Secondary Bulletin

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning, through excursions and incursions, enriches our English and Humanities curriculum by allowing students to engage directly with the world around them. Whether it’s stepping into historical sites, exploring the impact of media firsthand, or hearing from published authors and industry professionals, these experiences deepen understanding, foster critical thinking, and bring learning to life in meaningful ways.

Year 11 and 12 Geography Fieldwork Excursion

Recently, our Year 11 and 12 Geography students had the opportunity to undergo fieldwork in Fortitude Valley. Here are some words from Year 12 Geography student, Charlotte Lay, detailing the experience from the student perspective:

Last Friday, the Year 11 and 12 Geography class went on a fieldwork excursion to Fortitude Valley. Armed with clipboards and excited to be in free dress, spirits were high as we boarded the bus in the morning, ready for a busy day of data collection.

 

When we arrived at the site our research was focusing on in Brunswick Street Mall, we were greeted by a group of eager volunteers, who helped us perform a variety of tests to gather information about the challenges facing the area. We measured the temperature of benches, did some people spotting to gain demographic insights, and had the opportunity to experiment with a variety of geographical equipment.

 

I think our class can all concur that the information we gathered will be invaluable as we complete our assignment this term. After a long day of data collection, our class was surprised with a trip to ‘Brooki Cookie’! Being able to indulge in some sweet, delicious treats together as a class was the perfect end to a busy but rewarding fieldwork trip. 

 

We truly appreciate Mrs Eagle and Mrs Geevarghese for facilitating this excursion and making such a wonderful experience possible for us.

Debating

Congratulations to both the Year 8 and Year 10 Debating teams who achieved wins in the first round of debates. We are incredibly proud of your engagement and commitment to debating so far.

Many debates were rescheduled last week, including the Year 9 Debating team. We wish all teams the best of luck as they prepare for their next event.

Chess

Any students in Years 7 to 9 interested in participating in an inter-school chess tournament on 31 March are encouraged to reach out to Mrs Bryan via email: mbryan@clayfield.qld.edu.au.

Block Exams

Block exam dates for Years 10 and 11 remain as communicated and block for these year levels will start on Tuesday 18 March. Year 12 block will now be on Wednesday 26 March to Monday 31 March.

During the relevant block exam period, Years 10 to 12 students are only expected on campus when they have an exam. If students have two exams in any given day, then they are expected to stay at school between exam sessions and prepare in the LRC.

Students have received block timetables and are encouraged to use these to fine tune their study timetable ahead of the start of exams. Creating a study timetable allows students to balance revision with other commitments and rest. Looking after wellbeing during exam blocks is very important, as is prioritising sleep over last minute study cramming.

Revision can take many forms and finding the most effective revision technique can take time. Suggestions include:

• Summarising notes in your own words
• Teaching concepts to someone else
• Using flashcards; whether physical or digital
• Completing practice questions
• Refamiliarising yourself with the syllabus or unit plan content.

Students are reminded to arrive at their exam room 10 minutes before the scheduled start time with all appropriate equipment. Exam procedures are included below:

Best of luck to all students participating in exam block! 

Wellbeing and Connectedness in House Activities

Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting a range of wellbeing and connectedness activities that have been taking place during our House Activities. Our Houses have been focusing on the Strategic Pillar of Wellbeing through Belonging, ensuring that every student feels known, valued, and understood, and experiences a true sense of community within their House.

Ashburn, Gibson and Henderson House Activities

Radcliffe House

Mrs Saskia Greasley, Radcliffe House Leader

Recently, I gathered responses from Radcliffe House students regarding their personal values and compiled this information into a word cloud that reflects our collective House values. This visual representation was shared with the House to celebrate our shared beliefs and identity.

To build on this theme of belonging, students wrote a selection of these values, along with their reasons for enjoying being part of Radcliffe House, on slips of paper. These slips were then linked together to form paper chains, which will soon be displayed in our PC classrooms. This initiative fosters a sense of unity and also serves as a daily reminder of the values that connect us as a House.

Harmony Day

Our Harmony Day celebration will take place on Friday 21 March at 10:45am in the PE Centre, and all parents/carers are welcome to attend. 

If your student would like to participate in the procession during our ceremony, please register using the link below.

We look forward to sharing more stories of connection, care, and belonging in the coming weeks as we continue to strengthen the bonds within our College community.

With Exam Block around the corner, and Term 1 soon to be in the rear-view mirror, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the Year 12s' journey of their final year of schooling so far.

