Primary News

Dear Parents and Caregivers of Clayfield College Primary,

On behalf of the Primary staff, I welcome back our existing families and warmly welcome all our new families beginning at Clayfield College for the 2022 school year. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday and are ready for the stimulating year of learning opportunities the staff have planned for 2022. As previously communicated, the commencement of the school year has a different format, due to the delayed start for all schools in Queensland. Similar to last year with lockdowns, Clayfield College is well-positioned to begin Remote Learning through our platform; Clayfield Connect. However, with the beginning of the year in mind and students unfamiliar with their class teacher or class routines, it is important to take a thoughtful and measured approach considering the needs and abilities of specific year levels. 

The Primary Core teachers for each year level will reach out to you through a Welcome Letter and share with you details of the way in which they will connect with you and your child throughout the Remote Learning period.

I anticipate this detailed letter will equip you with information to assist you and your child with a smooth beginning for the 2022 school year. For families new to Clayfield College, I encourage you to contact the school if there is anything requiring further explanation. It is important to all staff that you have the necessary information to make a seamless transition.

With COVID-19 Operating Guidelines in place for 2022, we kindly ask you to follow these procedures:

• One parent/caregiver per family on the College at a time
• Please check-in at Main Reception if you are on campus for a meeting
• A mask is to be worn by all adults entering the College
• We respectfully request you do not prolong your stay on campus

Primary Learning Packs – Years 2 to 6

Learning Packs for Years 2 to 6 students only will be available for collection from Circular Drive on Friday, 28 January from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. Staff will be on hand to share these with you so you can stay in your vehicle when driving through. If you are unable to collect your child’s pack during this time, they will be placed next to the Music Room near the Rose Garden at Circular Drive. We hope all families can collect their Learning Packs prior to Monday, 31 January, as teachers will be referring to the enclosed resources next week.

Pre-Prep to Year 1 students will be receiving all information they require via Zoom meetings and emails with core teachers.

Pre-Prep to Year 6 New Families ONLY

Due to current restrictions, we are unable to proceed with the new student welcome morning on campus planned for Monday, 24 January. Instead, core Primary teachers will arrange zoom meetings with new families on this day. This will give new students and parents the opportunity to meet the teacher and ask questions about the year ahead. 

Classrooms for 2022

First Day Organisation

On Monday, 7 February, all children will need to bring their new textbooks and stationery on the first day of school. These should be clearly labelled and covered with your child's name. Class teachers will provide further information to the students in relation to book subject titles and headings. Timetables would have been shared with students and parents during Remote Learning and through their Learning Packs. Student Diaries will be distributed to all children on the first day of school. Dress will be full school summer uniform for all students. 

2022 Lesson Times

There has been a slight modification to the start and finish times of the school day. Students can be dropped at school from 7:30 am when there will be a teacher on duty in the LRC. We kindly ask you not to drop your children off before this time as there will be no one in the classrooms or playground to supervise your child. 

• First bell: 8:25  am
• Roll call: 8:30 am
• Morning tea: 10:20 am –10:40 am
• Lunch: 12:50 pm-1:30 pm
• End of day: Prep to Year 2 – 3:00 pm
• End of day: Years 3 to 6 – 3:10 pm

First Day Morning and Afternoon Procedure

Prep to Year 6 classrooms will be open from 8:00 am on Monday, 7 February for all students to bring their belongings into the classroom. Pre-Prep will open their doors at 8:30 am. If you would like to walk your child into school on the first day, we kindly ask that only one parent/caregiver attends, due to the above mentioned COVID-19 guidelines. 

At the conclusion of the day, staff will bring students down to Circular Drive from 3:05 pm (Prep to Year 2) and 3:15 pm (Years 3 to 6). Pre-Prep students can be collected between 2.30 pm - 3.00 pm. Students in Years 5 and 6 may be collected at Circular Drive if they have younger siblings. Otherwise, they may be collected from Bayview Terrace. Students in Year 4 may be collected from Bayview Terrace if they have an older sibling.

