Senior School Link – Week 1, Term 3 2025 - 24 July 2025
Message from the School Council
As we begin Term 3 at Cranbrook, on behalf of the School Council, I am delighted to welcome Dr Anne Johnstone as Cranbrook’s ninth Head of School.
Anne brings visionary leadership and proven commitment to academic excellence, co-curricular activities and student wellbeing, and she is fully aligned with Cranbrook’s values as we transition to coeducation from the start of next year.
Prior to joining us here at Cranbrook, Dr Johnstone was Principal at Ravenswood School For Girls, where she implemented innovative education and wellbeing programmes, achieving record enrolment demand and outstanding academic recognition. A multi-award winning leader and academic, Anne’s notable credentials include being awarded Australian School Principal of the Year (2024) and receiving the prestigious Phyllis Evans Medal (2022) from The Teachers’ Guild of NSW.
Anne is excited to be a part of our School community and, in the coming weeks, will welcome opportunities to meet with you and discuss our shared vision for the Cranbrook’s future.
We are confident that under Anne’s leadership, Cranbrook will smoothly and successfully transition into its next chapter while upholding the School’s cherished values.
Please join the School Council in extending a warm welcome to Dr Anne Johnstone.
Geoff Lovell President, Cranbrook School Council
Dr Anne Johnstone, Head of School
It’s my great honour to be writing to you in my first week as the new Head of School – Cranbrook’s ninth Head since 1918.
And what an inspiring week it has been! I had the privilege of working with our talented and dedicated staff team on Monday, and together we engaged in an Appreciative Inquiry process exploring the application of research and strategies in the areas of educational neuroscience, together with the science of wellbeing, to help create the conditions for thriving for our treasured students, and to take our school community from strength to strength.
Tuesday and Wednesday were particularly meaningful days, as we welcomed our new and returning students to Cranbrook. I have been so thrilled to meet many of the boys (and parents) as I have greeted them on the school gate both in the Senior School and Junior School, and of course around campus. I have also relished the opportunity to attend some of my first school events. Last night, the Cutler House Student-Led Chapel service offered a great insight into the cherished House System here at Cranbrook. It showcased the boys’ collegiality, sense of connection and belonging as well as their myriad talents, as they shared Bible readings, presented reflections on their different year group experiences, made us laugh with some entertaining repartee and shared some tremendous musical performances.
I was so pleased to introduce myself and share information about my background and educational philosophy to the Senior School students at an assembly on our first day of term, and I thoroughly enjoyed being interviewed by two of our senior prefects, Matt Downes, Second Prefect, and Felix Malcolm, Senior Prefect – Academic. Meanwhile, I really valued the opportunity to address our Junior School (Years 3 – 6) students before school this morning, too.
My family and I are so grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the community and look forward to the many opportunities ahead to connect. In our early meetings and during tours of each of our magnificent campuses, students have demonstrated how engaging, thoughtful, articulate they are, while staff members have been remarkably generous in sharing their insights and support.
I have a real sense of excitement and hope for the possibilities ahead for our great School. One of the questions I’ve been asked most frequently is what about my vision for our students. In essence, it is to help them be the very best they can be: to equip and empower them with strategies to help realise their potential, achieve their goals and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Importantly, it is to help them live lives of meaning and purpose. I am passionate about an integrated approach to learning and wellbeing, and to helping students identify and harness their strengths both within themselves and within each other, to develop resilience, overcome challenges and bounce forward from setbacks. Of course, none of this can be accomplished in isolation and one of the great hallmarks of our School is our sense of community.
At our Founders’ Day Service, we reflected on the ideals upon which our School was founded: a strong Christian ethos, a commitment to the “highest and best traditions in heart and spirit” and a school motto Esse Quam Videri that encourages authenticity and integrity: a willingness to be true to oneself, and in turn, celebrating and valuing others for who they are, while also letting our actions speak louder than words. In 1920, our distinguished founding Head, Rev F.T. Perkins exhorted the first Cranbrookians to prioritise character – he talked about “usefulness” being measured scholastic effort, co-curricular endeavours and something he described as “tone” meaning school spirit, good manners, demeanour and overall character. How very relevant this approach continues to be today!
The opportunity to lead this esteemed school into its next chapter is one I value profoundly. I wholeheartedly thank Geoff Lovell, our President, and the School Council for entrusting me with this distinguished role at this very significant time in Cranbrook School’s history, including as we prepare to welcome girls from next year in Year 7 and Year 11.
In the coming months, I am looking forward to attending many school events and meetings where I hope to meet you all.
