Senior School Bulletin

We often think of the significant moments in our lives as the ones that leave a lasting impression; the achievements we celebrate, the experiences we remember and the occasions that stand out long after they have passed. Yet, I wonder whether the mark we leave is often created in much quieter ways. It can be found in the way we speak to someone, the way we respond when things don't go our way, the courage we show when something feels difficult, or simply in the way we choose to show up each day.

This feels particularly relevant in our Senior School, where our students are growing into young people who have an increasing influence on the world around them. Throughout this year, we have seen students step forward as leaders, represent Clayfield College in sport, perform and create through our Arts and Music programs, contribute through their Houses, support one another through friendship and embrace opportunities that have taken them outside what is familiar. These experiences become part of their own journey, but they also shape the experience of those around them. Sometimes it is the moments that receive the least attention that matter most. The student who notices someone is having a difficult day and chooses to sit beside them, the teammate who encourages someone after a disappointing result, the friend who makes another person laugh when they need it most or the student who simply sees an opportunity to contribute and says, “I'll have a go.”

As our students move through the Senior School, they are discovering that growing up is not simply about becoming more independent; it is also about becoming more aware of the impact we have on others. Their peers notice how they respond, how they speak to others and how they carry themselves. Younger students look to them. The way they conduct themselves contributes to the tone and character of our Senior School, often in ways they may never realise. This is a wonderful responsibility, and one that comes with learning. Our students will not always get everything right, nor should we expect them to. What matters is that they are willing to reflect, learn, make things right when they need to and continue to grow.

As we continue through the year, I hope our students recognise the opportunity they have to make a positive difference. To contribute rather than simply participate. To encourage rather than simply observe. To represent their College with pride and to be mindful of how the people around them feel because they were there. Every student leaves a mark on their Senior School. Some marks are obvious and remembered for years; others are much quieter. Together, they become part of the story of a cohort, a year level and a community.

Perhaps that is one of the most meaningful parts of the Senior School journey: we are shaped not only by the experiences we have, but by the experiences we create for others. 

I hope that when our students eventually look back on these years, they can feel proud not only of what they achieved, but of the mark they left on the people and the community around them.

Semester 2 Co-curricular/Group Photos

Term 4, Week 1 - Wednesday 7 October and Thursday 8 October 

Please see attached Photo Schedule for Semester 2 Co-Curricular/Group Photos. 

• Parents/Students please check the schedule for photo time and uniform requirements. 
• Students must arrive promptly for the time noted in the schedule. 
• Students appearing in photos which requires the Summer Formal Uniform, Sports or a specific uniform (i.e. QGSSSA) to be worn, must have the correct uniform, including correct jewellery, no make-up, neat hair and green ribbons, to appear within their photo on the day.  
• Students not in correct uniform will be unable to be in their photo. 
• Note: This is the final year, in which the old uniform is to be worn and permitted for photos. 

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.

BEEP Department Term in Review

It has been a whirlwind of activity in our department this term! Students have fully immersed themselves in many opportunities and had a chance to see their own business ideas turn into reality. Congratulations to the students and staff for their efforts and creativity this term.

Year 9 Business and Entrepreneurship

Mrs Carter, Kylan Devlin, Peterson Zhu 

Our entrepreneurial Year 9 Business students have been exploring their entrepreneurial skills, immersing themselves into the real world of business with two valuable learning experiences in Term 3. Here are student reflections on the events: 

During our Year 9 Business excursion to Eat Street, I learned how a real business operates in a highly competitive environment. Walking through the venue in groups, I noticed how each stall implemented different marketing strategies to attract customers through bright lighting, energetic music and distinctive, unique products. I also observed how factors such as location, product and price influenced customer attention, either helping to increase or reduce sales. As part of our excursion, we had to engage with stall owners, which helped us understand the challenges of running a business, including managing costs, responding to customer demand and being unique from the stalls beside them. Overall, this excursion helped me connect what we learn in the classroom with real-world businesses. 

- Kylan Devlin

This term in Business and Entrepreneurship, we had the opportunity to put our learning into practice through a successful Market Day, where we planned, promoted and operated our own market stalls. Throughout the term, we explored consumer rights, entrepreneurship and the Four Ps of Marketing: Product, Price, Place and Promotion. Working in teams, we developed stall ideas, managed budgets, created advertising and produced our products. Market Day transformed the College into a vibrant marketplace, allowing us to apply our knowledge in a real-world setting. We worked together to serve customers, solve problems and manage the demands of running a business while generating a small profit. The event was a valuable learning experience that helped us develop practical business, communication and teamwork skills while showcasing our creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to the Clayfield College community.

- Peterson Zhu

Year 10 Accounting and Business Excursion to Vend Marketplace

As part of our Year 10 Business and Investment Plan Unit, we visited Vend Marketplace in Virginia to see how small businesses operate in the real world.

During the excursion, we had the opportunity to speak with business owners who shared their experiences of turning ideas into successful ventures. Their insights highlighted the importance of creativity, planning, resilience and understanding customer needs. We explored a variety of businesses and observed how branding, product presentation, pricing and customer engagement can influence success. It was interesting to see how each business had developed its own unique identity and approach to attracting customers. This experience was especially valuable as we are currently developing our own business plans and investor pitches. Seeing business concepts applied in practice gave us fresh ideas and greater confidence in our own entrepreneurial journeys. Thank you to Vend Marketplace for warmly welcoming the students of Clayfield College.

