Junior School Bulletin

As I write this, our Parent-Teacher Conferences are taking place across the Junior School. These conversations are one of the most valuable opportunities in the school year to strengthen the partnership between home and school, ensuring we continue to place each child at the centre of everything we do. 

Over the course of this week, it has been wonderful to see so many positive and meaningful discussions taking place between families and teachers. While academic progress is always an important focus, what has stood out most has been the collective commitment to supporting each student as a learner and as a person. When parents and teachers work together, sharing insights, celebrating successes and identifying next steps, we create the best possible environment for children to thrive. 

Education is a team effort. Every student benefits when the important adults in their lives are united by a shared vision for their growth, wellbeing and success. These conversations remind us that learning does not happen solely at school or at home. Rather, it develops most powerfully when students see the adults around them working collaboratively, communicating openly and striving towards common goals. 

Thank you to our families for your ongoing partnership and to our staff for the care, professionalism and dedication you bring to every conversation. Together, we continue to build a strong community where every child feels known, supported and challenged to achieve their personal best.

National Week of Action Against Bullying

This week, Clayfield College proudly supported Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, with this year's theme being "Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up." 

Across the Junior School, students participated in age-appropriate discussions and learning experiences focused on kindness, empathy, friendship and respectful relationships. These important conversations help students understand the difference between everyday friendship challenges and bullying behaviour, while equipping them with strategies to support themselves and others. 

Creating a safe and inclusive environment is a shared responsibility between school and home. We encourage families to continue these conversations with their children and take opportunities to discuss positive friendships, respectful behaviour and the importance of speaking up when something does not feel right. As a College, we remain committed to fostering a culture where every student feels safe, valued and respected. 

In the coming weeks, we will also recognise R U OK? Day, an important reminder that looking after wellbeing starts with genuine connection. Through a range of activities across the College, students will be encouraged to check in with others, listen with care and seek support when needed. These simple conversations can make a meaningful difference and help strengthen the sense of belonging, care and connection within our community. 

What is bullying? 

Bullying is when someone deliberately and repeatedly hurts, intimidates or excludes another person, often using an imbalance of power to cause harm. Bullying can occur face-to-face or online and may include: 

• Verbal behaviour, such as name-calling, teasing or threats 
• Physical behaviour, such as hitting, pushing or damaging property 
• Social behaviour, such as excluding others or spreading rumours 

• Online behaviour, such as sending hurtful messages or sharing private images 

   

It is important to understand that bullying is different from a one-off disagreement, conflict or occasional teasing. While these situations can still be upsetting and require support, bullying involves behaviour that is targeted, repeated and characterised by a power imbalance. 

Clayfield College has zero tolerance for bullying and unkind behaviour. Our expectations for respectful relationships and positive conduct are outlined in the College's Student Code of Conduct. 

Ways to Strengthen Family Connections 

Strong family relationships play an important role in supporting children's wellbeing and sense of belonging. Families may wish to consider: 

• Spending one-on-one time together, even if only for a few minutes each day 
• Prioritising regular family time and shared experiences 
• Listening without judgment and encouraging open conversations 
• Modelling kindness, respect and empathy in everyday interactions 

• Maintaining clear routines, boundaries and expectations 

   

Conversation Starters 

Keeping communication open can help children feel safe and supported. Consider asking: 

• Who did you spend time with today? 
• What was something that made you smile today? 

• Was there anything that made you feel uncomfortable or upset? 

   

If Your Child is Demonstrating Unkind Behaviour 

• Stay curious rather than reacting with anger: "Can you help me understand what happened?" 
• Encourage empathy by discussing how others may feel 
• Reinforce clear expectations around kindness and respect 
• Support your child to repair relationships and make amends where appropriate 

• Partner with the school to develop positive strategies and supports 

   

Together, by fostering respectful relationships, open communication and a strong sense of belonging, we can help ensure every child feels safe, supported and valued within our community. 

Semester 2 Co-curricular Photos

Term 4, Week 1 - Wednesday 7 October 

Our next Co-curricular Photo Day will be held on Wednesday 7 October 2026. Further information and the photography schedule will be provided to families shortly. 

Photography sessions will take place concurrently across the College, with: 

• Junior School co-curricular groups photographed in the Assembly Hall 

• Senior School co-curricular groups photographed in the PE Centre 

   

To help ensure all students are photographed with their groups, families are asked to note the date in their calendars now. Further details regarding timings, uniform requirements and participating groups will be communicated closer to the event.  

Care@Clayfield Recap

Last week we welcomed Dr Michael Carr-Gregg to Clayfield College for a Care@Clayfield parent event. This session focused on the rising social, emotional and digital pressures affecting young people's wellbeing and ways of teaching wellbeing in 2026. 

Please see below for slides from the presentation.

Grandparents’ Day - Tommorow!

We are looking forward to welcoming grandparents and special friends to Clayfield College this Friday for one of the Junior School's most treasured annual events. 

Grandparents' Day provides a wonderful opportunity for students to share their learning, showcase their classrooms and spend time with some very important people in their lives.

We are excited to celebrate together and create lasting memories across the morning. Please refer to the Upcoming Events section and email sent to attendees for further details.

We look forward to sharing this special morning with our Junior School community.

