Message from Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School
Dear Parents and Carers,
One of the School’s underpinning values is respect. In Pre-school and Junior School, it is articulated as ‘Expect and Model Respect’ and in Senior School, with their growing maturity, the concept is expressed as ‘Model and Expect Respect’.
Respect is at the core of all human relationships: its presence or absence determines the way we treat others and the way they treat us.
From the time our youngest Cranbrookians join us in Pre-school, teaching them about what respect looks, sounds and feels like has to be part of our curriculum. Although some may say respect is how you feel about a person or an environment, you see it demonstrated in the words spoken and actions taken. At every age, as our children grow up, new situations will be faced and can challenge their understanding of respect. It is vital that we work out with them what respect looks like in each of those contexts, so respect is not a concept understood once but many times over. School and family must work together to help our young people grow into adults who genuinely respect others as a core belief, one that flows from an acknowledgement that all humans deserve a certain level of respect just because they are human. A respect for others starts with a healthy sense of self-respect – something our Student Wellbeing Programme across the School aims to foster.
To help our students understand what respect looks like in our School context, we have Student Codes of Conduct for both Junior School and Senior School. These are also printed in the students’ diaries. As we start the year, parents might like to talk through with their child what these codes are about and why they are important. Understanding what the expectations are in different contexts helps us to know what to do and say. Of course, we have a Codes of Conduct for the adults in our School community too – respect is a two-way street – and our values are for all who are part of our community at Cranbrook. There is one for our Staff, and the Parent Code of Conduct can be found here. We cannot underestimate the power of adult modelling for young people when it comes to respect. How the adults in their world respond to others, address challenging situations, resolve conflict or disagreements and approach problem solving positively, speaks volumes to our children, no matter what their age. In a world that increasingly models incivility, the role families and schools can play to demonstrate a different and more humane approach can only be good.
By understanding what respect looks like in our School’s context, we can help all members of our community to interact with each other in a way that will bring better outcomes for all and we show our children a different way to resolve problems that might arise. We are incredibly grateful to our parent community who embraces this partnership and challenge wholeheartedly.
We look forward to a busy and productive week ahead.
Kind wishes
Michele Marquet Acting Head of School
Message from Grant Andrews, Acting Head of Junior School
Dear Junior and Pre-school families,
“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” – Bethany Hamilton
At the start of every school year, and as some children may be walking to and from school for the first time, it is important that we raise awareness of stranger danger. Please remind your children to be aware of their surroundings, to never get into a car with a stranger and to always seek help from a trusted adult if they feel unsure or unsafe.
It was a picturesque Saturday morning for an early start and the first round of sport fixtures. How fantastic it was to see some fine cricket, basketball and multi-sport all in action on campus. Thank you to our coaches, managers, parents and students for ensuring a positive start to the season. I encourage all of our students to keep up their hard work in training and continue to show courage and fine sportsmanship at all times.
Across the Junior School, parent-teacher dialogues have been happening all week. Working in close collaboration and partnership with parents and carers is highly valued at Cranbrook, and we thank you for taking the time to share information with us about your son. Thank you to our staff who have graciously given additional time and capacity to support these valuable dialogues, in order to prioritise the establishment of a connection with you in anticipation of a positive year ahead for your son.
Cross Country – Friday, 21 February A reminder that our much-anticipated Years 3-6 Cross Country event will be held on Dangar Oval tomorrow, starting at 8:40am. Thank you to the Senior students who came down on Tuesday to support the House Captains in preparing for their House chants and war cries.
NAPLAN 2025 Y3 and Y5 Parent and Carer Information Each year, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
At Cranbrook Junior School, NAPLAN 2025 will take place from Wednesday, 12 March – Monday, 24 March. NAPLAN is just one part of our school learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school. In preparation for NAPLAN, our school will undertake activities to help students become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.
The public demonstration site is available to see the types of questions, tools and functions used in the NAPLAN tests.
Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher.
Cultivating Respect Critical thinking plays an important role in supporting our students to sift information, discover truth and develop a sense of justice, respect and understanding. As our students navigate both the digital and physical world, they are confronted with decision-making at every turn. Having the courage to speak up, to ask questions and to advocate for truth is an essential part of building a strong community in which every individual feels safe, valued and connected.
