Primary Bulletin

Student Free Day and QCAA Staff Day

The College will be closed on Friday 5 September, for a Student Free Day and QCAA Staff Day.  Please ensure other arrangements have been made for your daughter or son. 

Summer Uniform

A reminder that students are to wear their Summer Uniform from Monday 8 September.

Please refer to the Uniform Policy, available below, to reference the relevant uniform items:

Lost Property

Table Setup Wednesday 10 September to Friday 12 September

On Wednesday 10 September to Friday 12 September, a table will be setup outside the Primary Admin Office for (unnamed/illegible) lost property items to be claimed. 

Unclaimed items will be redistributed at the end of Term 3.

Reminder: please clearly name (full name or name and surname initial is helpful) all items, so that lost items can be returned to their owner promptly.

Semester 2 Co-Curricular Photos

Semester 2 Co-Curricular/Group Photo Day is being held on Wednesday 8 October and Thursday 9 October. 

Important details to note:

• Parents/Students please check the schedule for photo time and uniform requirements. 
• Students must arrive promptly for the time noted in the schedule. 
• Students appearing in photos which requires the Summer Formal Uniform, Sports or a specific uniform (i.e. QGSSSA) to be worn, must have the correct uniform, including correct jewellery, no make-up, neat hair and green ribbons, to appear within their photo on the day.  
• Students not in correct uniform will be unable to be in their photo. 

Years 7 to 12 Group Lists 

Please find below photo schedule and group lists, which will be shared in student daily notices. 

Years 2 to 6 Group Lists 

Please find below photo schedule and group lists, which will be shared for viewing in Primary Administration. 

This is the final year, in which the old uniform is to be worn and permitted for photos. 

Grandparents' Day

Grandparents' Day was another fabulous event and my thanks to our staff for helping to make memories for everyone involved. Both grandparents and students enjoyed the classroom visits and the music concert. 

Father’s Day Stall

A big thank you to Owen Barbeler who was instrumental in organising another successful Father’s Day Stall this week. Thank you also to all the volunteers who assisted with the shopping process for the students. 

Year 3 Incursion

Every year I enjoy my visit to the Year 3 and Old Collegian historical incursion, where students deepen their understanding of the people and events that have shaped our College community. Students were immersed in the rich history of Clayfield College as part of their HASS studies on how aspects of life have changed and stayed the same over time. Guided by our Old Collegians, the students enjoyed engaging sessions that brought the past to life. They explored changes to our school buildings, principals, classroom tools and rules and were even treated to a special uniform fashion show showcasing styles from across the decades. My thanks to the Old Collegians and staff for providing such a meaningful day. 

Term 3 Class Leaders Return of Badge

As the Class Leader positions for Term 3 are coming to an end, we kindly ask Class Leaders (Years 1 to 5) to return their badge to Mrs Jenns in Primary Administration by end of Week 9 on Friday 12 September. 

Class Allocation Process

For Pre-Prep families, and families new to the College, I wanted to outline the process for the organisation of student class placement.  

Much time and effort are placed into these decisions, with the teacher’s knowledge of friendships and how their students work best in the classroom closely considered. Further discussions involving new students to the College and student learning needs across the cohort, to support a balanced class in all areas is equally important. 

We appreciate your trust in our expertise in forming our classes, which are prepared with thorough review and discussion with the Primary Teaching Staff.  Whilst we understand parents may have requests for specific teachers or peer groups, this is not our process and would appreciate your understanding. Classes will be shared with our families in the new year, ahead of the 2026 school year.  

Term 3 End

The last day of Term 3 for students is Thursday 18 September, which is a normal school day finishing at 3:10pm.   

If extraordinary circumstances necessitate that holidays be taken outside scheduled times, formal notice and permission must be requested from the Deputy Principal-Pastoral | Head of Primary (afellowes@clayfield.qld.edu.au). 

(reference: Student Diary – Attendance and Absences) 

Years 2 to 6 Opera Queensland Incursion

On Tuesday afternoon our Primary students in Years 2 to 6 had the wonderful opportunity to watch a performance of 'The Adventures of Figaro' presented by Opera Queensland. The Adventures of Figaro was a high-energy, colourful and comical story set in Spain in which three young opera talents sing, dance and act this madcap tale which tells the story of the lively Figaro attempting to help Count Almaviva find the courage to tell Rosina she was the perfect singing voice to sing in his band!  

