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
Message from Genét Erickson Adam, Acting Head of Junior School
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the sun began to peek out more regularly and the rain subsided, we hope that all families have enjoyed a wonderful Week 3.
This week has been full of enriching learning across year levels. Our Year 3 – Year 6 students have engaged in House Spelling Bee practice and early elimination rounds in the classroom, in preparation for our final House Spelling Bee competition to be held in Week 5. Year 5 and Year 6 have also participated in meaningful Interrelate sessions, as part of our PDHPE curriculum. In addition, all year levels have celebrated the Olympic spirit and CETOP week, with dress-up days and sausage sizzles, intended to highlight our continual focus on global-mindedness in the Junior School.
Across the School, CETOP Week was a resounding success. It brought great joy to witness students’ service-related photographs on the Padlet, as well as making connections to why they ‘went without’ certain resources and creature comforts on Monday. If your child has contributed through service, and you are yet to donate their earnings, please do so here. Year 5 families will soon receive communication about next year’s CETOP trip to Nepal. View some lovely photos from CETOP Week here.
After a Winter Sports season of many successes, intermixed with disappointing rain cancellations, our students in Year 3 – Year 6 will participate in their final Winter Sports games this Saturday. We wish all teams the very best in finishing off the season positively.
Next week is National Science Week, Australia’s celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that aims to engage people of all ages in exploring the wonders of science. It provides an exciting opportunity for our students to participate in hands-on activities, experiments, and presentations that spark curiosity and encourage a love for science. We have exciting classroom and lunchtime science experiences planned all week long. Please watch for our upcoming photos and reflections from this wonderful week of scientific learning. Please see the overview of these experiences in the News and Reminders section.
A reminder that next week, on Friday, 16 August, boys in Years 3 – 6 will have their summer andwinter sports team photos taken. Please read the detailed overview in News and Reminders.
As we build towards the excitement of our upcoming Book Week, in Week 5, I encourage you to carefully read the iCentre News, where you will find a detailed overview of the enriching experiences Megan Light has planned for Kindergarten – Year 6. Please note that on Friday, 23 August, 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.
Kind regards,
Genét Erickson Adam Acting Head of Junior School
From the Deputies
K-Y6 CARLINES We would like to remind all K-Y6 parents to please use the carline for drop offs and pick-ups via Kent Road, unless students are walking to School. At no timeshould students be dropped off or picked up by car in Iluka Street or Elanora Street. Please kindly respect the residents that live close to our School and the order imposed by Woollahra Council on the School’s operations.
Pick-up and afternoon carlines commence at the following times, please do not arrive early:
Kindergarten at 2:50pm, except on Wednesdays when you should arrive after 3:10pm. Year 1 and Year 2 at 3:00pm, except on Wednesdays when you should arrive after 3:10pm. Year 3 and Year 4 at 3:20pm. Year 5 and Year 6 at 3:30pm.
CETOP Week Gallery
A Day Without
K-2 Sausage Sizzle
National Science Week (12 August – 16 August 2024)
Science Week is Australia’s celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that aims to engage people of all ages in exploring the wonders of science. It provides an exciting opportunity for our students to participate in hands-on activities, experiments, and presentations that spark curiosity and encourage a love for science.
Next week, students from Kindergarten to Year 2, as well as those in Years 5 and 6, will be treated to a special guest speaker: Cristy Burne. An atom-smashing journalist turned award-winning children’s author, Cristy blends science and storytelling to find fun, inspire innovation, and create positive change. Cristy is known for science journalism at CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider, as well as for her explosive demonstrations at Questacon as part of a science circus. She works at the intersection of science, technology, and creativity, helping audiences find motivation, courage, and creativity. It is so exciting to have Cristy speaking to our boys this year, inspiring them to embrace science with creativity and confidence.
In addition to Cristy’s presentations, Year 3 students will have the exciting opportunity to visit the senior school labs, where they will conduct experiments and explore some more advanced scientific equipment with our Year 10 students. Meanwhile, Year 4 students will benefit from the mentorship of Year 10 students as they come over to the Junior School for hands-on activities and scientific inquiries. This whole school event fosters a collaborative learning environment, allowing younger students to learn from older peers, enhancing their understanding and enthusiasm for science.
Furthermore, Science Week will feature a variety of engaging activities and competitions across the school. Students will compete in a class Kahoot, testing their knowledge on various scientific topics. During lunchtime, students can choose to participate in some science-related activities and competitions. There will also be take-home activities for students to explore with their families, extending the excitement of Science Week beyond the classroom. This diverse array of activities ensures that every student can experience the joy and wonder of science.
