Message from Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School

Dear Parents and Carers

We have come to the end of a busy and productive term across the whole school!

Cranbrook has always promoted the value of a broad and balanced education, as preparation for a rich and fulfilling life. Families and staff alike derive so much joy from seeing students engage in a wide range of experiences, from the academic pursuits of the classroom, to the physical and mental challenges of a range of sports, as well as the creative and uplifting opportunities provided across so many domains of the Arts. This breadth feeds our souls and helps to foster the development of young people with wide interests, balanced perspectives and an appreciation of those with skills and interests different to their own. As we put together our end of term overview, it is wonderful to see the broad and impressive range of activities and events that students have participated in this past term. I hope you enjoy the snapshot of life on our campuses this term.

As I head back to the Junior School, I would like to sincerely thank the many families, staff and students across all campuses who have made the last year an absolute joy. I have delighted in getting to know our Senior School campus at close quarters, in particular – and will miss being able to engage regularly with our amazing, passionate and impressive Senior School students, as well as an extraordinary group of educators and administrators who make this campus tick. It has been an honour to lead and learn from them all. However, we are delighted to welcome Mr Stuart Meade as the Acting Head of Cranbrook School until our new Head, Dr Anne Johnstone, joins us in July. A highly experienced and capable Head, Stuart is very familiar with our School having previously held the role of Deputy Headmaster, as well as holding the fort during my absence at the start of Term 3 last year. Stuart has been the Headmaster of Hale School, an independent, Anglican day and boarding school for boys, in Western Australia, and more recently, the Principal at Matthew Flinders Anglican College, an independent Anglican co-educational primary and secondary day school, in Queensland. He is thrilled to be returning to Cranbrook for Term 2.

The entire School staff across every campus and I thank all our School families for their support and encouragement throughout this past term. We wish everyone a happy Easter, as well as a safe and relaxing holiday break. We look forward to an exciting and invigorating Term 2.

Kind wishes

Michele Marquet
Acting Head of School

Message from Grant Andrews, Acting Head of Junior School

Dear Families

As we come to the end of a busy and productive term, it is time to reflect on the theme of courage that has guided us through these past weeks. Many students have shown tremendous bravery, whether it was stepping out of their comfort zones in class, taking on leadership roles, or participating in activities such as the Cross Country Carnival. Their courage has truly been celebrated in our School Community and is something we hope all students continue to embrace. Students from across the School have shared their reflections:

“I was nervous that I wouldn’t like school, and I wouldn’t be ready for it, but on my first day I went in, and I liked it. I was brave and courageous.” Rafferty, KR

“I find writing numbers hard, but I’m practising and getting better. I don’t give up, I am courageous.” Jack I, KB

“I was flexible when things in the day changed, that’s courageous!” Hamish T, KW

” I was courageous when I took part in school sailing because I didn’t know what it would be like. I have got better at navigating the wind and it was really fun!” Cosmo W, Y4

“I was courageous when I tried a new sport because I haven’t done multisport before. I have only ever watched my brother which inspired me to have a go.” Harry W, Y4

“When I was trying out for the da Vinci team, I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I went for it anyway. Even though I didn’t get into the team, I felt good for having been a part, and I did better than I expected anyway!” Aidan P, Y5

“This year I’ve tried a lot more at everything and been encouraging myself to take part. I’m no longer afraid to make a mistake and am always trying to participate even when it’s difficult.” William S, Y5

“I’ve tried to build my courage outside of school. When I went to cricket trials there were kids that were much older than me, but I was brave enough to try out and give my best.” Liam E, Y5

“On Da Vinci Day, I started off by feeling confused as to what I should do, but I took the courage to get involved and help out with whatever I could. Some of my strengths weren’t an option, but I found ways that I thought I could contribute and had fun too.” Kai J, Y5.

IPSHA Cross Country Carnival
Congratulations to all the students and staff who participated in and supported this year’s IPSHA Cross Country Carnival. Their hard work and determination made it another successful event, and we are so proud of everyone’s efforts.

