There is no doubt the Olympic and Paralympic Games add an extra dimension to our lives for the period of the competition. While the events are captivating, with the talents, skills and determination of the athletes on full display, the ‘back stories’ that emerge which provide the human element to the achievements we see on the screen (unless you are fortunate to be in the crowd at a venue in France), as well as the post-event interviews, are also worthy of our attention. Early this week, we saw one of Australia’s most successful swimmers (in terms of medals), Emma McKeon speak with emotion as she called time on her Olympic career. Her swimming journey, both pre- and during her Olympic career, has been inspiring and her humble outlook belied her fierce determination over an extended career.
Then there was Harry Garside, the Australian boxer who arrived at the Olympics with high hopes for a podium finish. He was defeated in his first round fight – Games over. His post-bout interview was gut-wrenching as he said he had failed and this would take time to get over. He eventually composed himself and spoke of the support of his family but the hurt and disappointment were laid bare.
We speak of character, and the development of one’s character as an important element of a school’s purpose. It is written in the mission of many schools and character education is a key element of the wellbeing/pastoral programmes in many schools. I like the simple definition of character as “who you are when no-one else is watching” and I believe the development of character is an important aspect of the building of culture in a school.
One example of character development was presented by Professor Michael Klimmel from the US when he spoke at an International Schools conference a couple of years ago. It involved the coach of the USA Olympic men’s swim team at the time. Apparently, when the swimmers were competing in a meet that did not have as much significance as Olympic trials, the coach would change their routine or upset their preparation – having the swimmers arrive late for their event, having the physio not turn up, giving them goggles which he knows would break during the event, etc. It was done to prepare the swimmer for the unexpected and to develop resilience and an ability to cope with setbacks. “Prepare for Chaos” was the approach taken by the coach. I am not entirely sure how this would work in the family home – some may suggest it already exists as a matter of course, but the idea is linked to the notion of letting children fail as a way to develop resilience as they grow. It is not a new idea but one worth considering.
As the Year 12s commence their exam block next week, I wish them well and I look forward to being part of the busyness of Cranbrook next week.
With good wishes
Stuart Meade Acting Head of School
Message from Genét Erickson Adam, Acting Head of Junior School
Dear Parents and Carers,
Week 2 has been a wonderful, busy week of learning in the Junior School.
Yesterday, our Year 1 students showcased their learning from their unit of inquiry, ‘How we organise ourselves’. In this unit, students used geographical tools to explore their connections to places. Starting with our School campus, they identified the features of this location and the connections that they have within this place. They then applied their understandings to the wider community and the world through research into another place they feel connected to. Families and special guests had the chance yesterday to gain insight into the connections our students have to their ‘special places’ and why.
Junior School Olympics Mufti Day Upon suggestion from some of our students, we have agreed to host a Junior School Olympics Mufti Day, in conjunction with our CETOP BBQ days. Students are encouraged to wear the colours of an Olympic nation. These special days will provide a wonderful opportunity for children to acknowledge unity and cultural diversity an event like the Olympics provides. It is also a chance to promote global understanding and partnerships, which is closely aligned with the focus of CETOP week. Your child may join in the festivities with the Olympics Mufti Day and CETOP sausage sizzle on the following days:
Tuesday, 6 August: Kindy, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 4
Thursday, 8 August: Year 3, Year 5 and Year 6
NAPLAN Results – Y3 and Y5 Parents of Year 3 and Year 5 students would have received their child’s NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) report yesterday. The report features a new format designed to give you a clearer understanding of your child’s achievements.
Within the Report, you will find:
Proficiency Levels: The report categorises your child’s performance into different levels of proficiency, providing a detailed view of their strengths and areas for growth in literacy and numeracy.
Enhanced Clarity: This new format aims to offer a more comprehensive picture of where your child stands compared to the school cohort and national benchmarks.
