Student Voice: John Coleman (2022)

John is enjoying contributing to the many positive changes Cranbrook is making.

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This year has so far been dynamic and fantastic. Though it has been trying at certain times with COVID and harsh weather, it has been an incredible start. Sport has returned in phenomenal fashion, with the return of crowds and the 1st cricketers bringing home yet another premiership. Then there was the unveiling of the Murray Rose Aquatic and Fitness Centre, which is honestly the best sports facility I have ever seen.

Every time I enter it I am still shocked by the professional level of its capacity and construction, with
a weights room which entices every boy in the school to push himself. The new pool was christened with a 1st water polo match, and a huge crowd filling the stands. It was an awesome night for the whole Cranbrook community, topped off by victory over Waverley College.

At the start of this year we launched new prefect initiatives based on pillars of community, respect and integrity. Under these principles, we as the older students have made it our imperative goal to create
real, effective cultural change in the area of respect for women and all people. This has been concretised in student-led action from Years 12 and 11, in both our words and behaviours around the younger boys.

Though we can still always improve, Cranbrook is definitely going in a positive direction, making respect a fundamental element of our entire school community. As a student, I can earnestly state that Old Cranbrookians have a profound impact and presence on our school. Whether it be hearing about past Old Boys’ rugby glory or stories, or the photos of past year groups decorating the walls of the Year 12 College, your encouraging legacy and influence still fills the school today.

Old Boys are an integral part of our Cranbrook community. Your memories, knowledge, stories, successes and advice are the foundation of what makes our school so great.