Senior School Bulletin

In a busy term, it is often the small things that are easiest to overlook. Yet when we take the time to notice them, they can tell us a great deal about the strength of a community.

Over the past fortnight, I have been reminded of this during a particularly busy period for our students. Throughout the examination week, I was encouraged by the many small acts of support that often go unnoticed. Students wishing one another well before exams, checking in afterwards and sharing words of encouragement throughout the week demonstrated the strength of the relationships that exist within our Senior School community.

Gratitude often begins with noticing. While achievements and milestones are important, there is also value in recognising the people who encourage us, challenge us to do our best and support us through both the busy and the ordinary moments of school life. Taking the time to acknowledge these contributions can strengthen relationships and help us appreciate the community around us.

As I reflect on my time at Clayfield College so far, one of the things I have appreciated most is the way students, staff and families contribute to a culture of support and connection. It is something that is often seen in small, everyday interactions, but it plays an important role in helping students feel valued and connected.

This week, I invite each student to identify one person they are grateful for and take the opportunity to let them know. A simple expression of appreciation can have a greater impact than we often realise.

Families might continue this conversation at home by asking, “Who has made a positive difference to your week?” and “Have you taken the time to thank them?” These reflections encourage students to recognise the positive influences in their lives and the important role gratitude plays in strengthening community.

Week 6 Block Exams

Congratulations to all students on the completion of last week’s exam period. For the most part, students approached the exam schedule with maturity and purpose, using the block timetable effectively and demonstrating strong preparation across their subjects.

We were particularly pleased with the way most students managed their time, arrived prepared and conducted themselves appropriately throughout the exam sessions. These habits are essential as students continue to develop the skills required for senior study.

With exams now complete, classes have resumed their regular rhythm. Students are now either consolidating knowledge and understanding from this term or beginning new units of work. It is important to maintain focus and engagement as significant learning occurs during this time, and the work completed now builds the foundation for future assessment and success. 

Group Study Sessions

Group study sessions led by our Academic Captains will continue for the remainder of the term. These sessions run on Thursday at lunchtime in the Upper LRC and are open to students in Years 7 to 10.

This is a valuable opportunity for students to build effective study habits, seek support from peers and develop confidence in their learning. We encourage students to take advantage of this supportive and collaborative environment.

House Excellence

This week our focus was on kindness, with Gibson House recognised for demonstrating this value so positively.  The updated House Spirit Tally is below.

Looking ahead:

• Week 8 – Being prepared for class
• Week 9 – Engagement and participation in Arts Day

Gibson House Farmer’s Day Fundraiser

On Friday 5 June 2026 (Week 7), Gibson House will host a special Bake Sale Fundraiser for Farm Angels during morning tea and lunchtime, alongside a Free Dress Day where students are invited to dress like a farmer in flannels, boots, hats and country-style outfits. Please note, all outfits are to be appropriate in line with school appearance expectations. Students are encouraged to bring along some money to purchase delicious baked treats and support this meaningful cause.

All funds raised will be donated to Farm Angels, an Australian charity dedicated to supporting rural and farming families doing it tough. Farm Angels provides practical and compassionate assistance to primary producers affected by drought, flood, fire and other hardships. The assistance to farmers and their families ranges from financial support, food hampers, care packs and wellbeing check-ins. Since beginning as Drought Angels in 2014, the organisation has supported thousands of farming families across rural communities in Australia. For more information visit the link Supporting Aussie Farmers & Their Communities - Farm Angels

We look forward to seeing students and staff at the bake sale and their famer outfits. Thank you for supporting Gibson House’s nominated charity, Farm Angels, and our Aussie farmers! Please see below poster for bake sale information.

Arts Day

Wednesday 17 June

Arts Day promises to be an exciting and engaging experience for students, with a wide range of workshops designed to inspire creativity, collaboration and new skills, including highlights such as musical theatre and drumming, alongside dance, drama, yoga, singing and visual arts. Students will be able to select workshops that match their interests, making it a vibrant celebration of learning across the College, with the sign up link available below.

