Dates for your Diary
Please follow this link to see an overview of some of the planned events for this term. We are looking forward to catching up with many of you over the next few weeks.
Cyber Safety K-Y6 Parent Information Session
Monday, 20 March 6pm – 7pm JS Gym
Protecting children in their digital worlds is an ever-evolving task for Australian families. Now more than ever parents are looking for guidance in how to manage screen time and navigate the world of games and social media.
We are pleased to help our parent community by offering a crucial and engaging education session with ySafe, Australia’s leading provider of cyber safety education. This practical, strategy-rich session will cover the most important points that all families need to know about online safety, covering key information about social media and gaming, screen time recommendations and step-by-step instructions on how to set up a cyber safe home for children of all ages.
This parent session will help families to support the learning our Y3-Y6 students will be undertaking in their year level ySafe Presentations during Weeks 7 and 8 this term.
If you’ve ever struggled with getting your children off their games and into bed, worried about the content of the games that they are playing or felt concerned that your child was spending too much time in the digital world, this workshop is for you!
Please book into this free event which will take place in the Junior School Gym, via this link: bit.ly/cranbrook-ps
Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Fundraiser
You may have heard about the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria that have seriously affected thousands of people. In support, the Community Service Committee are holding a fruit ice block fundraiser at recess and lunch on Wednesday, 22 March. 100% of the money raised will be donated to the Save the Children Fund that directs support to children needing food, shelter and warm clothing.
Please look for the stands at recess and lunch at:
K-2 – outside the art room
Y3-6 – passive play area
Cost – $2 each
NB Ice blocks are: No nasties, sugar-free free-zies, all-natural tropical frozen dessert sticks.
Pre-Schools’ News – Week 7
St Michael’s and St Mark’s had a very exciting incursion this week from the Wandana Pre-School/Early Learning Program. We enjoyed a dedicated Pre-school program designed to inspire both students and teachers alike, covering many areas of Aboriginal culture in an active and hands-on manner. It was full of fun, unique and rich experiences for our young learners.
The Program started with a traditional Aboriginal Ceremony including Didgeridoo, Acknowledgement to Country, ochre face painting and a Smoking/Sweeping Ceremony. An exciting range of Aboriginal artefacts were handed around, alongside some role play and Dreamtime storytelling. Our Aboriginal tutors explained Aboriginal art symbols and their meanings before everyone got to paint their own personal ‘journey’ stone.
A stretch canvas painting, capturing the story of the Pre-school Centre in a modern, contemporary Aboriginal style was then dot painted by the children and teachers. Aboriginal songs were sung, and the program finished with a quiet time of mindfulness Aboriginal meditation called ‘Dadiri’.
Little League Summer Sports Report Round 5
In the latest round of summer sport our 6A cricket team displayed remarkable poise in the final overs, clinching a thrilling victory over Shore. Their unwavering focus and teamwork were truly impressive. Our tennis A’s and C’s teams may have suffered defeats, and they showed incredible heart and sportsmanship throughout. Their grit and determination are a true testament to the spirit of our school community. Meanwhile, our 5/6 B and C basketball teams delivered dominant performances, securing impressive wins over Barker. They showed us what it means to work together, and their dedication to excellence is an inspiration to us all. As always, our student athletes continue to make us proud both on and off the field. Let us all join in congratulating them on their accomplishments and wishing them the best of luck in final round of Term 1 Summer sport.
Yours in sport,
James Roughan.
Basketball
Basketball Year 5/6 As – Cranbrook 17 defeated by Barker 47
In a dominant display of skill and strength, Barker defeated Cranbrook 47-17 in a one-sided match. The Barker team’s players dominated the game from start to finish, leaving Cranbrook struggling to keep up. Despite their best efforts, Cranbrook were unable to match Barker’s top skill and physicality. Moving forward, Cranbrook will need to focus on improving their game sense under pressure and building confidence in their abilities to perform at a higher level.
Basketball Year 5/6 Bs – Cranbrook 35 defeated Barker 14
In a thrilling match, Cranbrook emerged victorious over Barker with a final score of 35-14. The Cranbrook team took control of the game right from the outset, establishing a commanding 24-4 lead by half time. The standout player of the game was Harry R, who scored an impressive 14 points for his team on offence. Additionally, the efforts of Edward N, Eamonn R, and Loic B cannot be overlooked, as they played a vital role in securing the win for Cranbrook. Overall, it was an impressive team effort from Cranbrook, who will undoubtedly be pleased with their performance.
