We are looking forward to welcoming all our guests tomorrow to our K-Y6 Mother’s Day Activities (Friday, 12 May 7.30am – 8.30am). Our students will take their guests around our site to attend several activities together.
Important Reminder: As mentioned in our Mother’s Day invitation:
There is NO internal carline running tomorrow morning, due to the Mother’s Day activities;
there are no optional co-curricular activities or sports training BEFORE school tomorrow (afternoon activities are running as usual);
if attending the Mother’s Day activities, it is easier if the guest and child are dropped off and they walk into school; or the guest parks in Lyne Park or Norwich Rd (NOT in Elanora or Iluka Streets);
boys without a guest attending can be dropped at the Reception Gate.
Staff News: We wish to inform our Junior School families that Mrs Jane Holmes à Court has been unwell and she will be taking sick leave until the end of this term. She is disappointed to miss our JS Showcases at the end of this term, but she knows the students will do an amazing job. We wish Jane a full and speedy recovery.
Kind wishes,
Michele Marquet
Pre-Schools’ Update
Dear Parents,
It has been a marvellous week celebrating Mother’s Day. Thank you to all mothers, aunties, grandmothers and special people who attended. It is such a unique time to celebrate and build connections between other families within the Pre-school.
A friendly reminder about our Parent Engagement at St Mark’s Pre-school on Tuesday, 16 May for all Pre-school parents from 6pm – 8pm. This session is all about ‘Building Your Child’s Emotional Resilience’ with Marina Bailey. If you have not already done so, please RSVP to amcfarlane@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au
Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane
From the Deputy Heads
The State of Youth Mental Health Parents and carers can play a crucial role in their children’s mental health. As a result, staying informed on the current state of youth mental health is vital, as it not only affects individuals, but also families and communities. According to recent research, the frequency of mental health disorders among young people is increasing, with anxiety, depression and self-harm being among the most common challenges.
One of the reasons being attributed to this rise is the heightened stress and anxiety that many young people face in today’s society. Academic success, social media and family issues are all influencing factors. Many young people are still suffering the long-term consequences of the pandemic, such as social isolation, uncertainty and loss.
Parents can play an important role in their children’s mental health. Creating a safe and open environment for your children to talk about their emotions, thoughts and feelings is vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet and proper sleep can help reduce their stress levels and boost your child’s overall mental health. There are also many resources and services available to children, adolescents and their families, such as school counsellors, various mental health organisations, support lines and, of course, mental health professionals. It is important to remember that seeking help is a show of strength, not weakness, and that early intervention is critical in addressing young people’s mental health difficulties.
A recent edition of SchoolTV, discusses some of the major mental health issues affecting young people and how to support a child experiencing them. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
The Term 2 Events Overview for Parents has been loaded onto Cranbrook Connect and can be viewed here.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
We are so excited to announce that the Cranbrook Junior School Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Council site is now Live!
Check out the huge range of items that have been so kindly donated and sourced by our school community. Start bidding now but be sure to check it regularly to ensure you don’t get out-bid! There is everything from hotel staycations, kids clothing, jewellery, Pilates sessions, beauty products, dining vouchers, sporting activities and much, much more.
Purchase your entry ticket to the morning tea, which is being held on Friday 26th May, from 8am at Empire Lounge (Lyne Park). Join us for your morning coffee and a delicious morning tea while outbidding your friends in the auction.
This year, we have 2 amazing mums touched by cancer that will be our guest speakers to share their journey. So please join us in support of this amazing and much needed cause.
We are now calling for any bakers that would like to donate something for the morning tea. Please get in touch!
Lastly, if you wanted to donate something it is not too late!
Please contact Amanda Smits on 0415 646 935 or Daphne Hedley on 0400 849 340
Cranbrook School App
If you have not already done so, please download the Cranbrook Parent App. This will be vital to do for parents in Y3-Y6 particularly, as important information about weekly sports fixtures will be coming via this app from now on. As more elements of the app are developed, parents in K-Y2 will find the absence tile and the optional co-curricular components very helpful as well.
To access the app Click hereto view the information on how to download this app from the App Store.
Username and password discovery Click here to view information on how to access your username and password to enable access to the app.
Please remember to check your spam/junk email folder as sometimes codes and password resets can be sent there.
Junior School Parents If Junior School families have difficulties downloading the new Parent App, please contact the Junior School Reception on 9327 9100.
