Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers

I would like to thank so many parents who drop their sons off at school for using the school carline on the Senior School campus.  Aside from when there are busy events on at school, this has drastically reduced the congestion and improved the safety of our students. 

Related to this theme, Mr Condie (Head of Cutler House) addressed the School during Assembly about Walk to School Week.  This is something that Michael does from Edgecliff station every day and he spoke to us all about the wellbeing effects of doing so.  This concept is linked to our Green Travel Plan which is about reducing the carbon footprint of travel to and from school.  This basically involves those who can walk should do so. Those who are able to cycle to school should do so and use the bike racks provided.  Those who are able to catch public transport, bus or train or both, are encouraged to do so.  Finally, only those who absolutely have to drive to school should do so.  I realise that this is an incredibly difficult request of some families where convenience trumps everything, but could I please ask that you think about how your child arrives at school and ask yourself is this the best option for them and indeed for our carbon footprint.

I would like to congratulate our ISDA debaters for their success across the School.  For the first time in Cranbrook’s history, we have all teams from all age groups into the finals.  This is a tremendous achievement, and I would like to wish all the debaters the very best for the semi-final debates.

Also in Assembly yesterday, we were honoured by the presence of Grae Morris (Class of 2021).  Grae was accompanied by his father and gave a wonderful speech to the School.  He also honoured our Winter Sport Captains.  Grae was a tremendous sportsman at school and had a keen talent in windsurfing which he has specialised in since leaving school.  I am delighted to announce that Grae has been selected to represent Australia in windsurfing for the Paris Olympics later this year.  His speech spoke about failure and the ability to move past that in order to succeed.  He was grounded, personable and quite brilliant in his delivery and on behalf of everyone at Cranbrook, I would like to wish Grae the very best as he chases success in Paris.

I would like to thank all the mothers who attended our Mother’s Day Breakfast yesterday.  This was a wonderful community event and I know that the many photographs that were taken of mothers and sons will be cherished for years to come.

Tomorrow evening there are more community activities with Rugby at Easts Rugby Club, Football at Hensley Athletic Park, and AFL at Bat and Ball Oval.  I encourage the students to choose an event and support our senior teams, if at all possible.

Next Tuesday, we welcome new students including girls to the Year 11 2026 Twilight Open Evening in the Chapel from 5pm.  On Wednesday, we have our Jazz night in the Packer Theatre with our jazz musicians.

We have been alerted this afternoon that a student in Year 12 and another student in Year 8 have tested positive for Pertussis (Whooping Cough). The symptoms of whooping cough are a like a common cold in the early stages and then later develop to a persistent cough. To protect the vulnerable in our communities and to prevent on outbreak at the School, can you please keep your child at home if they are displaying these symptoms and take them to a doctor for testing. If you have any concerns, please contact the Health Centre.

We are hoping for as many outdoor fixtures over the weekend. Can I please ask parents to keep an eye on their emails for any cancellations or change of venue.

Have a wonderful week.

Bob Meakin
Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School