Cambridge Scholars’ Tour

An information evening will be held on Tuesday 9 June at 6pm in the Chapel for parents and students  attending the Cambridge tour 2026.

Duke of Edinburgh

An information evening will be held on Thursday 11 June at 5.30pm in The Chapel. Please advise your attendance. To express interest please complete the form below.

Careers@Clayfield: Looking Ahead to the Futures Careers Expo

It has been a busy and exciting term in Careers@Clayfield, with students across Years 10, 11 and 12 engaging in important conversations about their futures.

In Year 10, students have been working through the SET Planning process, reflecting on their strengths, interests and possible subject choices for Years 11 and 12. Year 11 students have been exploring the many options available beyond school, while Year 12 students are now considering their next steps through university, work, vocational pathways and gap year opportunities.

To support this future-focused learning, we are excited to be hosting the Clayfield College Futures Careers Expo on Thursday 11 June, from 3.15pm to 5.30pm in the Assembly Hall. 

The Expo will bring together a range of exhibitors, including QUT, UQ, Griffith University, Bond University and ACU, along with RTOs such as Axial Training who provide our Diploma of Business and short courses and River Oak College, who offer qualifications in areas including social media and marketing. Students and families will also be able to connect with Play USA, Australian Defence Force (ADFA) and a range of industry representatives. The Expo will provide an excellent opportunity for students to ask questions, gather information and explore a variety of future pathways.

The Futures Careers Expo is a wonderful opportunity for all students from Years 7 to 12 and parents to ask questions, gather information and discover pathways they may not have considered before.  It is never too soon to start exploring future possibilities, and we strongly encouraged all students in Years 9 to 12 to attend.

Staying Connected: Supporting Your Child in the Digital World

As parents, caregivers and teachers of secondary school students, we are navigating a world where much of young people’s social lives unfold online. Friendships, conversations, humour and even conflict are increasingly shaped through devices and platforms that can feel unfamiliar or fast-moving.

While technology offers many positive opportunities for connection and learning, it also introduces new social dynamics that can be difficult for young people to interpret and manage. This is why maintaining an ongoing awareness of your child’s online experiences is so important.

This doesn’t mean monitoring every interaction. Rather, it’s about staying engaged, curious, and approachable, creating space for regular, open conversations so your child feels comfortable sharing what’s happening in their digital world.

Why it matters

Online interactions are not always as straightforward as they appear. Young people can encounter subtle behaviours that influence their sense of belonging, such as:

• Feeling excluded from chats or online spaces
• Pressure to respond immediately or participate in certain behaviours/trends
• ‘Jokes’ that feel uncomfortable but are dismissed by others

• Controlling or emotionally charged friendship dynamics

   

These situations are often nuanced and can be hard for young people to name or understand. They may not always recognise when something feels unhealthy or feel confident speaking up about it.

By staying connected and informed, parents can play an important role in helping young people reflect, interpret and respond to these experiences in a safe and supported way.

Simple ways to stay connected:

• Keep conversations going: Regular, informal chats about what your child enjoys online can make it easier to discuss more challenging topics when they arise.
• Listen without judgement: Showing curiosity and calm interest encourages openness.
• Explore together: Take an interest in apps, games, or platforms your child uses.
• Focus on wellbeing, not just rules: Talk about respect, boundaries, and how online interactions should feel.

• Be aware of changes in your child: Shifts in mood or behaviour can sometimes signal something isn’t sitting right.

   

Parents may be interested to know that the eSafety Commissioner is offering a free webinar for parents and carers 23 June 2026:

The Trust Trap: Navigating Friendships, Pressure and Manipulation Online

This webinar will explore:

• How online friendship dynamics can influence young people
• The different forms of social pressure and manipulation they may encounter
• Ways parents can support their child to recognise and respond to these situations

• Practical strategies for strengthening communication and resilience.

   

This is a valuable opportunity to build understanding and confidence in supporting your child’s online wellbeing.

Strong relationships remain the most powerful protective factor for young people. By staying engaged in their digital lives, we help ensure they feel supported, not just offline, but in the spaces where so much of their world now exists.