Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School

Dear Families and Carers

With Prize Giving only a week away, the end of term is nigh! Junior School has enjoyed their Carols and the Pre-Schools their end of year concerts. We have Senior School Carols Services next Tuesday evening and our Prize Giving events on Wednesday (Junior School) and Thursday (Senior School) respectively. We hope you can join us in celebrating the milestone of the conclusion of another academic year at one of the end of year gatherings.

Last Saturday, the Rowing Community gathered for an end of season regatta and the Old Cranbrookians vs Students races. This year, for the first time in quite a long time, the Old Cranbrookians took out the Mitchell Cup. Despite the gloomy weather, the support for the event and the enthusiasm of the rowers made for an excellent morning of celebrating dedication to training, passion and commitment in one of the toughest sports. The Cranbrook community spirit was alive and well and fully on show, with parents there to cheer on the students and Old Cranbrookians and thank the hardworking coaches under the expert leadership of Mr Carroll. The strength of that generous spirit is one of the joys of our School and helps bond us in good times and sustains us through more difficult periods.

Important: Updated Mobile Device Usage Policy in 2025
Thank you to the many Y6-Y11 families who participated recently in the survey about mobile devices. We have reviewed all the feedback from staff, families and students, and in line with recent research have adjusted our Senior School policy in this area. The new Senior School policy will come into effect at the start of 2025. Please read more here.

The last week has been an emotional rollercoaster for so many with the sad passing of Paul Hallam. It has been such an encouragement to speak of the amazing impact Paul has had on so many of our community and beyond. One thought has kept recurring for me as I listened to what others would share, and that is the power of individual educators to impact young people in positive ways. Paul was not a loud personality, but someone who got alongside students and worked to stretch and build them. He was a Trojan workhorse who to the very end worried about the School and its students and what they needed. He gave above and beyond. Paul’s positive influence on young people is really immeasurable and will be ongoing, and we are so grateful for all he did for the benefit of our students and for his friendships with so many of our staff. We continue to have his family in our thoughts and prayers.

As we head into the school holidays, all the staff and I wish our Cranbrook students and their families a safe and relaxing holiday and a very Merry Christmas. We thank you for your warmth and support during what has been a challenging year. May 2025 bring us all joy, peace and optimism for the future.

Please enjoy this short video reflection of Term 4, 2024.

Kind wishes

Michele Marquet
Acting Head of School