Basketball Year 5/6 Cs – Cranbrook 26 defeated Barker 13
The Cranbrook 5/6 Cs secured a decisive victory against Barker, winning 26-13. Heath C-G had a standout performance, earning 8 hard-earned points for the team. Meanwhile, Raphael G defensive rebounds gave the boys court control, setting the tone for the game. Despite the absence of some key players, the boys showed that their chemistry is unmatched, and thus far, unbeatable! Well done boys.
Basketball Year 5/6 Ds – Cranbrook 19 defeated Barker 18
The match between Cranbrook’s 5/6 Ds and Barker was nail-biting, with the Brookie boys edging out their opponents 19-18. Rhidian S and Kaspar B had standout performances, each scoring 6 points. The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams refusing to give in, but Cranbrook’s defensive hustle and mental resilience under pressure ultimately secured them the victory. Well done boys!
Basketball Year 5/6 Es – Cranbrook 22 defeated by Barker 23
The E’s played a fantastic game this weekend. They came out of the gates strong and continued to give it their best all game. The first half began with the barker side gaining more momentum than we would have hoped, scoring 5 points in the opening minutes of the half. However, despite this initial offensive performance our defensive efforts later excelled, allowing us to hold the Barker score fairly constant with our own for the remainder of the first half with a score of 8-9. The second half of this game was far more riveting than anyone could have expected, with all players tapping into their inner Michael Jordan ‘Clutch’ genes. The half continued to be neck and neck, with a score of 18-19 with with 1:30 to go on the clock. Ryan then got fouled and made both his free throws giving us a 1-point lead (20-19) with 50 seconds to go. The barker side then scored another basket (20-21), followed by our very own Zayen S scoring what we thought was the game winning shot with only 15 seconds left (22-21). However, to our surprise, another great basket came from a Barker player cutting through our immaculate defensive structure, giving them the lead at the game’s conclusion (22-23). Despite the loss, this was an electric game to be a part of and the boy should be proud of their efforts.
Basketball Year 5/6 Fs – Cranbrook 26 defeated Barker 18
The F’s had an outstanding performance on Saturday clearly displaying teamwork, unselfishness, and determination against the strong Barker side. The boys started the game off slower than they would have hoped, going back and forth against barker shot for shot and ultimately matching their score at the conclusion of the half with a score of 8-8. Despite their frustration against Barker strong defensive side, they remained calm going into the second half. Ziggy D began the half with 6 quick points, giving us the momentum, we were looking for all game. Backing this offensive performance up was our defensive powerhouse Tesak C, who led the game in both blocks and steals allowing our offensive players to gain more possession and begin to run away from the Barker side on the scoreboard. This was a great team game played by the F’s, and their teamwork allowed them to get the 26-18 win over Barker College.
Basketball Year 5/6 Gs – Cranbrook 22 defeated by Barker 23
The Gs came out ready to play, scoring off their impeccable defence and rebounding. Carter M’s ability to control the rebounds was integral to the team’s success, allowing both Ryan H and Leo M to capitalise.
Basketball Year 5/6 Hs – Cranbrook 7 defeated by Barker 18
The boys started off a little flat, allowing Barker to pull ahead early. Towards the end of the first half, the Hs made a run that brough the game within 5 points. However, weren’t able to come away with a victory. Despite the loss, Bobby A played an outstanding game, and should be commended for his efforts.
Basketball Year 3/4 As - Cranbrook 8 defeated by Mosman Prep 19
The A’s also lost on the weekend against a skilled Mosman team whose efficiency took Cranbrook out of the game. Despite numerous attempts by Gus T, Frank T and Santiago D to claw us back into the game the boys couldn’t find stops on the defensive end as Mosman found ways to score. Despite the loss, Frank played his best game this season scoring 4 points and grabbing multiple boards. The game was scrappy and The A’s inability to get out of foul trouble gifted Mosman multiple free throw points which ended up costing the A’s down the stretch. An unfortunate result for the A’s but I’m sure they will bounce back next week in the final round of the season.