Week 1: Leadership Retreat with Guest Presenter Ben Russell

The first week saw our Year 12 students attend their Leadership Retreat, held on College grounds. Students participated in a leadership workshop facilitated by Ben Russell from Empowerment Ed, where they worked on a variety of leadership skills (small talk, demonstrating empathy) and reflected on what they wanted to achieve in their final year. College Captains Tia and Meghan were a tremendous help during this event, and even hosted get-to-know-you and reflection activities.

Week 3: Formal and 'Pal'entines Bake Sale

Week 3 was a huge week for Year 12s as Henderson House hosted their annual ‘Pal’entines Bake Sale and prepared for Formal. Thank you to all those in Henderson House who contributed and helped your house captains raise funds for MS Australia.

Week 4 - Commencement Chapel

The College was thankful to have some Year 12 students who were able to attend Commencement Chapel. Your presence and support of Reverend Paul Yarrow did not go unnoticed.

Weeks 4 and 5: Biology Camp, Legal Studies Law Library and Courts, and Geography Fieldwork Excursion

In Week 4, many from the Year 12 cohort travelled to North Stradbroke Island in an effort to collect much-needed data for their IA2 assessment in Biology. All reported that the excursion was a success, with students having gathered excellent data.

During Week 5, Legal Studies students had another opportunity for experiential learning as they travelled to the QEII Law Courts to attend a legal research workshop and case viewing in the District and Supreme Courts. Later that week, students ventured to Fortitude Valley to gather research and data for their upcoming IA2 assessment in Geography. Again, all reported both excursions supported student learning for upcoming assessment.

With the end of term close by, I take this opportunity to remind students and families of the following events for Term 1:

• Block Exams: Year 12 Block Exams are scheduled to take place from 26 March to 31 March. A schedule has been circulated to students with exam dates and times. Year 12 students are encouraged to record these dates in their diaries and to use study planners provided to support their preparation for upcoming assessment.

   

• Harmony Day: Our annual Harmony Day celebration will be held on Friday 21 March. No exams will be held on this day and all students are expected to attend school as usual.

   

• Future Leaders Program Industry Networking Collective: All Year 12 students are required to attend this event held at the College on Tuesday 1 April from 3:15pm to 5:00pm.

   

• Radcliffe House Fundraiser: On the final school day of Term 1, Thursday April 3, Radcliffe House will be holding their annual fundraiser to raise funds for Reach Out Mental Health Laps for Life. Students are permitted to wear free dress on this day.

This coming year is a big one for our Year 11 cohort. As they undertake Units 1 and 2 for their Senior Subjects, they are also being asked to reflect on what it means to step into leadership at the College. 

We often speak about how the measure of your character is what you do when other people aren’t watching. This is at the core of the messaging that we are asking our future leaders to reflect on. The leadership process at the end of the year should be the culmination of a journey that has seen them step up to embody the College values in all aspects of their life; academically, in co-curricular activities, and throughout their interactions with their peers and staff. One area that I am particularly keen to see our Year 11 students lead is in serving our community. 

In Terms 3 and 4 last year, the cohort engaged with Compassion 4 Community, a local not-for-profit supporting those in need. Compassion 4 Community makes and delivers up to 600 three-course meals weekly to the vulnerable. This helps to not only feed individuals and families but also work towards restoring connection and dignity. This year, Year 11 students are being asked to volunteer their time each Wednesday for the remainder of Term 1 and into Term 2. 

They will then pass the baton onto our Year 10 students later in the year to ensure that this commitment from the Clayfield community is ongoing. I thank all our volunteers in advance for their embodiment of the College’s dedication to serving others.

Student Absence Without Reason - Text Notifications to Parents

As part of our duty of care, if a student is marked absent without a reason, a system generated text message is sent from Clayfield College Student Services advising of the student’s absence, along with a request for the parent to contact the College. 

Recently, we have noticed an increase in unexplained absences, with some parents not responding to these notifications. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, we kindly ask parents to take prompt action when an unexplained absence notification text is received. 

Thank you for your cooperation and support. 

Screens, Social Media and Our Kids

Date: Wednesday 26 March 2025

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Venue: Online

Cost: Free

In this parent webinar, tween/teen champion Michelle Mitchell and Clinical and school psychologist Dr Matt O’Connor will discuss some practical strategies, tips and insights for helping your child foster a healthy relationship with technology and unpack some ways to

help your family prepare for the upcoming social media ban.

Learn more and register via the link below.

Michelle Mitchell

Tween/teen expert and parenting educator

Dr Matt O'Connor

Clinical and school psychologist