We have enjoyed a busy week with Sport, Music and Special Group Photos and the House Spelling Bee underway, as well as Year 6 visiting St Catherine’s for the ‘Write a Book in a Day’. A special thank you to Scott Wells, Kerry Duncan, Genet Erickson-Adam, Tahlia Scheermeijer, Phoebe Wood, Megan Light, Sarah Cleave, Richard Baker and the staff from St Catherine’s for making the Y6 WABIAD such a success for all our Y6 students. Please view below, a gallery of photos taken on the day.
Please remember that next Tuesday, 16 August at 8:30am – 10:30am, all our Junior School parents are warmly invited to attend a special session about how children learn Mathematics during the primary years and how parents can support that learning. This workshop is being conducted by our AIS Mathematics Consultant, Henrietta Miller, and then parents will be able to visit their son’s classroom to share in some of their learning in the areas of Science or Mathematics. We look forward to seeing many of our parents join us on this day.
When Dr Judith Locke spoke to our P-Y6 families at the start of this term, she focused on how we can all best support our boys on their journey to becoming independent, resilient people who will positively contribute to society and our world.
Judith unpacked the need to help our children develop the following five essential skills: Resilience; Self-regulation; Resourcefulness; Respect; and Responsibility.
If your child frequently needs reminders of what to do; if they often do not do what you ask or follow household rules; if they cannot manage their moods and it really impacts your family; if you usually have to sweeten the deal when you ask them to do something or they always blame you when they forget something or are late, they very possibly lack self-regulation skills. Self-regulation is about our children’s capacity to resist doing something that is immediately pleasant to them, for a greater future gain.
In her excellent book, The Bonsai Student, Judith notes self-regulation is really all about delaying gratification, or ‘focusing on the future rather than only on the moment’. Without it, longer term goals in life are exceptionally difficult to achieve: things like university degrees; buying a house or running a successful business. Of course, self-regulation is built in childhood through smaller things – it is almost impossible to develop it from scratch as an adult.
Very young children usually lack self-regulation – under 3 years of age they naturally want instant gratification of most desires, as we probably all know! Somewhere between 3 and 7 years of age, parents will need to help their child foster some self-regulation skills. You can still do this after 7 years of age too – it is just harder.
So how do we foster self-regulation in childhood? Judith suggests that there are two key ways: firstly, as the child grows older, resist always reminding your child of what they need to do. If you constantly remind them, a child does not learn how to remember. Not reminding them will very possibly mean they will bear consequences for not doing their homework or forgetting their instrument, but sometimes those consequences are key to learning how to remember.
The second way to help foster self-regulation is to resist constantly questioning a child about how they feel about upcoming events or activities. Dwelling too much on how a child feels prior to an event or activity can actually escalate their worry, making things harder not easier – especially if the adult is not mainly reminding the child of the bigger picture, so as to have a more realistic perspective about things. Do not let conversations about how a child feels about upcoming events go on for too long.
Judith gives these pointers, if your child lacks self-regulation:
Usually between the ages of 3 and 7, parents need to become more of an authority figure, by giving clear and calm instructions (and not buying into the emotional reactions of the child)
Put in place family routines which are predictable (e.g. dinner, bath, book, bed)
Have some simple rules for home – with consequences (time out for younger children; chore set for older children)
Try to be consistent with consequences
Give fewer reminders of what they need to do/remember as your child gets older (and let them bear the consequences if they forget)
If your child is worried about an upcoming event/activity, briefly discuss the situation, acknowledge how they feel and then normalise their apprehension by saying its normal to feel nervous before doing something new; help them to see the benefits to them of facing the challenge and then reflect on their success when they manage it.
If you would like to read more about these strategies and approaches, Dr Judith Locke’s books are available to purchase online, and we highly recommend them.
Kind wishes
Michele Marquet Head of Junior School
Dates for your diary
K-Y6 Parent Workshop: Learning Mathematics in the Primary Years & Classroom Visits
8:30am – 10:30am Tuesday, 16 August
A wonderful opportunity for parents to gain insight into how to support their children’s learning in Mathematics and share some of their learning in classrooms.
