There is no doubt that we have reached a new paradigm in the world of independent school education. Increasing volatility in the world economy has many families looking more carefully at how and where they spend the dollars earmarked for their children’s education. I believe it is the responsibility of leaders and teachers at Cranbrook to make a compelling case so that students and their families want to be part of a vibrant, challenging and relevant school community.
To my mind, the idea of students feeling engaged with their ‘tribe’ refers to the more global but less measurable notion of culture. Why do our students embrace what is on offer? Peer pressure may have something to do with it, extrinsic reward may be a motivating factor, but these are not sustainable. There must be something else. The underlying culture where students want to belong, want to contribute, and want to achieve is stronger than just about anything else we hold up as compelling reasons to attend Cranbrook.
I like the phrase Valuing the Experience as the mindset required to get the most from time spent at a school like Cranbrook. What does Valuing the Experience look like; for our students it is the experience that your parents, grandparents, perhaps your extended family have given you to attend Cranbrook School. The Statement of Intent could read:
I would get to school on time; no, before time and be organised and ready for the day. I would do this myself without prompting from my mum or teachers.
I would only be away from school because I was too sick to get out of bed.
I would beg my family to take their holidays in the holidays.
I would seek opportunities both in and outside the classroom.
I would explore the way/why we did things at the school because I value this school and I want it to be better for everyone.
I would try hard, not just at times when things are easy, but all the time.
I would show respect to those who have given me this opportunity and also to those who are integral to making it happen.
With a positive approach in all these areas I would become a more balanced person:
More resilient because I pushed through the tough times.
Better educated – with this, the world will be an exciting opportunity for me.
Proud that I have helped the school be a better place for those who follow.
Understanding the importance of trying hard, of finding a way and of measuring my success against my effort and not my result.
I will have many friends for life.
I would be proud to be a Cranbrookian
Easier written than done, no doubt; however, through each student’s commitment and enthusiasm combined with the guidance of dedicated teachers and love and support at home, it is eminently achievable.
I am enjoying the busyness of each and every week and to see so many in our community ‘value the experience’.
With good wishes,
Stuart Meade Acting Head of School
Message from Michele Marquet, Head of Junior School
Dear Parents and Carers,
A great education is not just about focusing on academics or physical development; it is about nurturing the whole child. That nurturing comes through engaging in a broad variety of subjects and activities that contribute to a child’s overall development. This understanding underpins our School’s emphasis on breadth of learning, where weekly opportunities to engage in the Arts with highly skilled specialist teachers are on offer for every student.
It is so important to instil a love of the Arts from a young age and to encourage participation in the breadth of these experiences before the more self-conscious teenage years. By doing so, we open up another channel to help our young people to understand themselves and others, a safe place to explore a range of emotions and allow them to make sense of the world. At some points in our development, words are not easily accessible or even the best mode for communicating the emotions we are feeling. The Arts provide avenues where depth of feeling, sometimes beyond words, can be communicated powerfully and effectively, both for the creator and the audience.
Genuine and repeated experiences across the Arts enhance creativity and imagination. Participation in the Arts encourage children to think outside the box and express themselves creatively, utilising their imagination to bring their ideas to life. The Arts play a crucial role in early and later education by providing children with unique opportunities to explore, experience and create, and come to understand human experience through different lenses. Different students will often come to prefer a particular subject under the broad umbrella of ‘the Arts’, developing a genuine passion for Music, Art or Drama.
Last week, 26 of our students from Years 5 and 6 attended our now annual JS Art Immersion at beautiful Bundanon. Having submitted a portfolio of work, the students were selected to attend and participate in art making experiences within an inspiring landscape. These young students are passionate visual artists who love this form of expression.
The Bundanon educators, together with our own Cranbrook Teachers, Ann Arora, Rebecca Armstrong, Heather Brodie and Christina Koika-Cellini, offered our students extraordinary opportunities to explore a series of challenges to develop their art skills and conceptual understanding.
