Secondary Bulletin

Brisbane Writers Festival

Last Friday 10 October, our Year 8 English students embarked on an inspiring literary adventure at the Brisbane Writers Festival. The day began at New Farm Park, where students took part in a teacher-led creative writing workshop designed to sharpen their observation and storytelling skills. As they wandered through the park, students captured vivid details from their surroundings, transforming them into imaginative written pieces, with one enthusiastic group even claiming to have spotted a shark in the river!

After the workshop, students made their way to the Brisbane Powerhouse for an engaging author talk with Gabriel Bergmoser, an award-winning Australian playwright and novelist. In his session titled “How I Learned to Write Books I Actually Like”, Bergmoser shared valuable insights into his creative process, the importance of resilience, and how failure can be an essential part of success. His message - to continue trying, learning, and pursuing one’s passions even in the face of setbacks - resonated strongly with students and teachers alike.

The day was filled with energy, curiosity, and creativity, and it was wonderful to see students so engaged with both the beauty of New Farm Park and the inspiration of a professional writer.

A sincere thank you goes to Ms Sian Graham and Mrs Sofie Menzies for their contribution to such a rich learning experience, and to our Year 8 students for their enthusiastic participation and excellent conduct. 

Year 12 Families

Missed open days earlier in Term 3?

Several universities offer campus tours on school holidays for Year 12 students and their families, and registration is online. Here are four of the major universities in Southeast Queensland offering tours during the holidays:

• University of Queensland Campus Tour
• Queensland University Technology Campus Tour
• Griffith University Campus Tour
• Australian Catholic University Campus Tour

Casual Jobs for Clayfield Students

Grill'd and Eat Street are looking for casual hospitality workers. The flyers for these opportunities are now online:

Work and Study in 2026!

QLD Health is offering a Podiatry Trainee Program, giving students the opportunity to be mentored and gain hands-on experience working with podiatrists while they study.

Two local accounting firms have also contacted Clayfield about their 2026 cadetship programs, allowing students to work while studying accounting or commerce.

Find out more online:

QTAC Applications

A reminder that QTAC applications are now open. The application fee is $70 until 30 September. From 1 October, the fee increases to $150.

For key dates and more information, visit the QTAC website:

Changeover Dinner

Following the announcement of the 2026 Year 12 Leaders, our Senior student's community gathered for our annual Changeover Dinner, a special evening to acknowledge our graduating Year 12s and express our gratitude for their leadership and contribution. The event also provided an opportunity for our incoming Seniors to receive advice and inspiration as they prepare to step into their leadership roles. Guests, students and staff enjoyed vibrant Mexican cuisine, music and a wonderful atmosphere where they reflected and celebrated the passing of the torch to our next generation of student leaders.

Year 7 Orientation Day

House spirit was alive and thriving during the 2026 Year 7 Orientation Day, where new students took part in the 'Amazing Clayfield Race'. This engaging activity encouraged teamwork and exploration as students journeyed across the College grounds, discovering key locations and learning about the values, history, and traditions that make Clayfield unique. It was a joyful day of laughter, friendship, and belonging - a perfect introduction to life at Clayfield College.

Abbey Hinder Succeeds in the St John 100-Year Centenary National Camp

During the September school holidays, Abbey Hinder represented Queensland at the St John 100-Year Centenary National Camp in the Blue Mountains, Sydney. The event united young people from across Australia and New Zealand to celebrate first aid, leadership, and community spirit. 

Abbey competed in the National First Aid Competition at the Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy, where her team faced five demanding scenarios testing communication and emergency response skills. She was highly commended by adjudicators for her professionalism and clinical ability, with her team placing an impressive fourth overall. 

Beyond the competition, Abbey embraced every opportunity and experience which led her to grow and learn. Abbey visited iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Three Sisters and participated in cultural experiences and the NatCamp25 Centenary Dinner. Abbey full of inspiration returned home equipped with valuable skills that will serve her well into the future. 

Semester 1 Co-Curricular Photos | Ordering

We are pleased to share that orders can now be made via the Studio Kirby online gallery. Please place you orders with the link and password below.

Gallery Link: https://studiokirby.shootproof.com/gallery/clayfield 

Password: CLAY 

All orders are processed by Studio Kirby, with delivery direct to the address confirmed in your order. 

House Initiatives

We are excited to launch two new House initiatives this term, the Clayfield Spirit Games and Clayfield's Got Talent, celebrating teamwork, creativity, and College spirit across our vibrant House community.

Building Connections

Excitement filled the air as our future Year 7 students arrived for their 2026 Orientation Day. Supported by an incredible team effort across the College, the day was designed to help our newest cohort begin their journey into Secondary School life with confidence and connection.

Our current Year 7 students warmly welcomed the incoming class, guiding them through the morning and assisting with team-building challenges. Their kindness and leadership helped the new students feel at ease as they explored classrooms, met teachers, and began forming friendships that will carry them into next year.

Adding another layer of mentorship, our Year 9 students played an inspiring role in facilitating activities that encouraged teamwork, communication, and trust. As role models, they helped the younger students experience the importance of belonging to a caring and connected community, one that celebrates collaboration, kindness, and courage.

Visit the Photo Gallery within this edition for more images from Orientation Day!

The day was rich with hands-on learning and laughter. Students enjoyed using technology in THE EDGE to design and make phone holders, as well as creating festive Christmas decorations. Between activities, they shared sausage rolls, fresh fruit, and chocolate-chip cookies, before enjoying a lunch of chicken tenders, chips, and refreshing ice blocks.

As parents attended the Parent Information Session, students wound down in the air-conditioned Chapel, much appreciated after a warm day, snacking on popcorn and pretzels while watching a movie together. It was the perfect way to finish a day full of connection, creativity, and fun.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make the day such a success, it truly takes a village to create such a warm and welcoming experience for our future Clayfield College students.