Primary Bulletin

During the break, I came across an insightful article on the role of creativity and the place for a more rigorous auditory environment in the classroom. 

Over the past 15 years, teaching pedagogy has evolved significantly, with research highlighting the importance of skills such as creativity, innovation, and collaboration, skills that are essential for success in today's rapidly changing world. This shift in focus has led us to embrace more dynamic classroom environments, where purposeful noise and interactive activities foster deeper engagement and creative thinking. We are a school that will continue to keep learning and adapting in order to best support our students.   

Studies by researchers such as R. J. McCallum (2012) and P. A. Hallam (2009) suggest that classrooms with moderate noise, such as discussions, group work, and collaborative projects, create an environment that stimulates cognitive engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving. A lively classroom helps students process information more effectively, fostering peer interaction and idea-sharing, which are essential for creativity. This dynamic setting is particularly beneficial for neurodiverse learners, who often thrive in environments that provide varied sensory input and opportunities for active participation. 

For these learners, the ability to engage with different stimuli, both auditory and social, supports their focus and emotional regulation. While we always maintain an environment that is conducive to focus and respect, we recognise that a certain amount of purposeful noise and movement is vital for all students.  

Uniform Policy - Hair

Please note the following documented in the Clayfield College Uniform Policy in terms of appropriate hairstyles.  

Interhouse Cross Country

On Wednesday, the students in Years 2 to 6 enjoyed a wonderful Interhouse Cross Country Carnival marked by glorious weather and fabulous participation.

 Thank you to Mr O’Rourke, the Sports Department, specifically, Ms Lewin, Mrs Cattanach and Ms Hughes for their organisation of the event. All staff were impressed with the venue and the way in which the students represented the College with commendable sportsmanship and effort. 

We look forward to formally sharing results with you at the end of this term. It was lovely to see so many families in attendance.

In Semester 1, some of our Personal Development and Wellbeing and Foundation lessons focus on helping students understand their digital footprint and explore online experiences in a safe and responsible manner. 

For both Primary and Secondary students, these topics are introduced through age-appropriate methods such as role play, scenario-based learning, and sessions with external presenters. For instance, the eSafety Commissioner’s 'Mighty Heroes' program uses role-play to teach younger students about protecting personal information and showing respect online. 

Older students engage in activities that encourage critical thinking about their online presence and its potential impact on their future. These interactive approaches aim to empower students to make informed choices and develop positive digital habits. We encourage parents and carers to support these initiatives by participating in related workshops and staying informed about online safety practices. Some of these are outlined here.

Dive into reading with Sora eBooks

Students and parents are reminded that the excellent Sora eBook platform is readily accessible via the Lighthouse homepage. Sora provides users with a wide range of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction titles. Students can enjoy reading material curated for their year level, while teachers have the option to assign books to entire classes to extend learning and foster a love of reading. All members of the Clayfield College community with a registered school email can log in and explore the growing library.

The entrance to the Prep and Pre-Prep Centre off Gregory Street near Gate 2 will be slightly disrupted from this week while work is done replacing the retaining wall beside the pathway. 

You may have noticed that some trees between the neighbour's fence and the entry pathway were cut down over the holidays in preparation for this work. It is scheduled to take place from 1 May to 9 May, should everything proceed without delays. 

While works are in progress, the main entry doors to the Prep and Pre-Prep classrooms will be closed, and all access to the classrooms will be through the playground gates closest to our Palm Grove Playground. The pathway from Gregory Street to OSCH and the Prep/Pre-Prep playground gates will be open as usual. Thank you in advance for your support and patience in accommodating these changes.   

Year 4 to 6 Homework Club

Over the course of this week and next, classroom teachers are revisiting the Homework Club Schedule and Homework Club Essential Agreement with their students. There is a timeline of how each afternoon will be run and this will be visible to all parents and students in the LRC. 

For a small amount of the time, at the end of each session, students will have the ability to access a restricted number of educational apps, if their set homework has been finished. The approved apps have been discussed with students and only those with set tasks and educational value are permitted.  

The essential agreement for Homework Club is as follows: 

1. We treat staff and students with care and respect. 
2. We follow the schedule and use homework time productively and effectively. 
3. The space will be left as we found it. 
4. We are punctual and bring the necessary equipment. 
5. We adhere to all aspects of our Clayfield Technology Agreement.  

Homework Club Schedule: 

• 3:10pm to 3:30pm: Roll and set up homework activities 
• 3:30pm to 3:45pm: Snack and movement break in the amphitheatre 
• 3:45pm to 4:30pm: Set homework tasks, printed educational activities or reading 
• 4:30pm to 5:00pm: If set homework is completed, mindful activities like colouring or craft, quiet boardgames, LEGO or approved educational apps.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

We’re excited to announce that the Piccolo Choir will be performing at this year’s Mother’s Day Breakfast on Friday 9 May. For updates and further details, please subscribe to the Piccolo Choir App via the Culture tab.

Please note that due to the Mother's Day breakfast being hosted in the Tuckshop Courtyard on Friday 9 May, there will be no breakfast items available to be ordered via Flexischools on this day. Thank you for your understanding. 

P&F Mother's Day Stall

Primary Students will be taken to the Stall during the day by their teachers and will have their teachers and parent volunteers help them with their shopping.  Children will take their gifts home at the end of the day.  

Our P&F Friends of Primary are hosting a Mother’s Day Stall on Friday 9 May, offering a beautiful selection of gifts for students to purchase for their loved ones. Gifts range from $5 to $20, and purchases will be made using pre-purchased tokens. Please ensure tokens are secured in advance via the provided link.

Semester 1 Co-Curricular and Group Photos

On Wednesday 4 June and Thursday 5 June, the Semester 1 Co-Curricular / Group Photos will be taken.

Further information and schedule will be provided once finalised.