Secondary Bulletin

"Technology is not just about innovation - it’s about empowering students and teachers with the right tools for success."

As the new Head of e-Learning at Clayfield College, I'm excited to work alongside our community as we navigate this era of digital transformation together. I first joined the College in 2023 as Head of STEM, teaching in the Technologies Learning Area, and this year, I continue to teach Year 11 and 12 Design and Engineering. My passion lies in harnessing technology to enhance learning experiences, and I’m thrilled to take on this role to further support our students and teachers.

One way we enhance the learning experience is by integrating Atomi into our curriculum. This platform offers engaging, curriculum-specific videos and interactive content that simplify complex topics, making them more accessible to students. By incorporating Atomi, we provide our students with valuable resources that support their academic growth.

Throughout the Primary and Secondary School, we offer the application Sora, which provides students with access to a vast collection of age-appropriate ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and comics. Sora's user-friendly interface allows students to borrow and read digital books from our College’s Learning Resource Centre, enhancing their reading experience. 

My role includes ensuring that our academic digital tools are relevant, user-friendly, and truly enhance learning. I’m part of the College’s Teaching and Learning Leadership Team, where we collaborate to trial and evaluate all e-learning initiatives before implementation, ensuring they align with our educational goals and enhance student learning at Clayfield College.

With the ever-evolving influence of AI, we will also be focusing on AI in education, working with our teachers to explore, evaluate, and implement AI tools that align with our curriculum and values. While we firmly believe the single greatest impact on student learning is the classroom teacher, it is also our aim to provide our teachers with additional tools in their toolkit, to further personalise the learning journey of each student at Clayfield College.

I look forward to working with our staff and students as we embrace new possibilities in digital learning at Clayfield College.

Illuminate: The House Spirit Showcase

During our major events this year, such as the Swimming Carnival, Formal, and Arts Day, we will be asking each House to submit a photo demonstrating their House Spirit. The best photograph of each event will be publicised in The Collective and on assembly.

An award will be given to the House that has the most points for their photos by the end of the year.

Interhouse Swimming Championships: Henderson House Spirit Photo

Foundation Day - Games Carnival: Gibson House Spirit Photo

We are looking forward to your creative photo in your House groups at the Formal this Saturday.

Henderson House Fundraiser: ‘Pal’entine’s Day

On Friday February 14, Henderson House will host ‘Pal’entine’s Day in support of MS Queensland, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering researchers in their mission to treat, prevent, and cure Multiple Sclerosis (MS), as well as supporting those affected by this disease in our community.

MS is a chronic neurological condition impacting over 25,000 Australians. Through our contributions, we aim to make a meaningful difference. To show support, students are encouraged to wear red accessories on the day.

Additionally, a bake sale will be held during lunch for secondary students. We appreciate your generosity and encourage everyone to participate in raising awareness for this important cause.

Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards are a positive and rewarding challenge of self-discovery for all participants. They present students with a program of voluntary activities that encourage personal growth, resilience, perseverance, responsibility, and community service. The Duke of Ed is open to all young people aged 14 – 24 and is offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, each progressively longer and more challenging. Participants can design their own unique program around their interests and passions. An exciting part of Duke of Ed is the Adventurous Journeys. 

This year we have 2 journeys in our school calendar, a kayaking trip in April and a sailing trip in September.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students as it fosters teamwork, the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and make new friends.

Dimity Whitaker a former student and Duke of Edinburgh participant has said: 

"Duke of Edinburgh has provided THE most amazing experiences for me. The Sailing Trip is something I genuinely reminisce about every day! The Service aspect in particular is very rewarding as it enables you to regularly commit to helping out the community."

For more information please come along to our information evening.

Date: Thursday 13 February

Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Location: Clayfield College Chapel

This week the spirit and excitement across the College was palpable with much for us all to be grateful for.

The Foundation Day Assembly was a heartwarming occasion, where students, staff, and Old Collegians came together to celebrate our vast history and the achievements of our community. The atmosphere was filled with appreciation for our journey thus far and the promise of a bright future.

The enjoyment continued at the Foundation Day games where our school spirit shone through with students across the campus getting involved in the games, the sausage sizzle, and the opportunity to celebrate our birthday.

Looking ahead to the end of this week, the buzz around Year 7 camp is infectious with the students reporting that they are looking forward to the activities and team-building opportunities coming their way at Kenilworth. 

A big thank you to staff attending: Ms Sian Graham - 2IC of English & Humanities, Mrs Julie Francis - Learning Support Teacher, Mr Justin Desmarchelier - Teacher, Ms Rachael Mukauskas - Coordinator Learning Enrichment Secondary, and Mrs Sam Lennon - Head of Year 7, who has been instrumental in bringing this event to fruition.

Equally exciting is the Year 12 formal which has everyone talking - from the dresses to the cars, the hair, the shoes… but most importantly, the memories. I wish each and every Year 12 student an evening filled with much laughter and enjoyment. A special thank you to our Events team and Ms Georgia Corpe - Head of Year 12, for planning this special event for our students.

Next week looks to be another action-packed week, especially Wednesday 19 February which sees:

• Elevate Education for Years 7 and 8 at 11:50am
• Australian Defence Force for Year 12 at 11:30am
• Pre-Prep to Year 12 Commencement Chapel at 4:30pm

Outstanding Approval in Parent Lounge

• 2025 Student Excursion and Activities Permission Prep to Year 6
• 2025 Student Technology Agreement

An email has been sent to families who have not yet completed this important requirement.

Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. If you have any issues, please don't hesitate to contact the College.

St John Youth Program for 2025

St John's is excited to announce the launch of a pilot program for 2025, offering 20 exclusive spots for interested students. The weekly program, designed to provide enriching educational experiences, will begin in February and take place at the Nundah campus. Expressions of interest are now open, so if you're looking for an exceptional learning experience for your child in 2025, we encourage you to apply soon before the spots fill up!

Library Lovers' Day

Join us for Library Lovers' Day tomorrow, Friday 14 February, at the Upper Learning Resource Centre for Years 7 to 12. We invite students to participate before school, during breaks, and after school to enjoy all the activities on offer!