Artists respond to what they observe and live, and our young artists were no different. Inspired by the glorious manmade and natural environment found at Bundanon, influenced by what they saw and felt; taught by talented experts how to look afresh and use new techniques; and given time, that most precious of gifts, they passionately created artworks of extraordinary quality.
There is no better way to appreciate the true value of their experience than through viewing their own creations.
National Simultaneous Storytime Yesterday, like so many schools around Australia, we celebrated National Simultaneous Storytime. Thank you to our wonderful iCentre team, Megan Light and Liz De Wit, for all their work preparing for the day. This year’s picture book was The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell. Students and staff were encouraged to wear some cat ears (and even a tail!) for our shared readings, in support of this wonderful initiative, which added to the fun!
We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful and productive week.
Kind wishes,
Michele Marquet Head of Junior School
Pre-schools’ Update – Week 4
Dear Families,
Before children can learn to write, they need strong, well-developed muscles in their hands, arms, shoulders, and core. These are built through gross motor (big movement) and fine motor (small movement) activities.
Gross and fine motor skills are the foundation for correct pencil grip and writing. Without strong muscles and coordination, holding a pencil correctly or writing for any length of time can be tiring and frustrating.
By supporting motor development now, we’re helping children build the strength, control, and confidence they need for successful handwriting later in Pre-school and into Kindergarten.
Many children who struggle with pencil grip haven’t yet built up the muscles or coordination they need. Giving them time to play, move and explore with their hands and bodies is one of the best ways to prepare them for writing.
Here are some fun ways to support your child’s motor skills at home:
Gross Motor Activities (build core & shoulder strength):
Crawling through tunnels or under tables
Climbing in the playground
Throwing, catching and kicking balls
Animal walks (bear, crab, frog jumps)
Wheelbarrow walks (you hold their legs while they walk on hands)
Fine Motor Activities (strengthen hands & fingers):
Playdough squeezing, rolling and pinching
Peg boards, threading beads, or pasta necklaces
Using child-safe scissors to cut paper
Peeling stickers or labels
Tweezers or tongs to pick up small objects
Helping in the kitchen – stirring, pouring, spreading
Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane Pre-schools Coordinator
World Bee Day Photo Gallery
On Tuesday, 20 May, we celebrated World Bee Day and the amazing contribution bees make to our environment, including those in our very own Australian native beehive! Bees are incredible helpers for our planet, playing a crucial role in growing plants and pollinating much of the food we enjoy. We encouraged students to take a moment to learn about the importance of bees. Students showed their support by wearing yellow or orange and you may have seen a few buzzing around in bee costumes!
Year 2 & 3 Collaborative Learning – Persuasive Writing
Year 2 students and teachers visited Year 3 to share each other’s Persuasive Writing pieces and collaborate on ideas.
Little Leagues Report – Round 3
It was another impressive weekend of sport at Cranbrook Junior School, highlighted by the depth and consistency across all teams. This strength is a direct result of the focused, high-quality effort our students have shown throughout the term. From well-structured team play in Football to improved control and competitiveness in Tennis and Multi-Sport, it’s clear that our students are building both skill and confidence at every level. Thank you to all coaches and students for the energy and intent they continue to bring each week. Lets keep this focus as we move towards the middle of the winter season.
Yours in Sport
Mr James Roughan Head of Sport and PDHPE, Junior School
Football
Year 6 Teams
6A – 4-3 Win vs Riverview
A hard-fought battle saw the 6As edge out Riverview in a close contest. The team showed grit and determination but struggled at times with limited space and slower ball movement. Speed of transition will be a focus going into this week. A standout performance from Freddie F in midfield was pivotal in the win.
6B – 3-2 Loss
The 6Bs displayed resilience against intense first-half pressure. Trailing 2-1 at the break, Cranbrook responded with increased intensity. Charlie stood tall in defence, and Will W delivered some brilliant saves to keep the match alive. Despite creating numerous chances, they were unlucky not to level or win the game. The effort and second-half performance were outstanding.
