Message from Stuart Meade, Acting Head of School

At the end of this week, I conclude my short stay at Cranbrook and I wish to thank the staff, students and parents who have made me feel welcome over the past five weeks. As I have noted on numerous occasions, I have a great deal of affection for Cranbrook, and it has been a pleasure catching up with former students who are now fathers of boys here. We have kept the unwritten rule of “if you don’t tell them stories about me, I won’t tell them stories about you…” although that mantra may be at risk when I meet some of the ‘boarding dads’ this weekend.

I have enjoyed the many different activities and events I have been able to attend during my time here. The enthusiasm to be part of ‘something bigger than yourself’ has been obvious and adds to the positive culture evident in the Cranbrook community. This ideal has been evident this week as the Junior School students have pledged something they will ‘do without’ as they consider the conditions in which some less fortunate than themselves survive. I commend the students and their teachers for embracing this very teachable moment as part of CETOP week.

Schools are relational environments, more than most other organisations. The key to meaningful relationships is respect. I see this in so many areas of the School, with interactions between staff, students and parents consistently displaying mutual respect. It is a vital element, indeed, a core value, of a successful school – long may it continue at Cranbrook.

My best wishes to all in the Cranbrook community.

Stuart Meade
Acting Head of School