It is advisable for parents to say a swift goodbye to avoid prolonging any anxious moments felt by your child. If your child has had a particularly difficult separation, I encourage you to call Student Services; 3262 0262 for an update on how they have settled.

2022 Term Dates

To assist with your planning of the school year and holidays, please find below the school term dates for 2022.

I would urge parents to avoid taking children out of school during Term to minimise the disruption and progress of students’ learning. However, if it is necessary, parents are reminded of the legal requirements to submit a request for leave to me via e-mail (afellowes@clayfield.qld.edu.au). Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

2022 Calendar Events

The 2022 school calendar can be found on the College app and Parent Lounge. All families are invited to attend the Parents and Friends Welcome Evening on Friday 11 February in the Chapel Courtyard at 6.00 pm. This is a lovely opportunity to get to know existing and new families of Clayfield College. I hope to see many of you there. 

Primary School Staffing for 2022

An important strategic commitment of the College is to continue the development and capacity of our teaching staff. I am delighted to be working alongside such a devoted and passionate Primary School staff in 2022, who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Clayfield College. 

We are delighted to welcome the following staff to the Primary School this year. 

Ms Simone Sullivan – Pre-Prep Teacher

Simone has vast experience in Early Childhood settings and will be a wonderful addition to our Primary Team.

Please note the Primary School staff list for 2022 below.

Primary Leadership and Administration  

Primary Core Teachers 

Primary Specialist Teachers 

Primary Support Staff 

Daily Morning Arrival 

Teachers are on duty from 8:00 am and therefore you will understand the associated risks involved in leaving children before this time. If arriving before 8:25 am, students are permitted to drop their bags outside classrooms, put their hats on and go to the playground area. The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is open from 7:30 am if students arrive before 8:00 am. There should be no Primary students left unattended before 7:30 am. A bell will ring, which signifies the beginning of the school day at 8:25 am and students should line up outside their classroom to wait for their teacher. The playground equipment is not to be used before school; however, the Amphitheatre and Leopard Terrace areas are available for play. 

The Pre-Prep classroom door opens at 8:30 am daily. A parent/walk-inwalk-inwalk-incarergiver must wait with their Pre-Prep student until such time. 

Afternoon Pick Up Times and Collection Points

If you have siblings in Prep to Year 2 and Years 3 to 6, please arrive at the later time between 3:15 pm to 3:30 pm.

Meet the Teacher Information Evening

Staff will be holding a 'Meet the Teacher' information afternoon on Monday, 7 February. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s class and specialist teachers, familiarise yourself with classroom procedures and hear all about the exciting learning opportunities for the year ahead. In addition, timetables, expectations, curriculum matters, and daily routines will be explained, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the learning your child will experience this year and I therefore encourage you to attend. If you are unable to attend, teachers will email home the information discussed. 

Session 1 - Pre-Prep to Year 2 

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm Meet specialist teachers in the Chapel

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm Move to child’s classroom for core teacher presentation

Session 2 – Years 3 to 6

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm Meet specialist teachers in the Chapel

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm Move to child’s classroom for core teacher presentation

Student/Parent/Teacher Meetings - Term 1

Student/Parent/Teacher meetings will be held on Tuesday, 22 March and Thursday, 24 March for Prep to Year 6 families. Pre-Prep parents will also have parent/teacher interviews on these dates. The link to online bookings for meetings and interview times, and further details, will be provided in future Clayfield Collective editions.

Student/Parent/Teacher Feedback/Feedforward

Clayfield College is always seeking ways to provide the best possible feedback on students’ academic and pastoral progress. We aim to offer families many opportunities throughout the year to engage with their child’s development through Student/Parent/Teacher conferences, Gallery Walks, digital folio feedback and feedforward, and Semester 1 and 2 report cards. This year, the children will not receive an Interim report at the end of Term 1. Instead, Student/Parent/Teacher conferences will focus on each child’s progress at the start of the year. Collaboratively, students, parents and teachers will reflect on each child’s progress and set goals for the remainder of the year. Below is an overview of our Primary Collaborative Partnership program for 2022.

