This year, for Exhibition, our Year 6 students explored the Transdisciplinary Theme, “Where we are in place and time.” Each student crafted a personal line of inquiry on an opportunity they were passionate about, formulating their own questions to guide their investigation. Working both independently and in small groups, they delved deeply into their chosen issues. Their learning journey culminated in an Exhibition Evening last night, where they shared their insights with our learning community.
Message from Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School
Dear Parents and Carers,
At Cranbrook, a thriving and connected community is one of the cornerstones of our School.
This desire to support and connect has been evident across our School throughout the year, amongst both our students and our families. Last Friday evening, several hundred Junior School parents gathered together for the CSPA’s Drinks on the Driveway. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents to connect with one another and build those important relationships as their children move through their early years of schooling. This year, we have had record numbers of families attend a plethora of events across all campuses, including the CETOP Family Fun Day in Term 1, CSPA Mother’s and Father’s Day events across all campuses, the opening events for our sport seasons, attendance for our School Musical, as well as gatherings on the sidelines for sport fixtures each Saturday. We see our families volunteer to help at the second-hand uniform shop; assist with events such as Grandparents’ Day and the Junior School Christmas Lunch, to name a few. Our students attend in large numbers, events where their peers are performing in a play or concert, playing sport, debating or public speaking.
We know that connection is a vital aspect of Cranbrook’s approach that we need to continue to foster and strengthen. Hugh Mackay, an Australian social psychologist of note, comments in his recent book, ‘The Way We Are’,
Because we are born to co-operate, we are also born with the equipment we need to achieve social harmony — the capacity for kindness, compassion, tolerance and empathy. That cluster of traits, when nurtured, brings out the very best in us and, we now know, has actually contributed to the survival of the species….it is our deepest vulnerabilities —being dependent on others, feeling compassion and experiencing empathy — that could have given us the edge.
Mackay notes that humans are in danger of losing that ‘winning’ factor with our erosion of the foundations of that connectedness, seen by many in the breakdown of community. Less of us are members of churches, sporting clubs and community and volunteer groups than in previous generations. In an era where connectiveness and access to information have been the selling point for social media, the reverse is true. One of the current consequences of such societal disconnection is rising anxiety and loneliness. Mackay’s hope is that humans will turn to one another and actively rebuild community, because it is one of the keys to our happiness, satisfaction and purpose in life.
We know from research too that genuine connection is one of the best preventative tools, fostering robust mental wellbeing, while we grow up and then when we are adults. The more our students are involved in a wide range of the co-curricular on offer, the more connected they become, often meeting students with similar interests from different year levels and building a genuine sense of belonging. Working to help every student to engage more and connect is one of the foundations of our wellbeing programme.
Developing the skills to initiate and sustain meaningful relationships has become more challenging in the post-Covid world where young people may mistake social media interaction as real, deep friendship. Knowing how to resolve conflict within friendships has never been easy, but it takes on a more challenging edge when students can send an unkind message and not have to watch the impact of their words on how the recipient feels when it is delivered. Already a major focus of our Wellbeing Programmes for our P – Year 6 class teachers and our Senior School Heads of House, we are looking for further avenues to strengthen the inter-connection of our students across all year levels and to consider new ways to develop their skillset in how to resolve conflict with peers.
Your support in these endeavours is, as ever, greatly appreciated.
Student Mobile Phone Usage Survey for Parents As mentioned last week, our School is reviewing the current implementation of the mobile phone policy for students in Senior School. We are seeking feedback from staff, students and families. To assist us to better understand parental perspectives, if you have not done so already, please click on this link to complete a survey for parents of students currently in Year 6 – Year 11. Thank you so much for your feedback.
Best wishes for the week ahead,
Michele Marquet Acting Head of School
Message from Richard Baker, Acting Head of Junior School
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are excited to share the highlights of the upcoming events that will conclude a wonderful term in our Junior School. This is a time for celebration, reflection and connection as we recognise the achievements of our students and come together as a community.
Celebrating the PYP Process through Exhibition Last night, on Wednesday 6 November, I had the pleasure of witnessing the incredible work of our Year 6 graduates as they showcased their work in the PYP Exhibition. It was an opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities to conduct in-depth inquiries, apply their understanding of transdisciplinary skills and to highlight their commitment to the PYP learner profile attributes.
