Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope you and your children are settling back into the school routine and are looking forward to a great term ahead. It is wonderful to be back and see students and families on campus, especially at the Secondary Athletics Carnival this week. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have attended the Advanced Leadership Programme at Cambridge University recently, but I am equally excited to return ‘home’ to our Clayfield College community.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs Audrey Fellowes and Mrs Lakshmi Mohan who took on the role of Acting Principal, as well as to Mrs Miriam Bryan and Mrs Robynne Bailey for stepping up as Acting Head of Primary and Assistant Head of Primary. Their unwavering dedication and seamless leadership ensured that Clayfield continued to thrive in my absence. Their commitment to excellence and the wellbeing of our students and staff is truly commendable. I am deeply grateful for their support.
The programme at Cambridge University was diverse, featuring 25 participants from 15 different nationalities. The attendees came from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including industries such as mining, international trade, government administration, manufacturing, banking and education management. I had the opportunity to hear from 29 international experts on 35 different topics. It was an intensive schedule, with a wealth of information covered.
During my time at Cambridge, I was privileged to immerse myself in an environment steeped in history and academic brilliance. As an educator and a chemist, one of the highlights of my experience was visiting the site of the original Cavendish Laboratory, which has an extraordinary history of discovery and innovation. The likes of scientists such as Thomson, Rutherford and Chadwick conducted their groundbreaking experiments in the Laboratory. The Laboratory formed the fundamental bedrock of modern physics and chemistry. Standing in the very space of these significant discoveries was both humbling and inspiring. It reinforced my passion for science and education, reminding me of the profound impact of curiosity and perseverance.
Another remarkable experience was visiting The Scott Polar Research Institute, where research is conducted in both the physical and social sciences for the Arctic and Antarctic regions. At the Institute a polar library, archive and museum is housed whose collections are of international significance.
Exploring the Institute's museum and hearing from a preeminent Glacial Researcher about Ice and Environmental Change was a poignant reminder of the importance of ongoing science exploration and inquiry. The ongoing research is significant in gaining a better understanding about the ongoing impact of climate change and provided a window into the diversity of fields and disciplines currently engaged in climate science research.
On a personal note, I had the distinct privilege of viewing an article co-authored by myself and Professor Martin Mills, published in The Cambridge Journal of Education. This article, now housed in the main reading room of the Cambridge University Library, represents a culmination of collaborative research into gender inclusion in education.
My time at Cambridge has enriched my perspective and strengthened my commitment to fostering a progressive educational environment where every student is known, valued and understood. I am excited to bring new insights and ideas to our community and continue our journey of growth, discovery and transformation together.
Thank you once again for your support. It genuinely is a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and collaborative education community.
Kind regards,
Dr Andrew Cousins
Principal