Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers

On Monday evening, we welcomed back Old Cranbrookian Joshua Yeldham to unveil his beautiful artwork which has been generously purchased by the graduating Class of 2023. Joshua spoke about his time at Cranbrook but also about his journey as an artist and the many lessons that he has learned through his work. The painting is entitled Owl of the Blue Waterhole, and with its striking colours it will sit beautifully in our Year 12 College.  Joshua has been a finalist in numerous prestigious awards, including the Wynne Prize (2009, 2011-2014, 2017-2019), Archibald Prize (2013) and the Sulman Prize (1998, 2006). His work will feature in the National Gallery of Victoria’s Triennial, together with international artists such as Yoko Ono, Tracy Emin, David Shirley, Azuma Makoto, and Hugh Hayden. His work is highly collectable and held within many major significant art collections across Australia and internationally. A special thanks to our Year 12 CSPA reps; Michaela Boland, Shanon Folden and Skye Bouvier for their efforts in arranging this wonderful evening.

Yesterday lunchtime saw the return of the Pitt Dash to the Senior School campus. This is an inter-House race, originally created by, and named after, Martin Pitt, former Deputy Headmaster of the School. The race around the campus incorporates many steps and small footpaths. Congratulations to the winning House, Cutler, with Henry Roberts (Junior runner) and Huon Groves (Senior runner) winning the race. This is an endurance run which was made more challenging by a very hot and humid day yesterday. Well done to all who competed.

Congratulations to our Year 7 students who completed their CITF last week. There is no doubt that this is a challenge for many students but their engagement and behaviour on camp was outstanding. I would also like to thank them (and their parents) for honouring their sporting commitments the following morning after such a demanding week.

Year 10 will depart for CITF next Thursday and we wish them well with their preparations for the most challenging but most rewarding programme that we offer.

Yesterday in assembly, I reminded students that there are still three solid weeks of work remaining. Our Term 4 is longer than that of many independent schools which is deliberate to ensure that Term 4 is not simply a wind down to the holidays, but a quarter of a year’s work. We are committed to ensuring that these last few weeks retain the rigour and as much as focus as the first term of the year.

Our new Year 12s are still completing assessment tasks that count towards their final grades and I urge them to work hard on these and submit their best work possible.

This Saturday sees a much slimmer sporting programme; with just rowing and cricket taking place. I wish all our sportsmen well for the weekend.

Wishing you all a great week.

Bob Meakin
Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School