Insights and Support: Along with the proficiency levels, the report includes insights on how to interpret the results and practical suggestions to support your child’s learning journey.
We recognise that this new format may be different from previous reports. If you have any questions or need assistance understanding the information, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher as the first point of call or you may also contact Mrs Christina Koika-Cellini (Assessment & Data Coordinator). We are here to help you make the most of this valuable feedback.
Kind wishes,
Genét Erickson Adam Acting Head of Junior School
From the Deputies
Dear Families
Important Reminder: Music & Special Group Photos On Wednesday, 7 August the Music and Special Group photos will be taken. On this day, all boys involved in Music and Special Groups must wear FULL schooluniform (not PE gear), including their blazers (Y3-Y6). Special Group Photos include: IPSHA and ISDA Debating, da Vinci Decathlon Team, IPSHA Cross Country, CIS Rugby League, CIS Swimming, Snowsports and Community Service Committee members.
For those students involved in instrumentalist groups, please ensure that your son has his musical instrument at school on this day.
Boys in the IPSHA Cross Country, CIS Rugby League and CIS Swimming should wear full school uniform, including their blazers (not PE gear), as their photo is taken on this day.
Boys in Snowsports should bring their Snowsports jacket, as their photo is also taken on this day.
Please note: summer and winter sports team photos will be taken on Friday, 16 August.
Community Service Last Friday, Mr Andrews and Mr Baker accompanied five Year 6 students to Royal Sydney Golf Club to plant trees for National Tree Day. Our students were joined by students from Kambala and local MP, Kellie Sloane. It was a wonderful community-oriented event. Cranbrook were proud to play a part in the creation of a new native landscape for the Club.
Pre-schools’ News – Week 2
Dear Families,
This week, St Michael’s 3 and 5 Day class welcomed Uncle Richard and his daughter Jessie for an Aboriginal Experience with Ranger Jamie Tours. We look forward to St Mark’s and St Michael’s 2 Day class immersing themselves in their upcoming incursion on Tuesday, 6 August and Friday, 9 August.
Staff News: Rachael Barwell and her family are expecting their second child over the summer holidays. Rachael will continue teaching St Michael’s outdoor programme until the end of this academic year, after which she will take maternity leave to welcome her new baby. Please join me in congratulating Rachael and her family.
Upcoming Dates: Olympics Mufti Day: To celebrate the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, children are welcome to wear green and gold, or the colours of their home country.
Tuesday, 6 August: St Michael’s 3 and 5 Day Class
Thursday, 8 August: St Michael’s 2 Day Class and St Mark’s
Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane Pre-schools’ Coordinator
Message from Daisy Turnbull, Director of Coeducation and Academy
Dear Parents and Carers,
With less than 18 months until coeducation commences at Cranbrook, I wanted to update you on the enrolment processes for our coeducational cohorts and the orientation activities we are running.
For Year 7 2026 we have enrolled our first coeducational cohort. We continue to run a long orientation for our year 7 2026 students with activities each term to give our current students and incoming boys and girls the opportunity to get to know each other and engage in activities together. A similar program will commence with Year 7 2027 next year. We will endeavour to run this long orientation for incoming year 7 groups until the school is fully coeducational.
For year 11 2026, we are interviewing girls who are looking to join Cranbrook as the inaugural senior coeducational cohort and have been very impressed with the interest and calibre of the young women enrolling. We understand that the decision to change schools is not one that is made lightly, nor early, which is why the enrolment process for year 11 begins halfway through year 9.
At the start of 2025 we will start holding orientation activities for current Year 10 students and incoming students that give students the opportunity to interact with each other, and the incoming students a chance to get to know Cranbrook better. Many of these opportunities will be based around our year 10 academic events including the IB seminar, subject selection fair, and engaging with external providers on wellbeing topics.
The 2026 scholarship process will commence at the end of this year for both year 7 and 11 cohorts. Students who do not currently have an application on file, or have not yet completed admissions activities, as well as those who have accepted a position for 2026 are welcome to sit for our suite of scholarships.