We urge all families to take the opportunity to discuss the following critical issues at home:
How we Can Support Our Children – Kirra Pendergast (leading international expert in online safety and founder of Safe on Social)
Hate speech is not a joke or an opinion it is harmful. No one has the right to demean or exclude others based on race, religion, or identity.
Social media is not a consequence-free zone. What we post, like, or share online carries weight and accountability potentially forever.
Silence allows harm to continue. If they witness any hate-fuelled behaviour, they should feel empowered to speak up and stand against it.
Critical thinking is essential. Encourage them to question content online and recognise the impact of misinformation.
Cranbrook will continue to reinforce these values in classrooms, but meaningful change starts at home. We encourage you to have ongoing and open discussions about respect, digital responsibility and the power of words online and offline. Together, we can ensure that our children grow up in a community that values empathy, respect and justice for all.
Warm regards,
Grant Andrews Acting Head of Junior School
From the Deputies
Dear Families,
JS School Photo Day – Thursday, 27 February 2025 School photos will be taken on Thursday, 27 February. Please click here to download the form to order your son’s class and individual photos. Families have until Sunday, 2 March to pay online for the photos.
Families can also order a sibling photo at the same time they order the individual photos by selecting ‘Family Photos’. These photos will be taken at 7:00am or 10:30am on the day.
Please note there will be no before school ensembles, or co-curricular activities on 27 February.
All students should wear their summer school uniform to School on Thursday, 27 February. Students in K-2 classes should NOT wear their coloured House T-shirts on this day. If your son has PE on Thursday, he will remain in his regular school uniform.
We ask that students’ uniforms are clean and pressed, shoes polished and hair neat and trim.
Thank you.
Pre-Schools’ News – Week 4
Dear Families,
We are excited to announce that Kids Spot will be offering Speech Pathology screenings at St. Mark’s and St. Michael’s Pre-Schools for our 5 Day Groups and 3 Day Group. These screenings, conducted by a qualified Speech Pathologist, assess various aspects of your child’s development. The screenings include a set of carefully chosen tests designed to identify any potential weaknesses that could impact your child’s learning and social growth.
Early detection of any difficulties is crucial, as it is much easier to address issues when they are identified at a young age.
Please note that this assessment is a screening only. If any concerns are identified, further evaluation may be recommended. The screening will provide insights into your child’s:
articulation;
receptive language (understanding);
expressive language (use of language);
fluency (stuttering) and voice.
The Speech Screening Assessments will take place during Week 7.
You should have received an email this week with a permission form to complete. Kindly return the signed form to your child’s class teacher or directly to Melanie.
If you have any questions about the speech screenings or concerns regarding your child’s development, please don’t hesitate to contact Melanie at mfleming@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
Upcoming Events:
Week 5:
Tuesday, 25 February: St. Michael’s 3 and 5 Day – Incursion “Healthy Harold”
Wednesday, 26 & Thursday, 27 February: Kindergarten 2026, Observation Days
Friday, 28 February: St. Mark’s Incursion “Healthy Harold”
Week 6:
Parent-Teacher Meetings
Week 7:
Monday, 10 March: St. Mark’s Speech Screeners
Wednesday, 12 March: St. Michael’s Speech Screeners (5 day and 3 day group)
Week 8:
Tuesday, 18 March: St. Michael’s 5 and 3 Day Group Photo Day
Wednesday, 19 March: St. Mark’s Photo Day
Thursday, 20 March: St. Michael’s 2 Day Group Photo Day
Week 9:
Monday, 24 March: St. Michael’s 5 Day Group Grandparents Morning (8:45 am – 9:15 am)
Tuesday, 25 March: St. Mark’s Grandparents Morning (8:45 am – 9:15 am) St. Michael’s 5 and 3 Day Group Church Visit
Wednesday, 26 March: St. Michael’s 3 Day Group Grandparents Morning (8:45 am – 9:15 am) St. Mark’s Church Visit
Thursday, 27 March: St. Michael’s 2 Day Group Church Visit
Friday, 28 March: St. Michael’s 2 Day Group Grandparents Morning (8:15 am – 9:15 am)
We would like to say a huge thank you to the parents of St Michael’s 5 Day Group, Felicia, Bin Bin, May May and Crystal who organised an afternoon full of hands-on experiences, learning and signing based on Chinese New Year.
Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane Pre-Schools’ Coordinator
Daisy Turnbull, Director of Coeducation and Academy
For International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, the theme is March Forward. As IWD falls on Saturday 8 March, we will be celebrating on Thursday 6 March from 7am-8.15am in the Packer Theatre at our Senior School campus.
Cranbrook has always been proud of our compulsory Sports programme, encouraging all students to participate in teams for not only their physical, but mental health, as well as social skills and overall wellbeing. From Year 3 to Year 12, all Cranbrookians, boys (and girls from 2026) participate in Saturday Sport.
For this reason, we are delighted to welcome Isabella Nasser, Captain of the Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens team to speak to our community on how women’s sport is marching forward.
A second-generation Australian Rugby representative creating her own legacy, Isabella Nasser is an undeniable star on the rise in our Aussie Women’s Sevens team!
A talented multi-sport athlete growing up, Bella’s start in Sevens was inspired by the Women’s Gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and her rise was rapid.
Bella first represented Queensland just two years into her career, before taking on a leadership role in the Australia A team and ultimately making her senior debut in Cape Town Sevens Tournament in 2022.
The dynamic #10 has played in 14 tournaments to date, and having recently returned from her first Olympic Games campaign, is now set to lead this next generation of Australian Women’s Sevens success, having recently been elevated to the role of Captain.
A passionate traveller, student and authentically herself, Bella also values the balance provided by life away from footy and is driven to make an impact both on and off the field.
Daisy Turnbull Director of Coeducation and Academy
Term 1 Events Overview
The Term 1 Events Overview can be found on Cranbrook Connect and here.
CETOP/NEPAL FAMILY FUN DAY
The Cranbrook CETOP Family Fun Day is back on Sunday, 16 March 2025! This exciting day promises a blend of delicious food, exhilarating fun, pet judging AND a chance to DUNK your TEACHERS. Bring your family and friends for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit as we come together to raise funds for CETOP’s initiatives in Nepal and Ladakh. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable Cranbrook event!
Click hereto view the flyer. Click here to buy tickets.
Year 3 Excursion to the Senior School
In support of their unit of inquiry, our Year 3 students had a fascinating visit to the Senior School this week. Dr Thomas spoke to them about the history of Cranbrook and some of the changes that have happened over the years. Dr Thomas has been teaching at Cranbrook for 53 years and he was brimming with fun facts and interesting details. The students were taken on a tour of the Senior School and shown where the Year 3 classrooms and play areas used to be located when Y3-Y6 students were on the Senior School campus.
Expressions of Interest for Potential New Co-Curricular Clubs
Starting in Term 2, Cranbrook is looking at offering two new Co-curricular clubs.
VEX Robotics Club (Year 4): This is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of robotics, where you’ll design, build, and program robots using the VEX IQ system. VEX Robotics is an engaging worldwide platform that helps students develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Not only will you learn about robotics, but you may also have the chance to compete and collaborate with other schools in future robotics competitions!
3D Printing and Modelling Club (Years 3-6): Students will follow step-by-step tutorials to learn how to digitally model objects in 3D and explore the fascinating world of 3D printing and prototyping. There will also be opportunity to bring designs to life on our 3D printer! This club is perfect for students who are passionate about design and technology and want to explore how 3D printing and modelling are used in fields like engineering, gaming, and product development.
This will help us gauge whether these clubs can be added to our already healthy co-curricular offering.
Little Leagues Report – Round 1
The 2025 sports season is off to an impressive start, with strong performances across all disciplines. As we begin the season, our key message to students is the importance of being principled in how we conduct ourselves in sport. This means acting with integrity, taking responsibility for our actions and understanding their consequences.
For example, when we train hard and embrace feedback from our coaches, we can expect our performance to improve. We can treat our teammates with respect by celebrating their successes and supporting them through setbacks. And we can compete with intensity while demonstrating sportsmanship and showing respect for our opponents and the game itself.
As an IB school, being principled is a core part of our learner profile, and sport provides an excellent platform to develop and embody these values.
A standout highlight of the opening round was the performance of our A and B water polo teams. This marks the first year we’ve had two teams, reflecting the growing strength and depth of our program. After facing challenges in the A division last year, we started this season on a high note with a strong win, while our B team also secured an impressive victory.
