Term 3 Optional Co-Curricular
Next week, the Term 3 Optional Co-Curricular Activity Selection will be available to book via the Cranbrook App.
Shortly, we will send a notification to families confirming the date and time when bookings will be open.
Visit from Annabelle Williams
Today, our Kindergarten students were excited to meet Annabelle Williams. Annabelle is a motivational speaker, Paralympic Gold Medalist, lawyer, TV reporter and diversity advocate. She spoke with our Kindergarten students about inclusion and disability. Kindergarten have recently created artwork for the Paralympic Village, which is something that inspired Annabelle when she competed in Beijing and London. The boys were in awe of her gold medal!
Message from Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School
Dear Cranbrook families,
As mentioned in this newsletter earlier this term, we have been undertaking a broad survey of our culture to increase our understanding of the experience of our students, staff and families, so that we reflect a welcoming environment to all, and provide the very best opportunities for our community to experience a respectful and exciting environment for learning. We want to further embed effective ways we can offer the right opportunities to help everyone feel a genuine sense of belonging.
As a school, we are looking at ways we can better provide avenues for our students to share with us how they are travelling at school. Helping students have appropriate methods to express their views and reflections are vital. Their voices can powerfully inform how we modify our wellbeing programmes and address any potential issues amongst cohorts in a timely and effective way.
Each term, students in the Senior School are encouraged to complete a wellbeing survey that allows them to share their perspectives on how they are travelling, plus respond to some changing key questions to garner feedback from our students on issues or things happening at school. Our Director of Student Wellbeing oversees this student engagement survey and tracks responses for individuals as well as trend data which can be used to inform adjustments to our Student Wellbeing Programme. In future, we plan to share regularly some of the key learnings from this survey with our community via the Link.
In Junior School, we also gather information about student wellbeing and perceptions via a number of surveys. Our Years 3-6 students participate in a playground survey which helps staff better understand concerns they might have and also what aspects of playtime they really enjoy. We use this information to make changes to our Student Wellbeing Programme and also better inform how we oversee the daily playground experience. Additionally, we conduct the RADAR mental health risk survey with these year levels with parental permission. This survey allows us to see how a child perceives their friendships, learning and level of connection. We share the results of this survey with families. Currently, we are exploring providing a continuously available method for our students to be able let their teachers know a concern they may have. Most students of primary school age will approach a teacher directly, but sometimes that may be daunting, so another method can help those wanting their teacher to know something important. This information can help our staff better care for their students and help build student skills in using their voice with respect.
We are about to move into our second phase with the Staff Culture Survey. All staff have been invited to share their perceptions, experiences and observations via an external, confidential survey. We now move to inviting some staff, past and present, to participate in facilitated focus groups run by the external agency conducting the broader culture survey. We look forward to learning more about our school, reflecting and then sharing ideas about how we can bolster Cranbrook for the years ahead.
Recently, nearly 50 staff leaders from across the whole school, Pre-school to the Senior School, participated in a training seminar about how we can better create a respectful, safe and inclusive environment at Cranbrook. The course unpacked for us the elements of a positive and safe environment for all. We will be following up this course with workshops for the leaders to help hone the skills needed to care for all our staff and students in a changing world and to share ideas for how we can continue to foster a positive and welcoming school.
As previously mentioned, the School values feedback from all members of our community and we are eager to hear from our parent community about their experiences and what they value about Cranbrook. Next term, we will be conducting some research with parents to gain their perspectives. By better understanding what all members of our community value and experience as part of our school, we provide an exciting opportunity to reflect, learn and bolster Cranbrook for the years ahead.
Last week, there was some reporting in the media around a Federal Department of Education request for information from our School. I am pleased to let families know that by the end of last week the final tranches of material were submitted to the DoE. We have been fully cooperating with the Department throughout this process and will continue to do so.
Kind wishes,
Michele Marquet
Acting Head of School
Message from Grant Andrews, Acting Head of Junior School
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Wednesday, we had Rupert Standley from Safe on Social visit the School to talk with our Year 3 to Year 6 students about cybersafety and cyberbullying. Safe on Social is a purpose-driven organisation, aiming to keep as many people as possible, across the world, safe online through education and empowerment. They specialise in delivering programs that are authentic, factual, conversational and non-fearmongering. I would like to encourage families to have a conversation at home with their sons about what they have learned from this important incursion.
We are so grateful for the clothing contributions received so far for the CJS Clothing Donations Appeal (in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Rose Bay). There is still time for students to bring in items of clothing tomorrow (Friday, 14 June), such as jackets, jumpers and trousers in ‘good’ or ‘as new’ condition and in any size. Please deposit them in the buckets in the piazzas. These clothes will be collected by the Rotary Club and sent to The Smith Family, an Australian children’s charity that helps underprivileged children in our country. Enormous thanks go to Alexander Pontifix (Y6) who has led this initiative.
We are looking forward to seeing many of our families at the forthcoming Gala Concert, Threads, to be held at Sydney Town Hall on Monday, 24 June at 7pm.
