Message from Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School
Dear Families and Carers
The end of the year approaches with speed and it is a joy to be considering plans for the welcoming of young women into the Senior School in just over 12 months.
Our Student Co-ed Committee is now well established and having student voice contributing to our plans is both exciting and invigorating. There is a positive impetus and momentum to our discussions. Student perspective is always refreshing and so many of our 2025 Student Leadership group across the board are impressive humans with a heart for service. I look ahead to a year of promise and positive change with their input and contribution.
New Uniform One change which has been in train for quite a while now is the roll out of a new academic uniform for our Pre-School – Year 12 students. Much of the Cranbrook uniform has not been changed in well over 40 years, so a refresh is definitely in order, while keeping those elements that we love and associate so closely with our school, such as our beloved blazer and tie. Developed with designer, Jonathan Ward, and refined through feedback from small groups of staff, students and parents, over the past 18 months, the uniform offers some flexible options with an emphasis on Cranbrook colours and clean lines. Our sports uniform, which was fully refreshed within the last ten years, will be remaining the same for our male students. New pieces for the female students and sports have been designed to complement the existing sports uniform.
The new academic uniform will come into effect in 2026 with a two-year transition period during which students can still wear the old uniform in its entirety, if needed, in 2026 and 2027. New uniform items will be available for sale from November 2025. We will be sharing images of the new pieces in Term 1 with the associated price lists available.
Our second-hand uniform shop, run by the CSPA, and open every Friday, has many current uniform items in multiple sizes for those wishing to manage in 2025 with some additional pieces of the old uniform until the new uniform becomes available in 2026.
As we begin a new era as a coeducational school, it will be wonderful to have a fresh and distinctive look to mark the start of an exciting new journey in Cranbrook’s history.
End of year events There is always a flurry of events for us all at this time of the year, but we look forward to seeing many of our families at one of the Carol Services across the School or one of our two Prize Giving ceremonies.
Wishing everyone a wonderful week.
Kind wishes
Michele Marquet Acting Head of School
Message from Richard Baker, Acting Head of Junior School
Dear Junior and Pre-school families,
This week has been a joyful celebration of the festive season and our students’ achievements. On Tuesday, our Kindergarten to Year 2 students shone brightly during the K-Y2 Carols Service at All Saints’ Woollahra. It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and beautiful singing fill the space with holiday cheer. A special thank you to Mr Peter Fox, Mrs Jane Holmes a Court and Ms Fiona Chan for their dedicated efforts in making this event such a success.
On Wednesday, the excitement continued with the K-5 Moving Up Morning, as our students embraced the opportunity to explore their next stage of learning. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were truly inspiring as we prepare them for 2025.
Today, we extend our gratitude to the CSPA for organising the delightful Y3-Y6 Christmas Lunch. It was a wonderful moment of community spirit and festive cheer, thoroughly enjoyed by all, with Santa’s visit on a push bike as a highlight.
Looking ahead, we are excited for tomorrow’s Y3-Y6 Swimming Carnival at the Murray Rose Aquatic & Fitness Centre at the Senior School. This promises to be a day of fun, teamwork and friendly competition. Please do join us if you can.
Lastly, we send our best wishes to our Y3-Y6 students as they prepare for their Carols Service next Tuesday, 3 December, from 5–6pm at the Cranbrook Vicars Centenary Hall at the Senior School. We look forward to celebrating the festive season with our Junior School families at this special event.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
Y3-Y6 Swimming Carnival – Friday, 29 November (all day at AFC)
Y3-Y6 Carols Service (at VCH) – Tuesday, 3 December 5-6pm
K-Y2 Christmas Activities – Wednesday, 4 December
Y6 Valedictory Service – Friday, 6 December – 1:15pm-3pm JS Gym
Last day of classes – Tuesday, 10 December
JS Prize Giving – Wednesday, 11 December 10am
Please note that Term 4 optional Co-Curricular activities finish THIS Friday, 29 November.
Kind regards,
Richard Baker Acting Head of Junior School
From the Deputies
Confidence & Motivation Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their overall wellbeing and is a key aspect of their development. These qualities can have a lasting impact on their success and happiness. Confidence helps children believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, while motivation drives their desire to learn, explore and achieve their goals.
