Senior School Bulletin

There is something wonderful about an assembly when you can feel that everyone is part of it. Our recent Senior School assembly was full of energy, excitement and a real sense of connection. Watching our students respond so enthusiastically, I was struck by how much it matters to feel that you have a place within a community.

That same energy has been evident around the College this week, particularly through our Business and Entrepreneurship Market Stall Day. There was something lovely about seeing students sharing ideas, talking with one another and enjoying the opportunity to contribute. These moments remind us that inclusion is not always a big or deliberate act. Often, it is created through the small things we do every day; making space for another voice, inviting someone into a conversation, noticing who is on the edge of a group or simply making someone feel that their presence matters.

As our students move through the Senior School, I hope they become increasingly aware of the part they play in creating that experience for others. We are all shaped by the way people respond to us, particularly during the years when friendships, confidence and identity are developing. Learning to listen to different perspectives, to recognise when someone may need an invitation, and to make room for others are important parts of growing into the kind of person who can build strong and respectful relationships.

Perhaps this is one of the gifts of a strong community: knowing that we don't all need to be the same to belong. We can have different personalities, interests, perspectives, and experiences, while still making space for one another. When our students learn to look beyond their own circle and notice who else might need a little encouragement, they begin to understand that belonging is something we can help create for others.

Perhaps this week, we might each notice a little more carefully; not only where we feel we belong, but where someone else might be looking for a place to belong too.

Staffing Update

We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Griffiths as Acting Head of Year 12.

Working alongside Ms Corpe and the wider Year 12 team, Dr Griffiths will support our students and families as they enter the final phase of their Clayfield journey.

We are grateful to Dr Griffiths for stepping into this role and look forward to the care, connection and leadership he will bring to our Year 12 community.

Student Free Day / QCAA Staff Day

Week 8, Friday 4 September 

The College will be closed on Friday 4 September, for a Student Free Day / QCAA Staff Day.  Please ensure other arrangements have been made for your daughter/son on this day.

Summer Uniform Transition

 With the warmer weather approaching, we will commence our transition from the Winter uniform to the Summer uniform over the coming period.

Junior School

• Summer uniform compulsory from Monday 7 September (Week 9). 

Senior School

•  Transition Week: students can choose to wear either their Summer or Winter uniforms in the week commencing Monday 31 August (Week 8). 
• Summer uniform compulsory from Monday 7 September (Week 9). 

Please refer the Uniform Policy available below.

Semester 1 Co-Curricular Photo - Ordering

We are pleased to share that orders can now be made via the Studio Kirby online gallery. Please place your order with the link below (Password: CLAY).

All orders are processed by Studio Kirby, with delivery direct to the address confirmed in the order. 

Semester 2 Co-curricular Photos

Term 4, Week 1 - Wednesday 7 October 

Further information and the photography schedule will be provided to families shortly. 

Photography sessions will take place concurrently across the College, with: 

• Junior School co-curricular groups photographed in the Assembly Hall 

• Senior School co-curricular groups photographed in the PE Centre 

   

To help ensure all students are photographed with their groups, families are asked to note the date in their calendars now. Further details regarding timings, uniform requirements and participating groups will be communicated closer to the event.  

Teacher Education Scholarship Applications Open

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

The scholarship supports senior 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.

September Holidays Year 12 Study Bootcamp

Monday 21 September to Thursday 24 September

Tutors from MindBridge Education will be available each day from 9:00am to 12:30pm in the Upper LRC to help students with questions or queries. If you are interested in availing of this opportunity, please follow the link below to pick the subject/s you would like assistance with and the session/s you will attend.

All QCE subjects offered at Clayfield College will be covered however, based on the data students provide us, priority will be given to subjects that the cohort indicates are highest areas of need.

Reminder that all students are required to sign in on arrival and must leave the College campus at 12.30pm.

Understanding and navigating AI-Generated Cyberbullying

As technology evolves, so too do the challenges our students face online. Generative AI tools have made it increasingly easy for harmful content such as altered images, synthetic voice clips, and fabricated chat transcripts to be created and circulated in private digital spaces. Because these technologies can produce remarkably convincing material, recognising and addressing cyberbullying requires updated awareness from both parents and educators. 

To help our community identify these emerging behaviours, the graphic below highlights common forms of AI-generated cyberbullying and how they typically manifest: 

Source: Optus Digital Thumbprint, "Cyberbullying, GenAI, and keeping your child safe online: A guide for parents and carers," 2026.

How You Can Support Your Child

• Keep Communication Open: Reassure your child that they will not lose device privileges or face immediate blame if they report online issues. Open dialogue makes young people far more likely to seek help. 
• Promote Critical Thinking: Discuss how easily AI content can be manufactured so students learn to question suspicious posts before reacting or sharing.  

• Utilise Digital Controls: Guide children on how to set accounts to private, block harmful profiles, and report inappropriate content directly within apps. 

   

If your family needs additional guidance or support regarding online safety, please reach out to the College or explore resources provided by the eSafety Commissioner and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800). 

AusGrader Trial

A reminder to our Year 12 families that our trial of AusGrader has now officially come to an end and students may voluntarily choose to keep access to all their subjects on the platform for a fee. 

AusGrader has provided our senior students with a valuable, AI-powered study platform to practise past exam questions aligned with QCAA standards, delivering instant feedback and detailed criteria-based marking.