Science Week Australia 2024 promises to be a memorable event filled with discovery, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of science.
Kind regards
Joshua Botto Science and Technology Teacher
Year 3 – Year 6 Sports Photos
Please read the following carefully: On Friday, 16 August, boys in Years 3 – 6 will have their summer andwinter sports team photos taken. They will need to wear their summer team playing gear to school, pack and bring to school their winter team sports playing gear PLUS their House T-shirt (for House Football in the afternoon).
Details are below:
Boys, in their respective teams, are reminded to WEAR the following uniform items to school for their first photo:
Basketball – Basketball Saturday playing uniform with trainers.
Cricket – Cricket Saturday playing uniform (whites) with trainers.
Water Polo – PE uniform with trainers.
Summer Tennis – PE uniform with trainers.
Summer Multi-sport – PE uniform with trainers.
Sailing – PE uniform with trainers.
Boys, in their respective teams, should PACK the following items to bring to school so they can change into them for their second photo:
Football – Football Saturday playing uniform with trainers (NO boots).
Rugby – Rugby Saturday playing uniform with trainers (NO boots).
Winter Tennis – PE uniform with trainers.
Winter Multi-sport – PE uniform with trainers.
All Y3-Y6 students should also BRING to school their coloured House T-shirt. We are holding our House Football Competition that afternoon during Sport time. Students will not be wearing football boots for this competition.
Term 3 Events Overview for Families
The full Term 3 Events Overview can be found here.
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.
Parents of students in Kindergarten to Year 12 attending Cranbrook are eligible to become a Member of Cranbrook School for as 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
Little Leagues Winter Report – Round 9
Over the weekend, our athletes demonstrated some excellent performances across all sports demonstrating the continued development of our skills and teamwork throughout the season.
I would like to congratulate Cranbrook alumnus, Grae Morris, on securing a silver medal in wind surfing over the weekend at the Paris Olympic Games. He is a great example of what we as Cranbrookians can achieve when we focus and persevere on our passions.
The Olympic games is a great demonstration of global citizenship and a good opportunity to examine how we can embody the Olympic values in how we involve ourselves in sport at Cranbrook and beyond. We can foster the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect in our school sports programs to ensure not only athletic success but also personal development.
The Olympic Values are:
Excellence: We can strive for excellence by setting personal and team goals, engaging in regular practice, and celebrating improvements, no matter how small. By focusing on continuous improvement and pushing our limits, we can motivate each other to achieve our best both on and off the field.
Friendship: We can build strong bonds by encouraging each other, ensuring we have positive interactions, and celebrating each other’s successes. This can foster a sense of camaraderie and unity, making sports a more enjoyable and supportive environment for everyone.
Respect: We can instil respect by playing fair, understanding the importance of rules, listening to our coaches, and appreciating our opponents’ efforts. By emphasizing sportsmanship and integrity, we can create a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
As we go into the final round of winter sport, let’s keep these values at the forefront of our minds as we have a strong finish to the season.
Yours in sport,
James Roughan Head of Sport
Rugby
Friday saw our coaches use innovative games to challenge the players’ development, and we were pleased with their growth. This set us up well for the Saturday matches.
Year 6 A: Won 38-12 vs Mossman Grammar School. Another victory kept the streak alive. Despite the win, tackling wasn’t up to standard, and forwards lacked spatial awareness. Clean outs were strong, and the backs moved the ball well. Sam S’s clinical exits saved the team several times.
Year 5 B: Game 1: 6-1 win vs Knox. Game 2: 7-2 win vs Newington. Game 1 started late, but Leo R’s hard running and offloads helped Lachie B and Jerry W add to their try tallies. Game 2 had a similar outcome with strong offloading and hard running, continuing their undefeated streak.
Year 4 A: Win vs Scots 55-7. The team began with one Scots player added, making it 11 vs 11. They showed exceptional passing and advanced down the sidelines, leading to multiple tries. A standout moment was Seb S’s 80-meter soccer-style run for a try.
Year 4 B: Game 1: 8-3 win vs Knox. Game 2: 9-3 win vs Trinity. The team dominated early with strong carries and defence, maintaining possession well. The second game saw strong runs from Liam E and Sam Y, showcasing more skill with great offloads and expansive rugby.
