Senior School Bulletin

There is a particular feeling around the Senior School when a new term begins. The campus is busy again, students are reconnecting with friends, conversations quickly pick up where they left off, and there is a sense that there is still so much to come. At the same time, we know that this is the final term of the school year, and for some of our students, the months ahead will bring important milestones and opportunities they have been working towards for a long time.

Since joining Clayfield College at the beginning of this year, I have really noticed just how much happens within our Senior School each day. I have watched students step forward to lead, represent the College, perform, compete, create and encourage one another. I have also seen students work their way through challenges, have another go when something hasn't gone to plan and find the confidence to step outside what feels comfortable. 

As we begin this final term, I have been thinking about what finishing well might actually look like for our students. For some, there will be a clear goal ahead; a performance, a competition, an assessment, a leadership responsibility or an important milestone. For others, the focus may be much less defined. It might simply be about getting through a busy period, finding their confidence, managing something that has been difficult or making the most of an opportunity they hadn't expected. What matters is that each student has something that is important to them, and that they continue to give it the attention and effort it deserves.

Something I have appreciated most this year is seeing how much our students influence the people around them. The energy they bring to an event, the way they support a teammate or performer, the courage of a student who puts themselves forward or the kindness shown to a friend, can really change the way someone experiences their day. These things may not always receive recognition, but they matter. They are part of what makes our Senior School a place where students can grow, contribute and find their own place.

There is still plenty ahead of us this term. There will be celebrations, challenges, opportunities and, no doubt, a few unexpected turns along the way. My hope is that our students don't become so focused on reaching the end that they miss the richness of what is happening around them. There is still much to experience, much to contribute and much to be proud of.

Finishing well isn't about reaching the end perfectly. It is about being able to look back and know that, in the moments that mattered, we gave what mattered our best.

Staffing Update 

As we begin Term 4, we would like to share a number of staffing updates across the College, including new appointments, staff returning from leave, and changes within our Academic and Pastoral teams.

• Mrs Yee-Teng Davis, STEM Teacher, will conclude her time at the College at the end of Week 3. We thank Yee-Teng for her contribution to Clayfield College and wish her every success for the future. We are currently finalising the recruitment process for her replacement and will provide a further update in next week's edition.

   

• Ms Doris Haddock, Senior School Teacher, has been appointed for the duration of Mrs Cheralyn Patterson's Long Service Leave period.

   

• Ms Katrina Gorman has commenced in the role of Inclusive Learning Teacher Aide.

   

• Mrs Saskia Greasley, Radcliffe House Leader, has returned to the College following her Parental Leave.

   

• Mrs Donna Lathan will commence in our STEM Department as Chemistry and Physics Teacher on 26 October 2026.

   

• Miss Jessica Weller, College Counsellor, concluded her employment with the College during the holiday break. While we work through the recruitment process for this role, families can be assured that students continue to be well supported by our dedicated Heads of Year in the Senior School and Pastoral Team in the Junior School, who work closely with students and families to provide ongoing care, guidance and wellbeing support.

   

• Ms Robyn Wilson, Inclusive Learning Case Manager, has commenced with the College.

Nominations now open for the myQCE Student Reference Group

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) is recruiting new members for the myQCE Student Reference Group in 2027. 

The group gives students the chance to have their say about the QCE system processes and senior schooling. Queensland students who will be in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2027 are eligible to apply. The group meets four times per year via Microsoft Teams and membership is ongoing until students graduate from Year 12. 

Nominations close tomorrow - Friday 9 October 2026, for more information and to nominate, visit the myQCE website via the link below.

Teacher Education Scholarship Applications

Applications for the PMSA Teacher Education Scholarship (TES) are open.

The scholarship supports students who are planning to undertake studies in teaching or early childhood education. Valued at $2,000 per year for up to four years, the scholarship aims to encourage and support the next generation of educators, while fostering connections with PMSA schools throughout their studies and future careers.

Students in Year 12 who are interested in applying for the scholarship are invited to fill out an expression of interest form via the QR Code below. Applications close Friday 23 October 2026.

