From the Principal

Director of Teaching and Learning

It is with great pleasure that I announce Mrs. Lakshmi Mohan as the new Director of Teaching and Learning at Clayfield College. After an interview process that saw local, interstate and international applications Lakshmi was the stand-out candidate. Lakshmi’s drive for excellence, pedagogical expertise and international experience makes her a wonderful addition to the Senior Leadership Team at Clayfield as we continue to personalise the learning journey for all students. 

For the remainder of 2021, Mrs. Paula Hart has agreed to take on the Acting Head of STEM role. Lakshmi will continue to work with her Year 12 students and will provide support to Paula to ensure there is a smooth transition.

I congratulate Lakshmi and Paula on their new appointments.

Care@Clayfield

On Monday night, as part of our Care@Clayfield program, we welcomed Madonna King to speak to parents about the transition from child to teen and how to understand their TEN-AGER.

Madonna’s latest book Ten-ager investigates what 10 year-old girls are thinking and worrying about as they transition into adolescence.

As part of her research, Madonna drew on insights from 500 10 year-old girls, 1600 mothers and 100 Year five teachers, along with dozens of school principals, teen psychologists, researchers and academics.

Madonna explained that while researching for her book, the biggest issue that came up was about friendships. Parents are so concerned that their daughters are unable to find – and keep – friends. Girls at this age find it difficult to find their tribe, especially if they are moving to a new middle school. They bounce from one group to another. On paper, they know what makes a good friend. They want someone who is kind and loyal. But when it comes to finding those qualities in their cohort, it’s harder. 

Madonna recommends that parents need to teach their girls how to be a friend. You have to play-act, do scenarios at home, so they know how to act in different groups. Experts suggest many other things too – like groups of three are never really good, and teaching children to set boundaries around what is acceptable is really important early. That doesn’t come naturally to children, but is essential so they stick to their own values and beliefs as they grow.

So what advice did she give parents to navigate this age group? Teach your girls to swim in their own lane or run their own race. Encourage them not to try and compete with the girl in the next lane or focus on what swimsuit they have on or how long their hair might be. Life is a long, long race, full of detours, and if you are constantly comparing yourself to others, you are not living your own life, which will be full of its own joys.

Madonna’s book Ten-Ager can be purchased in all good book stores.

I would also like to thank our P&F Association who provided a bar for our guests to come and enjoy a drink before the presentation.

Building Works Update

Over the last week, the building next to the Primary School that was known as “WhiteSands” has been knocked down. It is incredible how quickly a building can come down once they start. The builders are now in the final stages of removing the rubble; after this, they will start preparing the area and grass it for an outdoor space for the students.

With this building now gone, the Primary School and Business House have magnificent views over to Moreton Island.

COVID-19 Mask Update

Can I please ask parents to remind all secondary students that they are still required to wear a mask inside the classroom. Masks are not required to be worn outside if people can stay 1.5 metres apart from other people.

We have had a number of students coming to school without a mask. This is a directive from Queensland Health. I suggest that students pack spare masks in their school bag, so if they forget or lose their masks, they have a spare one.

Father's Day

This Sunday we celebrate Father's Day. I would like to wish all of the Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers and Father figures and very happy day.