Yesterday, the Community Service Committee held a fruit ice block fundraiser at recess and lunch. 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. We are currently tallying the donations and will announce the total amount raised for the Türkiye & Syria Earthquake Fundraiser next week.
I am delighted to report on the successful summer sporting season of our talented young athletes. Across water polo, basketball, cricket, tennis and multisport, our boys have demonstrated excellent skills and performances. Although, like any sporting season, it had its ups and downs, it provided opportunities for the boys to build comradery, resilience and demonstrate sportsmanship. As we approach the winter season, we will build on the successes and learnings of the summer season. I am excited to see our young athletes continue to develop their abilities and represent our school with pride.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the dedication and commitment of our young athletes, who have shown up to training and games with enthusiasm and determination, putting in countless hours of hard work to improve their skills and performances. It is evident that their efforts have paid off.
Yours in sports,
James Roughan
Basketball
Basketball Year 5/6 A’s – Cranbrook 22 Drew with Trinity 22
Cranbrook A’s and Trinity played out an enthralling 22-22 draw on the weekend. Both sides were evenly matched, and the game remained closely contested throughout. Rahul W was a standout performer for Cranbrook A’s, showing his dominance on defence with several crucial stops and turnovers. Van G, the Cranbrook A’s captain, also played a strong game and led the team well, displaying great composure and leadership throughout. In the end, both teams were deserving of a share of the points in what was an exciting and competitive match.
Basketball Year 5/6 B’s – Cranbrook 39 Defeated Trinity 18
Cranbrook B’s secured an impressive win over Trinity in a thrilling encounter. Harry R was once again the standout performer for Cranbrook B’s, contributing 17 points and dominating the game. Eamon R, Sam S, and Edward N also put in excellent performances, displaying their skills and abilities on both ends of the court. In addition, the team would like to thank Charlie R for his unwavering support at games throughout the term, despite being sidelined with an injury. Overall, it was a fantastic team effort from Cranbrook B’s, and they will be delighted with their well-deserved victory.
Basketball Year 5/6 C’s – Cranbrook 17 Defeated by Trinity 21
In a hard-fought battle, the Cranbrook 5/6 C’s fell short against a strong Trinity side, losing 17-21. While Costa V and Heath C-G combined for all 17 of Cranbrook’s points, with 10 and 7 points respectively, the team struggled to break through Trinity’s high-pressure defence. In the future, to overcome this pressure, the boys need to move around off-ball and utilize the full space of the court. Despite the early struggles, the Cranbrook boys never gave up and fought back in the final five minutes of the game. Their resilience and determination almost paid off, as they came within reach of victory. Although they ultimately fell short, the boys should be commended for their effort and leaving everything on the court in their final game of the season.
Basketball Year 5/6 D’s – Cranbrook 36 Defeated Trinity 28
The Cranbrook 5/6 D’s ended their season on a high note with a 36-28 win against Trinity. Rhidian S led the team with an impressive 12 points, while S. Taylor contributed 10 points to the scoreboard. Michael M made some crucial rebounds that proved to be game-changing, while having 8 points of his own. Despite a significant deficit in the first half, Cranbrook fought back with a determination to maintain their unbeaten record. The team’s resilience and persistence paid off in the end, securing them the victory. It was a fitting end to a successful season for the Cranbrook 5/6 D’s.
Basketball Year 5/6 E’s – Cranbrook 25 Defeated Trinity 12
The E’s had a great game on the weekend, coming out strong in the opening minutes of the game, scoring 4 quick buckets to give us the early lead. Trinity played aggressively on both ends of the court, pressing us on defence, and finding great space on the offensive end, leading to them coming back to match our score at the half’s conclusion. However, despite this effort from the strong Trinity side, the Cranbrook boys fought hard and began splitting up Trinity’s well-coached defensive structure. Everyone got to their spots, and everyone contributed equally to the scoreboard. This collective effort ultimately allowed the boys to pull away in the second half.
Basketball Year 5/6 Fs – Cranbrook 24 defeated Trinity 11
The Fs set the tone well coming into this game. After one of the most switched-on warm-ups I’ve observed from this side, it was clear the boys wanted to do the very best they could to win this game. From the tip-off, both Tesak C and Will T proved to be too dominant on the rebounding front, grabbing all the boards and being completely unselfish by creating shot opportunities for the remainder of the team. The rest of the team communicated excellently while bringing the ball up the court and taking shots around the perimeter, leading to superb shot opportunities and selection. The defensive structure we displayed was also phenomenal, allowing us to restrict Trinity’s scoring capabilities. The final score ended up being 11-24.
