Secondary Bulletin

STEM Team

This year Clayfield College welcomed a number of new teachers to the STEM department:

• Dr Steve Griffiths: Senior Biology, Junior Science Teacher
• Ms Yee-Teng Davis: Senior Biology, Junior Science Teacher 
• Ms Rebecca McGuinness: Food Technology Teacher
• Mr Paul Clarke: Technologies Teacher

We are fortunate to have such a wealth of experience and skills joining us this year!

STEM Ambassadors

On behalf of the STEM Department, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our STEM Ambassadors for this year:

• Hannah Green
• Sara Grima
• Megan Groundwater
• Tiffany Lee
• Mimi McGuire
• Reese Taylor
• Lucija Wiggins
• Tara Wright

They have already proven themselves to be invaluable to the STEM Department by advertising and organising STEM activities, suggesting STEM – related initiatives and generally helping to raise the profile the STEM department in the school and the wider Clayfield College Community.

They are worth their weight in Au.  

Year 12 Biology Camp

On Thursday and Friday of Week 4, 26 Year 12 Biology students went to the University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station on North Stradbroke Island to collect data for their IA2 Student Experiment. 

Students identified and counted species organisms in the intertidal rocky shore ecosystems of North Stradbroke. Students also collected plankton and inspected it under microscopes. Being in the field, collecting data firsthand, has allowed the students to experience life as a marine biologist and has given them a great background knowledge for their assignment. All the students worked extremely hard and were exemplary ambassadors for the college.

STEM Clubs and Competitions

A number of STEM clubs and competitions have been initiated this year.

Our Titration Club has been working hard before and after school, preparing for the National Titration Competition, which will be held at the University of Queensland Chemistry Department in May. We wish them the best of luck for the Queensland heat and look forward to some or all of them competing in the National Finals in Term 3!

Other competitions that will be available to students include:

• The Big Science Competition which is open to students in Years 7 to10 and is on in May
• The Royal Australian Chemical Institute's International Chemistry and Art Competition

Caroline Zhang has competed in the 2025 Asian-Pacific Mathematical Olympiad (APMO).

Unfortunately, due to Cyclone Alfred, and our UQ Women in Engineering Workshops had to be postponed.

International Mathematics Day (Pi Day)

Friday 14 March was International Mathematics Day, otherwise known as Pi Day!

Clayfield College celebrated with the ‘Guess the number of lollies in the Jar.’

Followed by the lunchtime Pi(e) activity in which students recited the value of Pi to however many decimal places they could (which some amazing 100+ digits!) for which they received a pie.

A busy and productive start to 2025!

Wellbeing and Connectedness in House Activities

Our Houses have been focusing on the strategic pillar of wellbeing through belonging, ensuring that every student feels known, valued, and understood. This week’s focus is Henderson House. 

Henderson House soared to new heights last week as our students unleashed their creativity and competitive spirit with a thrilling paper aeroplane challenge! When it came time to put their creations to the test, the air was electric with anticipation.

 

One by one, students launched their paper planes down the hall, each flight accompanied by cheers and supportive shouts from fellow House members. The friendly competition quickly turned into a heartwarming display of teamwork and determination as everyone celebrated each flight, no matter the distance achieved. 

 

This event was a reminder that at Henderson, every challenge is met with passion and a sense of community. As we continue to celebrate our unique talents and work as one, we are reminded that it’s the spirit of togetherness that truly makes us fly. 

 

Fly high, Henderson! 

 

Henderson House Leader, Tim Opstelten 

Harmony Day is This Friday!

Our Harmony Day celebration will take place tomorrow, 21 March at 10:45am in the PE Centre.  

House Lunch (BYO Lunch)

At lunchtime on Harmony Day, students will be eating their lunch in House Areas, so all students in the College can gather as a House.

House Locations 

House Chapel

Personal Safety

As the days start to get shorter and we head into the cooler months, it’s a great opportunity to take a moment and focus on something just as important as academics - students' safety and wellbeing. At Clayfield, we are committed to helping our children develop the skills they need to stay safe, both within the school environment and beyond.

Our aim is for all students to feel confident in their ability to handle challenging situations, whether they are on the playground, waiting to be picked up in the afternoon, or interacting with others in their community.  With this in mind, I ask that you check in with your child to remind them of the following:

1. Encourage your child to trust their instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to remove themselves from the situation and seek a safe place.
2. Teach your child to politely but firmly say “no” if someone asks them to do something they’re uncomfortable with, and to walk away calmly and confidently.
3. Remind your child that if they ever feel uncertain, they should talk to a trusted adult - whether it’s a teacher, a family member, or a parent, there’s always someone they can turn to for support.
4. If your child has a phone or other device, encourage them to use it to contact you or another trusted person if they ever feel unsafe or need help.

By reinforcing these simple steps, we can help our students feel more confident and prepared to make safe decisions, no matter where they are.

We understand that there has been a recent incident reported at a school in the surrounding suburbs of our College. While we should always remain vigilant, this incident serves as a timely reminder for us to have these important 'Stranger Danger' conversations with our young people. 

A message From Your Pastoral Care Team

As we approach exam block, maintaining good mental health is essential for academic success and wellbeing. Below are some tips and tricks to help navigate this sometimes challenging period: 

1. Create a study schedule: Access to study plan templates are available by your Head of Year. Students are encouraged to use these to effectively manage their time during exam block.
2. Prioritise sleep: Adequate sleep is necessary for memory consolidation and good cognitive function. While sacrificing sleep may allow you to study more, it can reduce your ability to focus. 
3. Nourish the body: The brain needs fuel to perform its best, much like an athlete. 
4. Exercise regularly: Going on a quick walk or run can boost your mood, provide you with a break, and reset the mind.
5. Practice mindfulness: A few minutes of mindfulness can assist with stress management, improved focus, and emotional regulation. 
6. Stay hydrated: Adding a few extra glasses of water can have a positive effect on cognition, stabilise your emotions, and even assist with challenging emotions. 
7. Maintain social connections: Socialise in person and limit social media use during exam block to reduce distractions. Consider going for a walk and quizzing your friend!
8. Avoid last-minute cramming: Developing knowledge and skills is a marathon, not a sprint. 
9. Positive self-talk: Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. 
10. Ask for help: Reach out to your teachers, Head of Year, or College Counsellor should you need support during this time. We are all here to help. 

Best of luck to Years 10, 11 and 12! It’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of constant studying but taking care of your mental health is an essential part of academic success. 

Screens, Social Media and Our Kids

Date: Wednesday 26 March 2025

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Venue: Online

Cost: Free

In this parent webinar, tween/teen champion Michelle Mitchell and Clinical and school psychologist Dr Matt O’Connor will discuss some practical strategies, tips and insights for helping your child foster a healthy relationship with technology and unpack some ways to

help your family prepare for the upcoming social media ban.

Learn more and register via the link below.

Michelle Mitchell

Tween/teen expert and parenting educator

Dr Matt O'Connor

Clinical and school psychologist