Senior School Bulletin

This week, our Year 12 students have begun their external examinations, marking a significant point in their time at Clayfield. It has made me reflect on how important it is for them to maintain their routines, continue to be on campus and stay connected to the familiar. With so much focus naturally directed towards examinations and what comes next, I think there is real value in continuing to be part of the Senior School community and the everyday life that has been such a big part of their journey.

These examinations are an important milestone, but they are still part of a much wider school experience. The routines, conversations and connections that have shaped our Year 12 students’ time at school don't suddenly become less important as examinations begin. There is value in continuing to see familiar faces, share in the life of the Senior School and remain connected to the community around them. As their time at school draws towards its conclusion, these familiar experiences are still part of what makes this place theirs.

Meanwhile, students in other year levels have their own experiences unfolding. They are building knowledge, discovering interests, testing their abilities and working out what matters to them. Not every experience will feel significant at the time, and not every challenge will bring an immediate sense of achievement. Yet these are the years in which students have opportunities to try things, make mistakes, reconsider their thinking and discover strengths they may not have recognised before. These experiences deserve to be valued for what they offer now, not simply for where they might lead.

School life is shaped by more than the milestones we mark or the outcomes we celebrate. It is also shaped by the experiences that happen along the way; the conversations that challenge our thinking, the opportunities that help us discover a new interest and the people who become part of our lives. Often, we only recognise the significance of these experiences when we look back.

As our Year 12 students work through their examinations, I hope they continue to feel connected to the people and places that have been part of their time here. And for all our students, whatever stage they are at, there is value in recognising that their experience matters now, not only for what it may prepare them for next.

Lighthouse Live Now

Please refer to the Lighthouse Page above for further details, resources and a message from Dr Cousins as we invite families to explore our new online learning and communication platform, Lighthouse.

Last Chance to Order Your 2026 School Photos

Progressive Reports

Progressive Reports for students in Years 7 to 11, reflecting assessment completed during Term 3, were released via Student Café and Parent Lounge at the end of last week.

These reports provide valuable feedback from subject teachers following assessment, highlighting both what students have done well and what they could consider doing differently or improving when completing similar assessment in the future. This combination of feedback and feedforward is an important part of the learning process, helping students recognise their strengths while identifying practical next steps for continued growth.

We encourage students and families to take some time to revisit their Progressive Reports rather than simply focusing on the result achieved. Assessment is most valuable when students use the information it provides to inform what they do next. Taking the time to reflect, respond and apply teacher feedback can make a meaningful difference to future learning and achievement.

Term 4 Mindbridge Tutoring

Students seeking additional academic support may wish to consider the on-campus tutoring program provided by MindBridge Education.

Tutoring sessions run on Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Upper LRC, and continue through to Week 8.

The first session is free, with no obligation to continue. For further information and bookings, please visit the link below:

Questions can be directed to: hello@mindbridgeedu.com.au

Exploring Innovation in STEM: Technologies

It has been an action-packed, hands-on term across our Technologies subjects at Clayfield College. From sensory food fusion to real-world motorsport engineering and practical textile construction, our students have been actively applying critical thinking, technical skills and creative problem-solving to real-world design briefs. A showcase of the learning and innovation taking place across our Technologies classrooms this term includes:

Year 9 Food Technologies: Cultural Fusion and Culinary Design

In Food Technologies, Year 9 students have been exploring how culture and environment shape food choices, while mastering sustainable preparation and presentation practices. Focusing on flavour fusions and international preparation techniques, students designed and produced dishes that blend culinary traditions with modern flair, such as Greek-inspired tacos paired with fresh salad, and American diner-style croissant burgers served alongside custom menus and decadent sundaes. The kitchen labs have been filled with energy as students applied safe work practices and sensory evaluation to refine their final products. 

Year 9 Engineering: SuperGEMS Excursion at the Gold Coast 500

Our Year 9 Engineering students stepped beyond the classroom for an inspiring trackside learning experience at the SuperGEMS event, held in conjunction with Griffith University and Supercars Australia at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500. Designed to encourage young women to explore careers in STEM and motorsport, the SuperGEMS initiative gave our students behind-the-scenes access to the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit. Watching the high-performance action trackside and engaging with university mentors and industry professionals gave students a firsthand look at mechanical engineering, data analysis, and cutting-edge technology in action. 

Year 8 Design and Technologies: Practical Textiles and Tote Bags

Over in the Design and Technologies studio, textiles have taken centre stage as Year 8 students work through the design process, investigating, designing, producing and evaluating their own solutions. Learning fundamental sewing machine operations, straight seams, and material properties, students transitioned their ideas from initial research storyboards and fabric testing into tangible, functional products. The practical highlight of the unit sees students manufacturing custom canvas tote bags, demonstrating impressive precision, independence and technical skill at the machines. 

