Senior School Bulletin

As we move through the term, this week offers a gentle reminder of the importance of caring for one another.Across the school, I see daily examples of kindness and consideration in classrooms, corridors, and shared spaces, shaping the way our students connect with each other. 

Kindness is contagious, and even the smallest actions can have a meaningful impact on someone’s day. Taking the time to notice others, to listen, to smile, or to offer encouragement, helps create a sense of safety and belonging. I encourage students to make a conscious effort this week to do one small act of kindness for someone in their year group, and to notice how it makes both people feel. 

Families may like to take a moment to reflect together on how these small acts of care can strengthen relationships both at school and at home. Together, these everyday moments of care and consideration shape our school culture that is welcoming, supportive, and uplifting for all.

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

Annual Permissions within Parent Lounge are now OVERDUE. 

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

• 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, and therefore no action is required by you. 

If you require assistance, please email Main Reception: studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au

“Every child is a potential musician, and it is our duty as educators to help them unlock their musical potential.”  - Zoltan Kodaly

Clayfield College has a proud tradition of offering all students in both our Junior and Senior Schools the opportunity to be involved in music making within the classroom setting and co-curricular music program. Private tuition on a variety of orchestral string, brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, piano and voice are available to any student from Years 2 to 12 to ensure individualised lessons are tailored so students can maximise their potential. Clayfield provides a wide variety of co-curricular musical offerings including string ensembles, bands, choirs and chamber groups at both beginner, intermediate and advanced levels - there is a place for everyone to learn and enjoy music making with others.

Music education has been increasingly recognised as a powerful contributor to students’ cognitive development, with recent research showing that learning music strengthens memory, language processing, and problem‑solving skills. Studies highlight that musical training stimulates multiple areas of the brain, enhancing fine motor coordination and supporting the development of critical‑thinking abilities, which transfer into improved performance across academic subjects. When a school has developed a strong and rigorous music program research has found that there is higher attendance and better overall test results, suggesting that music not only boosts brain function but also increases student engagement and motivation.

1. Cognitive Benefits: Playing an instrument helps improve brain function. It can enhance memory, focus, and even increase IQ. It engages multiple areas of the brain, strengthening skills like problem-solving and multitasking.

    

2. Emotional Expression: Music allows people to express emotions in a way that words sometimes cannot. Playing an instrument can be a therapeutic outlet, reducing stress and helping with emotional regulation.

    

3. Discipline and Patience: Learning and instrument takes time, effort, and perseverance. It teaches you how to set goals, work through challenges, and enjoy the process of improvement.

    

4. Creativity: Playing an instrument encourages creativity. Whether you’re interpreting someone else’s piece or composing your own, it allows you to tap into your imagination! 

    

5. Social Connections: Music often brings people together. Whether you’re playing in a band, or string ensemble or performing in a choir it can help create strong social bonds across year levels and foster collaboration.

    

6. Cultural Appreciation: Learning different styles of music can broaden your appreciation for various cultures, historical contexts, and musical traditions.

    

It is never too late to start learning! All rehearsals for instrumental ensembles and choirs have commenced.  Please refer to the rehearsal schedule in The Arts section of the Collective. If you have any questions in regard to private tuition or ensemble rehearsals, please do not hesitate to contact music@clayfield.qld.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming our Clayfield community to the many musical events held throughout the year.

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. There will also be a bake sale during lunch for Senior School students only. 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. 

Saint Kentigern College - Exchange Opportunity 

Clayfield College is pleased to offer a new international cultural exchange opportunity for 2026 Year 10 students with Saint Kentigern College in Auckland, New Zealand. Clayfield College students will spend two weeks in New Zealand to commence the exchange. We anticipate departure on 18 April (during the school holidays) and returning to Australia on 2 May with their New Zealand counterparts, who will then spend two weeks in Brisbane.

The Power of a Support Team 

Why Every Young Person Needs Trusted Adults in Their Corner

At school, we often highlight the importance of academic progress, healthy routines, and positive friendships. Yet one of the most meaningful protective factors in a young person’s life is something simple but incredibly powerful: having a support team.

A support team is a small group of trusted adults a student can turn to when they need help, reassurance, guidance or simply someone who will listen. This team can include people within the Clayfield College community such as teachers, mentors, Rev, the Assistant Chaplain, Ms Mathias, the College Counsellor, Ms Lahey, or their Head of Year. It can also extend beyond the school gates to family members, community leaders, youth workers, coaches, or other supportive adults.

Encouraging students to name the people in their support team is a small action with a significant impact. When young people can list the adults they trust, it sends an important message:You matter. You are supported. There is always someone ready to help.

Knowing exactly who they can approach helps students feel steadier and more confident. Whether they are navigating friendships, managing stress, or facing more complex challenges, having a support team offers a sense of belonging and emotional security. It reminds them that support is always close.

Asking students to identify their trusted adults is a proactive wellbeing strategy. It empowers them to take ownership of their support networks and encourages early help-seeking, long before situations ever feel too big.

It also strengthens relationships within the school and wider community. Adults feel honoured to be seen as a trusted person, and students gain clarity about who they can approach when they need comfort, guidance, or encouragement.

Young people flourish when they feel surrounded by care. When schools, families, and communities work together, students benefit from a wraparound network that strengthens their wellbeing. A quick conversation builds connection and resilience and reinforced our pillar, wellbeing through belonging.

By helping students identify their support team, we are doing more than compiling a list - we are building a community around them. We are reinforcing that they are valued, that their voices matter and that support is always within reach.

Together, we can ensure every young person knows they have people in their corner, encouraging them, guiding them, and walking alongside them whenever they need it most.

reEarth International Art Prize

Congratulations to Aston Hall (Year 9) for his outstanding creative achievement!

Aston’s photography has been officially selected for exhibition in the reEarth Sharjah Exhibition 2026, presented as part of the prestigious Xposure International Photography Festival in Sharjah, an internationally recognised platform showcasing emerging artists and photographers from around the world.

We are incredibly proud to see Aston’s talent recognised on the international stage and look forward to following his continued artistic journey.