Senior School Bulletin

There was something particularly special about seeing our Year 12 students and our Prep students come together this week for their 100 Day celebration. Over something as simple as fairy bread and conversation, relationships were strengthened, laughter was shared and students of very different ages connected so naturally. It was a joyful reminder that some of the most meaningful moments in school life are often the simplest.

As the week has unfolded, that same sense of connection has continued through Faith Week. There has been a genuine sense of people coming together; sharing conversations, reflecting together and taking time to encourage one another. In the busyness of school life, it is easy to underestimate the value of simply pausing to connect with others. Yet it is often these shared experiences that strengthen relationships and remind us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. In moments like these, it becomes clear that while each of us walks our own path, we are never intended to walk it alone.

When I think about overcoming challenges, I often realise that we naturally focus on resilience, determination and perseverance. Yet some of our greatest strength comes from knowing we have people around us who encourage us, listen to us and walk alongside us. Whether it is a friend, a teacher, a mentor or a younger student who reminds us to smile, the people around us often give us the courage to take the next step.

My hope is that our students continue to discover that while challenges are a part of life, they never have to face them alone. It is in the encouragement, kindness and quiet support of others that we often find the courage to keep moving forward. If this week has shown us anything, it is that the strongest communities are built through the simple, everyday choice to walk alongside one another.

Cambridge Scholars Programme: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Currently a group of our academically high-performing students from Years 9 and 10 are part of the Cambridge Scholars Programme in the United Kingdom, and it has been a privilege to watch them embrace every opportunity presented to them.

Throughout the program so far, our students have demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, curiosity and resilience. Even with a head cold making its way through some of the group, our students have continued to participate fully and approach every experience with a positive attitude. Their willingness to engage, contribute and make the most of each opportunity has been a credit to themselves and the College.

One of the most pleasing pieces of feedback I have received from tutors and program staff has been the recognition of our students as outstanding team players. They are consistently willing to contribute to discussions, participate in activities and support those around them. Just as importantly, they have been incredibly welcoming of students from other schools and countries, readily including others in conversations, activities and friendships.

The students have enjoyed a wide range of academic, cultural and team-building experiences. Activities have included problem-solving tasks, mock interviews for Oxford and Cambridge admissions, a silent disco and team-building events such as welly throwing, egg throwing and the challenge of constructing the tallest possible tower from raw spaghetti. Alongside these experiences, students have visited a number of iconic locations including Windsor Castle, Oxford, the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern.

The group is staying at the historic Gonville & Caius College, of the University of Cambridge. The opportunity to live and learn within such a beautiful and significant academic setting has been another highlight of the experience. 

The program is challenging students such to think critically, collaborate with others, develop independence, broaden their perspectives and gain confidence in unfamiliar environments. These experiences help students to see the possibilities available to them and inspire them to pursue ambitious goals in their own academic journeys. Well done to the Cambridge Scholars Program students!

Please refer to the Photo Gallery for a further look into our top highlights.

Assessment Calendars Now Available

Assessment calendars for Years 7 to 12 were made available this week via Student Café and Parent Lounge. These calendars provide a valuable overview of assessment dates across all subjects and are an important planning tool for students and families.

Students are strongly encouraged to use these calendars to map out their term, identify busy periods well in advance and establish plans to maintain effective study routines. Planning can help reduce stress, promote consistent effort and support students to find balance. 

Updated Tutorial Schedule

There has been a recent minor change to the tutorial schedule which is available below. 

Students are encouraged to review the schedule and consider which sessions may best support their learning throughout the term.

Tutorials provide an excellent opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of course content, clarify misconceptions and seek assistance with challenging concepts in a smaller learning environment. Importantly, students do not have to attend tutorials with their classroom teacher. Attending a tutorial led by another teacher can provide fresh perspectives, alternative explanations and additional opportunities for practice and feedback.

We encourage all students to view tutorials as a proactive strategy for academic success. Whether a student is seeking extension, consolidation of learning or support with upcoming assessment, regular tutorial attendance can make a meaningful difference to confidence, understanding and achievement.

Academic Captains' Book Week Short Story Competition

All students are reminded of the Academic Captains, Megan Groundwater and Ema Costello’s Book Week Short Story Competition for students in Years 3 to 12.

This year's theme ‘A Light in the Dark’, offers students the opportunity to explore ideas of hope, resilience, discovery and transformation through creative writing. Students may choose to interpret the theme literally or metaphorically, and all genres are welcome.

Entries are due Friday 7 August, Term 3 Week 4. 

Students may submit one story, and previously written pieces may be entered provided they connect clearly to the theme.