Kind regards,
Grant Andrews
Acting Head of Junior School
From the Deputies
Dear Families,
Year 6 Canberra Adventure: A Memorable Journey
Our Year 6 students recently returned from the annual Year 6 excursion, an exciting and educational trip to Canberra, which took place from 5 June to 7 June. The three day long excursion was packed with activities that left our Cranbrook students with a deeper understanding of Australia’s political and historical landscape.
The journey began very early on 5 June, with students boarding the coaches from Cranbrook Junior School. Our first stop was the picturesque and foggy Mount Ainslie Lookout, where students marvelled at panoramic views of Canberra. This was followed by a visit to the National Capital Exhibition, where they learned about the city’s design and history.
In the afternoon, the students explored the Museum of Australian Democracy and participated in the “People Power and Making Change” program, giving them insights into the workings of Australian democracy. The day concluded with dinner and an interactive experience at Questacon, engaging the students with hands-on science exhibits. We especially enjoyed the new state-of-the-art Lego exhibition.
The second day was highlighted by a visit to Parliament House. The students enjoyed a guided tour, a role-play session in the Parliamentary Education Office, and even had a chance to meet Allegra Spender MP. This was followed by a poignant visit to the Australian War Memorial, where students reflected on the sacrifices made by Australians in wartime.
The final day included an inspiring tour of the Australian Institute of Sport, where students met Olympians and learned about the training regimes of top athletes. The trip wrapped up with a smooth return to the school, where parents collected their tired but thrilled children.
Throughout the trip, our Year 6 cohort displayed exemplary behaviour and curiosity. We are incredibly proud of their conduct and engagement. Thank you for your support in making this excursion a success. We wish to acknowledge Amelia Laumberg and the Year 6 team for making this experience so successful for our students.
Pre-schools’ News – Week 7
We’ve had another fantastic week at Pre-school, with exciting visits from our local Fire and Police departments.
At St Michael’s Pre-school, we welcomed Constable Kelly, who spoke with our 5-Day and 3-Day Classes about identifying safe people and understanding the role of the police. She even let the children dress up and engage in role-playing activities!
Over at St Mark’s Pre-school, our local fire department visited, giving the children a chance to explore the fire truck and even try blasting the hose. These visits are always special, as they allow us to connect with community members who play a crucial role in keeping us safe.
A reminder to all our Pre-school families of the information that is provided by the educators.
Access Points:
- Sign-In Area: You will find the fortnightly program planner and daybook.
- Cranbrook Connect: At the end of each week, our teachers upload the information here, ready for you to view on Monday. On Cranbrook Connect, you can access a snapshot of the week’s learning activities, including:
- Daily daybook entries
- Links to supporting resources
- Upcoming events
- Important reminders
If you have any difficulties in accessing Cranbrook Connect, please contact amcfarlane@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au
Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane
Pre-schools’ Coordinator
Becoming a Member of Cranbrook School
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.
Parent of 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.
The Members of Cranbrook School play an important role in the governance of Cranbrook. Being a Member entitles you to attend and vote at general meetings of Cranbrook School. This includes attending and voting at the Annual General Meeting, where the matters considered include receiving the statutory financial reports and electing members of the School Council.
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.
Geoff Lovell
President of School Council
Sport Update
CIS Cross Country
Our students displayed determination and resilience at the CIS Cross Country Championships held at the Sydney Equestrian Centre last Thursday, 6 June, despite facing atrocious weather conditions that resulted in an extremely muddy course. Highlighting our school’s strong performance were Samuel P’s impressive 7th place finish, positioning him as the first reserve for the CIS 9yr team, and Eddie Crocker’s 19th place overall in the competitive 10yr age group. These achievements underscore our students’ dedication to the sport and their ability to excel even in challenging circumstances.
The level of competition was notably high, yet our students rose to the occasion, showcasing their talent and commitment to excellence.
CIS Cross Country Team: Samuel P, Aryan S, Teddy B (injured), Louis B, Eddie C, Hugo C, Oliver F.
Rugby
Cranbrook Rugby would like to invite all Junior School students to our next 1st XV home fixture on Saturday, 22 June at 3:15 pm.
We will be hosting Waverley in a crunch CAS match, which has the great added spice of a local derby.
There will be free food and drinks for all Junior School students dressed in Cranbrook uniform.
We recommend arriving early to get a seat. We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, 22 June.
Music News – Week 7
Dear Families
Please find below, important information about the forthcoming Gala Concert at Sydney Town Hall: Threads (Our JS Chamber Choir, Cranbrook Voices, JS Concert Band, JSSO, Mezzo Strings, JS Guitar Ensemble and all Year 6)
- Monday, 24 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, 23 June, at the Senior School campus)
- 6:15pm students meet teachers outside in St Andrew’s Square
- Students to wear school uniform (shirt, short, tie, socks and black shoes – no jumpers, blazer 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.
- Tickets will be available soon. We hope to see many of you there!
Kind regards
Peter Fox
Head of Music, Junior School