Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers

I would like to thank you for your support of Meet the Mentor Day, which was a huge success for our students as they orientated themselves into the new school year. I would like to apologise for some technical issues with bookings that some parents may have experienced and I hope this did not detract from your positive experience of the day. Monday morning began with a welcome to Year 7 from the Headmaster and myself, before they moved to House meetings and other activities.

They have since undergone a very detailed orientation programme which I hope they have found useful. Both the Headmaster and I made the comment during our welcome that there is no greater transition than from junior school to a senior school environment. Part of our Year 7 Orientation programme is a brief history of the School, which was presented by Dr David Thomas, our longest serving staff member. This provides our youngest students with a huge sense of perspective and belonging.

Given this, they have done a fantastic job. We also welcomed our new boarding families to the School on Monday afternoon and I do hope they have settled in under the guidance of Mr Banes and Mr Gill.

In assembly yesterday we spoke about the values of the School, and I reinforced the message of the ‘honest scholar’, where genuine effort and submitting best work should be a priority to every student as we commence a new academic year. Theo Walsh, our Senior Prefect also energised the student body with a message of support for all areas in the School, especially the co-curricular offerings. He also spoke of the Cranbrook integrity motto which the Prefect body are eager to prioritise this year.

Today at lunchtime our sport and co-curricular staff ran Brook Day, where activities are promoted to the student body as they enlist new members for their groups for 2024. A special thanks to Ms Claire McCabe for facilitating this.

This Saturday sees our first Saturday sport for the year and I ask all students to make sure they have all the equipment and uniforms prepared over the next couple of days to ensure they represent themselves and the School over the weekend. Good luck to all students for their fixtures and activities.

Key events next week:

Monday 5 February – Year 7 Curriculum Parent Information Evening

Thursday 8 February – Year 11 Parents Welcome Evening followed by the CSPA Welcome Cocktail Evening.

Have a great week.

Best wishes,

Bob Meakin
Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School