Boots in the Bush Fundraiser
Our Cranbrook Junior School Community Service Committee is organising to collect AFL, Rugby and Soccer boots for our ‘Boots in the Bush’ fundraiser. Now that the Winter sports season is about to end, we are asking any boys who will no longer fit their sporting boots in the next season, if they would like to donate their boots. We will be sending these donated boots to an organisation named ‘Boots in the Bush’, who will send them to Indigenous communities across Australia for children in need of footwear for their sports.
We are asking for all donations to be sent to the 6S classroom by the end of Week 5, 19 August 2022.
Thank you for supporting this worthy cause.
K-Y6 Covid Update
IMPORTANT: UPDATING FAMILIES ON COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS IN EACH COHORT We update the number of positive Covid-19 cases reported for each cohort regularly on the homepage of Cranbrook Connect, click here to view.
Reuse and Recycle Uniform Sale
The CSPA is excited to announce that we will be holding another Reuse and Recycle Uniform Sale at the Cranbrook Boat Shed on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October. All funds raised will be donated to a charity chosen by Senior School Leaders.
Please bring all your pre-loved and uniforms in good condition to:
Junior School – Junior School Reception
Senior School – by students in bins located in Houses
The sale in Term 1 was a huge success, with $5792 raised and donated to the Red Cross. The Year 6 Leaders selected the Red Cross due to the wonderful flood relief work they do. We hope to see as many of you there as possible!
All funds raised will be donated to a registered ACNC charity chosen by Senior School Leaders.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: START OF THE SUMMER SEASON FOR BOYS IN Y3-Y6
There are NO before or after School sports training sessions for all Y3-Y6 Sports teams for the next few weeks. Please collect your son at the end of the school day in carline.
Summer team sports training commences on Friday, 26 August during their normal Sport session, with before and after School training for Summer Sports teams beginning the following week (W7), commencing Monday, 29 August. Please look out for further information from Mr Hart about Summer Sport.
Little League Winter Sport Reports Round 10
Rugby Round 10
6A Rugby – Cranbrook 19 defeated St Augustine’s 14
The Cranbrook 6As played their final game of rugby for Cranbrook Junior School at home early Saturday morning. The boys understood that it was going to be a tough game against a strong St. Augustine’s side; however, the boys were ready for the challenge and made it clear form kick-off. St. Augustine’s put the first points on the scoreboard to take a 7-point lead into the half, but the boys held their heads high, as they knew it was their game for the taking. After back-to-back scores from Andre M. and Jaysal K. in the corners the boys took a nice lead however, St. Augustine’s hit back and tied the game up with only minutes left. In the last few minutes, the boys dug deep and came close multiple times and Alfie T. came up with the biggest play of the game as he was able to gain possession just metres from their try line resulting in Charlie R. going over to win the game. The boys should be proud of their win on Saturday as it was a team win and a result of hard work and dedication throughout a difficult season. It was evident all the boys had improved tremendously throughout the season and should be pleased with their results and now look forward to their summer season.
6B Rugby – Cranbrook
Redfield only had 12 players, so it started as 12 per side. By the end of the first half and with the score line at 35 nil, mercy rules came into place. The final score was around 50 nil.
Overall, it was not that we played poorly, but that it was an unfair matchup.
Man of the match was Saxon F who made some impressive tackles and runs while Hugh T and Eddie F also having standout performances
5A Rugby – Cranbrook 0 defeated by St Aloysius 5
Unfortunately, the As couldn’t follow the Bs, going down to Aloys in a close run 5-0 affair. Stout defence from both teams provided for a tense game of excitement, reaching an apex when Aidan M almost crossed to equalise. It is important to note that although the As suffered a defeat, the score was far closer than it was against Aloys earlier in the season, again indicating severe improvement. Much like the Bs, most of the boys played their game of the season. James R picked up man of the match for his much-needed aggression running the football as well as a few bone-crunching tackles. Thank you to the Bs boys who stuck around and gave their best efforts in the As game.
5B Rugby – Cranbrook 43 defeated St Aloysius 26
The boys managed to end the season on a great note, defeating St Aloysius 43-26. The 5Bs came out firing, everyone playing their individual best game of the season. The game yielded 2 stellar performances from Lachlan RW and Aidan M who scored three tries apiece. Alexander M also crossed for his first try of the season. All the boys saw remarkable improvement throughout the season, specifically Emile G, Sol G and Hugo L. A great end to a tough season, well done boys.