Welcome Back to Term 4

We hope all students and families enjoyed a restful holiday with the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, recharge and return refreshed for the final term of the year.

Term 4 is a particularly important and exciting time in the academic calendar. For our Year 12 students, the coming weeks mark the culmination of many years of effort and dedication. For students across all year levels, it is an opportunity to finish the year effectively; continuing to build knowledge and skills and making the most of every learning opportunity available. Whilst the term is busy, it is a chance to refine positive academic routines, stay organised and maintain consistent effort. These academic habits help set students up for success as they complete assessment, prepare for examinations and work towards their academic goals this term.

External Examinations

Our Year 12 students will commence QCAA External Examinations in Week 4.

As they prepare for these final assessments, we would like to acknowledge the tremendous effort they have already invested. The mock examination period at the end of last term provided a valuable opportunity to experience examination conditions, practise strategies and identify areas for final revision. Students approached these examinations with maturity and determination, and they should be proud of the commitment they demonstrated.

We would also like to commend the many students who chose to continue their preparation during the holiday break. It was wonderful to see the participation in the Study Bootcamp during the first week of the holidays, as well as the additional trial examination opportunities offered in the second week. The willingness of students to invest this extra time in their learning speaks volumes to their dedication and desire to achieve their personal best.

As External Examinations draw closer, trust your preparation. Focus on consistent revision, maintain healthy routines, seek support when required and remember that there is still time to finalise preparation - all efforts count!

We are incredibly proud of all that our Year 12 students have achieved and look forward to celebrating their efforts over the coming weeks. We wish every student the very best as they begin this important final stage of their schooling journey.

Block Examinations

For our Year 7 to 10 students, Block Examinations will commence in Week 6 and in Week 8 for Year 11. Although this may still feel some distance away, now is the ideal time for students to begin planning and preparing for the examination period.

Effective preparation is rarely about last-minute study. Students who achieve their desired results are often those who engage in regular revision, revisit key concepts over time and seek support when they need it. We encourage students to start developing a revision schedule, reviewing assessment feedback and identifying any areas that may require additional attention.

Tutorials, feedback and conferencing with teachers can all play an important role in helping students prepare confidently and effectively. Taking small, consistent steps now can make a significant difference as examinations approach.

Term 4 Mindbridge Tutoring

Students seeking additional academic support may wish to consider the on-campus tutoring program provided by MindBridge Education, which resumes this term.

Tutoring sessions will run on Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Upper LRC, beginning on Thursday 15 October and continuing through to Week 8.

Students work in small groups with experienced tutors who are recent Queensland graduates, the majority of whom achieved an ATAR of 99 or above. Sessions are tailored to the needs of individual students, allowing them to focus on the subjects and content areas where they would benefit most. Students also work with the same tutor each week, helping to build continuity and strong working relationships.

Whether students are looking to consolidate their understanding, prepare for upcoming assessments or challenge themselves further, tutoring can be a valuable addition to their academic program.

The first session is free, with no obligation to continue. For further information and bookings, please visit the link below:

Questions can be directed to: hello@mindbridgeedu.com.au

Year 12 Students Support Eat Up

On 15 September, our Year 12 students partnered with the College Leadership Team to support Eat Up, an Australian charity that provides free school lunches to disadvantaged children.

Together, students and staff prepared an impressive 1,235 sandwiches, which will help ensure more young Australians have access to a nutritious lunch at school. To cover the cost of ingredients, the Year 12 cohort also held a bake sale, raising $445.

This service project was an initiative of Year 12 student Greer G and Rev Yarrow, whose vision and leadership helped bring the event to life. Students thoroughly enjoyed working together for such a worthwhile cause, and we are excited to explore making this a regular annual event at the College.

We thank all students, staff, and community members who contributed to the success of this meaningful project.

House Changeover Dinner

Crazy Hair and Sock Day Youngman House Fundraiser

Friday 9 October 2026

Upcoming Events