The depth of understanding and passion demonstrated by our Year 6 students was inspiring. The Exhibition not only celebrates their individual and collective achievements but also highlights the valuable process of exploration and critical thinking that is central to the Primary Years Programme. Thank you to all the parents who joined us to participate and celebrate this important milestone in their child’s educational journey. We wish to recognise Genét Erickson Adam, Megan Light, Amelia Laumberg and the Year 6 teaching team for leading our students in their final unit of inquiry. View the photo gallery here.
K-2 and Y3-Y6 Carol Services As the holiday season approaches, we warmly welcome our community to join us at our two upcoming Carol Services:
Kindergarten to Year 2 Carol Service Date: Tuesday, 26 November Time: 5:00pm Location: All Saints’ Church, Woollahra
Year 3 to Year 6 Carol Service Date: Tuesday, 3 December Time: 5:00pm Location: Vicar’s Centenary Hall, Senior School
These services are a wonderful way to bring families, staff and students together in the spirit of the season. We look forward to celebrating the meaning of Christmas with you through song, reflection and community.
Prize Giving and Key End-of-Year Events As we approach the end of the school year, we look forward to celebrating the hard work, achievements and growth of our Y3-Y6 students at our annual Prize Giving. We hope you will join us in honouring their achievements and efforts:
Junior School Prize Giving Date: Wednesday, 11 December Time: 10:00am Y2-Y6 students are expected to arrive at school at 8:10am as normal and will be dismissed at 12noon to be collected by their parents or carers. We encourage Y2-Y6 families to attend and an invitation with a booking link will be sent out next week. Kindergarten, Y1 students and their families are welcome to attend, but it is not compulsory. Next week, an Operoo note will be sent to K-Y1 families to indicate if they wish to attend.
In addition to the above dates, please take note of some other significant events in the coming weeks:
2025 Y1-Y6 New Parent Information Session – Wednesday, 27 November, 8:30–9:30am
K–5 Moving Up Morning – Wednesday, 27 November, 8:15–10:30am
Y3–Y6 Christmas Lunch – Thursday, 28 November 11am
Y3–Y6 Swimming Carnival – Friday, 29 November (all day at AFC)
Kindergarten to Y2 Christmas Celebration – Wednesday, 4 December
Y6 Valedictory Service – Friday, 6 December, 1:15pm JS Gym
Last day of classes – Tuesday, 10 December
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to celebrating these special moments with you and your families as we wrap up the school year.
Kind regards,
Richard Baker Acting Head of Junior School
From the Deputies
Dear Families
Student collection At the end of the school day, many of our Kindergarten to Year 2 families have been walking onto the JS campus through the pedestrian gate (adjacent to the K-Y2 classrooms), to save time by arriving early and avoiding the fuss of traffic and unnecessary waiting. We’ve had feedback that this dismissal process has given parents the chance to connect with one another and make their way home quickly and calmly. Our students have enjoyed the opportunity of walking through the Weeping Lillypilly Lane, rather than navigating the traffic. We encourage everyone who can to park nearby and walk in via the pedestrian gate to collect their children.
Sharing of foods Please remember that in line with our Junior School Anaphylaxis Policy and the existing Healthy Eating Policy, we do not generally allow food for sharing (cakes, ice blocks, sweets or other treats) to be brought in for your child’s birthday, Halloween and other religious festivals at school. Please save these special treats for home. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Pre-schools’ News – Week 4
Dear Families,
We have had a fun-filled week, diving into our Term 4 unit of inquiry at Pre-school. The children have thoroughly enjoyed expressing themselves through our weekly Music and Drama classes, where creativity was in full swing.
A definite highlight of the week was the exciting incursion from Jungle Beat. The St Mark’s and St Michael’s 3 and 5 Day Groups had the wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in African Drumming, an unforgettable experience where they learned about rhythm, coordination and developed a deeper appreciation for cultural music.
In addition to Music, our children have been hard at work in the Visual Arts space, creating their end of year pieces. St Mark’s have been expressing themselves through art, capturing the emotions they feel when listening to different genres of music. It’s been amazing to see how the children translate their feelings and experiences into their artwork!
We are looking forward to many more hands-on learning opportunities, as we continue exploring our unit this term.