Basketball Year 5/6 Gs – Cranbrook Defeated by Trinity
The boys started the game aggressively, and Carter M and Ryan M made early baskets for Brook. However, the game got rough, and the boys had to face some adversity. Despite this, the Gs showed resilience in their performance.
Basketball Year 5/6 Hs – Cranbrook 13 Defeated by Trinity 45
The boys were excited to finish off the season with a fun and energetic game. Bobby A and Lachy C played well on offense, led by Felix S’s impeccable defence. Although the game got away from the boys early on, they sustained their effort and energy throughout the game.
Basketball Year 3/4 As – Cranbrook Defeated by Scots
The Cranbrook A’s had their hardest game of the season when they lost to Scots. Although they battled against a massive Scots team, they still managed to score double-digit points by the end of the game. Hugo L made a deep shot that gave the team a boost, and Minato Y’s effort on the defensive end despite his injuries was commendable.
Basketball Year 3/4 Bs – Cranbrook Defeated by Scots
Unfortunately, the Bs missed having Teddy B in the game as they faced a Scots team with many rapid guards. Aarav S hustled throughout the game, and Wolf T quickly matched the physicality of the Scots team by drawing fouls and scoring baskets.
Basketball Year 3/4 Cs – Cranbrook Defeated by Scots
The Cranbrook Cs continued their improvement with a close loss against Scots. Leo R’s energy on the defensive side was crucial as the Cs found themselves trailing early. Robert Z’s quick baskets helped the team climb back into the match and remain competitive.
Basketball Year 3/4 Ds – Cranbrook Defeated by Scots
The Cranbrook Ds finally met their match and lost to a big Scots team. Liam S and Aidan P kept the game close by scoring baskets between them. Despite being mismatched against the giant Scots centre, Charlie H tried hard in the key. The team had a great season.
Basketball Year 3/4 White – Cranbrook Defeated by Scots 0-16
The boys from White 1 had a tough season, playing against more developed and well-drilled teams. In their final game, they played against a talented Scots attack, but they showed great defence, making numerous big plays. Hamish F made life hard for the Scots players and didn’t allow any transition baskets. Although Wren L created a few opportunities in the open court, he was unable to capitalize on them. Blake S played through injury and persisted in his defensive assignments. The team struggled with rebounding, and their lack of it led to their loss. Nevertheless, the boys didn’t stop trying, and their effort and spurts of good basketball were commendable. They have room for improvement in the next season.
Basketball Year 3/4 White 2 – Cranbrook Defeated by Scots 9-12
White 2 came into their final fixture of the term on a hot streak, having won their last 4 games convincingly and seeking retribution for their lone loss of the season, which came all the way back in week 1 against a Scots squad that was both skilful and disciplined. The boys warmed up well, and this was reflected in their start, as Eason H and Archie S locked up the Scots’ attack. Eventually, our lack of rebounding came back to bite us as Scots had numerous second-chance opportunities, which they began to convert. Weaker teams would have given up at this point, but White 2 showed all the traits that made them an excellent team, performing resiliently and clawing their way back into the game, with their leader Alfie LB and a breakout game from Alex P bringing the score within 3. Unfortunately, the boys were unable to fully overturn the deficit, ending up going down 12-9. White 2 was an excellent team, and I look forward to hopefully being able to coach them again in term 4.
Basketball Year 3/4 Blue 1 – Cranbrook Defeated Coogee 18-8
3/4 Blue 1 had an amazing victory over Coogee B, winning 18-8 and completing the undefeated season. The teamwork displayed within this group was remarkable, passing the ball to everyone on the floor before scoring on multiple occasions. The team furthered their bonding by sharing cupcakes at the end of their win to commemorate the victory together, making it a wonderful way to end the season. Good work, team 3/4 Blue 1.