The Year 7 2027 enrolment processes have also begun for boys and girls. Next year we will commence the enrolment for year 11 2027, and year 7, 2028.
Daisy Turnbull Director of Coeducation and Academy
Council Update
Click here for the latest update from Cranbrook School Council.
CETOP Week
Cranbrook Explorers and Travellers Overseas Partnership (CETOP) is a not-for-profit organisation run by Staff and Parents associated with Cranbrook, which supports communities in Ladakh (India) and Nepal. In Nepal, we work with local communities in the areas of dental health, education and infrastructure. Since 2011, we have conducted ten Junior School trips to Nepal with Y6 students and an accompanying parent.
Next week, we are hosting a CETOP Week (5 August – 9 August), which is dedicated to educating our community about CETOP: who we are, what we do, why we have chosen specific projects, and most importantly, how students can get involved and contribute through service.
Each year level has pledged something they will do without on Monday, 5 August. Students are encouraged to help around the house and donate their earnings to their class pledge. You would have received an email with a link to a Padlet that has been set up for students to share photos of them completing their act of service, which we will share at the CETOP assembly. A QR code was also sent home for families to help their children donate their earnings, to support CETOP initiatives.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Please follow this link to view the notice explaining the purpose and process for this compulsory governmental data collection that occurs in August this year.
JS Community Prayer Morning
Tomorrow there will be a community prayer morning with Mr Noble for any parents, carers or staff in our JS community. It will be held from 7:45am in Music Room 2 on the Junior School campus. It’s an opportunity to spend time in prayer for each other and the School. We run prayer meetings on the first Friday of each month during term time.
Becoming a Member of Cranbrook School
Cranbrook School is a public company limited by guarantee which was established to provide students with a well-rounded, liberal education based on Christian beliefs.
It is governed by the School Council in accordance with its Constitution and has a membership comprised of eligible persons who have made significant contributions to Cranbrook or who are key stakeholders in its mission.
Parent of students in Kindergarten to Year 12 attending Cranbrook are eligible to become a Member of Cranbrook School for so long as they have a child attending the School.
The Members of Cranbrook School play an important role in the governance of Cranbrook. Being a Member entitles you to attend and vote at general meetings of Cranbrook School. This includes attending and voting at the Annual General Meeting, where the matters considered include receiving the statutory financial reports and electing members of the School Council.
If you are not already a Member of Cranbrook School, and wish to become one, please indicate your willingness to do so by completing and returning the application form which can be found on Cranbrook Connect here.
Applications are subject to approval by the School Council, and will be considered at the next possible School Council meeting after receipt of your completed application.
We encourage you to apply to become a Member of Cranbrook School and to take up the opportunity to contribute to the governance of the School.
If you have any questions regarding membership of Cranbrook School, please contact Sarah Deveson, Company Secretary, by email on councilsecretary@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
Geoff Lovell President of School Council
Year 3 Fizzics Education Incursion
Earlier this week, Year 3 students participated in an exciting incursion, conducted by ‘Fizzics’ as part of their unit, ‘How the world works’. In this unit, students will explore the different sources of energy and how energy can change its form. The experiments students explored in this incursion focused on light and sound energy, developing their understanding of how energy can be generated and transferred. Students made predictions, conducted investigations and reflected on their findings.
Year 4 Excursion to Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living
On Tuesday, our Year 4 students enjoyed an enriching excursion to the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, where they delved into the principles of sustainability. Throughout the day, the students engaged in hands-on activities, learning the importance of gardening, reducing waste and reusing materials. They discovered the benefits of composting and explored the fascinating world of worm farms. Each student planted a vegetable seedling to nurture at home, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and eco-friendly practices they can incorporate in their daily lives.