Primary Photographs

Primary School class and individual photographs will take place on Wednesday, 23 February. All students are required to wear full, formal school summer uniform on this day. Boys’ hair is expected to be neat, conservatively cut and off their collar and girls’ hair tied back with a green ribbon or scrunchie if touching their collar. 

Sun Safety

For many years now, we have had a ‘No Hat No Play’ policy in the Primary School. Please make sure you provide a named school hat each day for your child. In the past, students have relied upon spare hats to be used which can be an unhygienic practice due to the spread of hair lice. Each classroom has sunscreen for students to apply before morning tea and lunch. 

Uniform Guidelines 2022

Parents are asked to assist the College in ensuring their children are correctly dressed each day. Shoes should be polished and hair kept tidy, with girls wearing green scrunchies or ribbons if their hair is longer than their collar. Boys’ hair should be conservatively cut, with no hair over boys’ ears or eyes, and it must be off their collar. 

Mobile Phones and Watches

If bringing a mobile phone to school, students must sign these in at Student Services before 8:30 am. Mobile phones may then be collected at the end of the school day. Please note, Primary students are not permitted to wear smartwatches.

Crunch and Sip

Each day the children will be given an opportunity to enjoy a morning snack during the first two lessons. This time will provide students with a chance to ‘refuel’ on fruit or vegetables and ‘rehydrate’ with water. As many children enjoy early breakfasts or participate in before school activities, this important snack time will ease any hunger pains and improve concentration before the morning tea break. Please ensure you pack a healthy snack for your child to enjoy for ‘Crunch and Sip’ in their lunchbox each day. This snack is in addition to morning tea and lunch and cannot be provided by the Tuckshop.

Tuckshop

Primary students (Prep – Year 6) have the option to enjoy healthy food from the Tuckshop at morning tea and lunchtime. The FlexiSchools online ordering system is available for all students. If you do not have a previous account, please log on to the FlexiSchools website where you will find all the details to order from the Clayfield College Tuckshop. You will notice there is a cut-off period at 8:30 am every day; therefore, morning tea and lunch orders need to be placed before this time daily. Tuckshop staff will not be taking orders with cash and we therefore respectfully ask that you do not order directly from the Tuckshop or send money with your child. Students in Years 2 to 6 may purchase extra snacks with their own money after staff dismiss them from the eating area. We strongly discourage young students to bring money to school which may be lost. Therefore, the Flexischools online ordering system is the preferred method for Primary students using the Tuckshop. 

For existing families with a Flexischool account please ensure you update your child’s class details to their current year, prior to your first order.

Please familiarise yourself with the Tuckshop Information and Procedure here.

Fundraising Friday and Awareness Days Pre-Prep to Year 12

This year, our specific fundraising days will fall on a Friday and be linked to a House. Please find these below. 

Awareness Days are also celebrated throughout the year with various activities; however, there will be no change to uniform, only ribbons or badges worn on the school uniform. 

• Clean-Up Clayfield Day           4 March
• Earth Hour Awareness           25 March
• NAIDOC Awareness               12 July
• RUOK Awareness                     8 September
• Pink Ribbon Awareness         21 October

Clubs Program Prep to Year 6

The Clubs program will begin in Week 3 of Term 1 and information in relation to this will be distributed via the Clayfield Collective soon. Clubs are optional, at no cost to families and the offerings change each term. 

Co-Curricular Activities 

These listed activities are managed and run by external providers. Please note for Pre-Prep and Prep students, coaches will collect the students from classrooms and escort them to various activities. Please let your child’s teacher know of any after school activities you have booked for your child.

Class Coordinator and Primary Support Group

Clayfield College is supported by our wonderful Parents and Friends Association which is made up of the following interest groups: the Friends of Primary Group, the Friends of Sports Group, the Friends of Music Group and the Friends of Boarders Group. Each group has their specific focus and role, and come together to support the College by organising social events and fundraising. All parents and carers in the Primary School are welcome to attend the P&F meetings, which are usually held once a month on a Tuesday night during term time.