Upcoming Events:
Week 5
Monday, 11 November, 9:30am: St Michael’s 3 & 5 Day Group Puppet Show
Thursday, 14 November:
9:30am: St Michael’s 2 Day Group Puppet Show
1:15pm: St Mark’s Puppet Show
Week 6
Tuesday, 19 November:
Kindy students visit St Mark’s and St Michael’s for Q & A
St Michael’s 3 and 5 Day Group Church Visit
Thursday, 21 November: St Michael’s 2 Day Group Church Visit
Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane Pre-schools’ Coordinator
Drinks on the Driveway Photo Gallery
Year 5 Incursion: Courage to Care
Through the Courage to Care program, Year 5 students learned about the history of the Holocaust and the importance of kindness and compassion. They had the privilege of hearing firsthand from Mimi, a Holocaust survivor, who shared her powerful story of hardship, resilience, and the significance of standing up for others in their communities.
Little Leagues Report – Round 9
As we reflect on Round 9, it is incredibly pleasing to see the remarkable development in our students’ skills, confidence, and team cohesion since the beginning of the summer season. This progress is a testament to their dedication and focus during training, as well as their resilience in overcoming the challenges that naturally arise in sport. While we celebrated numerous wins over the weekend, what stood out even more was the personal growth displayed by our students across all sports. Their determination and growth mindset have been inspiring to witness, underscoring the true value of sport beyond the scoreboard.
This journey of development would not be possible without the exceptional quality and commitment of our coaches. Their guidance, expertise, and encouragement have played a crucial role in helping our students reach new levels of performance and confidence. With just three rounds left in the year, we are excited to see how our teams continue to evolve and are looking forward to a strong finish to the season.
Yours in sport,
Mr James Roughan Head of Sport & PDHPE
Cricket
The Junior School cricket teams enjoyed a productive weekend, with several matches concluding before the rain arrived. The 6A and 5A teams claimed impressive wins, thanks in part to standout performances.
Will P. was the star of the day, scoring an unbeaten 30 runs for the 5A team and later excelling with the ball for the Cavaliers in their match against St Aloysius’ 8B team, where he claimed six wickets—a remarkable all-round effort.
In other matches, the Year 4 teams faced tough challenges, narrowly losing in fixtures against Trinity and Scots. Meanwhile, Year 3 celebrated wins in both their B and C matches before rain ended play in their A fixture.
With just three rounds remaining, it was another strong showing for the Junior School students as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Ben Staunton Head of Cricket
Year 4 Bs & Cs
Year 5
Tennis
A vs Kings School
8-4 (42-26)
The A team got off to a great start with 3 of the 4 pairs winning their doubles, which was great to see as we have been working on this area in our training sessions. Blake H. once again put on a scintillating performance to win his singles 4-1. Jayden B. also showcased impressive tactical awareness in his matches, securing a singles win 4-1. The A team has continued to show great promise, improving each week and becoming a solid team to contend with.
B vs Wyvern House
Win 6-6 (35-33)
A very close win for the Juniors B team against a strong Wyvern team, even with Cranbrook three players down. This showed the hard work all students are putting in during the season. Spectacular doubles points came from Ashton D. and George Y., who were very solid, securing a 5-2 victory. Another big win came from Eric R. in both doubles and singles during his debut with Cranbrook competitive matches, demonstrating outstanding tennis skills. Very close matches overall, with all players contributing, culminating in Tomek O. securing the crucial points needed for the win.
Ben Higgins Head of Tennis
Basketball
The Junior School basketball teams displayed excellent effort and skill across various matches this weekend. Despite facing tough competition, the students demonstrated resilience and teamwork.
The 5/6 B team faced a challenging match against Knox, ultimately falling short but showing great determination. Leonardo B. and Sam S. exhibited excellent court vision, effectively setting up plays and creating opportunities. William S. provided a consistent spark with his energetic play, contributing significantly to the team’s effort.
Similarly, the 5/6 D team faced a tough loss to Knox. Despite being shorthanded and playing in difficult conditions, they played with heart. Leo R. and Sung H. stood out with their strong defensive play, while Col O. showcased his scoring ability with effective shooting around the basket.
In the Year 3/4 B match, the team was engaged in a closely contested game until a strong surge in the second half led them to a 12-point victory. Alfie L-B. was instrumental in this turnaround, recording five consecutive steals that resulted in crucial layups.