Word limits:

• Years 3 and 4: 500 words maximum
• Years 5 and 6: 500 words maximum
• Years 7 and 8: 700 words maximum
• Years 9 and 10: 800 words maximum

• Years 11 and 12: 1000 words maximum

   

The Academic Captains look forward to celebrating the creativity, imagination and talent of our student writers, with winners and runners-up announced at Assembly and recognised in The Collective later in the term.

QDU Debating

This year we have had wonderful success within our Debating Teams. Our Year 7 and 8 team made it through to the first round of the finals and our Year 9.2 team made it through to the second round of the finals. 

Last night our Year 10 team successfully defeated Gregory Terrace meaning they are now through to the third round of the finals. This is an amazing achievement from all our students, congratulations and Good Luck Year 10 for next week's debate!

House Spirit Excellence

This week’s House Excellence focus was correct school uniform, with students recognised for taking pride in their presentation and representing the College positively.

Congratulations to Ashburn House, who demonstrated outstanding consistency and commitment to meeting our uniform expectations. 

Upcoming Focus Behaviours 

• Week 4: Correct Equipment 
• Week 5: Punctuality 

• Week 6: Wearing of Hats, particularly during lunch breaks 

   

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

House Spirit Photo Competition 

It was fantastic to see so many students embracing the excitement, colour and energy of the Athletics Carnival through our House Spirit photos.  

Congratulations Radcliffe for capturing outstanding House pride and enthusiasm throughout the day. 

Well done to Ashburn House for raising funds for The Pyjama Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children living in foster care. It was fabulous to see all houses supporting the cause, which are captured in the following photos. 

And the winner is Campbell House!

Duke of Edinburgh 

Students and parents interested in completing their Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey had the opportunity this week to meet Kris from Kanu Kapers and learn more about the upcoming Noosa Everglades canoe expedition in September. Families are reminded that their trip deposit is required by Friday 31 July 2026 to secure a place.  Please email Ms Greigrgreig@clayfield.qld.edu.au for further information. 

Year 7 Bridge Award

This week our Year 7 students officially commenced the Bridge Award, an exciting youth development program that builds confidence, resilience, teamwork and a spirit of adventure while introducing students to service, skill development, physical recreation and outdoor education. As part of the Service component, students have begun their first project, supporting Stationery Aid, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they make in the community throughout the program. A reminder to Year 7 students and families to please return the Bridge Award registration form to Mrs Greig (rgreig@clayfield.qld.edu.au) as soon as possible so students can be officially enrolled. 

Kilvington Grammar Exchange Update 

We are excited to share that our students participating in the Kilvington Grammar Exchange Program have now been matched with their Melbourne counterparts.

Students have already begun making connections ahead of the exchange, and we look forward to warmly welcoming the Kilvington students to Clayfield College in Week 5 for what promises to be a rewarding and memorable experience for all involved.

Science Week Schedule - Week 5

Campbell House Jeans for Genes Day Fundraiser

Friday 31 July 2026 

On Friday 31 July, all Junior and Senior students are invited to participate in Jeans for Genes Day, and can come to school dressed in appropriate denim attire. On this day, a bake sale will be available to students in Year 6 through to Year 12 in the Old Collegians' Courtyard at Lunch.

Every dollar raised at the bake sale goes directly to the Children’s Medical Research Institute and helps find treatments and cures for children’s genetic diseases.  

100 Days Celebration

The Year 12 cohort recently paused to celebrate an important milestone, marking their 100 days until graduation. While the countdown to the end of their schooling journey is now well and truly underway, the occasion provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on how far they have come and to celebrate the achievements, growth and resilience that have defined their final year.

The celebrations began with a special morning tea picnic shared with our Prep K and Prep H students. It was wonderful to see the youngest and oldest members of our school community spending time together, sharing conversations, laughter and fairy bread. The event highlighted the strong sense of connection that exists across all year levels and reminded our Year 12s of the positive example they set for younger students each day. 

During lunchtime, the cohort gathered with members of the Senior Leadership Team and Pastoral Team to enjoy a celebratory cake and acknowledge this significant milestone. The occasion offered a chance to recognise not only academic achievements but also the perseverance and commitment demonstrated by the students throughout the year. 

For many, Year 12 has brought its share of challenges. Balancing academic demands, co-curricular commitments, leadership responsibilities and preparations for life beyond school has required determination and resilience. Through these experiences, our 2026 Seniors have shown remarkable maturity, supporting one another, overcoming obstacles and continuing to strive for their goals.

The 100 Days Celebration was a timely reminder that success is not measured solely by final results, but also by the growth, supportive friendships and memories formed along the way. As the cohort enters the final stretch of their schooling journey, they do so with a greater appreciation of all they have achieved and with excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Congratulations to our Year 12 students on reaching this milestone. We look forward to supporting and celebrating them throughout their remaining days at the College and beyond.