Wrapping up Term 1 and looking ahead to Term 2
It has been an absolute pleasure to once again hold the role of Acting Head of Junior School this term. As we eagerly look forward to welcoming back Mrs Michele Marquet to the Junior School in Term 2, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Junior School Staff for their exceptional work during Michele’s year-long absence. Their efforts, collaboration and collective support of each other have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are excited about the continued growth and success of our School in the coming term. A special thank you to Mrs Heather Brodie, who has graciously held the additional role of Acting Deputy Head this term and whose unwavering support and dedication has been invaluable.

Thank you to Mr Fox and the Cranbrook Voices for making the Senior School Assembly extra special yesterday as they farewelled and thanked Mrs Marquet.

As we head into the break, I would like to wish everyone in our School Community a relaxing, happy, and safe time with family and friends. Please take time to recharge and enjoy the well-deserved rest before we come together again for an exciting new term. I would also like to wish the staff, parents and students who are heading on the CETOP Nepal trip and the Armidale Rugby Tournament a safe and enjoyable experience.

A heartfelt thank you to all students, families and staff for your tremendous support.

Kind regards

Grant Andrews
Acting Head of Junior School

From the Deputies

Dear Parents and Carers

2025 Mother’s Day Invitation

We do hope you can join us on Friday, 9 May 2025 for our special Mother’s Day Morning. The invitation can be found here.

Mothers, grandmothers, aunts or other special females in the lives of our students are all welcome.

Activities and light refreshments commence at 7.45am and conclude by 8.30am. Please let your son’s class teacher know if you cannot join us and we will arrange for your son to be ‘buddied’ up with a friend for the morning.

Please note – Co-Curricular activities that normally occur on Friday mornings will not be running on this day.

In an effort to ensure the safety of a large number of people, carline will not operate that morning. There is very limited parking on the School site and it is therefore recommended that that you arrive early and park in the Lyne Park carpark. Please do not park in Iluka Street or Elanora Street.

We wish you all a lovely Easter break!

Kind regards
Genet Erickson Adam, Richard Baker and Heather Brodie

The President of School Council’s Message to Michele Marquet

May I start by thanking you for the invitation to speak on behalf of the School Council at this very special and moving occasion.

The last time I addressed you here was in March 2024, when I had the solemn duty to communicate the resignation of the Headmaster and to convey the happier news that Mrs Marquet had so generously agreed to become the Acting Head of School in our hour of need. That day, Mrs Marquet made the journey up from the Junior School to the Senior School, the same progression made by some 2,000 young boys with her assistance over three decades of service in the Junior School. Yet unlike each of those boys, many of whom are here today, who later spread their wings beyond Cranbrook, Mrs Marquet will shortly walk back down the hill to the Junior School where I know she will be welcomed with open arms.

Before thanking Mrs Marquet specifically, I would like to acknowledge that the end of her time as Acting Head of School marks the end of a challenging period for Cranbrook. The plain fact is that during these past 13 months, the School has not only carried on delivering a top-class education, but it has become an even better school. Significant credit for this must go to the amazing students and staff here at Cranbrook, and the School Council is deeply grateful to each of you for that. As we forge ahead, our ongoing pursuit of improvement and the highest standards must never cease, for we live in an ever changing and complex world where each student and each staff member profoundly matters.

And so, to Mrs Marquet. It was a true blessing that Mrs Marquet so willingly stepped up into the role of Acting Head of School last March. It reflected her love for Cranbrook and her commitment to each and every one of you. Since then, she has worked tirelessly for this School. (Although, she has found time to become a grandmother, and it is lovely to have young Heidi with us this morning.)

The first time I came to visit Mrs Marquet in her new role, as I do each week on a Thursday morning, I was greeted by her at the front gate, with the same smiling face she offers each student arriving for a new day in this special place. Each of you know what a special gift that is.

Mrs Marquet is the fourth in line of outstanding female educators who have led primary and early education at Cranbrook, each of whom has served the School for more than 25 years. These four leaders’ collective efforts go back to the 1930s, and Mrs Marquet is the first to transfer her skills to the whole of the School.

