The Collective

Principal's Message

Dr Andrew Cousins 

College Principal  

Dear Parents and Caregivers

 

As we approach the end of another remarkable academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and entrusting us with the education of your child. 2023 has been a year where we have shot for the stars, had high hopes and continued to show the world the best of Clayfield. In the words of Panic at the Disco, it has been a year to ‘Light up your Wildest Dreams!’

 

In this truly historic year in the life of Clayfield College we have much to celebrate including:

  • Welcoming boys to the Secondary School for the first time in our 92-year history
  • The student population of our Primary School almost doubling in size
  • Our inaugural Wildest Dreams themed Arts Day
  • Students in Years 4 to 9 commenced rehearsals for our inaugural school musical ‘The Little Mermaid’
  • Every student in Year 7 commenced their journey to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Bridge Award
  • Irish dancing lessons were offered to Primary School students along with the formation of the Clayfield College Dance Troupe
  • Over 1,300 people attended Jazz on the Green to see James Morrison and our own amazing Jazz Band
  • Sport offerings were expanded and refined for all year levels
  • The ongoing revitalisation of the College Campus including refreshing parts of the Administration Block, the Ida Kennedy Physical Education Centre and the Carolyn Hauff Boarding House
  • Through the financial support of the Clayfield College Foundation we witnessed the unveiling of the Black Box Drama Space and new Strength and Conditioning and Cardio Studios
  • Through both the financial support and countless hours of the Old Collegian Association Executive and Committee, the OCA Museum has become a reality, and we look forward to officially opening this as part of Foundation Day next year
  • Releasing our new school uniform in response to student feedback to include greater choice including trousers and shorts for girls
  • Extending the Britton Shield sports competition into the Secondary School
  • Offering Basketball and AFL for the first time as part of the QG sports competition with these teams having successful seasons
  • International tours including the Europe Music Tour, Cambridge Tour and Trafalgar Castle School exchange.

 

As we look towards 2024, the investment in capital infrastructure to support our growing College will continue through:

  • The complete renovation of our Visual Art Rooms
  • A complete overhaul of the Primary School Playground
  • A rejuvenation of the College Pool to accompany and support the construction of the Foundation Funded Learn to Swim Pool
  • Further renovations in the Carolyn Hauff Boarding House
  • The planning and design of a Creative and Performing Arts Complex
  • Construction of a three-story building to replace MU2. This new building will contain six classrooms and includes Design Technology Workshops and flexible learning spaces.

With the year drawing to a close, we extend our farewells to several colleagues who are retiring. Our heartfelt gratitude to the following staff members for their valuable contribution to the College: Doris Haddock, Jo Skerrett, Scott Grice and Chris Humphreys. We wish them all the best in the next stage of their life beyond the classroom. 

 

We also bid farewell to Ann Slade and Andrew Leung as they pursue fresh opportunities, acknowledging and thanking them for their dedicated service to the College. Additionally, as the year wraps up, we acknowledge the conclusion of fixed-term contracts for some staff members at the College. We extend our well wishes to Sharyn Simpson, Fiona Poschelk, Lisa Napier and Alison Smith for success in their future endeavours.

 

My sincere thanks to all staff for their continued dedication and commitment to ensuring every student is known, valued and understood. As the College continues to grow, with currently over 130 new students confirmed to commence in 2024, we are committed to ensuring Clayfield is a place to learn, belong and experience and remains a community where everybody knows your name.

 

Again, thank you for a wonderful year and I wish each of you a joyful and holy Christmas.

 

Kind regards

 

 

Dr Andrew Cousins

Principal