Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you to all Year 12 parents who engaged in the parent and teacher night; I hope the feedback from teachers was extremely useful. Our Year 12s appear to be travelling extremely well, as they continue to lead the positive culture of the School.

Tomorrow marks International Women’s Day and students will be issued a purple ribbon on arrival; female staff will be celebrated in their respective House meetings in their mentor time, and at a breakfast for all staff.

I would like to commend our senior dramatists in preparing the production of Cloud Street, which opens on Wednesday 20 March. Much of this work involves extensive hours and intense preparation. I would like to thank all students involved; both cast and stage crew.

Last Friday night saw a tremendous final home game for Basketball, where our 1sts narrowly defeated Waverley, in part thanks to the very loud and enthusiastic support of our players from our students in the stands. This week sees the final week of summer sport, where most teams will play Barker; I wish every student well as they conclude what has been a very successful summer season.

Recently, I encouraged the boys to continue to focus on their learning and their academic efforts and also to enjoy their co-curricular engagement. I also reminded them of kind and respectful interactions with one another, especially online.

A reminder to parents that if any student ever wants to reach out and discuss any issues with me including any concerns they have whilst outside of the School, I encourage them to drop by for a chat as my door is always open. I understand some parents have expressed interest in reading the Q&A supplied to the ABC, please click here to view.

A reminder that next Thursday is the CAS Swimming Championship at SOPAC; attendance is compulsory for students in Years 8, 10, 11 and Prefects. We look forward to a successful evening in the pool.

Health Centre update: We have been notified by NSW Public Health that a Year 7 Cranbrook student has been diagnosed with Whooping Cough (Pertussis) which is spread when the infectious person coughs bacteria in the air that can be inhaled by people nearby. Please monitor your sons for early signs of Whooping Cough which are common cold like symptoms such as blocked or runny nose, fatigue, mild fever and cough. If these symptoms occur, please keep your son at home and seek advice from your local GP. As Whooping Cough can lead to severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing that can be dangerous for at risk persons and babies, it is very important to contain the spread, so we thank you in advance for not sending your son to school if he is symptomatic.

Whopping Cough vaccine immunity wanes over time so speak to your GP if members in your household would benefit from a booster dose. Vaccination is free for babies at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, and then boosted at 4 years and 12 years of age. It is important that pregnant women receive a booster dose in their last trimester and consider a booster dose for the elderly and carers of young children.

Please advise the school if your son does test positive to Whooping Cough so Public Health and the school community can stay informed. Thank you for your understanding.

Best wishes for an enjoyable week.

Bob Meakin
Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School