2 – If none of the teams and fixtures are loading for your son
If you have logged on with your child’s School email address, you will not get any relevant information. The app will work, but with none of your child’s data. You will need to delete the app and start over again. Follow the steps above to set up a new username and password.
3 – If you cannot download the app
Both Android and iPhone users can both download the app. If you are having trouble accessing it, the app has been created by Digistorm, which you can add into the search box.
Learn to Swim Programme
Cranbrook’s Learn to Swim programme is pleased to announce that new spaces are now available for immediate enrolment. The programme has been designed to cater to swimmers of all ages and abilities, from beginners aged from 6 months to more advanced swimmers who want to refine their technique and become stronger and more confident in the water. If you are looking to enrol your child in a swimming programme, now is a great opportunity through the quieter season where you may receive more active learning time.
To make things even easier for parents and guardians, we have also introduced an online enquiry system for assessments. Our Learn to Swim team will get back to you with a response regarding the next available time slots for assessments. The assessments will ensure your child’s swimming ability is matched to the appropriate class based on their needs.
Cranbrook’s Learn to Swim pool will remain at 31 degrees Celsius all winter. This ensures that swimmers can enjoy the water in a comfortable and safe environment, even on the coldest days of the year. Our experienced instructors are passionate about teaching children to swim, and we use a range of techniques and tools to ensure that every child receives the support and guidance they need to progress. We believe that swimming is an essential life skill that every child should learn, and our Learn to Swim programme is an excellent way to achieve this goal.
Further to the School’s thorough community engagement programme and resulting decision by School Council last year to enrol girls into the Senior School from 2026, we are currently preparing a Development Application for submission to Woollahra Municipal Council to increase the enrolment cap at our Bellevue Hill campus from 1339 to 1600. This planned increase will come into effect from 2026 and will provide sufficient capacity to accept girls into the Senior School offering a fully coeducational environment across all year groups from 2029.
In 2018, the School took the important decision in its State Significant Development Application, approved in 2019, not to seek an increase in the Bellevue Hill campus cap until it had an opportunity to assess the impact of providing an additional 124 parking spaces on site and a Kiss & Drop facility through the revitalisation of our Senior School campus. Both the car park and Kiss & Drop have met their respective design intents and importantly have improved traffic management around the site. There is, however, an increasing demand for places at schools like Cranbrook in the eastern suburbs. Additional places at schools in the eastern suburbs, coupled with Cranbrook School enrolling girls in 2026, will satisfy some of this demand and mean that there will be further choice for local families.
If you have any queries regarding the changes to the School’s enrolment cap please email Cranbrook@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au. We welcome your feedback and are, as ever, grateful for your support.
Games for Moh Day
At lunchtime next Thursday 18th May, the Community Service Committee is running a Games for Moh Day to raise money for Moh Nur Muhsin, the World Vision student we support, and his village community in remote Indonesia.
Students can play for just a $1 a game, or $5 for unlimited games. Students should bring their money on Wednesday, 17 May to give to their class CS Rep.
The games include:
Rugby/AFL – how good is your passing?
Rugby/AFL – how straight can you kick?
Speed Jumbo Chess. Winner stays on.
Basketball Hoops. How many baskets can you sink around the key?
Mini-Putt-Putt Golf. How many shots does it take for you to sink the ball?
Paper plane competition
Free drawing competition
Kind regards,
Mr Holmsen and the Community Service Committee
CSPA Donation to the Starlight Foundation
The Cranbrook Junior School Community Service Leaders chose the Starlight Foundation as the recipients of the money raised from the CSPA’s Reuse and Recycle Uniform Sale. Today, we presented the Starlight Foundation with a cheque for $8500. Thank you to all our families who contributed to this wonderful total by purchasing second hand uniform items late last term.
Years 3-6 Sport News
Please note that from this week, all information regarding your son’s sport team and weekend fixture will now be sent ONLY via the Parent App. Team Managers will not be sending out a weekly email.
General details about each sport can be found in your son’s Year Level tab on Cranbrook Connect.
Little League Sports Report Round 2
I’d like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our students for their achievements in rugby, football, tennis, and multi-sport over the weekend. Their dedication and commitment to their respective sports are paying off. Not only have they displayed exceptional skill and talent, but their sportsmanship and character have also shone through, setting a shining example for others. The students’ achievements stand as a testament to their pursuit of excellence. Keep up the outstanding work and continue to work hard and demonstrate integrity.