Wishing you and your families all the very best, and God’s blessings, as we advance into Term 3 – a particularly important term for our Year 12 students! I look forward to partnering with you as we seek to offer all our Cranbrook students the very best education.
Dr Anne Johnstone Head of School
Bob Meakin, Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster
Dear Parents and Carers,
A very warm welcome to the start of Term 3 and the commencement of Semester 2.
Over the holidays, Cranbrook was represented in numerous tours and activities. There was a Rugby Tour to Fiji, Tennis Tour to the USA, and Honours Programme Tour to Oxford University as well as Inter-Schools Snowsport and the National Sailing Championships. Everyone of our students represented the School superbly, whether in Australia or overseas, with staff receiving numerous compliments about the behaviour and courtesy of our students. Well done to all! A special mention to our 1st VI and 2nd VI Sailing teams; the 1st VI team, comprising of Luca Alexander, William Harris, Spencer McKay (Captain), Henry Myers, Balthazar Roche and Seb Tucker, took out the National Championships in South Australia. This is an amazing achievement on a national stage of highly competitive sailing skills. Another special mention to our 2nd VI Sailing team, made up of the following: Angus Baker Wood, Tamati Firth, Christopher Go, Walter Heeley, Charles Liang, Martin Liebhold, Ioannis Mavrocordatos and Stirling McKay who finished in a very commendable 6th position.
We began the term with a Welcome Assembly to Dr Anne Johnstone on Tuesday morning. This was an opportunity for the students to hear directly from our new Head of School. Our Senior Prefects, Felix Malcolm and Matthew Downes, interviewed Dr Johnstone so that the student body could get to know her a little.
Yesterday, we enjoyed our Founders’ Day Service run by Rev. Farraway. This service honours the Founders of Cranbrook School and celebrates the past, the present and the future. Several Council members were in attendance, including the President of Council, Mr Geoff Lovell.
This week we welcomed some new staff to the School: Ms Frances Kospetas, our new Head of Counselling, Ms Hayley Blumenthal, our new Director of Marketing, and Ms Ayesha Shahed, who also joined the Marketing team. Ms Maddie Rakic-Platt joins us in the English department for Term 3, and we also congratulated Ms Chelsea Slender, the new Head of Northcott House from Week 3 onwards.
The pastoral theme for Term 3 is focused on ‘Connection’ to friends, family and even to institutions like Cranbrook School. It can assist an individual’s wellbeing in so many special ways. Many of the topics for our Student Wellbeing Programme will be focused on ‘Connection’ during Term 3.
This weekend sees our Winter Sports fixtures resume and we look forward to many teams enjoying their final home game for the season. Best wishes to all teams for a safe and successful weekend.
Have a great week!
Best wishes,
Bob Meakin Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster
Adrian Harrison, Acting Director of Academics
Welcome back.
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey
It is lovely to see all students back after a short hibernation ready for the excitement of a new Semester. Having passed the halfway mark for the year, Term 3 provides for an opportunity for students to build on their achievements thus far. Teachers will have provided meaningful feedback, and I encourage our students to reflect upon these comments as they focus on the term ahead. Setting of Academic goals will enable them to make the most of their time both in and out of the classroom. A few points for the term ahead.
Years 11 & 12 examinations this term
Our Year 11 and 12 students have a culmination of school-based assessments this term. Good luck to our Year 12 students who will be sitting their IBDP Mock examinations or HSC Trial examinations in Weeks 3 and 4, starting August 4. Our Year 11 HSC students will be sitting their final examinations in Weeks 7 and 8, starting September 1 (Year 11 IBDP will be examined in Term 4).
Year 10 subject selection and personal projects
Year 10 are in the final stages of their subject selection. Having worked through academic counselling they have the opportunity to make any final adjustments to their subject choices for 2026. Any changes will need to be sent to fkilias@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday 30 July. We will assume students are happy with their initial selections if we do not hear from you.
This term also marks the final submission of students’ personal projects. The PP is a culminating, independent project that students complete in their final year of the MYP. It allows them to apply the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they’ve developed across the programme in a self-directed inquiry in an area of passion, personal to them. We will be holding an exhibition later in the term.
Year 7-9 NAPLAN
The results from this year’s NAPLAN have now been received by the School and will be distributed to students via their Houses. Should you have any questions regarding these please contact our Director of Curriculum, Mr Henriques.
Outstanding achievement – Nicholas Long, Year 10, Northcott
Each year, students across Australia take part in ICAS All-Stars, a rigorous competition that tests academic ability across English, Mathematics, Science, reasoning, and digital literacy.
