Senior School Bulletin

One of the things I have come to appreciate about our Senior School community is the way students look out for one another. Walking across the campus, it is common to see friends talking and laughing together, offering encouragement, checking in after a difficult day or simply making sure no one is left to face a challenge alone. These everyday interactions are a reminder that looking after our wellbeing is not something we do in isolation.

As students move through the many demands of Senior School life, they are learning that balance is an important part of both wellbeing and success. Managing learning, co-curricular commitments, friendships and family life requires organisation and self-awareness, but it also means recognising when it is important to pause, rest and recharge.

Healthy habits are often built through small, consistent choices. Taking a break after focused study, spending time being active, getting enough rest or making time to connect with others can have a positive impact on both learning and wellbeing. These routines may seem simple, but over time they help students to develop resilience and a greater understanding of what helps them do their best.

I have also been reminded that some of the healthiest habits are the ones we share. Walking with a friend, encouraging a peer or simply asking someone how they are going can make a meaningful difference. The strength of our community is often found in these quiet moments of care and connection.

At Clayfield College, we encourage students to develop habits that support both personal growth and a balanced approach to school life. This week, I invite each student to identify one healthy habit they would like to focus on and, where possible, encourage a friend to join them.

Families might continue this conversation at home by asking, “What is one habit that helps you feel your best?” and “Who helps support you in maintaining it?” These reflections encourage students to recognise that wellbeing grows through both positive choices and strong relationships.

STEM in Action 

This term has been a busy one in the Science labs, please find below a collection of our STEM highlights from Term 2!

Ms Andrew’s Year 7 Science classes honed their surgical skills

Mr Steeples’ Year 8 Engineering class honed their engineering production skills

On Saturday 23 May, nine students from Years 8 to 12 attended the Queensland Titration Competition at the University of Queensland. Titration is an analytical technique used in Chemistry to determine, very precisely, the amount of a substance. Students compete in teams of three. Scoring is based on how far a student’s result is from the one determined by the university. A zero means that the student got the exact result. A team score is the average of each member’s score. Unfortunately, the student’s efforts failed to impress the judges with the best individual score going to Christabel Ng.

Earlier this year, we became part of the Griffith University STEM Program which focuses on alternative ways to encourage and promote STEM at Clayfield College. Four of our students have been selected to be our representatives. 

Our 2026 STEM Warriors:

• Sophia Condon
• Ava Luk
• Hassan Mansour
• Lucas Zhuang

Finally, congratulations to our very own Dr Griffiths for being an Excellence Awardee in the category of Secondary School Teacher of the Year – Non‑Government at the Australian Education Awards 2026.

This is a recognition of the amazing work that Dr Griffiths does in and out of the classroom and his commitment to the students here at Clayfield College!

House Excellence

This week our focus was on kindness, with Gibson House recognised for demonstrating this value so positively.  

Looking ahead:

• Week 9 – Focus Behaviour: Engagement and participation in Arts Day
• Week 9 – House Spirit Photo: Arts Day

House Spirit Photos

The photos from the Gibson House Farmer’s Day Fundraiser captured the spirit of the day, showcasing creativity, community and support for a meaningful cause - Farm Angels. Well done to all involved for embracing the theme and contributing to such a successful and vibrant event. 

And the winning House Photo is Radcliffe!

Locker Update

We are pleased to share a positive update as part of our ongoing efforts to improve student spaces. From the beginning of Term 3, all students will move into allocated levels within the locker room building, creating a more unified and practical environment for our students to thrive as our school continues to grow.

Students have been asked to begin clearing out their lockers now and ensure they are fully emptied by the end of term in preparation for reallocation for the start of Term 3.

Please refer to the Principal's Message for more information on this exciting enhancement within the Senior School. 

Futures Expo

We are excited to be hosting the Clayfield College Futures Expo today, from 3.15pm to 5.30pm in the Assembly Hall. The Futures Careers Expo is a wonderful opportunity for all students and parents to ask questions, gather information and discover pathways they may not have considered before.  It is never too soon to start exploring future possibilities, and we strongly encouraged all students in Years 9 to 12 to attend.