Junior Book Week Character Parade

Event Details:

• Date: Friday 28 August
• Time: 9:00am

• Location: PE Centre 

   

Students from Pre-Prep to Year 6 are invited to dress as their favourite book character on Friday 28 August and take part in our Book Week Character Parade. Families are warmly invited to attend this much-loved Junior School event. Closed-in footwear suitable for playground activities must be worn. Students who have HPE on the day should also bring appropriate clothing to change into if their costume is not practical for physical activity. 

The 2026 Children's Book Week theme is "Symphony of Stories", celebrating the power of books to inspire imagination, creativity and wonder. We look forward to seeing the creativity and enthusiasm of our students on display as we celebrate reading together. 

Families can learn more about this year's theme by viewing the illustrator's presentation via the video below.

Book Week Morris Gleitzman Author Visit  

We are excited to welcome Morris Gleitzman to our school on Tuesday 25 August, as part of our Book Week experience. Students in Years 3 to 6 will have the opportunity to listen to his author talk and have their books signed.  

As the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2018 and 2019, Morris Gleitzman is passionate about getting kids reading. "Young people need stories more than ever", says Morris. 

"Stories to delight, stories to beguile, stories to inspire, stories to move deeply. And through these experiences, stories that equip young readers to embrace an often dark and uncertain world with optimism, resolve and creativity."  

If you have any of Morris’ books at home, please bring them to school for signing, ensuring that they are clearly named.  

Father's Day Breakfast

Thursday 3 September

Our annual Father's Day Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity for students and the special father figures in their lives to spend time together before the school day begins. 

This year's Superhero Social Father's Day Breakfast promises to be a fun and memorable morning as we celebrate the important role fathers, grandfathers and carers play within our community. 

Bookings are essential and places are limited. 

Father's Day Stall

Thursday 3 September 

The Clayfield College Parents and Friends Association will once again host the annual Father's Day Stall. 

Students will have the opportunity to purchase a small gift for the special father figures in their lives, including dads, granddads and other loved ones ahead of Father's Day. 

Further information regarding available gifts, pricing and purchasing arrangements will be communicated shortly. 

Thank you to our Parents and Friends Association volunteers for coordinating this much-loved tradition.

Crazy Hair and Sock Day Youngman House Fundraiser

Friday 9 October 2026

As we move through a busy and exciting period of the term, I encourage families to take every opportunity to connect, celebrate and engage in the many experiences that help make our Junior School community so special. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to help every child feel known, valued and empowered to thrive. 

ICAS Testing

On Monday, students enrolled in ICAS testing completed the Digital Technologies assessment. The remaining ICAS tests will be conducted over the coming weeks on the following dates: 

Please make a note of the times and tests you have requested in your student diary. Unfortunately, we will not be able to make up missed assessments.  

Professor Jellybean   

 Last week, the Pre-Preps welcomed Professor Jellybean for a hands-on science workshop. The children explored a range of exciting experiments, including Freaky Goo Worms, Bubbling Fizzing Rainbow, Blizzard Snow and Colour Changing Bead Bracelets. 

Throughout the workshop, the children were encouraged to think like scientists. They watched closely, noticed changes, shared ideas and wondered what might happen next. There were plenty of wide eyes, careful hands and excited voices as the children observed goo, fizz, foam, snow, colour and light. 

These experiences helped children see that science can be playful, surprising and hands-on. This was a wonderful way to spark curiosity and begin thinking about how important learning skills such as curiosity, observation, prediction, patience are for our young learners.

Please refer to the Week 6 Photo Gallery for highlights.

Pre-Prep and Prep Parent Information Support Session

Monday 7 September, 8:45am to 9:45am 

We look forward to hosting our upcoming Parent Information Support Session for prospective and current Pre-Prep and Prep families. 

Presented by Speech Pathologist Anne Walker, the session will explore practical ways families can support speech, language and communication development during the early years. Topics will include speech sound development and communication strategies, recognising when additional support may be beneficial and understanding the role of speech pathology in early intervention. 

This promises to be an informative and practical session for families seeking to support their child's communication development and readiness for learning. 

Student Technology Agreement 

At Clayfield College, we believe technology is a valuable tool that can enhance learning, creativity, collaboration and communication. While digital technologies provide powerful opportunities for learning, they are used to support educational outcomes and are never a substitute for quality teaching, strong relationships and meaningful learning experiences.

Our Student Technology Agreement, located at the front of each student diary, outlines the expectations for safe, respectful and responsible use of technology at school. 

Students are expected to communicate appropriately online, respect the work of others by acknowledging sources, use age-appropriate digital spaces and take care of all devices and equipment. Digital tools should be used purposefully and only as directed by teachers to support learning. 

Students are not permitted to: 

• Participate in mass iMessage communications, large group chats, class chats, spam messages or chain communications. 
• Use an anonymous, false or misleading identity online. 
• Download illegal content or engage in inappropriate online activity. 
• Use a personal mobile phone during school hours. 
• Use smart watches or other digital devices to send messages during school hours. 

• Download content, message, email or use AirDrop, AirPlay or AirServer unless directed by a teacher. 

   

We encourage families to review the agreement with their child and discuss the importance of positive digital citizenship, online safety and responsible technology use. 

The agreement will be revisited in classes throughout the coming weeks as we continue to develop students' capacity to use technology thoughtfully, responsibly and in ways that support their learning and wellbeing.