Little Leagues Winter Report – Round 8
Once again, the weather gods reminded us that winter sports are in full swing by bestowing us with another rainy Saturday. Despite the damp conditions, many of our games proceeded as planned, and our students displayed extra invigoration and tenacity after a three-week break.
I enjoyed watching the spirit with which our Year 4 Football teams played at the wet and blustery Christison Park, where we faced our friendly rivals, Scots.
With only two rounds left in the winter season, let’s keep the momentum going! Continue training hard and stay focused so we can finish the season on a high note.
Yours in Sport
James Roughan Head of Sport
Rugby
It wouldn’t be a Saturday without rain but thankfully all games went ahead, and the students had some much-needed game time. We had a great week connecting as teams after the holidays and spent most of our training revisiting the skills and simulating game-like situations.
Year 6 A – Won 49-10 vs St Pius. The Cranbrook 6As on a wet and windy morning at Woollahra Oval took on a strong St Pius side. Starting the game superbly the boys got off to a flyer scoring two tries in the first 10 minutes of the game. Dominant carries from Hughie and Jack led the way with some skilful passing from Xavier helping to get width in our play. The students continued to dominate, shifting the ball from side to side in what was a very impressive performance. Well done.
Year 6 B – Game 1 Lost 7-2 vs St Aloysius. Game 2 Lost 8-1 vs St Andrews. With five eager players arriving at Koola Park, we played our first game 5 v 5. The game had plenty of space and several possessions where we spread the ball and created some great opportunities. In our next game, St. Andrews provided 2 players so we could play 7 v 7. The game was hard-fought, with the St. Andrews players being much bigger, but the students worked hard to tackle and take opportunities on attack. Our tackling was a common area for improvement from both games, and we will be focusing on this during the week leading up to next Saturday.
Year 5 A – Game Won 56-17 vs The Kings School. The 5A’s had a wet start to their Saturday morning as they braved the wind and rain to face The King’s School. Several students were making their first ever A’s appearance and they most certainly rose to the occasion. Gus T, Charlie D, Jonathan H and Lachlan B all demonstrated the improvements they have made this year and should be proud of their performances. Despite the conditions, Cranbrook were still able to put width on the ball, causing the King’s defence a number of problems. Some tough tackling and counter rucking showed that the Cranbrook boys are just as comfortable defending, frustrating the opposition attack. In the end, Cranbrook were far too strong, running in a number of tries to run out 56-17 winners.
Year 5 B – Game 1 Win 8-0 vs Scots College. Game 2 Win 7-2 vs St Aloysius. Year 5B’s started the day off with an 8-0 win against Scots. The wet conditions didn’t stop them moving the ball around with multiple tries from Jerry W and Oliver S, as well as Tom S getting his first for the year.
They then moved on to Aloys and again continued their undefeated streak with a 7-2 win, again not afraid to move the ball around. The defence was another stand out of the day with Barnaby W making some big tackles.
Year 4 White – Game 1 Win vs Knox 5-2. Game 2 Draw 2-2 vs Grammar.
Amid deteriorating conditions on Saturday morning, Cranbrook Yr4 White 7s produced two gutsy performances.
In the first game against Knox, Cranbrook jumped out to an early lead, recycling with regularity and finding successful hand-offs despite the slippery ball. This led to several overlaps with assured finishes in the corners. Knox rallied well, but Cranbrook remained in control to win out 5-2.
The second game against Grammar was a much tighter affair. Strong rucking for Grammar meant they controlled possession and caused turnovers. A speedy winger capitalised on space and scored in both halves for Grammar, but high effort tackling from Cranbrook kept the score low. Trailing 2-1 as the hooter sounded, Cranbrook strung together a succession of phases, driving into the left corner to equalise with a buzzer-beating score. They ended the day unbeaten, and with significant amounts of Koola Park mud going home on each player.