4A Rugby – Cranbrook 14 defeated by Scots 19
The 4As were unable to win their last game of the season; however, were able to take a lot of positives from the game. Both teams played the game at a high standard, displaying a wide range of skills throughout the fixture. The boys moved the ball freely showing just how much they have improved over the season. Although the result wasn’t how the boys wanted to finish off their impressive season, it will only make them hungrier to come back bigger and stronger next year.
4 7s Rugby – Cranbrook
On Saturday, the Year 4 7s played their last two games of the season starting off against Grammar. It was a close game where tries were scored on both ends with Louis B and Henry M having a terrific game. The second and final game against Shore saw Henry M working hard to clear out every ruck, resulting in a early try to Edward R and a big win to Cranbrook.
3Red 7s – Cranbrook
The Year 3 Red team had a great last day of their 2022 season. They finished their season on a beautiful day at Koola Park where the boys played two games, against Scots’ Gold and Sydney Grammar.
Their first game was against Scots, where the boys struggled to get in a rhythm in the first half against tough opposition. However, in the second half, the boys regained their composure and had some fun scoring two great team tries. Scots ended up winning with a final score of 5-2.
The second game of the day, and our final game of the season was focused on having fun and playing as a team. The boys came out firing with strong defence and aggression in attack, leading to an abundance of tries being scored both through the middle, and in the corners. Finishing off the season, with a final score of 6-0 against a strong Grammar side.
Overall, it was a great last day of rugby for the Year 3 Reds.
3White 7s – Cranbrook
The Year 3 White team had a strong finish to the season this week. Despite being down a few in numbers, the boys showed good heart and put on a very strong performance winning both games in convincing style.
Big improvements were made from last week, as the boys utilised space much better by offloading and spreading in attack. This allowed us to get around the defensive line a lot easier.
The boys’ defensive effort was also strong as they made many of their first up tackles however sometimes there was too much staggering in the defensive line which gave the opposition holes to run through.
Overall, this week was an impressive effort and a great way to end the season. Well done boys!
3Blue 7s – Cranbrook
The Cranbrook Blue team capped off their first season of Cranbrook rugby this weekend with two fixtures against Scots College at Koola Park 7s. In the first game, Cranbrook faced tough opposition but showed great tenacity and were able to test their opposition when they had opportunities with ball-in-hand.
The second game was extremely close with both teams defending well in a scoreless first half. The intensity stepped up for the second half and Cranbrook narrowly lost two tries to one.
The boys showed great enthusiasm this season and demonstrated a lot of promise as rugby players for seasons to come.
Football Round 10
6A Football – Cranbrook 7 defeated Coogee 3
The 6As put in an outstanding effort against Coogee Prep this week. The team won 7-3 against their opponents. The goals created by the team were of such high quality. Defensively, the team was excellent at shutting down and tracking their players. Spencer R. had an excellent game, scoring 2 goals and constantly terrorised the Coogee Prep defense. The team should be very proud of their efforts throughout the season.
6B Football – Cranbrook 2 defeated by Coogee 10
The 6Bs finished the season with a great performance against a strong Coogee Prep side. Logan H was solid at the back as always and Xavier D was dangerous on the wing. Well done boys on a great season, you should be proud of your achievements not only this year but throughout your time at the Junior School.
6C Football – Cranbrook 3 defeated Coogee 1
The 6Cs were brilliant in their final game of the season, concluding their 4 years of football at the Junior School. A 3-1 win saw the boys put in a brilliant team performance. They should all be incredibly proud this season, with many of the boys playing in more than one position. This has proven they are becoming very versatile players. We look forward to seeing them flourish in the Senior School next year
5A Football – Cranbrook 3 defeated Redlands 1
A congratulations to the Year 5A team for putting in their performance of the season against Redlands Junior School last weekend, which saw them walk away with a 3-1 win. Cranbrook took control and dictated the first half with passages of play, led by Charlie R in midfield. A complacent mindset made the second more uncomfortable as we sat back and let Redlands attack – a strategy that ultimately led to their goal. Lachie K’s goal kicks were excellent in the first half and Tom A. was solid in defence throughout the entire match. This game was a fantastic performance and wonderful finale to the season.
