Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers,

A warm welcome back to school. I’m sure I do not need to remind our Year 12 parents that this is their sons’ final full term of classes and assessments. There are many plans for them in place to celebrate their time at Cranbrook and we look forward to supporting them as they are challenged by demanding and, at times, emotional events.

Yesterday we enjoyed our Founders’ Day Service. This celebrates the origins of our school, its founders and their vision. We were joined by several members of School Council who also contributed to prayers and readings, which the students enjoyed. The beauty of this service is that it provides our students with a sense of context and belonging and allows students to realise how fortunate they are to attend and contribute to this fine school. I did speak of the courage that school leaders, teachers and families had shown in working in and attending a grand new school with a strong vision but no history, and encouraged our students to have a similar courage with their best efforts as they commence a new term.

We also enjoyed a series of presentations by students which are always well received. I would like to thank so many students who gave up their holidays for various activities and tours. We did acknowledge the success of our sailors in the Nationals, finishing second, our Rugby tour to Fiji, the tour to Arnhem Land and our Oxford Royale student workshops at Oxford University. These extra holiday activities often form the best memories of the school experience.

We also welcomed back Ms Hannah Bamford in Drama and the new Head of Perkins House. We welcomed some new staff members as well; Ms Rukevwe Bateren in Science, Ms Gracie Martin in Learning Support and Ingrid Kaupuzs and Emily Murray as Teaching Assistants.

Congratulations to Marcus Da Silva and Noah Kemp for their record breaking swims in the Sydney Metro Swimming. Between them, they hold five records as the fastest swimmers in the Sydney area in history. We wish Tate Suriyani, Noah Kemp and Ms Rebecca Wheatley (Head Coach) as they compete for NSW at the National Schools Championship from this Saturday.

Finally, we have a very busy but exciting term ahead; especially for our Year 12 students.

Have a great week.

Best wishes,

Bob Meakin
Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School