6C – 7-0 Win
The 6Cs turned on the style with beautiful one-touch football and dominant passing. Jack and Julian both netted two brilliant goals each, while Ollie kept a clean sheet to cap off a top team performance.
6D – 8-2 Win vs Kings
A dominant display from the 6Ds saw them dismantle Kings with a remarkable 8-2 victory. Ollie was unstoppable, scoring a double hat-trick, while Sascha also delivered a standout performance in a rampant team effort.
4A – 4-0 Win
After a tight opening of 10 minutes, the 4As settled and took control, especially in the second half. Hendricks was a rock at centre-back, while Sam L impressed up front. The midfield pairing of Sammy P and Jed combined well, and Aryan and Freddy were solid in defence. A strong, cohesive team display.
4B – 10-0 Win
Another commanding win for the 4Bs, controlling the game from start to finish. Cranbrook applied training-ground principles well, including a passing rule in the second half, and showed excellent build-up play and movement off the ball.
4C – 1-1 Draw
A game the 4Cs were unlucky not to win. After going down early, Flynn equalised quickly. Despite dominating the second half and creating numerous chances, our team couldn’t convert. A strong performance, nevertheless.
4D – 4-1 Win
The 4Ds came out firing, racing to a 3-0 lead through slick passing and sharp runs. They added a fourth on the counter in the second half. Harry S impressed with both direct attacking play and defensive efforts. Goals from Edwin, Harry S, Chris, and Henry sealed the win.
4E – 2-1 Win
The match began unusually with two Cranbrook players lending a hand to the opposition due to a shortage. Once the teams balanced, Cranbrook lifted their intensity. Ed was a standout, solid at the back and chipping in with a goal, while Jasper also found the net in a strong team showing.
Year 4 Football Photos
3A – 6-1 Win vs Grammar
Another confident display from the 3As. After a few missed chances in the first half, leadership from Tom and James helped lift the team. George and Gabriel were rock-solid in defence, contributing to a strong all-round performance.
3B – 6-2 Win
A five-goal haul from Will B-J was the highlight as the 3Bs controlled much of the match. Ollie S came on as a super sub and sealed the result late with a well-taken goal, maintaining the team’s unbeaten run.
3C – 10-1 Win
The 3Cs dazzled once again in a dominant display. Oliver C stole the show with a stunning seven-goal performance in a one-sided contest. A superb team effort with relentless energy to the final whistle.
3D – 5-1 Win vs Sydney Grammar
An energetic and united effort from the 3Ds led to a well-earned victory. Angus W was the clear standout, scoring all five goals in an extraordinary performance. The team’s attitude and effort across all positions was excellent.
Year 3 FootballPhotos
A fantastic round of football for Cranbrook Junior School, with wins across the board, key learning moments, and plenty of reasons to be proud. Congratulations to all players and coaches for their commitment and effort.
Ben Rollison Head of Football
Rugby
Year 6
Cranbrook’s Year 6 team suffered a tough loss away from home against Shore. The game was a close contest, and the players will regret not having a more cutting edge in attack. However, they displayed some heroic defence and ruck pressure, keeping the Shore attack at bay. Cranbrook repeatedly knocked the Shore attackers back before piling into the ruck, which ultimately led to their only try. Xavier M’s line speed gifted him a fine intercept try. Despite this, Cranbrook have shown that they belong at this level, competing well every week. However, they need to improve their attack over the next few weeks to secure their first win.
Year 5A
The 5A team continued their strong start to the season dominating Barker from the kick-off. Cranbrook used the full width of the field on attack and ran strongly with the ball. Wolf T rampaged over defenders with direct hard running while B Mallet showed excellent speed and power to burst through the defensive line regularly.