Year 4 Red – Game 1 Win 14-1 vs Barker. Game 2 Loss 4-5 vs Grammar. The Year 4 red’s had a strong start to the day against barker. The boys produced strong carries to break through the defensive line and score multiple tries in the first half. In the second half the focus shifted to moving the ball around the park and trying to involve all players in an expansive style. This was effective and led to multiple tries in the corner. A comprehensive 14-1 victory for Cranbrook.
The second game saw the boys face up against a strong Grammar outfit. This game was hotly contested with Grammar winning the contest in the ruck and making headway with their quicker players on the outside. Cranbrook fought back with some courageous defence and barnstorming runs from the likes of Wills O and Jack P. At half time the score was level. Beginning the second half with some runaway try’s from Grammar had the boys chasing a deficit. With greater focus on ball security and rucking, Cranbrook ran in some excellent tries especially Wolf T’s at the death. Despite their best efforts the boys ended up one try short (4-5) in a tight game.
Year 3 Red – Game 1 Loss 8-6 vs Scots. Games 2 Draw 3-3 vs Aloys. Game 1 of the Saturday fixtures had Cranbrook Red take on long-time rivals Scot’s in a wet and physical battle. Through the likes of Flynn S making countless tackles and beating defenders left and right as well as Harrison Bs strong ball running, the Red team managed to stay in the fight until a few late tries from Scot’s saw them fall 8-6.
Game 2 was hotly contested in muddy conditions against St Aloysius (Alo’s) with great off-loading and tackling from the Red team. Despite an early lead from Alo’s at the half, the Cranbrook team managed to fight back through incredible tries from Edward G and Hugo DS who flew past defenders along the sideline to give Cranbrook a 3-2 lead a minute left to play. However, a last second try from Alo’s saw a final score of 3-3
Year 3 White – Game 1 Win 8-3 vs Newington. Game 2 Win 7-4 vs Scots College. Cranbrook’s Year 3 White 7’s team took on a wet Koola park and were very keen to play some wet weather footy. Freddy P led the charge within the first game against Newington with game changing chop tackles and was unmovable on top of the ball. This, paired with Sandy D’s dynamic running game, meant Cranbrook was able to convincingly win against Newington 8-3.
Coming off that win, Cranbrook had to back it up and play a strong Scot’s team. David B and Hugo B showed noticeable signs of improvement during the game making their mark with strong runs. Freddie P continued to convince that he is a flanker and it showed with him once again leading the defence with dominant chop tackles and a traditional flanker performance in the rucks. This led to a win for Cranbrook 7-4.
Year 3 Rugby
Drop-in sessions
On Monday morning we had 20 keen players at the drop in junior school training session that ran from 7am-8am. We worked on our draw and pass as well as one-on-one tackling. We would love to see more boys come along next week!
All our coaches will keep working hard on our fundamental skills for the remaining weeks. Tackling is our top priority, and we’re ensuring ample time is dedicated to technical and game situations for player development.
Peter Dumbleton Head of Rugby
Football
The first weekend of Term 3 brought an exciting start to the Cranbrook Junior School football program, despite some early weather interruptions. The matches that did go ahead were action-packed, with plenty of goals and some significant victories.
6A – 1-3 loss vs Sydney Grammar The 6A team faced a challenging start in their match, with a chaotic opening few minutes that set the tone. The opposition scored two quick goals within the first five minutes, the first coming just a minute into the game. Despite the early setback, we dominated much of the rest of the match. However, we found it difficult to break through the opposition’s high defensive line. The students were attempted different ways to find space, such as playing balls over the top or using backward passes to create space in midfield. We did this with mixed success, and will continue to work on this into future weeks.
6B – 2-1 win vs Sydney Grammar The 6B team kicked off Term 3 with a solid performance, securing a comfortable 2-1 victory. From the outset, Cranbrook looked composed and organized, quickly establishing control of the midfield. The team’s efforts paid off midway through the first half when they broke through the opposition’s defence with a well-worked passing move, culminating in a precise finish to take the lead. It was an impressive start to the term, with the team showing a solid balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity.