Basketball Year 3/4 Blue 2 – Cranbrook Defeated by Scots 11-16
Blue 2 knew they had their work cut out for them, playing away from home in the sweltering heat and coming up against a strong Scots outfit. Cranbrook started fast, with Marcus S scoring a crucial basket to open Blue 2’s account for the day. Scots then responded with a flurry of baskets, putting Cranbrook on the back foot and forcing turnovers. Ted W continued his progression as a ball-handler, while Marcus C was a defensive enforcer. Scots kicked out to a significant lead as the Cranbrook boys were unable to get back on defence due to the heat. Harrison H and Charlie W then found the spark and put a few quick baskets on to make a game of it. Unfortunately, it was too little too late for Blue 2, wrapping up a tremendous season with a valiant loss. The boys should continue to play basketball in the offseason, as they have built a strong foundation and their effort and moments of high quality basketball were commendable. They have room for improvement in the next season.
Cricket
Year 6A Cricket – Cranbrook 103 defeated by Grammar Edgecliff 107
Last game of the season ended in a tight loss to Grammar at Dangar.
Cranbrook lost the toss and batted, posting 7/103 from their 20 overs. Standout performers with the bat were George A 26*(30), Jasper L 19*(22) and Arthur D 13(16).
In the field, Emile G, Arthur D and Charlie R started extremely well with the ball, restricting Grammar to just 8 runs from the first 4 overs.
Unfortunately for Cranbrook, wickets were hard to come by and the Grammar batsmen settled into a rhythm.
Emmanuel H (2 overs, 1 maiden, 1/11) got a wicket through a great catch from Arthur D. Jasper L (2 overs, 1/26) also managed to break a partnership with a lovely, flighted ball that deceived the batsman who George A neatly stumped. In the end, it was some strong hitting from their number 4 batsman (who hit 33 from 20 balls) that put Cranbrook to the sword and grammar secured the win with 3 overs to go.
Overall a great season from Cranbrook with much improvement from all the boys.
Year 6B Cricket – Cranbrook 82 defeated Grammar Edgecliff 60
The 6B’s had a good win on the weekend, beating Sydney Grammar by 24 runs. Batting first Steven steered us to a solid total of 84, hitting 6 boundaries. Jackson P and Luca C then combined for some incredible running to finish off the innings in style. In the bowling innings, Owen C started us off well, with his pace bowling having the Grammar batsmen in all sorts. Teddy and Raff then cleaned up the tail to leave Grammar 24 runs short.
Year 5A Cricket – Cranbrook 124 defeated Grammar Edgecliff 38
For the last game of the season, Cranbrook took on Grammar, having defeated them previously earlier in the year. Very dewy and wet underfoot, it was a tough loss to lose and Grammar elected to field. However, Cranbrook batted very well, with standout performances from Otto Y, Oscar R and Jack. With the ball, Xavier M and Hughie W led well and managed to secure a famous victory to close out the 2022/23 season. Well done boys.
Year 5B Cricket – Cranbrook 87 defeated by Trinity 91
The 5B’s travelled to Strathfield to take on a very formidable trinity side. With the bay Henry C was crunching the ball left right and centre to begin the innings before the dynamic duo of the George F and Oliver F brothers (aka the Bash Bros) finished the innings in style. With the ball it was a nail biter going all the way to the wire with run outs, catches and brilliant bowling on the stumps by George Y and Oliver F. Unfortunately, they went down narrowly but it was a terrific effort and a very enjoyable season, I wish them all the best.
Year 4A Cricket – Cranbrook 137 defeated Grammar Edgecliff 60
The 4As had another amazing win on Saturday defeating Grammar at Dangar Oval. Batting first Will W put on a clinic with the boys scoring 137-5 off our 16 overs. In reply we managed to keep Grammar to just 60, taking 10 wickets largely thanks to some brilliant bowling from the spinners. Well done boys.
Year 4Red Cricket –Cranbrook defeated by Newington
In Year 4Red Cricket, Cranbrook was defeated by Newington. The team was missing Julian D, but the boys still put in a great effort. They chose to bowl first and Oli D and Freddie F bowled a high-quality spell, picking up two wickets. Christian K and Hadley S also bowled well, with Hadley taking three wickets. Xander R, Lucas S, and Jerry W also performed at a high level. The team then batted, with Lucas S and Xander R opening and not losing a wicket. Jerry W and Hadley S scored 30 runs in their partnership, as did Oli D and Christian K. Freddie F faced only 9 balls, scoring 28 runs with 4 consecutive fours. The team won emphatically.