As Year 12 students continue their preparations for upcoming mock and external examinations, those who wish to maintain full access across all their subjects through to the end of 2026 can do so by purchasing an individual subscription.

Subscription Details:

• Cost: $100 total (covering access through to the end of 2026)

• How to Access: Visit www.ausgrader.com and sign in using your student email address to complete the process.

   

If your student found value in the platform during the trial, we encourage her to consider continuing with the service to support her ongoing revision. For any queries regarding AusGrader access, please do not hesitate to contact jstemmet@clayfield.qld.edu.au.

Atomi – Revising tool 

Maximising Revision and Assessment Prep with Atomi

As we approach the upcoming assessment and examination period, structured revision is key to helping students feel confident and prepared. Atomi continues to be a powerful digital resource across the Senior School, supporting students whether they are reviewing subject content, tackling assignments, or gearing up for exams.

For Year 12 Students: 2026 QCE Study Plans 

To support our Year 12s heading into exam season, Atomi has released tailored 2026 QCE Study Plans that map directly to the QCE syllabus, taking the guesswork out of what to revise and when. On 8 September, Atomi is meeting with our Year 12 students to support them further and assist with their study plans.

The downloadable study plans include:

• Week-by-week study schedules for every subject
• Topic checklists to track revision progress
• Direct links to matching revision videos and interactive quizzes
• Calendar sync files to push study sessions straight to student phones or laptops

• Editable templates for students who prefer to customize their own schedule

   

For Years 7 to 11 Students: Day-to-Day Study and Assignment Support 

For our Year 7 to 11 students, Atomi offers short, engaging video lessons and interactive quizzes designed to break down complex topics into bite-sized concepts. Students can use the platform to:

• Consolidate classroom learning by rewatching short video explanations after school.
• Prepare for assignments by clarifying key concepts and foundational terms.
• Test their knowledge through targeted quizzes to identify gaps before end-of-term tests.

We encourage all Senior School students to log into their Atomi accounts this week and make full use of these features as they structure their revision routines.

House Spirit Excellence

This week’s House Excellence focus was on the wearing of hats, particularly during lunch breaks. Congratulations to Ashburn House, who demonstrated outstanding commitment to sun safety and College expectations.

Upcoming Focus Behaviours:

• Week 8: Book Week Participation
• Week 9: Chargers and Laptops Returned

Well done to all students for continuing to demonstrate pride in our College values and expectations.

Duke of Edinburgh

Adventurous Journey Update

This week, students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey met with Kris from Kanu Kapers to discuss the upcoming Noosa Everglades canoe expedition. The session provided valuable information about the journey, equipment requirements, safety procedures and final preparations, helping students feel excited and well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

Bridge Award – Stationery Aid Service Project

Our Year 7 students have been working hard on their first Bridge Award Service project, supporting Stationery Aid and helping provide essential school supplies to students in need. Through this initiative, students are developing a greater understanding of service, compassion and community responsibility while making a positive difference in the lives of others. We thank our Year 7 cohort for their enthusiasm and generosity as they continue their journey through the Bridge Award program.

Crazy Hair and Sock Day Youngman House Fundraiser

Friday 9 October 2026

Building Connections, Supporting Wellbeing and Looking Ahead

As we move through the rhythm of the school year, we are continually reminded that wellbeing is built through connection. The relationships we nurture with one another, with our families, our colleagues and our students, create the foundation from which young people can learn, grow and thrive.

It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of privilege that I introduce myself as the Acting Dean of Wellbeing and Safeguarding. Many families will already know me from my role as Head of Year 12, a position that has given me the opportunity to walk alongside students and families during some of the most significant and formative years of their College journey. I am grateful for the experiences, conversations and relationships that have shaped my understanding of our community and reinforced my passion for supporting the wellbeing of every student.

Stepping into this role provides a wonderful opportunity to continue building meaningful connections across the College. Wellbeing and safeguarding are most effective when they are approached as a partnership between school and home. Families play an essential role in the lives of our young people, and I would like to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to work alongside you in supporting your children.

Research consistently tells us that a strong sense of belonging is one of the most significant protective factors for young people. When students feel connected, known and supported, they are more likely to demonstrate resilience, engage positively in learning and develop the confidence to navigate challenges. Creating these conditions is a shared responsibility, and one that is embraced wholeheartedly by the staff who care for and educate our students each day.

As I begin this new chapter, I reflect on the many strengths that make our College community so special. I see kindness in the way students support one another, dedication in the work of our staff and commitment in the partnership we share with families. These everyday moments, often quiet and unseen, are what create a culture where wellbeing can flourish.

Whilst I am new to the role, our shared College commitment remains unchanged: to ensure that every student feels safe, valued and connected. Wellbeing is not simply about responding to challenges when they arise, it is about creating environments where students can develop positive relationships, build resilience, strengthen their sense of self and feel confident seeking support when needed.

As we continue through the year together, I encourage us all to take time to celebrate the small moments of progress, connection and growth. Whether it is a conversation that helps a student feel heard, an act of kindness that brightens someone's day or a challenge overcome through perseverance, these moments matter. They contribute to the wellbeing of not only individuals, but our entire community.

I am excited for the opportunity to serve in this role and look forward to meeting more families, continuing important conversations and working together to support the wellbeing, safety and success of every student.

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