Year 5B
Cranbrook suffered a tough defeat to Newington in their first fixture, but they bounced back to beat Sydney Grammar 35-25. Harry stood out throughout the game with strong carries and great chop tackles that stopped Grammar in their tracks. The standout moment was when Will rampaged through the line to run 50 metres and score.
Year 4
Cranbrook started slowly, allowing Shore to score three early tries before improving their defence. However, it was a frustrating day in attack, and they couldn’t make good use of the ball. They require a big week of training to improve for their next fixture.
Year 3
Cranbrook fielded three 7s teams and produced some great rugby. They competed in competitive matches and picked up a few wins. Teams showed great improvement from the previous matchday and continued to work hard in training.
Year 3 Rugby Photos
Peter Dumbleton Head of Rugby
Tennis
Saturday saw the Platinum and Gold divisions play very competitive internal matches in a Round Robin tournament. Special mention to Will M and Hamish F, whose performances were outstanding, winning most of their matches.
The Silver and Bronze divisions participated in an internal tournament for the first time, showcasing fantastic rallies and already impressive ball control.
Special mention to Archer A, who has shown tremendous improvement over the past few weeks.
Ben Higgins Head of Tennis
Multi-Sport
The Multi-Sport team had another strong showing in Round 3. During Friday afternoon’s training, the group focused on developing their throwing, kicking, and catching skills through a game of Defend the Wall. Saturday’s session is built on this learning, with an emphasis on spatial awareness and strategic thinking. The effort and enthusiasm on display were excellent. Congratulations to Leo W and Felix C, who were named Players of the Week for their outstanding contributions.
Josh Cohen Assistant Head of Sport & PDHPE teacher
Cranbrook’s Own Joins the Australian Kelpies Men’s Netball Team for 2025 UK Tour
We’re proud to announce that Jack Vandervelde, a valued member of Cranbrook Junior School’s teaching staff, has been selected to represent Australia in the national men’s netball team, the Australian Kelpies, for their upcoming 2025 UK tour.
While netball might not be the first sport that comes to mind for men in Australia, it’s a rapidly growing game and Mr Vandervelde is helping to lead the charge.
His journey began just a few years ago in 2019, when he joined a mixed netball team at Macquarie University. “We ended up winning the National University Championships that year,” he recalls. “ I came from a basketball background, and with both my parents playing netball at a high level, I sort of picked things up pretty quickly.”
From there, he earned a spot in the NSW Men’s Netball program and, by 2023, was called up to the Australian Kelpies. His commitment, both on and off the court, reflects a deep passion for the sport.
Being selected to represent Australia is no small feat. The lead-up includes months of training, intense national competitions, and a rigorous selection camp held at the AIS in Canberra. “That camp is self-funded too, which just adds to the level of commitment and passion from everyone trying out,” he says.
Looking ahead to the UK tour in 2025, Mr Vandervelde is driven to help elevate the profile of men’s netball internationally. “The UK tour is all about putting men’s netball and the Kelpies brand on the international map. As a team, we aim to be clinical, unbreakable, and professional. These are the values we live by, on and off the court. We’re coming off a 4–0 series win against the New Zealand Netblacks, so we’re definitely looking to keep that momentum going in the UK.”
Despite the demanding schedule of training, matches, and travel, he continues to dedicate himself to his teaching role at Cranbrook. “ Teaching gives me so much purpose. Getting to inspire young students every day really drives me, and it keeps me disciplined and organised in all areas of life. I want to give my best both in the classroom and on the court.”
He’s also committed to fostering the next generation of male netballers, recently taking on a coaching role with the Sydney Basin team for the NSW Netball Primary All Schools Boys 12 & Under competition. “It’s such a great way for boys to get involved and see what the sport has to offer!”
When asked what advice he would give to boys or young men looking to get into netball, his answer is simple: “Just give it a go! I’ve met some incredible people through netball, and I know I’ve made mates for life. The men’s game is growing fast, and there are so many exciting opportunities popping up, especially for younger boys. Local clubs are starting to really get behind the men’s space, and that’s thanks to all the amazing work being done behind the scenes by athletes and coaches.”
