Dr Anne Johnstone, Head of School
Term 3 is off to a flying start! Across our campuses, I have witnessed a myriad of events and inspirational student endeavours which highlight the talent, versatility and spirit of our boys. From high levels of intellectual engagement, creativity and commitment in the classroom to athletic courage on the sports field, to thespian artistry on stage. I have also deeply valued the opportunity to immerse myself in the Cranbrook community, while connecting with our wonderful parents and esteemed Alumni.
What has struck me during my early weeks as Head of School is our Cranbrook Community’s quest for ‘Excellence’ – a Value that truly defines our School. Our students inspire one another to be the best they can be, work together in cheering each other on, uphold each other in times of challenge, and encourage each other to flourish – all the while supported by our extensive Cranbrook Community. Speaking of a commitment to excellence, our Year 12 boys have been focused and composed while undertaking their HSC Trials and IB Mocks, and we are so proud of their efforts and progress through this important milestone.
Most recently, from the sporting sidelines, I have witnessed the indomitable determination of our students. Our Rugby and Football teams have shown a powerful combination of skill and grit, individual striving and collective determination come rain or shine. Meanwhile, at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Brisbane, our extraordinary athletes achieved both new School and National Records. Congratulations to our sports teams on their remarkable achievements.
Back on home turf, I was delighted to support Cranbrook’s annual Pitt Dash – a spirited ‘cross-campus’ running race honouring Old Cranbrookian and staff member, Martin Pitt. The enthusiasm and determination of each participant and their respective supporters was palpable, with cheers echoing around the campus – and beyond – as Culter House raced to victory!
On stage, we witnessed the stellar directing and theatrical skills of Year 11 students at the recent ‘Spotlight’ series of outstanding performances which took audience members on a kaleidoscopic journey engaging with a range of topics from searing social commentary to stories of personal journey, growth and revelation to absurdist, slapstick comedy.
We have also been embracing Languages Week, a vibrant exploration of cultural diversity and international expression and perspectives, while our kindergarteners have been celebrating their first 100 days of learning. Moreover, our Student Leadership Team hosted Brook’s Got Talent, a vibrant showcase of our students’ extensive abilities and sense of fun. It was such a joy to be in the audience, watching those participating shine through performances such as ensemble and band performances to magic tricks and rubik’s cube mastery, a comedic waltz and even some rap.
During Senior School assembly this week, I reflected on the importance of making the most of every day through establishing habits that optimise our learning and wellbeing. I began by sharing an Aristotelean quote: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit”. Indeed, research has shown that small, purposeful changes can have a cumulative impact over time. This is ‘The Power of 1%’: the theory that consistency beats intensity, where modest improvements compound into meaningful results over time. Together, we considered what this looks like in practice and how we can pursue this individually and as a Community.
I challenged our Senior School to harness ‘The Power of the ‘1%’ philosophy by identifying one daily habit they will change in the pursuit of excellence. I invited them to consider, small and purposeful changes, offering examples such as investing time in some wide reading daily, making the most of modest windows of time to revise their learning instead of mindlessly scrolling on their phones, logging off technology earlier in the evening, commencing a gratitude journal noting three good things that have occurred each day, improving their sleep hygiene habits, incorporating more exercise into their day, ensuring better hydration/nutritious food choices and completing one more task on their to-do list each day to increase productivity. Advancing towards excellence is supported by a commitment to progress rather than perfectionism; it is about consistently endeavouring to be your very best, with integrity, compassion, and authenticity.
As we continue to strive for excellence in our transition to coeducation, it has been heartening to see how very enthusiastic and engaged our students are in preparing for this exciting new era for our School. One shining example of this was a festive Trivia Night hosted by our Year 11 students who curated a wonderful house-based event in which incoming Cranbrook girls could get to know current Cranbrook boys all the while enjoying some friendly house competition and games. The evening was a tremendous success with some great conversations and connections forged – along with some meaningful opportunities for the girls to share their perspectives and hopes for their educational journey ahead and hear more about Cranbrook in areas such as service learning.
As Term 3 continues, I look forward to delving deeper into what ‘Excellence’ means for our Cranbrook Community, encouraging students to make every day count and embrace those small daily changes that create meaningful impact in all areas of their lives.
I would also like to wish Year 12 our continued support, encouragement, and prayers as they embark upon the second week of their exams.
Dr Anne Johnstone
Head of School