Yours in Sport,
James Roughan
Head of Junior School Sport & PDHPE
Football Round 2
Year 6A Football
6As Football put in a strong effort against Trinity Grammar, with Charlie R scoring a goal for the team. Despite the loss, the team played some great football and showed excellent sportsmanship throughout the match. Great individual efforts were made by Charlie R and Eamonn R, who worked tirelessly throughout the game.
Year 6B Football
Despite losing 4-1 against Trinity Grammar School, the 6Bs Football team played with great leadership and skill. Michael M scored an outstanding goal and demonstrated his leadership skills throughout the match. Raffy S showed significant improvement from last week and put in a tremendous effort, while Rocco B made a seamless transition from goalkeeper to central midfield. The team played with great teamwork and never gave up, even when the odds were against them.
Year 6C Football
In the 6CS Football match on Saturday morning, Cranbrook School played with great enthusiasm, even though they lost 0-3. Henry W was a standout player who ran around the pitch with an incredible attitude, full of energy and positivity. His leadership and determination inspired his teammates to keep trying their best, even when things didn’t go their way.
Year 5A Football
In a tough match against St Patrick’s, the 5As team put in a great effort but fell short, losing 2-1. Kaspar B scored a fantastic goal for Cranbrook. Ryan H was a standout player for the team with his determination in tackles and impressive work with and without the ball. Alexander T also deserves a mention for his smart defensive plays and ability to read the game. Despite the loss, the team showed great spirit and teamwork throughout the match.
Year 5B Football
5Bs Football lost 4-0 to St Patrick’s. Despite the loss, the team showed great determination and work ethic throughout the match. Special mention goes to Rory M for his tenacious and tireless defending, putting in a beast performance. It’s clear that the team has been working hard at training, and this effort will undoubtedly pay off in future matches.
Year 5C Football
5Cs Football lost 2-0 to St Patrick’s. Although the score didn’t go in their favour, the 5Cs team played with heart and determination. Ryan M’s strong tackling and Aurelius S’s dribbling and attacking runs were impressive and helped keep the team in the game.
Year 4A Football
4As Football had an incredible victory against Sydney Grammar, with Lucas S and Alexander S both scoring twice, and Hugo L scoring a hat trick! Santiago D and Hugo L stood out for their amazing work in the midfield, bringing the team together and setting up plays. The team took everything they learned in training and applied it to their game, resulting in a resounding 10-0 victory.
Year 4B Football
In the 4Bs football game, the team won 10-1 against Sydney Grammar, with Ziggy D scoring an impressive 4 goals and George Y scoring another 4 goals. Both players not only shone in attack but also communicated well with the whole team and helped in defence. A fantastic effort from the team.
Year 4C Football
The 4C Football team had a convincing 15-2 victory over Sydney Grammar. Sebastian R was the star of the show, scoring an impressive six goals, but it was truly a team effort with all players contributing to the scorecard. The team showed great teamwork and communication on the field, moving the ball around well and creating opportunities for each other. Every player played an important role in the victory, from the defence to the attack. Well done to all the players for their efforts in the game!
Year 4D Football
4Ds Football lost 6-0 to Newington Wyvern, but Sammy I was a standout player in the match, making some outstanding saves as a keeper and keeping the scoreline from being much worse. Alex R also made some great tackles, putting in a strong effort for the team. The boys showed a great attitude and commitment at training, and with continued hard work, they will surely improve their play in future matches.
Year 3A Football
the 3As Football team won 9-1, with Eddie C, Teddy B, Trystan A, Harvey C, Louis B, and Charlie B all scoring goals. Paulie L had an outstanding performance as the centre back, keeping a clean sheet from open play and showing great leadership and measured play. The team played with great teamwork and enthusiasm, and it was a well-deserved victory for their efforts.
Year 3B Football
In the 3Bs Football match, Cranbrook School won 2-0. Wren L and Alfie L scored the goals, while William J had an outstanding defensive performance at the back, stopping the opposition from scoring. The team played with great teamwork and enthusiasm, and it was a well-deserved victory for their efforts.
Year 3C Football
3Cs had an impressive 2-2 draw with Mosman, with Evan H and Otto H both scoring goals. Evan H was vital for the team in both defence and attack, and Otto H put in a massive effort to help out the C’s. Teddy A was also solid in defence and as goalkeeper, making some incredible saves.
