Staff Spotlight
We celebrate the achievements of our staff, as well as the professional development opportunities they participated in during the September School Holiday period. Read more below!
Dr Andrew Cousins | Principal
Dr Cousins joined over 250 of Australia’s leading school Heads and Principals at the AHISA (Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia) Conference on the Gold Coast to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing schools and educators. The 2023 Conference theme of ‘What Now? What Next?’ captured the importance of the current educational landscape following the end of the pandemic, technological innovation, and evolving social and political landscapes.
As Clayfield College is successfully transitioning to a fully co-educational school using the Parallel Learning Model, Dr Cousins was invited to join a panel of speakers at the ‘Bold School Brand’ Masterclass. Drawing on the last two years of Clayfield College’s journey, Dr Cousins reflected on the importance of establishing clear positioning in the minds of prospective parents and the impact having a truly unique offering can create.
“Since the introduction of the distinctive Parallel Learning Model, the College – traditionally a co-educational Primary School and all-girls Secondary School – has seen a dramatic increase in enrolment enquiries and attendance at College tours is at an all-time high,” said Dr Cousins.
“Our enrolment growth is a sign that Clayfield’s innovative approach to student wellbeing and academic success is resonating with families, delivering the best of both worlds.”
“We have created a clear market distinction for the College – a first in Queensland – by providing single-sex learning when it matters most for students, with all the social advantages of a co-educational campus. Our positioning now describes very clearly how Clayfield is different from our competitors, and how we support students to let their light shine.”
You can read more from Dr Cousins here.
Mrs Lakshmi Mohan | Deputy Principal - Head of Teaching and Learning
Mrs Mohan attended the Australian Council of Educational Leader’s (ACEL) National Conference 2023. Held in Brisbane, the theme of this year’s conference was, 'Learning from the Past, Leading for the Future.' The conference had a stellar line-up of national and international speakers, with opportunities to engage in intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking learning experiences. The diversity and richness of ideas and of presenters provided valuable insights, innovative ideas, engaging conversations and practical strategies for the future of education and leadership.
Mr Brett Steeples | Head of Academic Performance and Pathways
Mr Steeples was the Lead Author on a series of textbooks for the new Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Science Curriculum v9.0.
At the recent Australian Educational Publishing Awards (EPAA), the series won the award in the best junior secondary mathematics/science/technologies student resource category.
Congratulations Mr Steeples on this amazing recognition for your dedicated efforts!
Mrs Kathryn Searle | Head of Boarding
Mrs Searle presented as part of the Head of Boarding Panel at the 2023 International Boarding Conference in Hobart. She shared how Clayfield College Boarding makes our boarders’ lives safer, the biggest lessons learnt so far working in boarding, effective strategies for supporting boarding students, practical advice in key areas such as policy and staff structures, and most importantly, why Heads of Boarding do what they do!
Mr Adrian Walker | Artistic Director - Creative and Performing Arts
Mr Walker adjudicated the Australian Irish Dancing Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park. Capturing all the excitement of the international dance show hits Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, the championships included five full days of world-class dancing!
Reflecting on his own journey in Irish dancing, Mr Walker said,
"From the days when I danced on the national stage to the times when I stood at the side stage, encouraging my own talented dancers, and now, being right in front of the stage with the best seat in the house – each phase has been a unique and enriching part of my life."
Ms Cecilia Mansilla | Spanish Teacher
Ms Mansilla represented the Latin American community at the Queensland Multicultural Awards held at the La Boite Theatre in Brisbane. Her connection with the LatinOz team ensures that she is forging connections with like-minded individuals and organisations dedicated to fostering unity and inclusivity in Queensland. Congratulations Cecilia and to all involved!