Directed by the Shake and Stir Theatre Company and based on the opera 'The Barber of Seville' by Rossini, it aimed to bring the magic of opera to our young students. This performance forms part of our professional partnership with Opera Queensland. 

Student/Father Drumming Experience

Father’s Day came early to Pre-Prep this week as our dads spent a creative morning singing, dancing, drumming and sharing with their children in a 'Hello Africa' experience workshop. 

The range of African drums and musical instruments brought in had everyone captivated as they carefully watched and listened to mimic what they were shown. Our visitors were soon up on their feet and breaking out a range of moves inspired by different African animals, and the absolute highlight was getting to play the drums. Some of our older students in surrounding classrooms couldn’t help breaking out their own dance moves as they passed nearby. The rhythms of those drums are truly irresistible!  

Canberra Tour Reminders

With our Canberra Tour quickly approaching, it is timely reminder to make sure students have named Winter uniforms to wear on the trip. We will not be taking the formal hat; however, students will require a bucket hat or sports cap. Packing lists, and other important information, especially around medication will be resent to families in the coming days and appear on our 6C and 6O Teams pages. 

This week we held an information session for all students and fielded some wonderful questions. Please feel free to email through to me any questions you have about the trip. We are looking forward to a jam-packed and fun-filled itinerary in our nation’s capital.  

Keep Going!

As we move toward the pointy end of term where assessment is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, I wanted to take a moment to focus on two powerful qualities that help students succeed in school and in life: determination and grit.

While these words are often used together, they each bring something special to the table. Determination is the drive to keep going, especially when things get tough. Grit, on the other hand, is the passion and perseverance to pursue long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks, boredom, or frustration.

Together, grit and determination empower each of us to stay the course, work hard, and bounce back from challenges with a sense of purpose and resilience.

Professor Carol Dweck’s research found that students who have grit are more likely to succeed, not just because they’re talented or smart, but because they’re willing to work through difficulties. When students learn to persevere, they gain:

• Resilience in the face of failure
• Confidence in their ability to grow
• A strong work ethic

• A sense of pride in their effort and growth

   

These are life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether they’re learning to read, playing a sport, practicing an instrument, or solving a difficult math problem, grit and determination help children keep going, even when it's hard, especially when it’s hard.

Simple ways you can support your child in developing grit and determination:

1. Praise the process, not just the outcome.  
2. Let them struggle (even just a little!)  
3. Model grit in your own life. 
4. Help set long-term goals. 

5. Teach the power of yet. 

    

Instead of saying, you’re so smart, try saying, I’m proud of how hard you worked on that (be explicit, e.g. speech, project). 

It's tempting to jump in when your child is stuck but allowing them to work through the ‘stuck’ builds confidence and perseverance. In an age-appropriate manner, talk about your own challenges and how you overcame them. Our young people learn a lot from how we handle setbacks.

Whether it’s finishing a chapter book, learning to ride a bike, or saving for something special, goal setting helps children (and dare I say it, us adults) stay focused over time.

When your child says, I can’t do this, remind them: You can’t do it yet. This small shift encourages a growth mindset and keeps the door open for progress.

Grit and determination aren't about being the best; they're about refusing to give up. As parents and educators, we can help our young people see that their effort matters, their progress counts, and that growth comes from trying again and again.

As we move into the final weeks of Term 3, filled with exams, assignments, and important deadlines, this is the perfect time for students to put grit into action. Remind your child that it’s okay to feel challenged, that every study session, every question asked in class, and every attempt at understanding something new is a step forward.

Encourage them to stay focused, stay positive, and keep going, even when it gets tough. Because determination now will pay off later, not just in grades, but in confidence, resilience, and pride in their own hard work.

Let’s continue working together to raise students who don’t give up, who believe in themselves, and who know that success comes from consistent effort and a can-do attitude.

Date Claimers:

• R U OK? Day Acknowledgement: 11 September
• World Mental Health Day Acknowledgement: 10 October

CC Sport Event Sign-On Process

Important Reminder 

To ensure the safety and correct record-keeping of all students attending sporting events, it is essential that parents complete the sign-on process via Parent Lounge. This allows us to maintain up-to-date rolls and access important information.

When signing your child on for a sporting program or event, please ensure the following steps are completed:

• Accept the event sign-on via Parent Lounge
• Complete the transportation form when event information is released. 
• If there are any changes to your child’s transport arrangements, please notify the appropriate sports coordinator via email as soon as possible.
• Following the event, all students must be signed out with the nominated supervising staff member/s before departing the venue.
• We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a smooth and safe event experience for all students.