Whether crafting textiles, analysing trackside data, or innovating in the kitchen, our students continue to demonstrate the curiosity, capability and enterprise that define Technologies at Clayfield College.

Science subjects have been full-steam ahead since our last update. Across Years 7 to 12, students have had the opportunity to experience new situations and develop new meanings. Through guided and deliberate application of their knowledge, students have been able to engage with their learning in creative and innovative ways.

The 2026 and 2027 Senior Physics cohort travelled to the Gold Coast for their biannual excursion to Movie World, where they were tasked with analysing the physics of various rollercoasters and rides. This helped to further develop their understanding of motion, gravity, force and energy. Of course, this meant they had to actually ride the rollercoasters, which I’m sure they hated! Suffice to say, great fun was had by all, and they were able to create real-world memories of physics in action.

Our students in Years 7 to 10 Science have also been busy exploring a variety of scientific phenomena, such as testing the drop times of parachutes (aka racing them), measuring the impact energy of asteroids, creating their own sedimentary rocks and igneous crystals, and investigating the respiratory and circulatory systems via the dissection of a sheep pluck. A highlight of Year 9 was their “Homer-o-stasis” experiment, where they had to race against the clock to maintain the equilibrium point of “Homer’s” volume, colour and pH levels.

Year 7 Service Project: Stationery Aid

As part of the Bridge Award, all Year 7 students participated in a meaningful service project supporting Stationery Aid, an organisation dedicated to providing school supplies to children who may otherwise go without.

The adage, “it takes a village,” became all too real as students were presented with numerous large containers overflowing with donated felt tip pens. Their challenge was to sort, clean, test and bundle the pens before returning them to Stationery Aid, where they will be distributed to students across Australia for use at school and at home.

While the task itself was significant, what stood out most was the enthusiasm, teamwork and compassion demonstrated by our Year 7 students. As their Head of Year, it was marvellous to witness such genuine care and willingness to work together through every stage of the process with a common goal in mind. Students approached the project with positivity and purpose, recognising that their efforts would have a direct impact on the lives of others. To better understand what motivated students throughout the project, we asked them to reflect on their experience:

“What motivated me the most was knowing that the service that we participated in actually helped a community that wasn't fortunate enough to own their own stationery.” Senameh

 

“It felt good to help others and their community.” Michaela

 

“The motivation for me, was giving back to the community and helping others less fortunate than us” Sienna

 

“My motivation was definitely knowing that we were helping kids just like us in need, and that we made someone's day.” Nadia

 

“Helping others and our community feels good, this motivates us to work hard.” Grace

 

“Supporting people in need motivates us to give back to the community.” Angela

 

“Assisting and aiding others helped bring our community together while assuring everyone has what they need.” Bella

 

“Giving to people less fortunate, makes us feel accomplished and want to help people more.” Ada

 

“The service project was a highly engaging experience for all of us involved and I believe part of our high motivation was knowing our hard work was going to children in need all across Australia, the experience is something we will never forget.”  Hassan

These reflections highlight the empathy, generosity and community spirit that Year 7 students continue to develop through the Bridge Award program. The Stationery Aid service project provided a valuable opportunity for students to recognise the difference that even small acts of service can make. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the care they showed in supporting children and families across Australia.

House Excellence

Congratulations to Gibson House, who earned this week's House Excellence point for their demonstration of responsible technology use. Students consistently used devices appropriately, followed College expectations and showed maturity in their engagement with technology throughout the week.

Well done to all Gibson students for setting a positive example and contributing to a focused and respectful learning environment.

Saint Kentigern College Exchange Program: Auckland, New Zealand

Current Year 9 students are invited to apply for the Year 10 Saint Kentigern College Exchange Program in 2027. This an exciting opportunity to experience life in New Zealand while building independence, cultural understanding and lifelong friendships. 

Through this reciprocal home-stay exchange, students will attend classes, participate in co-curricular activities and immerse themselves in the vibrant community of Saint Kentigern College in Auckland. The program offers a unique chance to step outside familiar surroundings, embrace new experiences and develop a broader understanding of the world while representing Clayfield College abroad. For many students, the exchange becomes a highlight of their secondary schooling, providing memorable experiences, personal growth and connections that extend well beyond the two week visit. 

Please contact Mr Walker – awalker@clayfield.qld.edu.au for further details.

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