Secondary Bulletin

We are incredibly proud to share that Year 12 student Caroline Zhang has been selected to represent Australia at the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), one of the most prestigious mathematics competitions in the world.

This year’s IMO will be held on the Sunshine Coast, with the Australian team attending a preparatory training camp from 7 to 13 July, followed by the official competition from 14 to 20 July. Caroline’s selection is an outstanding achievement and a testament to her exceptional problem-solving ability, dedication and passion for mathematics.

This will be Caroline’s first-time representing Australia on the IMO team, a remarkable milestone that reflects not only her personal talent but also the strength and depth of Australia’s young mathematical minds. Her success exemplifies Clayfield College’s commitment to academic excellence and nurturing future leaders in STEM.

We wish Caroline the very best as she prepares to take on the world stage. We are cheering you on every step of the way!

This term has been a vibrant one for our Secondary students, with a strong sense of House spirit as preparations for Arts Day took centre stage. The theme, Be Fearless – Unleash Your Emotions, inspired passionate and creative performances in both House Song and House Dance, celebrating the power of expression and teamwork. 

We were also delighted to complete auditions and casting for our 2026 College Musical – Alice in Wonderland Jr, which will involve students currently in Years 4 to 9. It’s exciting to see so much talent and enthusiasm across the younger year levels as we begin planning for this magical production. 

In addition, we welcomed visiting students from Pymble Ladies’ College as part of a meaningful exchange to Sydney, while our own students returned from Trafalgar Castle School in Canada with enriching cultural and educational experiences. 

Our community continues to uphold the core values of Resilience and Respect, demonstrated through consistent uniform standards, excellent punctuality, responsible phone use, and enthusiastic engagement in all aspects of College life. We’ve also focused on maintaining respectful behaviour across all areas of our school, reinforcing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all. 

Together, we have built a strong foundation to carry us confidently into the next semester of the year. 

As we come to the end of a busy yet rewarding term, I would like to reflect on all that our College community has achieved together.

Highlights from the past few months include two engaging parent nights held as part of our Care@Clayfield pastoral care framework. Concurrently, our student program featured sessions led both by the same presenters who addressed parents and additional guest speakers. These inspiring sessions encouraged students to thoughtfully consider how they can responsibly manage their actions and behaviour, especially in relation to their online identity, health, and wellbeing.

Our Year 8 students enjoyed an unforgettable camp experience, building resilience and friendships in a somewhat chilly location, while the Year 11 Soiree was a night to remember with much dancing, laughter and obvious joy. A big thank you to Head of Year Mariella Gibson for facilitating the Soiree and to Head of Year Amy Hayes for facilitating the Year 8 camp with the support of attending teachers Morgan Andrew and Anita Wood.

I am proud of the continued efforts of our Student Representative Council, under the direction of our College Captains, whose initiatives have brought renewed energy to school life. From engagement events such as the Push Up Challenge to student-led secret missions, their leadership has been instrumental in shaping a positive culture across our campus. 

As we head into the winter break, there is much to be grateful for. Thank you for your ongoing support, I wish you a restful and rejuvenating holiday. 

Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp

Last week, the Year 8 cohort set out on a three-day adventure to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The camp was filled with activities including mountain biking, raft building, team challenges and a hike up Mt Allen. 

After a full day of activities, students took on the added challenge of setting up their own tents, cooking dinner for their group, and building a campfire – gaining valuable life skills in the process.

While the activities were certainly a highlight, the most meaningful part of the camp was the chance for students to connect with classmates beyond their usual friendship groups. Additionally, the opportunity to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature was a valuable way for students to unwind and conclude a busy term. 

A big thank you to the Clayfield College staff who supported the Year 8 students throughout the camp, including Morgan Andrew, Anita Wood and Toni Kirton. 

Readers Cup

Congratulations to the Readers Cup team who finished 4th out of 23 teams in our first Readers Cup event. This is a fantastic achievement. Readers Cup is a state-wide event where teams of students read sets of books and then compete with other teams in their region to answer quiz questions. More information about this event to come early next term from a member of the team itself.

Readers Cup Team: Oliver Sproles, Ruby Norris, Sophie Morizet-Morales, Sari Weyer, Clare Burke and Sophia Beavis.

End of Semester

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term and the end of Semester 1, the Teaching and Learning Team would like to take a moment to celebrate the dedication and hard work demonstrated by students—well done! Efforts during assessments and in the classroom have shown commitment, perseverance, and a love of learning. We are all very proud.

Now, it’s time for a well-earned break. The holidays are almost here—a chance to pause, rest, and recharge. Whether you’re travelling, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying some quiet days at home, we hope this break brings you moments of joy and relaxation. If Semester 1 hasn’t been as successful as you would like it to be, then we hope this is a chance to reset.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, refreshed and ready to embrace new opportunities, challenges, and adventures in learning.