Year 3 Red: Game 1: Loss 8-7 vs Shore. Game 2: Win 9-4 vs Knox. Flynn S and Gabriel V led the team in defence against Shore. Teddy H and Edward G’s impressive tackles helped secure a win against Knox.
Year 3 White: Game 1: Loss 4-6 vs Shore. Game 2: Win 6-4 vs Kings. Despite a tough first game, the students improved and showed great fight. The second game saw much better tackling, great passes, and offloads, with Hugo B’s dummy pass leading to a try.
This is our last week of rugby for the year. We are looking forward to our last two training sessions and finishing the season on a high!
Peter Dumbleton Head of Rugby
Football
With blue skies overhead and perfect weather for football, Cranbrook Junior School enjoyed a fantastic day of fixtures. The teams delivered impressive performances, showcasing some fantastic football across various age groups.
Year 3 vs. Barker The Year 3 teams had an outstanding day, with all age groups winning their games. The young players displayed exceptional talent and determination, collectively scoring a remarkable total of 28 goals. It was a clean sweep for Cranbrook, highlighting the bright future ahead for these budding footballers.
Year 4 vs. Trinity The Year 4 teams also had a great day, narrowly missing out on a perfect record. The 4A team secured a significant 10-3 victory against Trinity, demonstrating their offensive prowess. The 4B team cruised to a solid 3-0 win, showing excellent defensive discipline. The 4C and 4D teams had tight games, both ending in draws, reflecting the competitive nature of the matches. The only narrow defeat came from the 4E team.
Year 5 vs. St Ignatius Year 5 faced a strong St Ignatius side. The 5A team emerged victorious with a well-earned 5-2 win, showcasing their tactical acumen and teamwork. The 5B team had a hard-fought match, ending in a 0-0 draw. Despite a valiant effort, the 5C team went down 1-3, while the 5D team secured a confident 3-0 victory.
5B
5C
5D
Year 6 vs. Trinity The Year 6 teams capped off the day with a dominant display. The 6A team overwhelmed Trinity with a resounding 10-1 win, exhibiting a high level of skill and coordination. The 6B team put on a strong performance, winning 4-2. Despite their best efforts, the 6C team faced a challenging match, resulting in a 2-4 loss.
Overall, it was a fantastic day of football for Cranbrook Junior School. The players displayed great sportsmanship and skill across all age groups. Congratulations to all the teams for their hard work and success. We look forward to the final round of fixtures next Saturday, as we conclude a fantastic season of football.
Ben Rollison Head of Football
Tennis
Cranbrook 25-38 Grammar St Ives Saturday saw Cranbrook Winter Tennis take on Grammar St Ives at Mutch Park Courts. The students were keen to play their first competitive match in a while due to the all the bad weather we have had. The students all played extremely well with several players playing up in higher positions due to a few absentees. Marcus O and Max H both played some great tennis in their doubles match losing narrowly 3-4 whilst Elias A and Kyran D won their doubles 5-2 overall. Special mention to Elias A who also played well to win his singles along with James C who won comfortably. Overall, Grammar St Ives got the better of us this time, but it was all very close. The development group were back to it this week and played some internal matches along with some coaching.
Ben Higgins Head of Tennis
Multi-sport
In Round 9 of Multi-sports, the students focused on refining their throwing, catching, and striking skills. They played Hardes Ball and Dodgeball, showcasing impressive agility and teamwork. With great communication, indoor football was highly competitive and enjoyable. The session was a great success, fostering both skill development and camaraderie. As we head into Round 10, the final week of Winter Multi Sports, the progress has been noticeable and commendable.
Josh Cohen Assistant Head of Sport
Y3-Y6 Sport News
Please join us for the Winter Sport Presentation on Friday, 16 August, in the Vicar’s Centenary Hall from 5:30 – 8:00pm. Tickets available here.
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!
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 3
BOOK WEEK – Reading is Magic
K-6 Assembly on Wednesday, 21 August 1.45pm We will come together to celebrate Book Week, Australian School Library Day, and witness the excitement of the Years 3-6 Spelling Bee Final. Parents are warmly invited to attend the assembly. Please note the dress up this year is on the Friday to coincide with our guest speaker visits. Thus, there is no formal parade this year.
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.
Books by Susanne Gervay may be ordered post visit.
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.
Books at Bedtime This event for Kindergarten and Year 1 returns this year on the Thursday evening (details will be emailed separately).
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.ed.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.