I would characterise Mrs Marquet as follows: she is hardworking; she is strong and resilient; and she is completely trustworthy. At one level it appears that what she does is effortless, but you know from spending time with her that she applies all her effort to this School and its community. In return, she is loved and respected by all, and Cranbrook prospers. Let us acknowledge too that Mrs Marquet is a leader who takes inspiration from another leader, being the one whose ultimate sacrifice, made for all, we will celebrate at the end of next week.

Although Mrs Marquet’s work at Cranbrook is not yet done – Michele, you do have two weeks to go here and then back to leading the Junior School – I have no doubt that she will sit firmly in the pantheon of Cranbrook’s finest educators for decades to come.

May we all carry forward, and pass on to others, Mrs Marquet’s superb example of servant leadership, her commitment to the flourishing of others, and her embodiment of the School’s motto: Esse Quam Videri.
I now present this gift to Mrs Michele Marquet with profound gratitude, hopefully a lasting memento of her exceptional service as Acting Head of Cranbrook School.

Geoff Lovell
President, Cranbrook School Council

Head Prefect’s Message to Michele Marquet

For many of you, just like me, you may have only met Mrs Marquet for the first time at the beginning of last year.

And term one of 2024 was a pretty hard term for this school.

But one of the biggest measures of a person’s leadership is the way that they act when things aren’t going to plan, and I think Mrs Marquet has shown us such a valuable example of a leader who has dealt with hardship so effectively.

She took the wheel when our school needed her, but not for her own benefit, but out of genuine care for every single one of us.

To me, Mrs Marquet stands for what it means to be a Cranbrookian. During her time at the senior school, she has placed such emphasis on the importance of individuality, and something so special about her leadership is the way that she acts on her words.

Last year, at the HSC 12 visual art exhibitions, none other than Mrs Marquet gave an address and introduction to the evening. She is often spotted at Queens park with her family watching the cricket on a saturday, or at homebush when the CAS swimming or athletics is on. She is a supporter of each and every one of the students at this school, no matter what endeavour they decide to partake in.

And although Mrs Marquet has a lovely office over in the Furber building, I can assure you, that her favourite office is in these corridors, where she gets to spend time with us, and see what we’re getting up to.

I’m sure everyone at the junior school is excited to have you back, and we wish you all the best, but thank you again, for everything you’ve done for us.

Huon Groves
Head Prefect

Senior Prefect’s Message to Michele Marquet

I remember joining Cranbrook in Year 4 at the ripe old age of nine, and meeting Mrs Marquet on my first day at the gates of the Junior School. I was very nervous, of course, but when she greeted me by name as I walked in, with a warmth and a sense of familiarity, something shifted. She made me feel like I could belong.

Years later, after growing up a fair bit, I walked into my student leadership interviews in Year 11. I felt that same kind of nervous energy — older, sure, but still unsure of how things would go but sure of how much it mattered to me. But then, just like before, I shook hands with Mrs Marquet, and felt just that little bit more at ease. Because I knew I was talking to the same kind, steady presence I’d known since my first day.

Having seen Mrs Marquet in both the Junior and Senior Schools, I’ve come to know her not just as a warm and welcoming figure, but as a genuine role model. She’s someone who lives out the values she encourages in us — especially the importance of kindness.

In a school that I’ve seen grow and change a lot over the years, Mrs Marquet has been a constant — not just in her presence, but in what she’s stood for. Whether it was in assemblies, classroom visits, or a quiet conversation in the corridor, she reminded us that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room, but about listening, caring, and showing up.

And that’s what she’s done — shown up. For our performances, our exhibitions, our sport, and most importantly, for us as individuals. Her belief in the power of kindness, of authenticity, and of backing each person for who they are — that’s something we’ll carry with us well beyond our time at Cranbrook.

So on behalf of those who’ve known her since their very first day, and those who’ve only met her more recently, thank you Mrs Marquet — for everything you’ve given to this school, and to all of us in it.

Sam Collison
Senior Prefect – Community

Michele Marquet: Thanksgiving Assembly Photo Gallery

End of Term Video

Click on the image below to enjoy a short video featuring some of the great moments of Term 1 as well as a special thank you message to Michele Marquet for her time as Acting Head of School.