Basketball Year 3/4 Bs – Cranbrook 7 defeated by Mosman Prep 9
Unfortunately, for the Cranbrook B’s things didn’t quite click on the weekend. Aarav was unlucky on different occasions with his layup and the boys were unable to score a game tying basket in the last minute despite having the chances to do so which saw them lose 7-9. Despite the loss the boys left everything on the court not letting the misses affect them and putting themselves into a position to grind out a result. Once again Kaiden S put up a strong performance alongside Sung H, Xavier L and Teddy B who combined to score 6 of the teams 7 points. This was a tough game but was not a forgetful performance for the Cranbrook B’s.
Basketball Year 3/4 Cs – Cranbrook 10 defeated Santa Sabina 9
The Cranbrook C’s took part in the game of the day and grinned out a nervy win against an equal opponent. The boys found themselves in a similar game to last week but this time they were able to secure a comeback victory winning 10-9. The C’s were down by 6 points with only 3 minutes left however they scored 3 quick baskets and a free throw to win the game. Although Henry H secured the game winning basket there were others who also played their part in this amazing comeback with Jamie S scoring 4 points and Robert Z and Jack F scoring a basket each. What a great win for the boys.
Basketball Year 3/4 Ds – Cranbrook 32 defeated Mosman Prep 2
The Cranbrook 3/4 D’s continued their hot streak this weekend where they beat Mosman Prep 32-2 following a victory over Knox last week 40-0. Liam S had 10 points and looked unstoppable along with Eddie C and Bond also contributing to the point total. Ollie S got straight back to action this week recording many steals and baskets. Charlie H and Mason P locked down the paint restricting Mosman to only one basket the entire game. The boys worked together on defence with multiple blocks and steals. The D’s have proved themselves to be the most underrated team in the age group.
Basketball Year 3/4 White 1
BYE
Basketball Year 3/4 White 2 – Cranbrook 26 defeated Mosman Prep 10
After a shaky start against Mosman the 3/4 White 2 boys got their act together and gave all the spectators a spectacular performance. The dynamic duo of Alfie L-B and Alex P who led both the offence and defence for the boys really showed off their skills gaining a lead late in the first half. This lead continues throughout the rest of the game which saw the boys winning the game 26-10!
Basketball Year 3/4 Blue 1 – Cranbrook 21 defeated Shore 2
3/4 Blue 1 were switched on from the opening warmup and fixated on their mission to leave Shore with a victory. The boys set up shop on the offensive end, playing lockdown full court defence, but were unable to convert early. This sustained pressure eventually paid off, with some strong shooting from Tom C and Sammy I. The boys ended up striding out to a 15-0 lead with Will A controlling the game both with his dribbling and shooting. Josh H and Auden G were strong on the glass, providing numerous second chance opportunities. The team were gracious winners, playing with exemplary sportsmanship. The ball movement was swift and selfless, as the boys cruised to a clinical 21-2 victory.
Basketball Year 3/4 Blue 2 – Cranbrook 24 defeated Shore 10
Blue 2 arrived on the North Shore in the wee hours of Saturday morning with the intention of starting fast against a taller Shore outfit. The starting team executed effectively, with Harrison H and Charlie W scoring in bunches to create a significant lead. Ted W was the floor general as he controlled the pace of the game tremendously and got everyone involved, with pinpoint passes and dribbling. Marcus C had a strong outing, scoring another basket. Teddy A was the centrepiece of our defence, while Jai H, Marcus S and Oscar V all moved the ball selflessly and ran the court hard. The team has come a long way this season in terms of teamwork and can look forward to a strong win next week.
Cricket
Year 6A Cricket – Cranbrook 130 defeated Shore 124
Cranbrook put together a strong and much improved performance to defeat Shore by 6 runs in a game that went right down to the last over. Alistair T 29*(20), George A 18(15) and Arthur D 16*(20) starred with the bat, but everyone contributed superbly to ensure we reached a strong total of 5/130 from 20 overs.
In the field, strong bowling performances from Arthur D (4 overs, 3/15), Emile G (4 overs, 0/19) and some clutch death bowling by Zach S (4 overs, 1/18), as well as some sharp work behind the stumps from George A, secured a narrow victory.
