Message from Michele Marquet

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the first term. Before then though, we have some wonderful events to enjoy.

Easter Service
It was wonderful to hold the JS Easter Service yesterday. Our Chamber Choir and Voices did a superb job singing their hymns and anthems, expertly prepared by Mr Fox, Miss Chan and Mrs Holmes à Court. The Year 6 contributors, prepared by Mrs Harricks, spoke clearly and with suitable expression. We thank Mr Noble for his message and Mr Andrews for his thorough organisation for the service. It was a true joy for me to be able to join the Junior School for this service.

Grandparents’ Day
We very much look forward to welcoming our students’ grandparents to Grandparents’ Day next Wednesday, 3 April. Information about the day was sent via Operoo and can be found here. On Tuesday, 2 April, we will let our families know if parking on the field is going to be available, as this will be dependent on the weather. We encourage families to drop off rather than seek parking, if at all possible.

Y5 – Y6 da Vinci Day with Ascham
During our last week of term, on Wednesday 10 April, for the sixth time, we will welcome around 160 Year 5 and Year 6 Ascham students to our da Vinci day. Under the theme, ‘Utopia’, teams will compete in several discipline areas including: Ideation, Codebreaking, Mathematics, Creative Producers, Engineering, Art/Poetry, General Knowledge and English. This day is always a terrific opportunity for the young participants to strengthen their curiosity, foster problem-solving strategies and resilience, as well as utilise creative and collaborative skills, working together in teams.

As we approach the Easter long weekend, I would like to acknowledge the phenomenal effort and dedication shown by all our students, staff and families since the start of this term. The upcoming weekend is a thoroughly deserved opportunity for everyone to rest, recharge and spend some special time with loved ones.

Kind wishes,

Michele Marquet

iCentre News

Library Monitors

Recently, we warmly welcomed Jack Eagle, Matthew Arnold-Hall, Hugo Conley-Buhre, and Ashton Dickinson to their Library Monitor roles for 2024. Monitor positions across the curriculum are in addition to their Year 6 Leadership roles. Jack, Matthew, Hugo and Ashton have already been busy supporting the running of the library at lunchtimes, especially assisting younger students to read and log their Premier’s Reading Challenge books. We look forward to working with these students throughout the year as they wear their Library badges with pride and service.

Sydney Writers’ Festival

During Library sessions, we have been sharing with classes some of the children’s and YA highlights of the upcoming Sydney Writers’ Festival. The Family Program on Sunday, 26 May includes a range of free and ticketed talks, events and activities for 5–12-year-olds. Meeting and engaging with authors and illustrators in such an environment are a wonderful way to inspire reading, writing and creativity, which often has a lasting impact. Hopefully, we will see some of our families there.

Bowerbirds

In preparation for National Simultaneous Storytime next term, we have begun to create a bowerbird ‘nest’ in the iCentre Campfire. Years 1-3 have been encouraged to keep their eyes open for little blue found objects at home, in the playground, or when out and about, to contribute to our display. Do ask your sons about the sounds they heard in the Library recently.

NSW Premiers’ Reading Challenge

Students across the School have taken up this year’s challenge with absolute gusto. Please note that login details can be found in diaries as well as at the student PRC help desk in the Library. If you require any assistance to access at home, please email Mrs De Wit: edewit@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au

Best wishes,
Ms Light and Mrs de Wit

From the Deputies

Dear Families

A few key reminders:

P – Y6 end of Term 1 and start of Term 2 Information
Please note: Term 1 finishes on Friday, 12 April. Term 2 commences on Tuesday, 30 April for all P-6 students. Students may return to School in either their full summer or full winter uniform. By the start of Week 4, Term 2, full winter uniform is required for all students.

For Junior School students, the holidays are an excellent time for students to have a haircut and for families to check that their son has only his own uniform items and each item is named clearly. We remind parents that the boys’ hair length should not fall below their collar.

IMPORTANT: START OF WINTER SPORT SEASON
From now until the end of term, 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 has begun this week.

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

Silly Socks and Crazy Hair Day

Get ready to strut your wildest hairdos and don the silliest socks in your drawer for a good cause! We’re thrilled to invite all students to unleash their creativity on Friday, 5 April, with ‘Silly Socks and Crazy Hair Day’ at school. Come dressed in your zaniest non-Cranbrook socks and with your most outrageous hairstyles in exchange for a coin or note donation. Your generous contributions will directly support ongoing cancer research and prevention efforts, providing vital assistance to those affected by this challenging illness. Mark your calendars for a day of fun community spirit — all in the name of a worthy cause. We can’t wait to see the wild and wonderful styles you’ll bring to school!

