Junior School Bulletin

It has been a busy week in the Junior School, with our Parent Information Sessions taking place on Monday and our first Junior School Assembly of the academic year. The assembly featured a fantastic performance by Year 6O, along with the presentation of our Class Leader badges for Term 1.

Parent Information Sessions

Thank you to all parents who were able to attend our recent Parent Information Sessions. I hope you found these valuable in learning more about the rhythms and routines of your child/ren’s class, as well as hearing from the Junior School Leadership Team if you were able to attend that session.

If you were unable to attend, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher, who will be more than happy to share the relevant information with you.

In relation to the leadership session, this was the first time we have run this format. The overarching aim was to provide parents with greater clarity around the direction of the school, the leadership structure, and how we work in partnership with families to develop a strong 'team around the child' approach. The session also covered key information to support the smooth and effective running of the Junior School.

A copy of the leadership presentation is available below for your reference. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Final Call – Junior Class Coordinators

As discussed in the Parent Information Session, our approach to WhatsApp groups will change slightly this academic year. These groups will continue to be established through our P&F Year Level Parent Coordinator, Katie Kennedy. Her contact details can be found on the slide relating to WhatsApp groups in the presentation referenced above.

We are still seeking Class Coordinators for some classes, particularly in the upper Junior School. If you are interested, please scan the QR code in the presentation and complete the registration form. 

What does the role involve?

• One WhatsApp group per class (parent‑run and independent of the College)
• Positive, friendly communication at all times (Parent Code of Conduct applies)
• 1–2 volunteers per class for year‑round coordination
• Organising low‑key social events
• Coordinating teacher gifts

• Supporting the smooth running of class WhatsApp groups

   

All Class Coordinators will be provided with a handbook containing guidelines and helpful tips to support them in the role and streamline coordination tasks.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further, please contact Katie Kennedy (P&F Year Level Parent Coordinator; see the above presentation for contact details).

Interested? 

Please complete the registration form by Friday 6 February 2026.

Next Steps

Class WhatsApp Groups will be established in Week 3. 

Lost Property

To assist with the prompt return of lost items, we kindly ask that all belongings are clearly labelled with your child’s first name and surname.

School Photographs

A reminder that information on how to order this year’s school photographs was sent home with students last week.

The flyer includes a QR code and a School Photo Access Key to make the ordering process quick and convenient. Please refer to the flyer for full details on how to place your order.

If you need further assistance with this process, please contact Studio Kirby 

Important Reminder

Essential Annual Permissions within Parent Lounge are now OVERDUE. 

If you haven't already done so, please urgently action the following: 

• 2026 Pre-Prep Student Activities Permission & Parent/Student Details and Medical Information Update 
• 2026 Prep to Year 12 Student Excursion and Activities Permission & Parent/Student Details and Medical Information Update 
• 2026 Prep to Year 12 Student Technology Agreement 
• 2026 Year 1 to Year 5 Overnight Device Waiver
• 2026 Pre-Prep to Year 12 Media Consent Preferences 

The process is outlined within the 'Annual Permissions' section of this communication.

For new families who have commenced this year, these requirements have been completed through your enrolment process, save for the Overnight Device Waiver, and therefore no action is required by you. 

If you require assistance, please email Junior School: juniorschool@clayfield.qld.edu.au

Foundation Day - Tuesday 10 February 

Clayfield College will proudly celebrate its 95th birthday next week! Foundation Day is one of the most significant events on our College calendar, honouring our history while creating joyful memories for today’s students. 

The day will begin with a special Foundation Day Assembly, bringing together students (Years 3 to 12), staff, Old Collegians, and invited guests. Following the Assembly, all students (Pre-Prep to Year 12) will enjoy a Birthday Party, complete with a sausage sizzle and celebratory cupcakes. In the afternoon, students will come together for the House Games Carnival (Years 3 to 12), where Houses will compete for the coveted Foundation Day Cup!

Uniform Requirements (Years 3 to 12)

Students in Years 3 to 12 are required to wear their formal summer uniform to school as they will be attending the special Assembly. They should also bring their House uniform (House shirt, HPE shorts/skorts, sneakers, socks, hat) to change into for the carnival and may wear their House uniform home at the end of the day.

Students in Pre-Prep to Year 2 are to wear the uniform they would usually wear on a Tuesday (Week A). 

Catering (Pre-Prep to Year 12)

All students will participate in the Birthday Party; however, they are still asked to bring their usual morning tea and lunch to ensure they have what they need throughout the day.

Students have also been practicing the War Cry in readiness for the event, and further practice at home is encouraged. The words can be found in the front pages of the school diary and below. 

We look forward to sharing this special day with all students and staff.

Henderson House Fundraiser 

Palentine's Day

On Friday 13 February, Henderson House will be hosting Palentine's Day!

On Palentine's Day, students will be able to wear red accessories (with their school uniform) to show their support for MS Australia. MS Australia is a not-for-profit organisation that empowers researchers to identify ways to treat, prevent and cure MS, as well as support those in our community affected by this disease. MS which stands for multiple sclerosis, is a chronic neurological disease that is currently affecting 25,000 people within Australia. Hopefully with our contributions, we can reduce the number and help those affected by MS. 

Fundraiser Days

Term 1 Junior School Clubs

Lunch time clubs are an important way to improve inclusion, peer connections, and the development of social and emotional skills. Semi‑structured activities which students opt into, organised around areas of interest, foster a sense of personal empowerment and a positive school climate.

Before‑school clubs are targeted at individual students and support Literacy and Numeracy development. They are invite‑only and offer small‑group instruction for selected students.

After‑school clubs offer academic enrichment and are open to interested students and require parents to sign their children up with the teacher in charge. Details are given below on the attached flyer.

Junior School Clubs commence in Week 3.

Junior School After School Club 

After School Club is open to students from Year 1 to Year 6 and operates in the Lower LRC. Places are limited and so bookings are essential through studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au. 

Years 1 to 3: Pick-up is by 4:30pm

Years 4 to 6: Pick-up is by 5:00pm

Parking Before and After School

Parking close to the school during morning drop‑off and afternoon pick‑up times can be busy, particularly at this time of year as families settle young children into new classes and school routines. For this reason, we recommend allowing a little extra time and, where possible, being prepared to park a short distance away and enjoy a brief walk to and from the school.

Many parents and carers find this a lovely opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and enjoy a few calm moments before the day begins or as children head home. We kindly ask that families do not use the driveways or private parking spaces of neighbouring homes and ensure they observe Brisbane City Council parking regulations in the surrounding streets.

New Technology Pathway

We are excited to introduce a new element to the Year 5 and 6 Technology program in 2026. Alongside Food Technology and Digital Technology, students will now take part in a trimester of Design Technology, a practical and creative subject that encourages them to think like designers and problem‑solvers. Students will learn to identify real‑world problems, research community needs, and explore possible solutions. They will then move into sketching, prototyping, testing, and refining their ideas.

Sustainability will be a key focus as students consider how design choices and materials can create more responsible solutions. This subject offers an engaging, hands‑on pathway, and we look forward to seeing the innovative and entrepreneurial thinking that emerges as students bring their ideas to life.