Fostering these traits involves creating an environment that encourages children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements. Confidence is built when children feel capable and valued, while motivation is fuelled by the belief that their efforts will lead to growth and success. By actively supporting both, we can help young people to thrive in the academic, social and personal areas of their life.
By offering positive reinforcement, setting realistic expectations and celebrating their efforts, we can model a positive mindset that can go a long way in helping young people develop both confidence and motivation. Nurturing these qualities will help them grow into self-assured individuals who believe in their ability to succeed, setting the foundation for a fulfilling future.
In this edition of SchoolTV, discover how to provide opportunities for autonomy and support your child in persevering through challenges.
As the excitement of the year-end approaches, the children at St Mark’s and St Michael’s Pre-school are getting into the festive spirit with Christmas decorations, songs and for St Mark’s children even a special visitor, Chester the Elf!
This week, we had the privilege of enjoying the End of Year Showcases from St Michael’s 3-Day Group, St Michael’s 2-Day Group, and St Mark’s. It takes a lot of courage and confidence to perform in front of an audience and we are incredibly proud of all the children. They’ve shown great dedication throughout the entire process, from the start of rehearsals to the big day of the performance!
St Mark’s Pre-school and St Michael’s 2-Day Group treated their families to a wonderful Art Gallery after their shows, showcasing all the creative work they have done throughout the year.
Additionally, we had the pleasure of welcoming the Cranbrook Kindergarten teachers to visit both St Mark’s and St Michael’s on Wednesday. The teachers enjoyed getting to know the children and playing in our Pre-school environment.
Upcoming Events:
Week 8 Wednesday, 4 December: St Mark’s Church Visit, 11:00 am
Thursday, 5 December: St Michael’s 5-Day Group – End of Year Showcase, 12:30 pm St Mark’s End of Year Showcase and Art Gallery, 12:30 pm
Week 9 Wednesday, 11 December: Last Day of Term
Kind regards,
Abigail McFarlane Pre-schools’ Coordinator
CSPA Announcement
Last week, the CSPA held their AGM. It is with great pleasure that I announce the new CSPA Executive for 2025:
President: Angelique Haritos
Vice President Senior School: Adriana Litver
Vice President Junior School: Rebecca Cowan
Treasurer: Sophie Orphanides / Krystiana Fermanis
Secretary: Elizabeth Mangan
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing CSPA Senior School Vice President Meg Tudehope and CSPA Secretary Natalie Samuelson. They truly embody our motto Esse Quam Videri. It has been a joy to work so closely with these incredible women and I know they will continue their contribution to Cranbrook in other ways.
Thank you also to the wonderful CSPA Committee for their tremendous support and hard work. It has certainly been a year that has brought us closer together.
It has been an absolute privilege and honour to have led the CSPA for the past two years. I am looking forward to my new role on the Cranbrook Foundation. I wish Angelique and the incoming Committee the very best in their new roles for 2025.
Warm regards
Sam Roberts CSPA President
Year 7 2026 Academic and Music Scholarships for Boys and Girls
The Cranbrook CETOP Family Fun Day is back! Please save the date for this Cranbrook event being held on Sunday, 16 March 2025! This exciting day promises a blend of delicious food, exhilarating fun, pet judging AND a chance to DUNK your TEACHERS. Bring your family and friends for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit as we come together to raise funds for CETOP’s initiatives in Nepal and Ladakh. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable Cranbrook event!
On Friday, 22 November, the Year 6 students took on the teachers in a competitive basketball game in Dangar Gym. The students, riding high on the confidence of an extremely successful season under their coach Mr Cohen, looked to dominate the court. Their speed and agility gave them a clear advantage, often dribbling circles around teachers who seemed stuck in the mud. However, the teachers used their height, securing key rebounds and second-chance points, with Mrs. Henry standing out for her sharp shooting, landing an important basket that shifted the game’s momentum. Despite impressive performances from all students, particularly Jacob B and Kiran J, the teachers ultimately claimed victory—though the real winners seemed to be the physiotherapists and chiropractors, who were undoubtedly on standby for the teachers after the match.
Community Prayer Morning
On Friday, 6 December there will be a community prayer morning with Mr Noble for any parents, carers or staff in our JS community. It will be held from 7:45am in Music Room 2 on the Junior School campus. It is an opportunity to spend time in prayer for each other and the School. This will be our last prayer meeting for the year as we head into the Christmas break. Thanks to everyone who has attended throughout the year.