6C – 2-2 draw vs Sydney Grammar In the 6C game, players focused on maintaining a structured shape rather than chasing the ball, and the team showed some promising signs of progress. They have been working on holding their positions, passing, and moving into space. We saw this work with good width in attack and space creation in the middle, however, the opposition’s defensive tactics proved challenging.
Despite dominating possession and creating many chances, we found ourselves 2-0 down early in the second half. The students showed great resilience, though and fought back to draw the match.
4A – 8-1 win vs Scots The 4A team kicked off Term 3 with an impressive display, securing a commanding victory. It was an attacking masterclass that set the tone for a promising start to the season.
From the first whistle, the 4A’s asserted their dominance, demonstrating excellent teamwork and fluid passing. The forwards were relentless, constantly pressuring the Scots defence and creating numerous scoring opportunities. The midfield controlled the pace of the game, linking up play and providing the attacking line with precise through balls.
4B – 1-4 Loss vs Scots 4B played well and put in a strong effort, but ultimately, they were defeated by a formidable Scots side. Despite the loss, the 4B team showed resilience and will look to bounce back in their next match.
4C – 4-1 win. vs Scots The 4C team put on a stellar display, winning 9-1. The scoreline reflects the team’s complete dominance in the game. They were effective in all areas of the pitch, showcasing great passing, movement, and finishing. It was a comprehensive performance that left little doubt about their quality.
4D – 11-1 win vs Scots The 4D team delivered an exceptional performance, winning 11-0. The team was relentless in their attack and solid defensively, leaving the opposition with no chance to get into the game. It was a great all-around performance that highlighted the team’s potential.
4E – 5-2 win vs Scots The 4E team played a strong game, showing dominance throughout. However, a few minor errors when playing out from the back led to some unnecessary goals conceded. Despite these hiccups, the students controlled the match and secured a well-deserved victory.
Year 3 The Year 3 A’s and C’s started strongly, with both teams demonstrating great teamwork early on. Unfortunately, the matches were shortly stopped due to a sudden lightning warning, putting an early end to their spirited performances. Similarly, the B’s and D’s were also affected, resulting in the cancellation of their matches.
3E – 1-1 draw vs Sydney Grammar The E’s managed to play despite continued rain. It was a highly contested, end-to-end match, with both teams giving their all. The game ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. The E’s displayed excellent effort and resilience, after conceding first but later pulling it back level.
Overall, it was a weekend of impressive victories for our football teams. The students can be proud of their efforts, and we look forward to building on these performances in the upcoming fixtures.
Ben Rollison Head of Football
Tennis
Unfortunately, all games were cancelled after 15 minutes of game time due to rain. We look forward to the remaining two rounds of winter tennis.
Ben Higgins Head of Tennis
Multi-Sport
Multi-sport kicked term 3 Saturday sport off in style with strong performance in indoor soccer. The students’ skill focus was on kicking and catching and it was pleasing to see excellent focus and progression throughout the session. The award winner this week were Jack L and Alastair B for their impressive demonstration of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Josh Cohen Assistant Head of Sport
Y3-Y6 Sport News
General details about each sport can be found in your son’s Year Level tab on Cranbrook Connect.
Olympic Dreams Start Here
Join Cranbrook’s Learn to Swim Programme during the Olympics and enjoy no joining fee plus 10 lessons for the price of 8!
Welcome back to Term 3 in what will be another eventful and inspiring term of events in the Music Department!
What a wonderful Term 2 we had celebrating all things music, from our Music Morning Concerts, Assembly performances, Junior School Soirée, our K-2 and Y3-6 Showcases, and finally our Threads Gala Concert at Town Hall. Congratulations to all our performers in achieving excellence! The Music Department is thrilled to have witnessed the growth, enthusiasm and artistic sensibility of our young musicians. I want to thank you for all your support during Term 2 and being such enthusiastic audiences.