5B Football – Cranbrook 0 defeated by Redlands 10
The toughest game of the season for the Year 5Bs team was away at Redlands for the last round of the season. A score-line that hit double figures made it hard for the boys to hold their heads up high at the end of the season. It was good to see Jacob K. volunteer to play goalkeeper in replacement of Rocco B. Nicco P. played very well however Man of the Match awarded to Van G. Overall a very good game from the Bs despite the challenging opposition.
5C Football – Cranbrook 2 defeated by Redlands 6
The Cs lost 6-2 away at Redlands for the final game of the season. Two excellent goals came from Ishi S. and Jackson P. in the first half, unfortunately the boys were unable to hold it out against a competitive Redlands side. Jonathan C. played in goals and did very well considering this was his first experience as goalie. Man of the Match was awarded to Jackson P. after nearly scoring goal of the season, beating two Redlands players and their goalkeeper.
4A Football – Cranbrook 4 defeated Scots 2
Cranbrook 4As vs Scots on Saturday was the team’s best football performance of the season, exemplifying their progression as a group of talented young football players. Fast ball movement was a must with a strong Scot’s team breathing down their neck. But the team stepped up to the challenge and dominated the ball, integrating Kaspar B in the number 9 position during the build-up play with devastating effect. What is impressive about this group of footballers is not only their skill on the ball, but their ability to learn and develop as a group. Many of today’s combinations on the ball were plans plotted on the training ground throughout the week with the players keen sense of timing and creativity snuffing out the opportunities to bring rehearsals to realisation. A special mention goes to Alex T and Ryan H for their composure, tenacity and quickness of thought in the back line. Our attacks almost always started because of their footballing intelligence. If they maintain their attitude of learning, having fun and developing as a team, they have a bright footballing future ahead of them.
4B Football – Cranbrook 6 defeated Scots 1
A great performance from the Cranbrook 4B vs Scots at home. A real team effort, trying to hold space and move the ball paid off with some good passing passages and great goals. Special mention goes out to “the boss” Riley T for his passing play and composure. Other match highlights included Jacob B and Ashton D dominating their wings, and Kiran J passing superbly and dominating the middle.
4C Football – Cranbrook 5 defeated Scots 1
The Cranbrook 4Cs produced a dominating performance against Scots College today, winning 5-1 and having fun with their football. Highlight performances abounded; however, Sebastian F and Matthew Z brought offensive flair and quality in the final third. Otto Y bravely played the first half in goal before entering the outfield as an impact player, breaking down the wing and causing havoc across the field. Not only did the 4Cs play well today, but they also had fun with their football and improved on last week’s performance.
4D Football – Cranbrook 1 defeated by Scot 2
A battling performance from the Cranbrook 4D team in a great contest. The boys tried hard to hold their shape and competed strongly in a very tight match. Special mention must be made of Jackson S who was immense at the centre of defence and did well with his discipline and distribution. Alec R was also superb with his tackling, composure and passing, an excellent performance. Overall, the boys can be happy with their efforts in a tough game.
3A Football – Cranbrook 5 defeated St Aloysius 1
The undefeated 3As side played away at St Aloysius this weekend with a full house of players, welcoming back Hugo L and Charlie W after playing without them last week. Captain Sung led the team from the back to their final win of the season, with some standout movement and passing patterns from the boys. Xander R may have had his best match of the season, contributing deep runs, first time passes, and silky nutmegs. Minato Y and Robert Z committed to the attack effectively today, showing the boys what they could do if they were playing in offense all season. Freddy F’s long passes were measured and firm as usual, with great overlaps and last ditch tackling too. Santiago D, of course, calmly found the net when given chances in front of goal, as he has done reliably all season.