As someone who came to netball later in life and rose quickly through the ranks, Mr Vandervelde has a clear vision for the sport’s future.
“The future of men’s netball is seriously exciting. It’s actually one of the fastest-growing sports for males in Australia right now, which is amazing to see. I love that young boys are starting to see netball as something they can really pursue. One day, I’d love to see it become a full-time career path for men, with proper funding, income, and opportunities to play and showcase our game on the world stage.”
He acknowledges the lingering stereotypes around the sport. “I still get asked, “Wait, men play netball?”, which is fair enough, we’re still new to the international scene, but I really want to help change that perception.”
Through his work on the court, in the classroom, and with junior teams, Mr Vandervelde hopes to help pave the way for future generations. “For me, it’s all about legacy, paving the way for the next generation and helping build something we can all be proud of.”
At Cranbrook, we are incredibly proud of Mr Vandervelde, not just for his selection to the national team, but for his integrity, passion, and commitment to inspiring young people through education and sport. We’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.
JS Music Update – Week 4
The Junior School has been filled with the beautiful sounds of our students singing and creating music as the entire school has been busy preparing for our Showcase performances which take place next week on Thursday, 29 May.
Every student will be performing at our Junior School Showcase!
Please see the detailed information below so you know in which concert(s) your son is involved.
K–Year 2 Junior School Showcase (every student in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2)
Thursday, 29 May: 1:30pm – 2:30pm in Junior School Gym
K-Y2 students arrive at School as normal in the morning
Students perform in school uniform (shirt, shorts, socks and black shoes – no blazer or jumper)
Students may go home from their Year Level piazzas with parent at conclusion of the concert
Parents do not need to book to attend
Please note: attendance is required for Chamber Choir & Voices and Y4 String Quartet at this K-2 event.
Year 3–6 Junior School Showcase (every student in Year 3 to Year 6)
Thursday, 29 May: 6:30pm – 8:00pm in Junior School Gym
Y3-Y6 students arrive back at School and go to their Year Level Piazza at 6pm
Students wear school uniform (shirt, shorts, tie, socks and black shoes – no blazer or jumper)
Students will be dismissed from specified areas
Parents do not need to book to attend
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at what has proven to be a true highlight in our Junior School calendar.
Gala Concert, Town Hall: Fundamental (our JS Chamber Choir, Cranbrook Voices, JS Concert Band, JSSO, Mezzo Strings, JS Guitar Ensemble and all Year 6)
Monday, 16 June: 7pm – 9pm at Sydney Town Hall
Rehearsals at Town Hall during the day (a letter with further details and permission slip will be sent to you on Operoo shortly. It will also detail who is required for a rehearsal on Sunday, 15 June, at the Senior School campus)
6:15pm students meet teachers outside in St Andrew’s Square
Students wear school uniform (shirt, short, tie, socks and black shoes – no blazer, jumper or cap)
At the conclusion of the concert, teachers will release JS students to their parents from the Main Foyer. Instrumentalists will make their way to the foyer via the Marconi Room to collect their instrument, under staff supervision.
During Library sessions, we have been sharing with classes the children’s and YA program for the upcoming Sydney Writers’ Festival. The Family Program is on this Sunday, 25 May at Carriageworks includes a range of free and ticketed talks, events and activities for 5–12 year olds. Meeting and engaging with authors and illustrators in such an environment are a wonderful way to inspire reading, writing and creativity. Hopefully, we will see some of our families there.
Click here for more information on the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge
The 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is open!
All students have received their login details via a sticker in their school diary. Please note that passwords are new for 2025.
Further instructions for logging in, entering student records at home and challenge rules may be found here.
Students are supported in their weekly Library sessions to access a range of picture books and novels across all Challenge levels.
Parents are also welcome to borrow additional books after school with their sons.