- Nina Hutchins

Year 10 Health and Wellbeing

Ms Andreena Shannon 

In Term 3, we have had the very amazing Erin come to visit the Year 10 students. She has been instructing the students on self-defence. At Clayfield, we believe this is an incredibly important life skill as it helps our young people protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. It builds confidence by teaching them how to stay calm, make safe decisions and respond appropriately under pressure.

Year 11 Economics

In Week 1, the Year 11 Economics students had the exciting opportunity to attend the University of Queensland Economics Schools Day at the St Lucia campus. Throughout the day, we listened to presentations from UQ economics lecturers, who explained important economic concepts and showed us how they apply to real-world issues. We also took part in a range of fun and interactive activities that helped us see economics in action. My favourite part of the day was the scavenger hunt because it gave us the chance to explore the campus, visit some of the incredible libraries and classrooms, and get a feel for what studying at UQ is like. It was a great way to experience the campus while working together with classmates. To finish the day, we attended a Q&A session with current UQ students studying economics. They shared what they enjoy about their degrees, how they manage their study workload, and what university life is really like. Hearing about their experiences gave us a better understanding of what studying economics at university could involve and inspired many of us to think about our future study options. Overall, it was a great day that gave us valuable insight into economics beyond school.

-Demi de Tournouer

Year 11 and 12 Sport and Recreation

Mr Noah Castellaro

Year 11 and 12 Sport and Recreation students recently participated in a range of exciting excursions and incursions as part of their Community Health unit.

Students visited Meta3 VR in Newstead, where they worked together to complete virtual reality challenges that tested their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. They also took part in a practical Taekwondo workshop led by Damian Jayamaha, learning self-defence techniques, body control and strategies to stay safe in challenging situations.

The term concluded with a trip to Aspley Ten Pin Bowling, where students enjoyed friendly competition and demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and encouragement towards one another.

These experiences provided valuable opportunities for students to develop confidence, teamwork and wellbeing while engaging with members of the wider community. We thank the organisations and facilitators who supported these meaningful learning experiences and helped create lasting memories for our students.

House Spirit Excellence

This week’s House Excellence focus was on ensuring chargers and laptops were returned. Congratulations to Gibson House, who demonstrated outstanding responsibility and organisation to take out the win.

Well done to all students for their efforts throughout the term and for consistently demonstrating pride in our College expectations. We look forward to building on these positive habits next term.

Duke of Edinburgh - Adventurous Journey

We wish our students all the very best as they prepare to embark on their Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey during the upcoming school holidays. This exciting expedition will provide opportunities to develop resilience, teamwork, leadership and outdoor skills while exploring the beautiful Noosa Everglades. A special thank you to Ms Clare Cattanach, who will be preparing and accompanying our students throughout this memorable adventure.

Bridge Award - Year 7 Update

We are pleased to share that all Year 7 students have now registered for the Bridge Award and will receive their record booklets next term. Students have also successfully completed their first Service project, supporting Stationery Aid, and have accrued six hours of service to record towards their award. We congratulate our Year 7 students on their enthusiastic start to the program and look forward to seeing them continue to develop their skills, leadership and community involvement throughout the year.

Crazy Hair and Sock Day Youngman House Fundraiser

Friday 9 October 2026

Finding Where We Belong

In The Collective last week, Year 10 students shared reflections on their recent camp experience, highlighting the fun, challenges and memorable moments they experienced together. I would like to add my sincere thanks to Dr Griffiths, Ms Corpe and Ms Dore for accompanying the cohort and helping to make the camp such a positive and rewarding experience.

Finding where we belong can sometimes feel challenging during the teenage years. As young people continue to develop their sense of identity, opportunities to connect with others and build meaningful relationships become increasingly important. Camps provide a unique environment where students can step outside their usual routines, strengthen existing friendships, form new connections and create shared memories to help foster a strong sense of belonging within the cohort.

As we return to the College, we are eager to build on the momentum created through the camp experience and strengthen the connections that were formed away from the classroom. Over the coming weeks, students will participate in our Cohesion Challenge during Year Level Meetings. This initiative is designed to bring the spirit of camp back into the College environment whilst also coinciding timely with RUOK? Day. The Challenge will take Year 10 students through a series of reflection activities designed to support them in identifying their individual strengths, appreciate the unique skills of others and consider how these can all come together to create a cohesive cohort where everyone is able to contribute positively. 

Year 12 Eat Up Bake Sale

On Tuesday 14 September, during Lunch, the Year 12s will be hosting a bake sale to raise money for their chosen service project, Eat Up. Eat Up provides free lunches to students on a national scale with the help of hundreds of volunteers. 

The Year 12s, together with members of SLT, will be volunteering their time on Tuesday to make hundreds of sandwiches to feed students in need across Queensland. Come down the Middle Years’ Courtyard and show your support for Eat Up and the Year 12s’ service project!

House Changeover Dinner

Upcoming Events