Year 4Blue Cricket – Cranbrook defeated by Newington
In Year 4Blue Cricket, Cranbrook was defeated by Newington in the last game of the season. The boys knew Newington would be tough competition. They chose to bowl first and Hugo C and Xander R opened the bowling well. Jonothan K took a wicket in his first over, and Hugo C had another run out. Leo M took 2 wickets. The team was chasing a high total of 105 and Jack L and Lucas S opened the batting. Leo M and Jonothan K had a great partnership, with Jonothan hitting 3 consecutive fours and Leo hitting consecutive fours shortly after. Freddie H and Xander R also batted well together. In the end, the team didn’t have enough runs to win, but their improvement and attitude throughout the season were commendable.
Year 3A Master Blasters – Cranbrook 57 Grammar S I 123
It was a very hot morning at Sydney Grammar School St Ives Preparatory School for Cranbrook’s mighty 3A’s to take on a talented Grammar side. The boys were in high spirits as Captain Jack won the bat flip and decided to bat first. There were some impressive boundary-hitting from Liam E, Eric L-F, and Lachie E who were the main contributors to our total of 57 runs. Our only issue came from the ten wickets we lost in the process. It was then our turn to bowl, with Captain Jack P bowling beautifully with numerous dots, tying down the Grammar opening batters. Our bowling then turned into the Harry P show with his amazing four wickets in two overs while also being on a hat-trick in his second over. Harry’s bowling acted as our silver lining as the Grammar batters were brutal in attack, hitting several boundaries with some very impressive shots. Grammar ended up winning the game 123/4 to 57/10. On paper, this seems like a tough loss, but compared to the first round when we played against this team, the result this time was much closer. The boys can hold their heads high as they displayed a high level of skill and a massive amount of improvement throughout the season.
Year 3B Master Blasters – Cranbrook 77 defeated Grammar S I 62
The team trekked to Sydney Grammar School St Ives early in the morning to face the team that beat us convincingly in round one. Captain Kai J led the team as he chose to bowl first, with Sam Y setting the tone early with a brilliant wicket maiden. Cranbrook then dominated the middle overs, Nathan S and Will S doing the damage with a wicket apiece, along with Paulie L’s tireless efforts in the field, preventing any boundaries from Grammar. A special mention to Magnus M, who has worked hard on his bowling each week and finally grabbed his first-ever in-game wicket on the weekend, an excellent reward for his hard work. Cranbrook then had to bat, chasing down a mild 47 runs posted by Grammar. Highlights came from Captain Kai hitting a beautiful boundary through the offside, along with Luca S and Oliver B’s fast running between the wickets, getting us home by 10 runs. Counting the wickets we took, the game ended in a 15-run victory for Cranbrook, showcasing the boys’ improvement and beating the team we lost to in round one, finishing the season on a high. It has been an honour coaching these boys for these first few rounds, and all of them should be proud of the progress they have all made in becoming very skillful cricketers.
Year 3C Master Blasters – Cranbrook 86 defeated by Grammar S I 92
The 3C’s went down in a tight loss to Sydney Grammar after winning the toss and electing to bat on a hot and sunny Saturday morning at St Ives. Becket C started with a bang, hitting a six on the second ball and top-scoring with 16. The boys finished 6/86. We bowled well and fielded well with Becket and Immanol P getting run-outs and Harry M getting a wicket. Unfortunately, Grammar got us by 6 runs in what was a tight finish. The boys showed much improvement over the term, and I hope to see them back playing cricket in term 4.
Multi-Sports
Yanni A had a brilliant season in Multi-sports in Term1. His confidence and ball skills were evident in the last sessions of the season. He along with Emilio I, Benjamin J, Jack F and Christopher H were standouts in the final cricket match at Dangar. Congratulations to all boys for their effort and enthusiasm during the term.
Tennis
Tennis As
Miles M, Niko D, and Ashton D played very well, despite two of them losing their singles matches. Niko D and Miles M did well to watch their teammates’ matches and say “good shot” even to the opponents when they lost a point. Jansen J also stepped in to play a third friendly doubles match with Miles so that he could play doubles as Alexander wasn’t there.
Tennis Cs
As the junior coach of Cranbrook Junior School’s C Tennis Team, I am reporting on the fantastic final match of the Winter season that took place on the 18th of March 2023 against Grammar Junior School. Cranbrook had prepared for the match during the week, focusing on volleys and net play, and the students highlighted their hard work on the court today.