We are proud to announce that Nicholas Long has been named the 2025 ICAS All-Stars Year 10 Champion for New South Wales, achieving the highest score in their year level across the entire state.
Nicholas has won a cash prize, and this recognition places him among Australia’s most capable and versatile academic minds.
Please join me in congratulating Nicholas for this outstanding accomplishment!
Oxford Royale
During the holidays a number of students had the opportunity of a lifetime to live and study abroad in Oxford. As part of the academic enrichment offerings at the school, students undertook studies in Engineering, Law and Business across a variety of different Colleges with students from across the globe. A huge thanks to Mr Adams for organising this trip and we look forward to bringing a similar opportunity to students in 2026.
Wishing everyone a great term of learning.
Adrian Harrison Acting Director of Academics
Daisy Turnbull, Director of Coeducation
Dear Parents and Carers
Term 3 Coeducation Update
What an exciting time for our penultimate term as a single-sex school! Over the holidays we continued to tour and interview incoming girls for Years 7 and 11 2026. For all students in Year 11 2026 (our current Year 10s) there has been a buzz around subject selection, academic counselling, and introducing new subjects. As I looked over the subject selections across the HSC and IB Diploma Programme I was incredibly impressed by the breadth of subjects chosen by our current students and incoming girls. Our current and future Cranbrookians are engaging in what they love, and eschewing outdated concepts of gender stereotypes in their studies.
This connects to what Richard V Reeves often writes about – while we have been focusing on increasing female participation in STEM subjects, we also need to encourage young men to participate in HEAL (Health, Education, Administration and Literacy) domains as well. In our subject selection we see this across our students and subjects.
Term 3 will be busy with upcoming events for our Year 10s, with a service based Trivia Night next week, and more coeducational events coming, Please keep an eye out for events occurring this term.
For students in Years 5 and 6 we will continue with the Long Orientation with Year 5 being part of a Drama and Music workshop on September 2, and Year 6 having their own trivia event on September 9.
I will also be working with students in Year 11, 10, and 9 this term preparing them for coeducation, by discussing what a coeducational school and cohort will mean for them. These sessions are conversation starters to be continued in mentor groups and at home.
As always, please reach out if you have any questions, and I will continue to update you with information about the Coeducation transition at Cranbrook. You can also read about it in the Coeducation at Cranbrook Brochure.
Daisy Turnbull Director of Coeducation
Angelique Sanders, Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Our Wellbeing theme this term, To Be Connected, is more important than ever. In today’s screen-saturated world, it’s easy to mistake being “plugged in” for genuine connection. Real-life relationships and face-to-face experiences are more important than ever. Whether it’s laughing with friends between classes, feeling connected to their learning by teachers who know them well, singing Schola Nostra on the sidelines of sporting events, chatting with family over dinner, or volunteering in the local community – they all contribute to a teenager’s sense of belonging and connection. Neuroscience tells us that meaningful social interaction lights up the parts of the brain responsible for motivation, emotional regulation, and learning. When teens feel connected, dopamine levels rise, stress hormones drop, and their ability to focus, plan, and remember improves. Friendships, strong School culture, and community involvement don’t just make students feel good— they help them do better academically.
This term allows our students, teachers and families to connect through opportunities such as the Students Directed Production, final sports games for the season, House Athletics and CAS Athletics and of course for our Year 12 students, the last of everything. We hope the connections they have formed here continue to resonate throughout their lives.
It is such a pleasure to welcome Dr Johnstone to our community. In her first address to the School on Tuesday, she warmly invited students to reach out and connect with her as she looks to build relationships across the School.
We look forward to sharing many moments with you throughout the term, as we come together to celebrate the strength and vibrancy of our School community.
Angelique Sanders Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School
Matt Grice, Director of Sport
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I’d like to welcome back all students and parents for the start of a busy Term 3.
A massive thank you to all who were involved in the numerous holiday activities, top squads’ pre-season trainings and our holiday camps that were attended in record numbers. It was fantastic to see so many students so active in their holiday break. Well done to everyone who got involved.
A huge congratulations to our 1st VI Sailing Team, who have been crowned National School Champions for 2025! The final was a nail-biting encounter, with Cranbrook winning the last race of the regatta to clinch the title in dramatic fashion. This is a remarkable achievement that reflects the teams hard work and dedication over a long period. Our 2nd VI also had a fantastic campaign—finishing the qualifying rounds in 3rd place and showing great promise throughout. While they were unlucky not to progress further in the finals, their efforts and performances were outstanding and a testament to the depth of talent in our programme. We now wish our team the very best as they prepare to represent Australia in the upcoming Interdominion Championships against New Zealand this October. A heartfelt thank you to Mr Brewer, Mrs Garth, dedicated coaches, families, and supporters for their ongoing commitment and guidance throughout this journey. Your support has been instrumental to the team’s success.