The Year 3/4 D team continued their undefeated season with a dominant performance. Hendricks C. displayed exceptional defensive effort and continues to show improvement in his basketball skills, contributing to a solid team victory.
Overall, it was a weekend that highlighted the growing skill of the Junior School basketball teams.
Stephen Whitehead Head of Basketball
Year 3 & 4 As
Year 3 & 4 Bs
Year 3 & 4 Cs
Year 3 & 4 Ds
Year 3 Whites
Year 5 & 6 Es to Hs
Water Polo
The students headed into the game against Saint Augustine with a two-game win streak, aiming to extend it further. Unfortunately, Saint Augustine could only field five players, leading the Cranbrook students to take turns to even the numbers.
The team got off to a strong start with five goals in the first quarter. Angus D. scored two, Lucas M. added one, and Joseph L. netted two. In the second quarter, the students expanded their lead to 9-3, with Felix C. providing two assists—one to Sam S. and another to Rylan H.
The momentum continued, and the students secured a 14-6 victory. Felix scored two goals, while Angus and Joseph both added to their tally. Henry H., playing a quarter as goalkeeper, made a crucial save from a five-metre shot, denying Saint Augustine a chance to mount a comeback.
Throughout the game, the students improved their meaningful passing and defensive positioning. Key takeaways included better marking of the player closest to the goal on defence and avoiding the two-metre zone on attack. Overall, it was a solid performance, extending the win streak to three games.
Greg McFadden Head of Water Polo
Year 5 & 6
Sailing
On Saturday, under cloudy skies, the students sailing the Optimus boats showed great enthusiasm, rigging their boats and supporting each other. The shifting wind required intense focus, and it’s rewarding to see the improvement in each student’s sailing skills since the beginning of the year. Even when the rain started and the temperatures dropped, they persevered. It was particularly exciting to see the Year 6 students transition into Pacers, crewing with Senior School students, and some even skippering. We look forward to another week of sailing and skill development.
Tom Brewer Head of Sailing
Multi-Sport
In Round 9, the students participated in Defend the Wall, focusing on improving their drop punt skills and strategic decision-making. The game encouraged teamwork and leadership, teaching them to value differing opinions and collaborate effectively. They demonstrated an increased awareness of each other’s strengths, coordinating their efforts smoothly. This session underscored their growth in both technical skills and cooperative strategies within the game.
Thomas Taylor Junior School PDHPE teacher and Multi Sports Coach
JS Music News – Week 4
Dear Families,
Yesterday, the Combined Clarinet Ensemble came together to perform at the Years 3-6 Assembly.
Please find below, a list of Term 4 Music events to note in your diary. As you can see it is going to be another busy term and we can’t wait to see many of you at these upcoming events.
FROM THE START OF TERM 4
Private instrumental lessons and Co-Curricular music ensemble rehearsals commence.
WEEK 4
Thursday, 7 November – 6:00pm to 7:00pm JS Music Soiree, Music Room 1
Friday, 8 November – 10:30am to 12:10pm Y2 String Program Dress Rehearsal, JS Gym side A
WEEK 5
Tuesday, 12 November – 1:30pm to 3:00pm Y3 Instrumental Program Dress Rehearsal, JS Gym side A
Friday, 15 November – 11:00am to 12noon (parents invited) Y2 String Program Concert, JS Gym side A
WEEK 6
Tuesday, 19 November – 2:00pm to 3:00pm (parents invited) Y3 Instrumental Program (Strings/Wind, Brass, Percussion) Concert, JS Gym side A
Thursday, 21 November – 2:00pm to 3:00pm JS Chamber Choir (Y5&6 members only) to Goodwin Village
WEEK 7
Tuesday, 26 November – 5:00pm to 6:00pm K-2 Carol Service, All Saints’ Woollahra
Wednesday, 27 November – Pre-school Christmas Concert SMI 3 Day Group – 9:30am
Friday, 29November – Pre-school Christmas Concert SMI 2 Day Group 9:30am SMA 5 Day Group 12:30pm
WEEK 8
Tuesday, 3 December – 5:00pm to 6:00pm Y3-Y6 Carol Service, Vicars Centenary Hall (SS)
Thursday, 5 December – Pre-school Christmas Concert SMI 5 Day Group 12:30pm
