The Collective

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers 

 

With the end of term in sight, the energy across our campus remains vibrant as our students live out our theme, Be Fearless – Let’s Illuminate the Sky, embracing challenges and celebrating every moment of learning and growth. 

 

Here are just some of the highlights still to come: 

  • Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp (currently underway) 
  • Britton Shield Football Competition (today) 
  • International Music Tour Information Evening (tonight) 
  • P&F Primary School Disco 
  • Year 11 Soirée 
  • Experience Day (for our 2026 Year 7 Cohort) 
  • Futures Expo 
  • Giving Day 
  • Clayfield College/Brisbane Boys’ College Combined Choir Workshop and Concert 
  • Arts Day! 

I look forward to seeing many of you at these events and around the campus as we close out an incredible semester.  

On the Green – Tickets on Sale Today!

Speaking of events, I’m thrilled to invite you to our flagship community celebration On the Green, returning in 2025 with none other than Australian music icon Kate Ceberano as our headline act!  

 

Tickets are on sale, as of today! Join us for an afternoon of: 

  • Live music featuring the Clayfield College Big Band, Brisbane City Big Band, and special performances by Chloe Noon (Class of 2024) and James Prendergast, Saxophone DJ 
  • Delicious selection of food and beverages stations 
  • Student opportunities to workshop and perform on stage with Kate Ceberano herself! 

This is a special event that brings our community together and gives our students access to professional artists in a unique and inspiring way. 

 

For event information, and to secure your tickets, visit the link below.  

 

On the Green - Event Page and Ticketing

Leave Requests during the School Term

We understand that families may occasionally consider taking leave during term time. While this is a personal decision, the College strongly advises against absences outside of the designated school holiday periods. 

 

Please be aware that extended leave during term time may affect your child’s academic progress, assessment opportunities, co-curricular involvement, and - where applicable - student visa conditions. Teachers are not always able to provide alternative work during this time. 

 

Ultimately, the decision rests with parents and carers, but we appreciate your support in prioritising your child’s learning and engagement at school. 

 Staffing Update

As we approach the end of term, we also take a moment to acknowledge and thank several valued staff members who are concluding their time with us. 

 

After an extraordinary 30 years of service, Angela Clark has decided to retire. Angela has been on long service leave throughout Semester 1, and her dedication, care and excellence will be remembered fondly by generations of students and colleagues alike.  We look forward to organising a convenient time to farewell and acknowledge Angela’s significant contribution to the College.  

 

Justin Desmarchelier, who has been with us for nine years, will be moving to Mancel College to coordinate and lead their Music Program. Justin’s passion for music education has left a lasting impact on our students, and we are delighted that he will continue to visit campus as part of his Master’s studies.  

 

After eight years of outstanding service supporting our Corporate Team in both Finance and Enrolments, Julianne Cilliers has chosen to take a personal break from work. Her professionalism and warmth have been greatly appreciated by staff as well as current and prospective families.  

 

Yasmin Caves, a recent Old Collegian (Class of 2022), joined our Engagement Team in 2023. Starting as an intern and progressing to Junior Graphic Designer, Yasmin has now secured a full-time role as she completes her university studies in a Bachelor of Communication Design.  

 

In our Boarding community, Magdel Langhein and Judy Jiang have each contributed with care and commitment for five years, nurturing and supporting our boarders.  

 

We will be celebrating each of these staff members and their contributions to the life of the College over the coming week.  

 

I’ll be in touch again in the final edition of The Collective for Term 2!  

 

Kind regards 

 

 

 

 

Dr Andrew Cousins 

Principal