During the break Cranbrook headed off for its inaugural Tennis Tour. Mr Higgins reports that it was an unforgettable experience, that took a select group of students to the world-renowned Saddlebrook Tennis Academy in Tampa Bay. With its elite training environment and strong Australian coaching legacy, Saddlebrook proved the perfect setting for high-performance development. Over two intensive weeks, the boys trained alongside international athletes under expert coaches, showing impressive improvement in footwork, tactics, and match play. Their commitment and sportsmanship were praised by Saddlebrook staff, and they gained invaluable insight training near ATP-ranked players. Beyond the court, students embraced American culture—enjoying a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, thrilling theme parks, and a visit to Tiger Woods’ putt-putt course. These moments strengthened team bonds and added fun to the experience. This landmark tour has set a new benchmark for Cranbrook Tennis. The enthusiasm of returning players and younger students alike highlights its success, and we look forward to making it a tradition in the years ahead.
Our Year 9 Cranbrook Rugby players took part in a memorable tour of Fiji in the holidays. Open to all Year 9 players, the tour provided a valuable opportunity to compete in exciting matches against talented local teams. More than just rugby, the experience offered students a rich cultural exchange. They were warmly welcomed by Fijian hosts and took part in traditional ceremonies, school visits, and community activities. The tour helped students grow both on and off the field and a deeper appreciation for Fijian hospitality and values. It was a rewarding experience that left a strong impression and will be remembered for years to come.
Cranbrook Snow Sports Team were also in action at the Regional Interschools Championships, held in Perisher. Congratulations to all who took part – we look forward to seeing many students progress to the State competition.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make these tours a reality.
This week saw our Cross Country runners take on the NSW All Schools Championships at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre – congratulations to our students on their stand out performances, in particular H Groves who finished in 3rd in a quality field.
Our 1sts and 2nds Football and Rugby will be playing on Horden this weekend against St Aloysius and St Stanislaus respectively. encourage all students to head there, before or after their game, to support our Senior Teams play. I wish all students competing the best of luck.
Winter Sports Awards
Cranbrook is excited to host the combined Winter Sports Award Presentation, a special event bringing together the entire Cranbrook community to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Winter Season. This evening will shine a spotlight on the exceptional performances and dedication of our Winter Sports Teams and individual athletes.
Event Detail: Friday 15 August, 5.30pm – 8pm at Vicars Centenary Hall
The Winter Season fixtures conclude on Saturday 9 August. We then move into our Athletics and Summer Pre-Season period. Please note there will be no Saturday sport – unless students are part of the Athletics Team during this period. However, I encourage all students to try out for the Athletics Team. Cranbrook’s Athletics Team provide students an opportunity to develop and enhance their athletics skills, as well as skills related to their specific summer and winter sports. Through regular training and guidance from experienced coaches, they will improve technique, agility, and speed, ultimately becoming a better athlete. It’s also a great opportunity to train and be part of a group outside their regular summer and winter sports. If students have any questions regarding athletics, please email: Miss Williams –AWilliams@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au
The 1st and 2nd VI went into the week in South Australia fresh from finishing 1st and 2nd overall at the NSW Championships in March, this was a historic achievement and there was enthusiasm and confidence as we boarded the plane to Adelaide.
The regatta format consists of 3 days of qualifying in a ‘swiss league’ format which sees the top ranked teams repeatedly racing each other for a place in the top 8 which progress to finals. The races themselves are fast paced and about 10 minutes long with teams of 3 boats each racing around a short track with multiple turning marks, the goal is to block your opponents and create opportunities for team mates to come through so that your teams has the best combined position across the finish. The pressure is high and slight tactical, boat handling, or boat speed errors can be very costly, which makes the format prone to big upsets – but over the three days Cranbrook shone with the 1st VI qualifying through in top position and our 2nd VI qualifying in third amongst the 21 teams from around Australia. After several days of qualifying the finals commence and are concluded over 2 hours, it’s high pressure and requires nerves of steel. The team knew the perils of the finals format well having come aching close in the semis and grand final over previous years.
