletin

As students move further into Term 2, there is a noticeable shift across the Senior School as learning, co-curricular commitments and daily routines begin to build momentum. At this point in the term, persistence becomes an important part of the student experience.

Whether preparing for assessment, refining a performance, developing skills at training or working through a challenging concept in class, students are reminded that growth rarely happens all at once. More often, it comes through consistent effort, reflection and the willingness to continue when something feels difficult.

Over recent days, I have been encouraged by the way students support one another across both learning and co-curricular experiences. This was also evident during our ANZAC Day ceremonies, where students participated with reflection, respect and a strong sense of community. Moments such as these reinforce the importance of belonging and the role shared experiences play in personal growth.

Persistence is not about perfection. It is about remaining engaged with challenge, learning through setbacks and recognising that progress often happens gradually. Through these experiences, students continue to build resilience, confidence and self-awareness.

We encourage students to recognise the connection between challenge, growth and the support found within a strong community. This week, I invite each student to identify one area that feels demanding and commit to giving it their best effort, while also valuing the encouragement of those around them.

Families might continue this conversation at home by asking, “What challenged you this week?” and “Who encouraged you along the way?” These reflections help students recognise that growth is often strengthened through both persistence and connection.

House Excellence

Our Week 2 focus was litter and rubbish, with Youngman named the winning house. 

In Week 3, our focus will be on punctuality.  

All students are encouraged to arrive on time to lessons and commitments as we continue to build positive habits across the school community. 

Youngman House - Cancer Fundraiser

The Big Chop is back for 2026 and will take place alongside World Mental Health Day and Youngman's Crazy Sock & Hair Day fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards the Kids Cancer Project or The World’s Greatest Shave. 

On 9 October 2026, students and staff can support the Youngman House fundraiser in a number of meaningful ways:

• Donate at least 20cm of hair, which will be made into wigs for people experiencing hair loss due to cancer or alopecia
• Shave your hair, raising vital funds for the Leukemia Foundation to continue their blood cancer support and research
  • Register your interest to donate or shave your hair and start growing your hair now if you are planning to donate
  • Donate via our Clayfield Colleg campaign pages and share these initiative with family and friends to build support. 
    • Kids Cancer Project 
    • The World’s Greatest Shave. 

Further details will be shared once participation numbers are finalised.

If you have any questions feel free to email or come find Ema, Isabelle, Mimi, Bella, or Hayley (Year 12). 

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 starting next week in Week 3 of Term 2.

The tutoring program, delivered by Mindbridge Education, will run here at the College and will provide structured academic support across 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.

Families are invited to access the expression of interest below:

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

The Role that the Arts Play in Bringing People Together

At Clayfield College we value the role that the Arts play in bringing people together. Music and the Arts are not just add-ons to College life, they are some of the most powerful tools we have for building genuine community and connection. In a world where it is easy to feel isolated or overwhelmed, creative spaces give students a chance to express themselves and collaborate with others.

When students make music together, whether in one of our choirs, concert bands or string ensembles they learn to listen closely to one another. Every voice and every instrument matters. That sense of shared purpose naturally builds trust and belonging within a group. The same is clearly evident in our drama and visual art programs. These subjects encourage students to support each other through the creative process because it is almost impossible to produce an artwork or perform a piece without forming real bonds along the way.

The Arts also creates opportunities for students from different year levels, backgrounds and interests to connect. Our Opus concert series, LUX art exhibition and events like the Scene Project and On the Green bring people together, not just the performers and artists, but the families, teachers and peers who come to witness the works in action. These events remind us that community is not something that just “happens”; it is something we build by showing up for one another.

Perhaps most importantly, through our Music, Drama and Visual Art programs students can gain a better understanding of themselves and others. When you step into a character’s shoes within the musical or create something from scratch, you are engaging with emotions, stories and perspectives that deepen empathy. Empathy is the foundation of a strong, inclusive school culture.

There have already been a variety of opportunities for our students to connect throughout Term 1 with the Music Festival, Visual Art workshops and our Drama students working with the Queensland theatre Company. In Term 2 we have already witnessed Canzona perform as part of the ANZAC Day Children’s Service and look forward to ensembles and choirs performing at our Opus concerts, at the Mother’s Day  Breakfast, Principal and Primary-led tours and combining with Brisbane Boys’ College for a choral workshop and concert. Our Viotti Strings, Canzona Choir and Faure Wind Ensemble will be heading to Europe at the end of Term to forge international connections with people.

Music and the Arts do no just enrich our College - they connect us. They give us shared experiences, shared pride and shared joy. And in doing so, they help shape a community where everyone feels they belong.

Service-Learning: Building Empathy, Purpose and Belonging

Here at Clayfield, learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom. One powerful way we support this is through Service-Learning, a pedagogical approach that combines meaningful community service with curriculum-based learning and reflection. Through service-learning, students apply what they are learning to real-world situations, while contributing positively to the lives of others.

Service-learning benefits students in many ways. Academically, it strengthens problem-solving, communication and critical thinking skills by encouraging students to engage with authentic challenges. Socially and emotionally, it nurtures empathy as students listen to different perspectives, understand community needs and recognise the impact of their actions. These experiences help students develop a stronger sense of purpose and confidence as capable, compassionate contributors.

A particularly important outcome of service-learning is the way it fosters belonging. When students work together towards a shared goal, whether supporting a local organisation, caring for the environment, or advocating for social change, they experience the power of collective action. Acting together helps students realise that they are not alone; they are part of a community that values care, responsibility and connection. This shared commitment builds trust and strengthens relationships among peers.

As students grow in empathy and see the positive difference they can make, they also deepen their sense of belonging, to both our College and the wider community. Service-learning reminds our young people that they matter, that their actions count and that together, they can create meaningful change. One such example of this is the recent success of the Year 11 Service-Learning Project.

Year 11 Service-Learning Project Update

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Clayfield College community for the generous support shown during our Year 11 Service-Learning Donation Drive. 

Thanks to your kindness and willingness to give, a substantial collection of high‑quality professional clothing was gathered and successfully delivered to Dress for Success Brisbane. The team at Dress for Success expressed deep appreciation for the donations, which will directly support women and men in Brisbane as they prepare to enter or re‑enter the workforce with dignity and confidence. This initiative not only made a tangible difference in the lives of others but also provided us with a powerful learning experience centered on empathy, social responsibility, and the impact of us working together as a cohort to take action to help others.

Thank you! 

-The Year 11 Cohort.

For families who may wish to continue supporting this organisation, Dress for Success Brisbane is hosting a Sip and Shop event to coincide with Mother’s Day. Further details are available via the link below.