MotM – Alistair T 29*(20) and 2 overs 0/8
Year 6B Cricket Cranbrook 77 defeated by Shore 83
The 6B’s went down in a tight loss to Shore, pushing them all the way to the final ball of the second last over. Cranbrook batting first posted a solid score of 77, Owen top scoring with 29 off 16 balls. We bowled well with good accuracy, Steve H, Xander M, Bond M, Owen C and Jackson P all picked up wickets. Unfortunately, we dropped off in the last 6 overs and Shore took full advantage to accelerate the run rate and ultimately come away with the win. Bondi M picked up an assisted run out in the field as well. I’m sure the boys will bounce back this weekend after laying a solid foundation to win the game.
Year 5A Cricket – Cranbrook 62 defeated St Patricks 48
The 5As had a cracking fixture on a pitch that offered plenty for the bowlers at St Pats. After taking plenty of wickets in an attack lead by Charlie H and Xavier M, the Cranbrook boys attacked well with the bat, with Hughie leading the way in devastating fashion. A good win for the Cranbrook boys as we turn into the end of the season.
Year 5B Cricket – Cranbrook 113 defeated St Patricks 64
The 5B’s had a convincing win against St Patrick’s on the weekend. Bowling first, Tomek O, Alec R, Jack E and both George F kept things tight and took a few good wickets. Oli F, after keeping, then tore apart the stumps twice, keeping St Pat’s to 7/50. Tomek O and Jack E then started our batting innings well and both the George F’s stabilised the middle overs. However, highlight of the day were some of Austin M jaw dropping drives, which repeatedly sent the St Patrick’s fielders to the fence. Henry C-S and Alec R then finished off the innings in style with a few lovely pulls to bring us to 4/85.
Year 4A Cricket –
BYE
Year 4Red Cricket –Cranbrook 109 defeated Trinity 26
The boys were once again away and were out at Homebush to take on a strong trinity outfit. Some of the boys arriving more than 30 minutes earlier to be seen playing in the nets and eager to get onto the field. We made the decision of batting first on what looked like some small boundaries and a fast outfield. Opening the batting was Jonathan K and Freddie H, both boys on fire from last week continued their form, hitting runs all along the ground and in 3 overs scoring 30 with the loss of only one wicket, well done boys. Next in were Lucas S and Leo M, determined to carry on their forma swell and the superb batting performance just before them. It took the boys an over to get settled in and then on were hitting shots all around the ground which was especially difficult because of the soaking wicket and the ball was skidding on to make it much more difficult and the boys persevered and used the pace to their advantage. Last in were Hugo C and Xander R. The two boys were left with finishing the excellent batting performance off and carried this on. A little lapse in concentration led to 1 wicket but both boys did extremely well running between the wickets and their loud calling. Finishing up on a total of 70 the boys should be proud considering they had 2 less players. Now onto the bowling. As every week goes, the order of batting was reversed, and Xander R and Hugo C opened the bowling and set the tone straight away conceding a very little amount of runs. They saw off the opening batsman and from that point in the game the boys turned it onto another level. Leo M with a wicket maiden to scare the new batting pair, then Lucas S with a maiden, Jonathan K with a wicket maiden and Freddie H with a wicket maiden, taking 3 wickets in 18 balls with 0 runs conceded, a great achievement boys that you should be proud of. Xander R then followed with another maiden, followed by a great Hugo C over with only leaking 4 runs. Leo M then produced another wicket maiden. Lucas S was on a hat trick at one point and to finish it off Freddie H was also on a hat trick for a double wicket maiden. The boys in 12 overs conceded 12 runs while taking 7 wickets with is a unbelievable stat and couldn’t have been done without all of you. Special mention to Hugo C, as for the 2nd week in a row, produced an athletic run out diving to the side aiming at one stump to see the Trinity batsman stranded. Well done boys on an 83 run win and hope to continue this form into the final week of summer spot.
Year 4Blue Cricket – Cranbrook 80 defeated Grammar St Ives 50
The 4 blues played incredibly well against local rivals from down the hill in Grammar Edgecliff who we later learned were unbeaten coming into this highly anticipated fixture. Having batted first, some incredible ball striking from dynamic duo, Jack L and Julian D saw Cranbrook graft a formidable total that would take some serious chasing. The pressure was furthered with ball in hand by Jerry W and stand in skip Oliver D along with some incredible catching from Hadley meant grammar had no chance in catching the target. An awesome win from some even better up and coming cricketers.