In 2022, a major focus of the Friends of Primary Group is to help build our strong community by connecting through class parent coordinators. Class parent coordinators play a valuable role in building our strong community by organising social events, being a contact point for parents and helping to welcome new families to the College. We would love to hear from any parents or carers who are interested in being a class parent coordinator for this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to familiarise yourself with the Clayfield College community and meet other parents and carers. 

Another focus of the Friends of Primary Group for 2022 is encouraging community involvement in the P&F events and activities. The main events for the Friends of Primary Group this year will be the coordination of the Mother's Day and Father's Day stalls. We will also assist and support other P&F events throughout the year. It is shaping up to be a very exciting year with fantastic events such as the Colour Run, Jazz on the Green and Trivia Night on the calendar! We welcome involvement from the Primary School community as stall assistants, event planners, helping at events and also by sponsorships and prize donations. 

If you are interested in finding out more about getting involved with the Friends of Primary group or helping as a class parent coordinator, please contact Teresa Heinemann from the Friends of Primary group at teresaheinemann13@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming many new faces at our meetings and catch-ups this year! 

Communication

Please note the following forms of communication used in the Primary School:

Formal

• The College app
• Student Diary
• Clayfield Collective
• Parent Lounge
• Email
• Class Dojo

Informal

• Class WhatsApp

The College app

As a condition of enrolment, we request every parent/caregiver to download the College app (free download). The app provides current information about events and activities, as well as important notices and alerts (for example, training cancellations or venue changes, wet weather plans and ETA of buses returning from co-curricular activities). It also includes a live school calendar and key school contacts. You are able to manage your notifications and subscriptions to ensure you are only seeing what is relevant to your family. Please refer to the Resource page on the College website for further information. 

Student Diary

Every student from Prep to Year 6 will be issued a College Diary on the first day of Term 1. As well as a student organisational tool, the College Diary is a daily form of communication between families and teachers in the Primary School. The diary is to be brought to and from school every day where teachers will stamp/sign each day of the week. Every year level will have different expectations for the use of the Diary according to their age. This will be shared at the beginning of the year at our Meet the Teacher afternoon. Please use this communication tool for any general messages you would like the teacher to know. Personal and confidential matters can be addressed via email directly to your child’s teacher.

Clayfield Collective

The Clayfield Collective is our whole school weekly newsletter, sent via email every Thursday. This communication includes information/articles from our Senior Leadership Team such as; What’s Happening in Primary, What’s Happening in Secondary, notices and date claimers for upcoming events.It is imperative that you read the Primary What’s Happening Section to be kept up to date of all events and information. It is the main forum of College communication with our families, with staff assuming that what is published in Clayfield Collective has been read by our parents.

Parent Lounge

Parent Lounge provides up-to-date information on College life. Such information includes your child’s timetable and teacher, policy documents, excursion details, school calendar and parent directory. Parents are also able to update their contact details and child’s medical details, view Report Cards and schedule Parent/Teacher interviews. Parent Lounge, which is available for new families from 25 January 2021, is accessed via our Clayfield College website by logging into Parent Lounge with your username (5-digit code included on your Fee Statement or Letter of Offer). Your generic password ‘password’, once you log in please change your password. Parent Lounge can also be accessed via the Clayfield College app. Please refer to the Resource page on the College website for further information. 

Email

Staff can be contacted via email during the school week. Email addresses will be distributed on our Meet the Teacher afternoon for your information. Please note the best way to contact your class teacher is via the Student Diary, as they will check these every morning. If you are contacting the teacher via email, please be aware they may not be checking emails throughout the day and therefore will not be able to reply immediately. If the matter is urgent, please call Student Services on 3262 0262, where a message will be passed on and the teacher will contact you. 

Class Dojo

This platform is used by our Primary teachers for the sharing of class-specific information and pictures, directly with their class parents. It is important to note that Class Dojo is not used for Primary or Clayfield College formal notices. 

Class WhatsApp

The Friends of Primary Group, through the Class Coordinators, facilitate a WhatsApp Group per year level for any parent who wishes to join. This informal platform shares social events and practical information. This is a parent-based community platform that is run independently from the College, however, is monitored by the College.