Junior School Prize Giving
The annual Junior School Prize Giving is on Wednesday, 11 December. The presentation will run from 10am – 12pm (approximately) in the Junior School Gym. Junior School students can be collected in carline at 12:15pm to head home for the holidays.
Please note: This event is optional for Kindergarten and Year 1 students and their families to attend.
As we near the end of another fantastic year of sport at Cranbrook Junior School, it is inspiring to reflect on the growth our students have shown throughout the summer and winter seasons. From tennis to basketball, water polo to sailing, and everywhere in between, our students have consistently demonstrated perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship. Their dedication to improving their skills and supporting one another has been outstanding.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our parents for their unwavering support on the sidelines, to our teacher managers for their organisational efforts and to our coaches for their guidance and expertise. It is the collective effort of the Cranbrook community that enables our students to thrive and enjoy the many opportunities that sport provides.
As we wrap up the term, we look forward to rounding out the sporting year with the much-anticipated Swimming Carnival this Friday at the Senior School pool. It promises to be a day filled with energy, excitement and a celebration of our students’ achievements.
Thank you all for a wonderful year of sport and I look forward to seeing you at the pool on Friday!
James Roughan Head of Sport and PDHPE
Tennis
Wrapping up the season with a well-earned victory, Cranbrook’s Junior School A Tennis Team triumphed over Sydney Grammar with a final score of 38-30 in games. The matches reflected the team’s growth and dedication throughout the season, with exceptional performances by all students.
Cranbrook established an early lead in the doubles matches. Alex T and Blake H dominated their opponents with a commanding 6-1 win, while Shai L and Matthew Z narrowly missed victory in a tightly contested game, falling short by just one game. Inspired by the leadership of the Year 6 players, doubles pairs Jayden B and Ricky C, as well as Josh M and Hugo B, secured decisive wins with scores of 6-1 and 4-3, respectively.
In the singles matches, Cranbrook demonstrated resilience and skill. Alex T battled fiercely against a strong opponent, with multiple games going to deuce, ultimately finishing 1-4. Blake H showcased his season-long progress, using consistent groundstrokes and powerful serves to earn a decisive 4-1 victory.
Shai L and Matthew Z faced tough competitors in their singles matches. Despite a final score of 0-5, both players displayed remarkable determination and impressive skill, pushing their opponents to the limit in every rally. Jayden B, recognizing the significance of his match with the overall score tied, fought valiantly to contribute two crucial games to Cranbrook’s tally.
Ricky C stood out as a performer of the day, exemplifying tactical brilliance and consistency with precise serves and well-placed forehands to secure a 3-2 victory. With the match on the line, the final games fell to Josh M and Hugo B Under immense pressure and with both teams watching intently, the pair delivered, with Josh earning a 4-1 win and Hugo sealing the triumph with an emphatic 5-0 victory.
As the year ends, we bid farewell to our Year 6 players as they transition into Senior School. Their dedication, teamwork, and passion for tennis have left a legacy. We thank them for their contributions and wish them all the best in the exciting new opportunities ahead.
Ben Higgins Head of Tennis
Water Polo Cranbrook’s Junior Water Polo team ended their season on a high note with a decisive victory against Newington, extending their winning streak to five games. Throughout the week, the team focused on safely advancing the ball up the pool and improving counterattack decision-making, and their hard work paid off.
Luca M opened the scoring with an impressive long shot to give Cranbrook an early 1-0 lead in the first quarter. Luca added another goal in the second quarter, while Marcus K joined the scoresheet, making it 3-1 at halftime.
In the second half, Cranbrook took control, unleashing a flurry of goals to secure a resounding 15-1 win. Special mention goes to Louie B, the team’s goalkeeper, who limited Newington to just one goal despite numerous attempts. The team excelled at distributing the ball effectively and capitalising on counterattacks by drawing defenders out of position.
Overall, the students showcased outstanding progress this season. Their dedication in training has translated into remarkable performances on game days, with each match reaching new levels of excellence.
Gregory McFadden Head of Water Polo
Basketball
It was an impressive weekend for Cranbrook basketball, with strong performances across all teams.