Year 3A Master Blasters – Cranbrook 103 defeated St Aloysius 68
The 3A were a joy to coach and see in action. With the opposition choosing to bat the boys were keen to make a positive start.
Good bowling from Eric L-F and both Harry N’s meant the team took regular wickets and Eric L-F catch at square leg was the standout moment. I’ve was impressed in the way the boys bowled with a limited number of wides bowled.
We were chasing 63/9 and Eric L-F and Lachie E gave us a positive start with an opening stand of 32. This set the tone for the other pairs who understood the team challenge of running between wickets. The boys were electric between the wickets which led to boy racking up a dominant total and an easy victory. Harry N and Jack P played some stunning drives down the ground, and I hope to see more of these shots in the future.
Year 3B Master Blasters – Cranbrook 86 defeated St Aloysius 56
The energy on Saturday morning was immaculate, as the task of taking down St Aloysius for at hand. It was a beautiful morning at Woollahra with captain Paulie L deciding to bowl first. Our bowling started off hot with Nathan S and Oliver B restricting the batters from hitting boundaries by bowling straight at the stumps. Our fielding this week was the best it has ever been with two run-outs to show for it. Now onto the batting, we were set a total and chased it down with ease only losing two wickets. Henry S and Will S starred with the bat punishing any wayward bowling from St Aloysius to the boundary. Overall, it was our best team effort as everyone chipped in whether it was with the ball, bat or in the field everyone contributed to a dominant win.
Year 3C Master Blasters –
BYE
Multi-Sports
Christopher H and Lucas J were two standout participants in Multi-sports in week 5. All boys are showing noticeable improvement in effort and participation in the weekly sessions.
Tennis
Tennis As
On the weekend, Cranbrook faced Knox in a tennis match and unfortunately lost 56-12. Despite the result, there were some standout performances from the Cranbrook team. Shai L and Ashton D displayed exceptional skills in their doubles match, executing an almost perfect net game. In their singles games, Riley T, Niko D, and Shai L engaged in thrilling rallies, demonstrating their impressive tennis abilities. Although the final score did not reflect Cranbrook’s efforts, they can still take pride in the strong performances they delivered on the court.
Tennis Cs
Nice early start for the Cranbrook team and from the off they were greeted with high end tennis.
Trinity was a great team who played the big points well and dominated the longer rallies. Improved movement was the key message of the day and to the boys credit, they did extremely well, covering and getting that extra ball back in play. All games and points were played in amazing spirit and indeed every individual can be happy with the collective effort.
Trinity too strong on the day.
Water Polo
Cranbrook 20 defeated Knox 0
Cranbrook Year 5/6 Water Polo team played against Knox at home last Saturday 11th March. Cranbrook started solidly with some early goals on the board. The entire team displayed their developing skills in attack and defence, confidently passing to one another and swimming into space. Goal scoring from numerous members of the team helped Cranbrook form a dominating lead heading into half-time. In the second half of the game, Cranbrook continued to swim hard finishing the game with an impressive win of 20-0. Amongst the many goal scorers, there were also multiple goals by numerous players. All team members should be very proud of their efforts. This week in training we will continue to strengthen passing and defending skills, in preparation for our first away game next Saturday.
Years 3-6 Sport News
Please click here for the Basketball fixtures, here for Cricket/Tennis fixtures and here for Water Polo fixtures. Sailing is always held at our Boatshed at Rose Bay and Multisports is always at Dangar.
IMPORTANT: END OF SUMMER SPORT SEASON/START OF WINTER SPORT
The summer sport season will draw to a close this weekend. The final round of summer fixtures will take place on Saturday, 18 March. There will be no Saturday sports games after 18 March, until the start of Term 2 (first game is on Saturday, 29 April – end of W1 T2). There is NO summer sports team training before or after school next week. Please collect your son at the end of the school day.
On Friday, 24 March, Y3-Y6 students should wear their winter sports team training gear to school for their afternoon sports sessions. Before and after school winter sports team training will commence the following week, starting Monday, 27 March.