Year 3D Football
The 3Ds Football team won 5-0 against Mosman Prep, and what a performance it was! Otto H scored two goals, while Thomas C scored three, making him the standout player of the match. The team played with great tenacity and energy, and it was a joy to watch them on the field. Otto’s skilful goals and dribbling past players like they weren’t there were incredible, and Thomas’s hat-trick was a terrific achievement.
Year 3E Football
3Es Football had an exciting 2-2 draw against Newington, with Liam C and Rafael K both scoring goals. James A was switched to centre back in the second half and held the defence strong, making sure the team didn’t concede any more goals.
Year 3F Football
The 3Fs Football team played incredibly well on Saturday morning, winning 2-0 against Newington. Wren L and Remi G scored the goals, but it was Wisdom X’s excellent performance in net that stood out. He kept a clean sheet, making some superb saves that helped the team secure the victory. The team played with great teamwork and determination, and it was a fantastic effort from everyone.
Rugby Round 2
Year 6A Rugby
6As Rugby had a thrilling victory over their opponents, winning 22-21! Carter M, Ethan S, Aidan M, and David A all scored for the team. David A stood out for his strong ball carrying, Ethan S for his solid performance in his first start in the A team, and Steven H for an excellent performance in both attack and defence. It was a fantastic game that had everyone on the edge of their seats until the very end!
Year 6B Rugby
6Bs Rugby had a mixed weekend, beating St Patrick’s 25-5 and losing to Newington Lindfield 20-10. Arthur D, Heath C-G, Will T, and Rocco U all scored tries, with some excellent running lines and support play. The team showed great resilience, even in the face of defeat, and worked hard to improve their play at training. Loic B stood out with his fearless tackling, making a big impact in the game and stopping St Patrick’s attackers in their tracks.
Year 5A Rugby
Despite the 5As Rugby team losing 31-5, they played with great passion and teamwork. Niko D scored a try, showing fantastic skills and determination on the field. Meanwhile, Henry C S and Charlie R’s defence was outstanding. Their quick thinking and teamwork skills were remarkable, and they stopped the other team from scoring on many occasions.
Year 5B Rugby
In the 5Bs Rugby match, Cranbrook School had a mixed day, winning 40-4 against Grammar but losing 30-10 to Newington. Nevertheless, the team played with great teamwork and determination. Try-scorers included Charles. M, Tomek O, Oliver F, Jack E, Louie B, and Oliver F. Oliver also had an outstanding game, making three amazing try-saving tackles that kept the opposition from scoring. The team showed incredible resilience and never gave up until the final whistle.
Year 4A Rugby
The 4As Rugby team played brilliantly and won 48-10 against Trinity Grammar School. William S, Jasper M and James C scored two tries, while Will W, and Hadley S scored one each. J. Moore had some elusive runs, turning Trinity inside and out and scoring two tries. The team played with great teamwork and skill, and it was an impressive victory for their efforts.
Year 4B Rugby
4Bs Rugby faced a tough challenge against St Aloysius, losing 40-10. Despite the loss, Col O and Will A both scored tries and showed their dominance at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers for the team. Marcus K also demonstrated great tackling and put in a solid performance.
Year 3 Red Rugby
The Year 3 Red Rugby team had a great weekend with two impressive wins against St Aloysius and Kings. Wolf T and Sebastian S were standouts in both attack and defence, making several great line breaks and contributing to the team’s success. Additionally, Ben H showed outstanding sportsmanship throughout both games, representing the team and the school with great pride. Well done to the Year 3 Red Rugby team on their excellent performances!
Year 3 White Rugby
The 3 Red Rugby team may have had a challenging day, losing to both Scots and Barker, but they never gave up. Michael L and Charlie H scored tries, showing great skill and determination. Jack P, who joined the team to help out, played with heart and never gave up, even when the odds were against them. His efforts and positive attitude were truly inspiring.
Tennis Round 2
A delightful Autumn Saturday welcomed students and parents to Week 2 of Winter Tennis. The low player-to-coach ratio kept instructions targeted and enabled high engagement for each player. Coaches focused on foundation skills, including volleying, backhand, forehand, and the more challenging service. Coach Ivan’s service tip – “keep your toss arm straight and toss the ball in front of you.”
Multi-Sports Round 2
The Multi-sports squad trained and played brilliantly this week. Passing and volleys were the focus points in the sessions. Alexander F., Cohen S and Jack F were standout performers for their teams.
Optional Co-Curricular Important News
Please remember that there are no optional co-curricular activities before school tomorrow, Friday 12 May due to our Mother’s Day activities. Afternoon co-curricular activities will take place as normal.