The 5/6Bs set the tone with a commanding 42-24 win over Kings, showcasing a disciplined and fast-paced style of play. Henry C-S was a standout, displaying remarkable skill and athleticism, while Leo B contributed crucial points, including long-range shots.
The 5/6Cs continued the winning momentum, rounding out their season with a 41-18 victory. The team excelled in teamwork, with Austin M and Ziggy D anchoring the defence and Xavier M. dominating offensively with mid-range precision.
The 3/4As closed out their season with a gritty 36-23 win against Sydney Grammar. Despite the warm weather, Wills O delivered a standout performance under the rim, leading the team to a well-earned victory.
The 3/4Cs faced a tough Sydney Grammar side, ending their game in an exciting 8-8 draw. Despite narrowly missing several opportunities, the students demonstrated resilience and determination, grinding out a result to cap off their season with pride.
Stephen Whitehead Head of Basketball
Year 3 and 4 As
Year 3 and 4 Bs
Year 3 and 4 Cs
Year 3 and 4 Ds
Year 3 and 4 Whites
Year 5 and 6 Gs
Year 5 and 6 Hs
Cricket
It was a positive day for the Junior School cricket teams, with the majority securing convincing victories against Trinity. Despite the 6A team finishing the season with a loss, the day showcased some fantastic performances.
The Year 3B team provided one of the most exciting matches of the day, narrowly winning by 6 runs. Meanwhile, the Year 5 teams were in dominant form, with all three sides securing comfortable wins.
Overall, it was a great final weekend of cricket before the Christmas break. The students have demonstrated real skill development and, most importantly, a wonderful spirit of teamwork and support for one another.
Well done to everyone for a fantastic season so far and best wishes for the holidays!
Ben Staunton Head of Cricket
Year 4 As
Year 5 As
Year 5 Bs
Sailing
Saturday morning offered ideal conditions for sailing, with a warm day and a steady breeze. The students eagerly rigged their boats, helping one another as needed.
The Year 6 students took to the Pacers, with more students stepping up to skipper the larger boats in race scenarios. Meanwhile, the other students raced against Scots in Optis. It has been rewarding to see significant improvement in their sailing skills over the term, and we look forward to their continued growth.
Tom Brewer Head of Sailing
Multi-Sport
In the final session of the year, students played an advanced version of Defend the Wall (Hardes) to enhance their catching, drop punt skills, and spatial awareness. They applied strategies to achieve success while learning how roles and responsibilities influence performance.
To wrap up, the parents joined in for a thrilling showdown against the students in three games. The students emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, capping off a fantastic season. A big thank you to the parents and students for their enthusiasm and effort throughout the term!
Tommy Taylor PDHPE Teacher & Multi-Sport Coach
Y3 – Y6 Swimming Carnival Information
We look forward to seeing you all at the Swimming Carnival tomorrow, 29 November which promises to be a fun-filled celebration of swimming and House spirit.
Please see the Full program for information on the event here.
Yours in sport,
James Roughan Head of Sport and PDHPE
NBA Holiday Camps
Please find the flyer for upcoming December Holiday Camps here.
As we draw closer towards Christmas and reflect on the tremendous efforts of all our musicians who performed this year, it is important to reinforce the power of practice and ensemble commitment.
Instrumental lessons and ensemble participation are an essential part of developing the instrumental skills to play music with other people, providing a wonderful opportunity to perform in a safe environment with like-minded peers. In a world that has us attracted to the latest shiny toy, it is important that your child’s participation in Music ensembles is prioritised ahead of other external activities which your child may wish to take part in. Beyond the musical skills that are being developed, we would like to ensure that students are demonstrating a commitment to the music program of which they are an integral part.
Regarding your child’s instrumental lessons next year, I have no doubt that you may be starting to have a conversation with them about their instrumental lessons and plans for the year to come. Each year, enrolments rollover from the previous year unless a discontinuation form is completed by no later than Thursday, 5 December. This form is now available in Operoo. You may also be considering enrolling your child in the instrumental tuition group. Completing an enrolment form as soon as possible assistsus to manage rooms and staffing for the coming year. Please reach out to our Music Administrator @Sandra Trew, or your child’s instrumental tutor, or Head of Instrumental Dept., if you have any questions.