It was an exciting start to what promises to be a fantastic season.
James Roughan Head of JS Sport & PDHPE
Basketball
The 5/6A team lost 29–44 in a tough, hard-fought game, with outstanding effort from every player. Oliver S. stood out with his relentless commitment to defense, making an impact on every play, while Frank T. contributed with an efficient offensive performance. Despite their best efforts, the opposition proved too strong.
The 5/6B team lost 31–48 in a highly competitive game. Despite strong defensive performances, the result did not go our way. The team worked hard on both ends of the court, with Alfie L showing exceptional determination, particularly in the final moments of the game.
The Year 3/4 Blue 1 team faced Scots in an exhilarating game. Cranbrook trailed 2–12 in the first half but mounted a tremendous comeback, ultimately falling just short in an 18–20 loss. Cooper M, Ben T, and York B delivered strong performances at both ends of the floor.
The Year 3/4 Blue 2 team was down 2–8 at halftime and was unlucky not to secure the win, losing narrowly 8–10. Monty A, an offensive dynamo for the Year 3/4 Blue 1 team, scored all of the Brookie Ballers’ points.
Stephen Whitehead Head of Basketball
Year 5 and 6 As
Year 5 and 6 Bs
Year 3 and 4 As
Year 3 and 4 Bs
Year 3 and 4 Cs
Year 3 and 4 Ds
Year 3 and 4 Blues
Year 3 and 4 Whites
Tennis
Over the weekend Cranbrook Junior School’s A Tennis team took to the courts for the much-anticipated ‘Battle of the Hill’ against Scots. Despite a determined effort from the team, Cranbrook fell short, losing 2-10 in matches.
One of the standout performances came from Josh L, who delivered flawless victories in both his doubles match, winning 5-2 alongside partner Toby W, and his singles match, securing a 4-1 win. Toby also put up a strong fight in his singles match, narrowly losing 2-3. Their consistency, resilience, and strategic play made them the top performers of the day.
Ricky C and Hugo B secured three hard-fought games in their doubles match, using well-placed shots and clever positioning to challenge their opponents. Facing taller competitors, both students bravely approached the net to win key points, showcasing their confidence under pressure. They carried this competitive spirit into their singles matches, engaging in long rallies and tactical exchanges but narrowly losing both encounters 2-3.
Josh M and George Y faced tough competition in their doubles match but showed excellent teamwork despite the loss. Josh quickly reset and delivered a strong singles performance, narrowly missing out in a close 2-3 match. George fought hard and pushed his opponent throughout but was unable to secure the win.
Santiago D and Jonathan K displayed determination in their doubles match but were edged out 1-6. In singles, Santiago showed solid rallying skills but fell 1-4, while Jonathan faced a tough challenge and went down 0-5. Despite the scoreline, both students showed great perseverance and a fighting spirit against strong opponents.
Although the final result was not in Cranbrook’s favour, the team demonstrated resilience and sportsmanship throughout the ‘Battle of the Hill.’ With this experience under their belts, they look forward to the rematch and future matches ahead.
Ben Higgins Head of Tennis
Cricket
The Year 6B team faced a strong King’s outfit, showing moments of excellence but struggling to sustain pressure over a long period. The key theme of the day was awareness, and while many of the students embraced it as a positive learning experience, there were still valuable lessons to take from this match.
Bowling was a highlight, with both Freddie C and Freddie W delivering solid performances. The energy and commitment from Hadley S and Jamie S, both in the field and in their running between the wickets, were particularly impressive.
In batting, the team was slow to rotate the strike, though Jamie S’ sharp running was a standout. Zac B showed resilience at the crease, finishing with a top score of 14.
The team will take the lessons from this game and continue to learn, develop, and improve as we look ahead to the next opportunity to play.
Ben Staunton Head of Cricket
Year 6 As
Year 6 Bs
Year 4 Blue
Year 3 As
Water Polo
Wyvern B Team The Cranbrook Junior B team faced Wyvern in their first game of the season, which was also the first-ever water polo match for many of the students. The team started strong, scoring three goals through counter-attacks in the first quarter. They maintained their speed and extended their lead to 6–1 by halftime.