From the Community Service Committee

Join Us for Walk to Cranbrook Thursdays!

This initiative aims to promote physical activity, increase independence, reduce traffic congestion around the school, and encourage alternative modes of transportation.

Here are some suggested ways for your son to get to school on Thursday:

1. Walk: Lace up those school shoes and enjoy a refreshing walk to school! (Maybe as a family or with a friend)
2. Take a bus: Use public transportation for a convenient and eco-friendly commute.
3. Take a ferry: If you live near the waterfront, consider taking advantage of the ferry services.
4. Ride a bike or scooter: We have bike racks available for secure storage outside the K-Y2 gate. 
5. Drop off at nearby locations and then walk: For those driving, consider dropping off your 3-6 student at one of the following locations:
   • Rose Bay Ferry (easy access with traffic lights for you and them)
   • Lyne Park Carpark

A reminder if you are driving, please try to carpool with other families where possible.

Safety is our top priority, so please remind your son of the following tips:

• Always use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially when walking or biking near roads.
• Helmets are a must for cyclists and scooter riders.
• Walk in groups or with a friend whenever possible.
• If walking alone, agree with your son their walking route and planned arrival time.

We encourage you to participate in this initiative and make Walk to Cranbrook Thursday a fun and healthy routine for our Cranbrook families. Together, we can create a safer and more active community.

Thank you for your support!

Pre-schools’ News – Week 9

Dear Families,

We are thrilled to share with you the exciting Easter festivities that took place at both St. Mark’s and St. Michael’s this week! It has been a joyous time filled with learning, fun and celebration.

Our students had a wonderful time embarking on their first excursion, where they visited the local church, St Mark’s/St Michael’s to gain insights into how various members of our community observe and commemorate Easter. It was a significant opportunity for them to understand what this holiday means to different individuals and families. They were also able to go on a tour to explore the church.

In addition to this outing, our outdoor educators organised a fantastic Easter-themed obstacle course and bunny sack races. The children had a blast participating in these activities, which not only promoted physical activity but also added to the festive spirit of the season.

Our students eagerly searched for hidden treasures and were overjoyed to discover plastic eggs waiting for them. It was a delightful way to end our Easter celebrations, and each child went home with a special treat to enjoy.

We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Easter together as a community and to create lasting memories for our students. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to many more joyful occasions ahead.

Week 10 Reminders:

Monday, 1 April – Easter Monday, Pre-school closed.

Tuesday, 2 April – St Michael’s 5 Day Group – Grandparents Morning 8:45am-9:30am

Wednesday, 3 April – St Mark’s and St Michael’s 3 Day Group – Grandparents Morning 8:45am-9:30am. Families are welcome to leave at 9:15am, if they need to attend Junior School’s Grandparents Morning.

Thursday, 4 April – St Michael’s 2 Day Group – Grandparents Morning 8:45am-9:30am

Kind regards,

Abigail McFarlane

Y3-Y6 2024 ICAS

Some Y3-Y6 families may be interested in their sons sitting ICAS assessments. These assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. ICAS papers are competitions, not standardised assessments. Please take the time to consider seriously your son’s suitability to participate in such challenging competitions. If you would like to learn more about ICAS, please follow this link.

Families can enrol their sons to sit for these competitions which will be held at an external venue. The closest venue for most families is Janison Exam Management Testing Centre which is located in Ultimo. This centre usually runs the assessments on Saturdays during mid to late August. Bookings should open shortly. To book into the external venue, please click on this link.

Calling all keen cricketers!

The Team at Pro Performance Cricket are excited to announce their upcoming Holiday Cricket Camps. They offer intensive individual and group skill development for players across all facets of the game. With an excellent coach to player ratio, and a focus on a positive and fun environment, it’s a perfect opportunity for the kids to enhance and develop their games while having heaps of fun, making new friends and taking their game to a new level.

Book the Holiday Cricket Camps here.

Co-Curricular Activity Selection

The Term 2, 2024 Co-Curricular Activity Selection will be going live before the end of term. Families will be notified by email prior to this happening.

Many thanks

Annabel Boyd
Co-Curricular Manager