Music News – Week 7
Year 2 and Year 3 Instrumental Open Rehearsals
Last week, our Music Department invited Year 2 and Year 3 parents into an open rehearsal to listen and to watch our students in the early days of learning an instrument.
The boys are fortunate to have skilled tutors starting them on strings in Year 2 and strings, woodwind, brass and percussion in Year 3. Parents were able to see how the boys assemble their instruments, the techniques of playing and also learn about the specific qualities of each instrument. The Year 3 boys had the opportunity to play together in large ensembles under the direction of Mr Christopher Hayles and Ms Heloise Meisel.
We are delighted to be able to offer this program, as the link between learning an instrument and higher numeracy and literacy learning has been well documented. We would encourage students to consider learning these instruments individually in order to make the most of this opportunity.
Year 2
Year 3
Jane Holmes à Court and Peter Fox
Optional Co-Curricular News
All optional Co-Curricular activities will run as normal next week.
Starlight Foundation Fundraisers
Congratulations to Harry Dickson, Hugo Smits and George Young, three students in Year 5, who joined forces for the second year as The Super Squirtles and managed to raise over $3,000 during the month of February, by swimming as a team in the Starlight Super Swim Challenge.
We are immensely proud of these students!
News from the Practical Inquiry Room
From Mr Joshua Botto
In preparation for Year 6’s next unit of inquiry, How the world works, ‘Innovation responds to the needs of people’, as well as their upcoming da Vinci Day in Term 2, a select group of boys in Year 6 took part in an engineering challenge. With the assistance of Year 10 Science students from our Senior School, boys were given 50 minutes to design and construct a landing craft that protects an egg from cracking when dropped from a height of 1 metre. The students were only supplied with minimal materials to try and evoke ‘outside of the box’ thinking and inspire some innovative ideas. Using parts of the design thinking process, the group ideated, prototyped and tested their designs to see if they could succeed at protecting their egg. The Year 10 boys mentored them through the steps of producing multiple sketches for different ideas before the production of their best design. It was great to see the Year 10s and Year 6s working diligently together, with some successful designs and many cracked eggs!
Overall, the morning was beneficial for both sets of students and there was lots of fun and laughter along the way. We hope to invite the Year 10 boys back later in the year, to further mentor and assist the Junior School students in their scientific exploration and discovery.
Thank you to our Senior School students: Benjamin Pelly, Sam Juod, Louis Mak, Henry Lee, Anastsios Mihailou, Alan Mai.
Perspectives: Podcast Series – A Conversation with our Headmaster
Welcome to the second episode in our Perspectives podcast series: conversations between key members of our academic staff and our Headmaster, Nicholas Sampson.
In this podcast, Michele Marquet, Head of Cranbrook Junior School, discusses with our Headmaster, how Cranbrook celebrates the whole child, the School’s commitment to the elevation of truth, the development of self-knowledge and the creation of a better society.
They discuss the importance of educational breadth and negating the harmful effects of technology through the cultivation of empathy.
If we cannot construct community, however brilliant the minds we raise, we stretch and deepen, they will function selfishly.
Providing personal insights and anecdotes from his teaching career, and own schooling years, Nicholas Sampson reflects on the vital importance of human interaction and connection in today’s technological world.
To listen please click here or on the graphic below.
Perspectives Podcast 2: March 2023
We hope you enjoy this latest conversation with our Headmaster, and we welcome your views and questions for the next release in the Perspectives podcast series, due for release in Term 3 2023, via Cranbrook@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
Message from Michele Marquet
Dear Parents,
IMPORTANT: END OF SUMMER SPORT SEASON/START OF WINTER SPORT
The summer sport season will draw to a close this weekend. The final round of summer fixtures will take place on Saturday, 18 March. There will be no Saturday sports games after 18 March, until the start of Term 2 (first game is on Saturday, 29 April – end of W1 T2). There is NO summer sports team training before or after school next week. Please collect your son at the end of the school day.
On Friday, 24 March, Y3-Y6 students should wear their winter sports team training gear to school for their afternoon sports sessions. Before and after school winter sports team training will then commence the week after that, starting Monday, 27 March.