Duke of Edinburgh

An information evening will be held tonight at 5.30pm in The Chapel. Please advise your attendance. To express interest please complete the form below.

Arts Day

Wednesday 17 June 2026

Arts Day is shaping up to be an exciting highlight of the week, offering students the chance to explore a wide range of creative workshops designed to inspire collaboration, confidence and new skills. From high-energy drumming and engaging musical theatre to dance, drama, yoga, singing and visual arts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Students will select workshops that suit their interests, making it a vibrant celebration of creativity and participation across the College, with the sign-up link availab

Message from the Uniform Shop

Students are to submit their blazers for embroidery over the upcoming school holidays.

Please ensure all blazers are dropped off by Wednesday 17 June 2026. The Uniform Shop will be open until 4:00pm on this day for final drop-offs.

Countdown to Commencement: A Warm Welcome to Our Future Year 7 Students

There was a wonderful sense of excitement in the air as we welcomed our incoming 2027 Year 7 students to the College for our recent Countdown to Commencement: Experience Day. Designed as a fun, engaging introduction to our Senior School, the day offered our future students a chance to experience the vibrant learning, community spirit and opportunities that await them.

From the moment they arrived, students were immersed in a variety of hands-on activities that showcased the breadth of our curriculum and the enthusiasm of our staff and student ambassadors. The day was carefully planned to help students feel comfortable, confident and excited about beginning their Senior School journey with us.

Exploring Creativity and Expression

In Drama and Art, students embraced their creative side, participating in activities that encouraged imagination, collaboration and self-expression. Whether stepping into character in drama or experimenting with artistic techniques, students quickly found their confidence and enjoyed connecting with one another in a supportive environment.

Discovering Science and Innovation

Curiosity was sparked in our Science lab, where students took part in engaging experiments that brought scientific concepts to life. In addition, a STEM challenge encouraged problem-solving, teamwork and innovative thinking. These activities highlighted not only the excitement of discovery but also the importance of collaboration in learning.

Hands-On Learning in Food Technology

A clear highlight for many was the opportunity to head into the Food Technology kitchen, where students created their own delicious bliss balls. This hands-on experience was both enjoyable and practical, allowing students to build confidence while learning new skills in a welcoming and supportive setting.

Promoting Health, Wellbeing and Connection

The afternoon shifted focus to physical activity, health and wellbeing, with a range of inclusive and energetic activities. Students participated in games and movement-based challenges that emphasised teamwork, resilience and the importance of staying active. These sessions also provided a valuable opportunity to build friendships and strengthen connections with peers.

Building a Sense of Belonging

Above all, the Countdown to Commencement: Experience Day was about fostering a sense of belonging, with staff and student ambassadors working alongside our 2027 Clayfield Sevens to create a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere, ensuring that every student felt supported as they begin to imagine themselves as part of our Senior School community.

It was inspiring to see so much enthusiasm, curiosity, and positivity throughout the day. We are incredibly excited to officially welcome these students in 2027 and look forward to watching them grow, learn and thrive. We can’t wait to see the 2027 Year 7 students again soon - the countdown has truly begun! 

Photos from the day are captured in the Week 8 Photo Gallery.

Batyr

This week our Year 9 students attended a presentation from Batyr, an organisation focused on improving mental health awareness and encouraging young people to seek help when they need it.

During the session, students heard personal stories from a range of guest speakers who spoke about their own mental health journeys. These experiences helped break down common stigmas and showed students that it is okay to talk about how they are feeling and reach out for support when needed.

Through discussion and activities, students explored the importance of looking after their mental health, supporting their friends and recognising when someone might need help. The presenters reminded students that mental health is just as important as physical health.

Our Year 9 students reflected positively on the experience, sharing that the presentation gave them more confidence to start conversations about mental health and to ask for help when they need it.

We thank Batyr for their visit and for giving our Year 9 students valuable tools to build resilience and a stronger school community.

Winter Holiday Programs 

Explore the Winter Holiday Programs section of this newsletter to discover and register for a range of activities designed to keep students engaged, active and having fun over the holiday break.