The match started with close games in the doubles, with standout performances from Matthew Z and James B. Against all adversity that comes from playing against Year 6 students, which comprised the Grammar Team, they pulled out a victory 5-2. Consistently returning every shot that was lobbed their way and seizing volleys at the net, Matthew Z and James B had a remarkable performance.
George Y and Hunter P also showcased their coordination and teamwork in the doubles, setting each other up for winners, however, went down closely 2-5.
Despite the excellent performance from the opposition, Cranbrook remained composed, resilient, and competitive throughout the day and carried that attitude into the singles. George Y’s exceptional forehands put his opponent on the ropes with a tied game 2-2 but went down in the final game with some amazing rallies. Joshua demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and courage stepping up to play in the team and giving an amazing singles match. His serves had wonderful consistency, as well as his groundstrokes, causing a close game 2-3.
Water Polo
On Saturday, the 18th of March, Cranbrook Year 5/6 Water polo team played against Barker away for their last game for this half of the year. The boys arrived in high spirits after a very successful campaign so far. Barker, being at home, came out strong as the Cranbrook boys got used to the different playing conditions. After a dominant start from Barker, Cranbrook slowly began to use their teamwork to slow down the opposition scoring and got themselves on the score sheet before the end of the first quarter. Coming in behind at the halfway point, the boys listened carefully to their coaches and dug deep to display a competitive performance in a tightly contested third quarter, with both teams scoring one goal each. At the final whistle, it ended 11-3 to Barker; a tough loss in an otherwise perfect first half to the season.
IMPORTANT: START OF WINTER SPORT
Tomorrow, 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 next week, starting Monday, 27 March.
35 Lunchtime Concert Performances
During Monday lunchtimes in March, we have continued to hold lunchtime concerts in the Music Room.
35 students have taken up the opportunity to perform in this supportive space and the concerts have been well attended by parents, teachers and peers. We now look forward to another 25 performing on Thursday night in our first Soiree of the year.
Photos of boys who performed in the Lunchtime Concerts this term can be seen below.
Jane Holmes à Court and Peter Fox
Families should have received, via email, the Term 2 co-curricular enrolment form yesterday (Wednesday, 22 March). If you have not received it, please check your junk email folder.
All optional Co-Curricular activities will run as normal until the end of the term.
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.
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.
Dear Parents,
Easter Service – Change of Time and Venue
From later next week, some major works will commence in the Junior School Gymnasium. This means we will have limited access to the Gym during the last week of this term. Because of this, we have moved the JS Easter Service to the Senior School’s beautiful Vicars Centenary Building. On Wednesday, 5 April, our K-Y6 students should be dropped off at the Junior School by 8:10am, as usual. We will then bus the Junior School boys to the Senior School campus (and back at the conclusion of the service).
The K-Y6 Easter Service will be held at 9am on Wednesday, 5 April at the Senior School (Vicars Centenary Building). Parents are very welcome to join us.
IMPORTANT: START OF WINTER SPORT SEASON
Tomorrow, 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 NEXT week, starting Monday, 27 March.
Grandparents’ Day – Wednesday, 29 March
We look forward to welcoming our students’ grandparents to Grandparents’ Day next Wednesday, 29 March.
Information about the day was sent out a few weeks ago and can be found in your son’s Year Level tab on Cranbrook Connect.
Brief Timetable:
Unfortunately, there is no parking on our site, so grandparents may need to be dropped off and picked up. Grandparents with high mobility concerns are invited to contact Junior School Reception (9327 9100) for advice on alternative options for parking.
Kind wishes,
Michele Marquet
The selling of items at school by students to other students
This term, we have had several incidents where Junior School boys have been trying to sell a variety of items (drinks, food, toys plus other small things) to other students at School for cash.
This is not in line with our School’s policies. Generally, unless organised by the School as part of a charity fundraiser, the selling of any item by students to students is against school rules, both on our School property or outside the School when in school uniform.
We ask our parents for their support with this matter, both by helping their sons to understand they must not try to sell items in this way at school and also that they must not bring money to School to purchase such items from others. Thank you.
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:
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 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.
The Child RADAR survey took place this week and was organised by our Director of Educational Psychology, Campbell Jensen-Robilliard. A second survey, which is part of a Macquarie University study on the problematic usage of screens by young children and ways we can effectively intervene, will be conducted in class next week.
This weekend sees longstanding staff member, Mr Josh Cohen, marry his partner, Lisa. We wish Josh and Lisa a wonderful day and many years of happy married life together.