The importance of student wellbeing to ensure children can learn to the best of their ability cannot be underestimated. In the Junior School, the next few weeks will be busy with some wellbeing initiatives, aimed at helping all of our students to build the resilience, knowledge base and skills needed to manage whatever life brings, and also to assist their families and teachers to understand how to best support the children in their care.
Shortly, across all K-Y6 year levels, we will welcome Life Education to conduct Healthy Harold wellbeing sessions with every class. Each year level focuses on different aspects of wellbeing, including strengthening friendship and relationship skills, developing healthy habits, staying safe online and in the real world, and understanding the human body. The focus of each session, no matter which year level, is to build our children’s capacity to make healthier and safer choices in their everyday life.
Our students in Y3-Y6 will also participate in ySafe sessions about how to keep safe when online. The parent session that supports these sessions will be held on Monday, 20 March at 6pm in the JS Gym. Further information can be found in the News section, including the booking link. We hope many families can join us.
Our older boys will also take part in the RADAR survey that will help us start to track their wellbeing over time, plus another study survey from Macquarie University investigating screen usage habits in children and young teenagers. Additional information about these surveys can be found in the News section.
Grandparents’ Day
This week, families should have received an Operoo form with information about our Grandparents’ Day planned for Wednesday, 29 March. We are looking forward to welcoming these special people in the lives of our students!
Kind wishes,
Michele Marquet
From the Deputies
Introducing Casey Zhang – Year 5 Year Level Coordinator & 5W Class Teacher
Casey is originally from Auckland, New Zealand and has recently moved to Sydney. She graduated from the University of Auckland with a master’s degree and has taught in a variety of year levels. Casey has 9 years’ experience in teaching: 5 years in Auckland and 4 years in London.
She brings enthusiasm and positivity to the classroom and encourages her pupils to develop empathy and understanding, as she believes this will help to build a more connected and compassionate world.
Outside of work, Casey loves exploring and travelling to unknown places, as she gets to meet new people and learn about different cultures. She encourages her students to embrace global mindedness and be open minded in every aspect of their lives.
In Casey’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and trying new food places. She loves being out of her comfort zone and is hoping to take up new hobbies, such as surfing, once she is more familiar with Sydney.
Casey is incredibly excited to be part of the Cranbrook team, especially in an environment that supports and extends students to reach their full potential and beyond.
2023 Student Residential Address Collection
Under the Australian Education Regulation 2013, the School is required to provide the Department of Education with the following information about each student at the School:
- Names and residential addresses of student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
- Student residential address (excluding student names)
- Whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
- Whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).
Please see the Collection Notice available here for further information.
Parents are not required to do anything – the School is responsible for providing the requested details to the Department.
If you have recently changed address, it would be appreciated if you could please email your updated address details to familyupdates@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible.
Cranbrook School Membership
Cranbrook School is a public company limited by guarantee which was established to provide students with a well-rounded, liberal education based on Christian beliefs.
It is governed by the School Council in accordance with its Constitution and has a membership comprised of eligible persons who have made significant contributions to Cranbrook or who are key stakeholders in its mission.
Parents of current students in Kindergarten to Year 12 attending Cranbrook are eligible to become a Member of Cranbrook School for so long as they have a child attending the School.
If you are not already a Member of Cranbrook School, and wish to become one, please indicate your willingness to do so by completing and returning the application form which can be found on Cranbrook Connect here.
Applications are subject to approval by the School Council, and will be considered at the next possible School Council meeting after receipt of your completed application.
We encourage you to apply to become a Member of Cranbrook School and to take up the opportunity to contribute to the governance of the School.
If you have any questions regarding membership of Cranbrook School, please contact Sarah Deveson, Company Secretary, by email on councilsecretary@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
Y3-Y6 and Y4-Y6 Student Wellbeing Surveys
Last week and this week, parents will have received two separate Operoo forms seeking permission for their sons to participate in two important surveys to be conducted in W8 and W9 respectively. The first survey, Child RADAR, is being organised by our Director of Educational Psychology, Campbell Jensen-Robilliard, and will be held during Week 8 in class.
It will broadly assist us to better care for our students’ wellbeing. The second survey is part of a Macquarie University study on the problematic usage of screens by young children and ways we can effectively intervene. This survey will be conducted in class during Week 9.