2022 Excursions and Activities Permission Pre-Prep to Year 6

Over the course of the year, students will participate in sanctioned activities or excursions. In order for your child to participate in these and other activities, we request that you please indicate your approval and verify their medical details in Parent Lounge by Monday 31 January 2022.

Parent action required:

• Log into Parent Lounge
• Events and Payment Tab (column left side of the page)
• Select link  2022 Excursion/Activities Permission
• Terms & Conditions – Review T&C Document and Accept Check Box
• Medical Details – Review medical details from drop-down menu and Verify Check Box
• Accept/ Decline – Select Accept
• Select Save (bottom of page)

Please note that activities or excursions that are not school-sanctioned e.g.(camp, an activity outside school hours) will require specific approval which will be communicated when required.

Activities/excursions are reflected in the calendar, with specific details communicated to parents closer to the scheduled date.

New families who have already completed this process manually, through their orientation paperwork, do not need to action this requirement in Parent Lounge.

COVID-19 and your Child’s Health

I appreciate many parents and carers will be worried about COVID-19 in the 2022 school year.  Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service have provided information to keep you and your family safe and well.  If your child is unwell with a fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath please visit your nearest testing clinic.  If you are unsure if your child has symptoms of COVID-19, or if your child has a sudden onset of any COVID-19 symptoms, you should phone your local GP, nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84).  Before attending a GP clinic, it is important to phone ahead so they can make appropriate preparations for your visit. Thank you for your assistance and understanding in keeping our College community safe and well in the upcoming school year in 2022. 

Update Details

Important information, including allergies, medical conditions, medications, vaccinations and parent contact details can be updated via Parent Lounge. Would you please update these important details before 31 January 2022.

Learning Resource Centre

The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is utilised by students throughout the school week for book borrowing and quiet play before school and at lunchtime. The LRC is open from 7:30 am Monday – Friday. For students in Years 3 to 6, Homework Club is offered from Monday – Thursday; 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm. Students must be booked in for Homework Club via email to studentservices@clayfield.qld.edu.au. It is preferred that parents sign their child out of Homework Club from the Upper LRC. Alternatively, a text message or phone call to your child when you have arrived at the College is acceptable, if communicated to the teacher on duty. 

Who Should I Ask?

In most cases, your child’s teacher should be the first point of contact for questions of an academic or pastoral nature. If the answer cannot be found here, Mrs Corness (Pre-Prep to Year 4) or myself (Years 5 and 6) would be the next person you should discuss concerns with. Please be aware, I am available and committed to discussing any matter; however, in most cases, I would obtain information pertaining to your child from the class teacher in the first instance. Therefore, following the above guidelines may produce a more efficient outcome for you. 

General information should be directed to Student Services at the Main Reception, which can be found at the entrance of the College.

Useful Contact Details

Change of Dates

Please find here, revised dates regarding activities that have been rescheduled due to the delay to school.

Primary Sports

Information pertaining to both Andrews Cup and Britton Shield competitions will be distributed by Mrs. Richardson or Mr. Woods in the coming weeks through the Clayfield Collective. 

Parents and Friends Evening

We hope you will be able to join us for the P&F Welcome Evening on Friday, 11 February, in the Chapel Courtyard 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Regardless of how we are beginning the year, the Primary staff and I look forward to being part of the educational journey of the children in Primary and celebrating their achievements throughout 2022. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this rather lengthy, although important letter. I hope it has provided you with sufficient information as you commence the school year. The beginning of a school year can be both an exciting and anxious phase as some little ones are starting school for the very first time. It has also been a long time away from school, and naturally, this may cause apprehension for some students. The Primary staff recognise and understand this and would like to support you in any way; please reach out if you require assistance. 

I am grateful to be leading the Primary School this year alongside our Assistant Head of Primary, Mrs. Vivienne Corness, and a team of devoted and enthusiastic staff. We look forward to sharing wonderful memories and developing a productive partnership with you to ensure our students achieve their potential and continue to ‘let their light shine’ in the 2022 school year. 

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Audrey Fellowes

Deputy Principal - Head of Primary