The following outlines the Music calendar for Term 3. Further information can be obtained by clicking on the appropriate links, where applicable.
Performance opportunities: K- 6 Music Morning Concerts Music Morning Concerts are held on certain Fridays from 8:00am to 8:30am in Music Room 1. These concerts are open to students in K to 6 who have a piece at performance standard, regardless of level, to perform. It’s always wonderful to hear their great work and witness our students’ progress in an encouraging environment. Instrumental teachers sign up their students, as appropriate, and you will receive an email from me with an invitation to attend should you like to hear your son perform.
Junior School Music Soireé On Thursday, 22 August (Week 5) there will be a Junior School Music Soireé held in Music Room 1 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This event is for more accomplished instrumentalists and vocalists in Years 3-6 who are well prepared and can perform with polish and regard to the musical style. Your son’s instrumental teacher (or Mr Fox) will send home a Soireé form should they feel this event is suitable for your son. Please note: this event is also open to students who have private instrumental lessons outside of the School. Please click here for more information.
Spring Festival: Year 3 to 6 Junior School Music Eisteddfod – Thursday, 29 August, from 1:00pm (Week 6) As part of the Spring Festival, the Cranbrook Junior School Eisteddfod has been designed for students in Year 3 to 6 to showcase their performance on piano, strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, guitar and voice.
This year’s Eisteddfod will be judged by external adjudicators who will write an encouraging report on the students’ performances, give feedback and award grades of achievement.
Entry forms (yellow) can be found in the Music Studio hallway or via the information link below.
Click here for further information and entry form.
Best wishes,
Peter Fox Head of Music, Junior School
iCentre News – Week 2
BOOK WEEK – Reading is Magic In Week 5, we will focus on this national celebration of Australian children’s literature and reading. The activities and opportunities planned across the week will allow us to connect, celebrate, and advocate for the value of stories, books and reading for everyone.
The Great Book Swap – Indigenous Literacy Foundation The Community Service Committee and Library Team are hosting a Great Book Swap for all students.
If you have any books you would like to give a second home to while helping a great cause, we would love your donations:
1. Bring your books to your Community Rep by Friday, 16 August (Week 4).
2. We are looking for good quality books less than five years old, including picture books, chapter books, and non-fiction books.
3. Then, make a $note or gold coin donation to purchase a book(s) for yourself.
The Great Book Swap will run in the library on Monday, 19 August, and Tuesday, 20 August, during lunchtimes.
K-6 Book Week Assembly – Wednesday, 21 August 1:45pm. We will come together to celebrate Book Week, magical readers, and witness the excitement of the Years 3-6 Spelling Bee Final.
Books at Bedtime This event for Kindergarten and Year 1 returns this year on the Thursday evening (details will be emailed separately).
Guest Speakers On Friday, 23 August, we will warmly welcome three creators to the Junior School. To add colour and vibrancy to the day, students and staff are encouraged to dress up as they interpret this year’s theme, ‘Reading is Magic’, through costumes and props.
Read about our visiting speakers by clicking on their names below:
Books by Susanne Gervay may be ordered post-visit.
Littlescribe Mini Writing Festival This wonderful programme of live-streamed writing sessions for Year 2-6, scheduled for this term, has unfortunately been postponed by the organisers. We look forward to re-engaging with this writing festival in 2025.
NSW PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE Congratulations to everyone who has completed the challenge this year. We are on track to have our highest numbers of participants recorded yet! The final date to register books read this year is Friday, 23 August. A reminder that login details are in student diaries and at the PRC helpdesk in the iCentre. For assistance, please contact Mrs de Wit: edewit@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au
Happy reading,
Ms Light and Mrs de Wit
Optional Co-Curricular Activities
Term 3’s optional co-curricular activities are well underway. Please contact Annabel Boyd (jscocurricular@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au) if you have any queries.