3B Football – Cranbrook 4 defeated St Aloysius 0
We never forget about teams with outfielders in goal, this week the boys owe their result to Joe R and Christian K who selflessly took the gloves for the first and second half. Big thanks to these legends. Oliver P was fortunate enough to have the season of his young life, and even have his birthday on our last fixture – the boys sung his praises post-match. Sebastian R’s fast feet and quick release earned him 3 goals today, with one ranger wowing the crowd. Quick releases all over the field had us dominating possession, and if there was ever any chance of a breakaway Xavier L ruthlessly chased them down. Today’s triumph was in quick releasing of the ball and movement to receive it, a true team performance.
3C Football – Cranbrook 0 defeated by Grammar Edgecliff 1
The 3Cs were unfortunate not to cap off a great season with a win, going down narrowly to a very good Grammar side. The boys were on the front foot early, with Gus T leading the line and creating havoc for the defence while Will P and Jamie S on the flanks made great forward runs. Tully S as always swept up brilliantly at the back, while Oliver S in the first half and Gus in the second were brave in goals. Despite our strong pressure, ultimately it was not to be, as Grammar bundled in a goal from a corner shortly before the end. This should not, however, take away from a brilliant season, with the boys coming a long way and playing with some real solidity and fluidity at the end.
3D Football – Cranbrook 0 defeated by Grammar Edgecliff 3
The 3Ds displayed a hard-fought effort against a tough Grammar Edgecliff team, however it ultimately culminated in a 3-0 loss. The boys put in a great effort, and it was just unlucky that we were not able to bag a goal on the last day.
Winter Tennis
The last round of the season saw our Cranbrook team being beaten by Grammar Edgecliff. We had some nail biting games and the boys played well, with many matches not reflecting the score. The team spirit was high, and the boys yet again showed wonderful sportsmanship throughout the morning. Big thank you goes to Zayen S for joining the team at the last moment and bringing a wonderful approach to the morning.
Winter Multi-Sports
Our final day of Winter Multi-Sport led us in playing a game of ‘Soccer Towers’. The boys continued to develop their kicking skills through a variety of skill-based games. In Soccer Towers, the ‘Red’ team were successful wining both games. Lucas Z and Henry M were fantastic teammates displaying great resilience whilst encouraging their teammates. Overall, a superb season of modified sports with all multi-sporters.
Drama News: Fantastic Mr Fox
The upcoming Junior School production is going to be FANTASTIC because it will be so exciting seeing the inside of ‘the Farmers’ store houses’ for the first time, and it will be clever like ‘Mr Fox’ and crazy like ‘Rat’. The cast and crew will leave the Cranbrook School Community toasting, cheering and laughing as everyone joins in the fantastic feast Mrs Fox has prepared for all the animals. The play opens on 30 August.
The K-2 Lunchtime Concerts commenced this week, and we are looking forward to hearing the boys perform at the next one on Monday, 15 August. Entries for this concert are now closed due to the large number of students that have already signed up.
Year 3-6 Music Eisteddfod – Wednesday, 24 August, 1.30pm to 5pm.
Students can apply to compete in instrumental sections according to Year Level which will be judged by an external adjudicator. They need to prepare one piece to performance standard. When entering, please check they have submitted their form with a copy of the music they are playing and a copy of the accompanist’s music, if required. An accompanist will be provided for this event.
Yellow forms can be found in the Music Hallway or in the attachment here and MUST be returned to Sandra Trew in the Music Office by Wednesday, 17 August.
Opera Performance of Cinderella
Oz Opera’s performance of Cinderella at Cranbrook Junior School was a real hit with the boys. As they were well-prepared, they were able to fully engage in the story, music and its performing and visual elements. Please find the images below –
From the iCentre
Book Week – Dreaming with eyes open…
In Week 6, we will focus on this national celebration of Australian children’s literature and reading. We are excited to bring the school together for our K-6 Book Character Parade (August 24); as well as welcoming guest speakers and viewing theatrical book adaptations. Students will also catch up with their House Buddy Groups and witness the thrill of the Years 3-6 Spelling Bee Final!
Book Launch Invitation – Wondrous Possibilities
Internationally published and award-winning author, Deborah Abela, is launching her new book Wondrous Possibilities at Gleebooks Bookshop on Saturday, August 13. A timely launch, the book has been described as a heart-warming, thrilling reminder of the power of books and friendship for 8–12-year-old readers. This is a free event though bookings are required. It is sure to be loads of fun.