Going into the second half, the students focused on defending goal-side while also attacking effectively in the 2-metre zone. They added another seven goals while conceding only one more, securing a dominant 13–2 victory.
Overall, it was an impressive performance. The key takeaways from the game were the importance of moving the ball up the pool through passing along the edges and defending players closest to the goal.
Wyvern A Team The Cranbrook Junior A team also faced Wyvern for their first game of the season. Having been promoted to the A division, the team was eager to start the season with a strong performance.
They opened with an explosive first quarter, scoring three goals through relentless counter-attacks and press defense. The momentum continued into the second quarter, with three more goals giving them a 6–1 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Wyvern gained more possession and worked their way back into the game. However, they managed to score only two goals, while Cranbrook added two of their own. The final score of 8–3 marked a convincing win for Cranbrook.
Moving forward, the team will focus on making safe and meaningful passes while improving their spacing in attack.
Gregory McFadden Head of Water Polo
Year 5 and 6
Sailing
With favourable wind conditions, it was great to be back sailing on Rose Bay. There was plenty of enthusiasm and excitement among the students.
As the Year 4 students began their Cranbrook sailing journey, it was encouraging to see the older students assisting them in rigging their boats. Once on the water, the different groups worked on improving their skills in tacking, jibing, and sailing upwind and downwind.
Tom Brewer Head of Sailing
Multi-Sport
In Round 1, the boys participated in Defend the Towers, focusing on strengthening teamwork and communication. They discussed different team roles to ensure everyone felt valued and contributed effectively. All boys should be proud of their performance, with high engagement and great effort displayed throughout the game.
Tommy Taylor PDHPE teacher 7 Multi-sport coach
Y3-Y6 Cross Country – 21 February
We are looking forward to tomorrow morning’s Cross Country. Please read the following important information about the event:
Spectator Information
Parents are welcome to attend. We kindly ask attendees to please follow and support these protocols closely:
Entry to the event is only via Kent Road gates (not via Iluka St or Woollahra Oval)
Spectators should walk to the spectator viewing area via the Staff Carpark off Kent Rd (not through the School)
Spectators may view the race from the roped off viewing area which runs alongside the School buildings adjacent to Dangar Fields.
Spectators should remain in their designated viewing area and not cross the track or attempt to see or sit with their son.
Student Gear Requirements
Your son is required to attend School in his coloured House t-shirt. They should also bring a bottle of water and sunscreen. At the conclusion of the carnival, students will continue with the School day as normal.
Approximate Race Times
U8/U9s B division 8:40am
U8/U9s A division 8:55am
U10/U11/U12s B division 9:15am
U10s A division 9:30am
U11s A division 9:45am
U12s A division 10:05am
Kind regards
James Roughan Head of JS Sport and PDHPE
Cranbrook Snowsports 2025
Details about the upcoming Snowsports Information Night can be found here.
JS Music News – Week 4
I am delighted with how our Junior School students have sprung back into action, musically. Co-Curricular music rehearsals are now in full swing and there has been a hive of activity in our music studios with instrumental lessons.
How do I enrol my son for private instrumental lessons? To enrol, please go to the Operoo App and complete the ‘Learning an Instrument’ form found in the ‘Form Library.’ Further questions can be directed to our Music Administrator, Sandra Trew, who rosters and coordinates these lessons: strew@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au
Auditions for Chamber Choir and Cranbrook Voices Congratulations to the students who have been offered a place in the Chamber Choir (Y3-6) and Cranbrook Voices (Y5-6). It was an extremely competitive process with most students keen to be offered a place. How wonderful to see we had a 100% ‘take-up’ for both Chamber Choir and Voices. I understand there are some disappointed students who were not offered a place at this stage, so I encourage you to please continue to work with your sons in managing their disappointment. All boys at Cranbrook are involved in a rich choral programme through their Year Level Choir and we keep a keen eye on students who could qualify for one of the auditioned choirs at a later stage.
K-6 Music Morning Concerts This year, in place of Lunchtime Concerts, we will hold Music Morning Concerts on certain Fridays from 8:00am to 8:30am in Music Room 1. These concerts are open to boys 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. Please click here for more information.
Junior School Music Soireé On Thursday, 21 March 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.
JS Music events – Term 1 Please see the updated list of JS music events for Term 1 here. More information will be provided regarding these specific events as the term progresses.