Pre-schools’ News – Week 11

Dear Families,

As Term 1 comes to an end, we would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and collaboration over the past 11 weeks. It has been a pleasure to see the children start the new year with excitement, join new classes, meet new teachers and settle in so well. Their sense of belonging has truly shone through, and we couldn’t be more pleased with their progress.

We have also greatly enjoyed creating strong links with our families and the broader community, which have played an important role in supporting the children’s learning and development. Together, we are building a positive and enriching environment for our Pre-school children.

Please be on the lookout for our Termly Newsletter, which will be sent out on Friday, 11 April. It will include an overview of key dates for Term 2.

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break with your families.

Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane

Important update from the Health Centre

Dear Families,

NSW Health is advising people to be alert for signs and symptoms of measles after being notified of a confirmed case who was infectious while visiting several locations in eastern Sydney.

Further information can be found by following the below links:

Measles alert for Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

Measles fact sheet

Kind regards,

Nurse Jess

Games for Water Wells K-2 Photo Gallery

The “Games for Water Wells” initiative on Wednesday, 9 April, was a fantastic day of fun and fundraising for a worthy cause. For a donation, students enjoyed a variety of games, testing their skills while showing wonderful support for communities in Nepal. The money raised will go to building vital water wells for those without access to clean, safe water. Thank you to parents and students for your support and generous contributions. It was a fantastic display of our school community coming together to make a positive impact.

Warm regards,
The Community Service Committee

Games for Water Wells Y3-Y6 Photo Gallery

Warm regards,
The Community Service Committee

Da Vinci Day Photo Gallery

Easter Service Photo Gallery

Sport Holiday Camps 2025

Click here for information regarding 2025 Soccer Holiday Camp.

Click here for information regarding 2025 Rugby Holiday Camp.

Click here for information regarding 2025 Cricket Holiday Camp.

Click here for information regarding 2025 Basketball Holiday Camp.

Click here for information regarding 2025 AFL Holiday Camp.

IPSHA Cross Country Report

The IPSHA Cross Country Carnival held at The King’s School was a fantastic display of young athletic talent. With ideal conditions, Cranbrook Junior School students from Year 3 to Year 6 competed with great enthusiasm and determination over the 2km and 3km course distances.

Among the standout performers were Louis B (26^th), Otto B (26^th), Teddy B (11^th), Eddie C (5^th), Hugo C (10^th), Freddie F (15^th), Samuel P (15^th) and Aryan S (25^th). Each of these students showcased exceptional endurance and speed to be able to achieve such outstanding results.

Well done to all the students who competed on the day and we wish Louis, Teddy, Eddie, Hugo, Freddie, and Samuel all the best for the upcoming CIS Cross Country Carnival in Term 2.

James Roughan
Head of Sport and PDHPE, Junior School

JS Music News – Week 11

Dear Families,

In Term 2 we will be in for a musical extravaganza with our Junior School Showcase taking place in Week 5. Every student in the Junior School performs at this event! Please mark this date in your diary. It is known as a true highlight of the year as each Year Level Choir, auditioned choir and instrumental ensemble takes part.

Thursday, 29 May K-2 Showcase Event 1:30pm – JS Gym and Y3-6 Showcase Event 6:30pm – JS Gym

Click here to view the Showcase Event poster.

Wishing you all a wonderful and relaxing Easter break.

Kind regards,

Peter Fox
Head of Music, Junior School

NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge

The 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is now open!

All students have received their login details via a sticker in their school diary. Please note that passwords are new for 2025.

Further instructions for logging in, entering student records at home and challenge rules may be found here.

Students are supported in their weekly Library sessions to access a range of picture books and novels across all Challenge levels.

Parents are also welcome to borrow additional books after school with their sons.

For further information please contact Mrs de Wit in the iCentre: edewit@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au

Sydney Writers’ Festival

During Library sessions, we have been sharing with classes the children’s and YA program for the upcoming Sydney Writers’ Festival. The Family Program on Sunday, 25 May at Carriageworks includes a range of free and ticketed talks, events and activities for 5–12 year olds. Meeting and engaging with authors and illustrators in such an environment are a wonderful way to inspire reading, writing and creativity. Hopefully, we will see some of our families there.

Click here for more information on the Sydney Writers’ Festival.