Dr Anne Johnstone, Head of School
As Term 3 draws to a close, it has been a joy to reflect on what has been a truly exhilarating and memorable first term serving as the ninth Head of School here at Cranbrook.
From my very first days I have been deeply inspired by the warmth of connection and rapport within our community between students and staff as well as families and Old Cranbrookians. Above all what has been most apparent is the way our motto Esse Quam Videri is expressed in a meaningful way every day. This has been evident through a culture of authenticity, integrity and a tremendous sense of belonging and celebrating each other’s strengths, being inclusive, supporting individuality within community and encouraging each other to be the best we can be.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the whole community for welcoming my family and me so generously. I have valued the opportunity to greet many of you on the gates in the mornings and to participate in a vast array of community events including the wonderful CSPA Meet the Head event.
Thank you to our staff for the collegiality, passion and professionalism they bring to work each day. The Appreciative Inquiry we held about how to take Cranbrook from strength to strength as a thriving community and subsequent staff workshops have highlighted the level of expertise and dedication our staff have to optimising learning and wellbeing in our community.
This term has also given me countless opportunities to witness the breadth of talent, energy, and creativity of our students. Whether through their robust intellectual engagement in the classroom, artistry on stage, grit on the sports field, or generous participation in service, I have seen our Values of Creativity, Excellence and Community come vividly to life. From the Pitt Dash to the multifaceted showcase of skills and gifts at Brook’s Got Talent, to being moved by the wonderful student-led House Chapel services. I have been inspired by the talent, grace and genuine camaraderie of our students. The student-directed ‘Spotlight’ series was another highlight, showcasing remarkable theatrical skills and originality from our students along with leadership serving as directors. These accomplishments also reveal the strength of character of our students and the vibrant spirit of this School.
Yesterday’s student-led assembly served as a festive event showcasing the spirit and good humour of our students and featured an engaging and entertaining prefect video that offered some insights into what it means to be a Cranbrookian. These included immersing oneself in the fullness of a Cranbrook education, leaning into opportunities and recognising the importance of endurance and persistence in the pursuit of excellence along with friendship and camaraderie.
I am grateful too to our boarders and their families. Joining boarders for special dinners, breakfasts and morning teas has been a meaningful way to come to know our boarding community and hear directly from boarders and parents about their experiences. Thinking of the eclectic Boarders Review still makes me smile and these occasions have served to reinforce the unique sense of family that boarding brings to our School.
I have been tremendously encouraged by the shared efforts of the student and staff team to prepare to open our gates to girls next year as we commence a new era of coeducation. It has been wonderful to meet many incoming girls and their families at a range of interactive events.
As we reach the final week of Term 3, I would like to offer my warmest commendation to our treasured Year 12 students – the unforgettable Class of 2025! Though I have only shared one term of their Cranbrook journey, I have enjoyed every day of getting to know them.
I am so immensely grateful to our outstanding Senior Prefects Huon Groves – Head Prefect, Matthew Downes – Second Head Prefect, Felix Malcolm – Academic Excellence Prefect, Noah Teitler – Co-Curricular Prefect and Sam Collison – Community Prefect, together with all of our Year 12 students, have contributed so much to making Cranbrook the remarkable place it is today. On behalf of all of us, students, staff, and the community, I want to thank them for their exemplary leadership. Each and every Year 12 student leaves an enduring and valued legacy.
In only a term there have been many highlights with the Year 12 cohort. From the conversations outside my office as a ‘neighbour’ to the Year 12 College, to the HSC and IB Showcases, TAS and Visual Arts Exhibitions and the Spring Festival they have truly inspired me. They have truly inspired us not only with their talent, skill and scholarship, but also with their kindness and commitment to one another.
From ‘hanging up their boots for a worthy cause’ to the final student-led assembly, leavers Chapel Service, to the last CAS Athletics tunnel – they conducted themselves with dignity and honour as they completed their schooling. They remain in our thoughts and prayers as they prepare for their upcoming HSC and IB examinations. May the weeks ahead bring clarity, calm, and confidence, and may they carry with them the knowledge that they have the full support of their teachers, families, and community.
For all our Cranbrook students, the holiday period ahead is an important opportunity for recreation, rejuvenation and reconnection with family and friends and prepare for the final term of the academic year.
I wish you a safe, restful, and joyous holiday, and I look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.
God bless and warmest wishes,
Dr Anne Johnstone
Head of School