This year however, it was Cranbrook’s moment, dispatching 4th placed Brighton Grammar from Melbourne in the 1st race before lining up against the defending Champions Scots in the semi-final. This has a faltering start with Scots taking advantage of a major wind shift to win the first race in the best of 3 playoff. With their back against the wall the boys rallied to win the next two races cleanly and send their Scots rivals packing. This set up a final against The Hutchins School from Tasmania, the team that had been running a clear second throughout qualifying. In another best of 3 series Cranbrook opened with a win and lead race 2 before some brilliant positioning from Hutchins overturned the order right at the finish. Sudden death then with 1 short race to decide the title, Cranbrook’s captain Spencer McKay and crew Will Harris took a slender lead over the fleet which they held by a matter of inches around the track whilst teammates pushed another Hutchins sailor back into 6th place. Defending an attack back from the other Hutchins boats into the finish they managed to edge out a slender victory and secure the trophy for only the second time in Cranbrook sailings history.
Our 2nd VI had a tougher time of it in the finals series losing their initial race to Hutchins and then their second to Scots to narrowly miss the semi-finals. With the oldest sailor in the squad in year 10, they will all have a shot at redemption next season and have a clear goal set. The result also qualifies Cranbrook to represent Australia in the Interdominion Championships in October, which pitches the best 3 Australian schools against the best 3 New Zealand schools. Aus and NZ are the two best sailing countries in the world and rivalry runs deep, it’s sure to be a thrilling contest. A big thanks to Mr Tom Brewer the Head of Sailing, Mrs Jaime Garth head coach, as well as Mr Uncles and Mrs Tziortzis who accompanied the team for the trip.
Tom Brewer Head of Sailing
Regional Snowsports Report 2025
In the last week of the School holidays, 96 boys from K-12 participated in the Sydney Interschools Championships, held in Thredbo. This impressive group of Cranbrook students took to the slopes on skis and snowboards, armed with fantastic attitudes and total commitment. While high winds made some days challenging on the side of the mountain, the majority of the week, good weather prevailed. All competitors are to be congratulated for their enthusiasm, excellent results and hard work.
Some of our students participated in the Redlands Cup or the Scots Race at the beginning of the week, as a warm up. Division 4 skiers (Sebastian Salter, Hugo Croft, Xavier Fern and Joe Robertson) and Division 5 skiers (Hugo Fern, Noah Stivala, Henry Stuart-Grant) both took home bronze team medals in Redlands Cup and Charlie Roberts, Division 3, took home an individual bronze in the Scots race.
SNOWBOARDING
This year saw a record number of Snowboarders enter for Cranbrook.
Division 2 Snowboard GS saw our A Team (Ziggy Edwards, Milo Gibney and Oscar Croft) earned a silver medal, all of them coming in the top 10. Special mention to Ziggy Edwards for his individual bronze. This team also was on the podium again for the Snowboard Cross, earning a team silver, and Ziggy with another individual bronze. Thank you to Fred Humphreys and Thomas Dalgleish for their reputable finishes as well.
Division 3 Snowboard GS A Team (Seb Tucker, Charlie Roberts and Sam Spry) brought home a team bronze, and Seb Tucker earned an individual silver. This team also qualified for State with a 5th place result in Snowboard Cross, which guarantees them a spot at State. Shoutout to Alex Cao, also, for his cracking first race experience.
Cohen Salamon and his teammate Raphael Wessels earned a bronze medal in the Division 4 Snowboard GS. Cohen also qualified individually for Snowboard Cross, coming in 15th place.
ALPINE
Our one and only Division 1 team was made up of our Captains Sach Edwards and Elliot Roberts, as well as Henry Dawson and Henry Jordan. Their leadership on the mountain was fantastic throughout the week. This division is notoriously the toughest on the mountain, so whilst our team did not progress to State, they can be extremely proud of their effort and times.
Division 2 Alpine put in a huge performance, with great individual efforts from all skiers on a course with very limited visibility. Shout-out to James Walker for placing 15th, and to the A Team (James Walker, Oscar Parsons, Oliver Southwell-Keely) who placed 6th overall, narrowly missing out on State qualification by less than four-tenths of a second.
In Division 3 Ski Cross, Charlie Roberts placed 6th individually on a fast-paced and technical course. The A Team (Charlie Roberts, Archer Hutchinson, Steve Haritos) skied well to finish 5th overall, guaranteeing them a place at the state event.
The Division 4 Alpine A Team (Hugo Croft, Sebastian Salter, James Cowan and Imanol Plante) won a silver medal, only a fraction off gold! Congratulations also go to Hugo Croft, Seb Salter, and James Cowan who all placed in the top 10 individually.
Division 5 Alpine A Team (Hunter Whittle, Orlando Fern, Ryan Shi and Sandy Dusseldorp) earned a silver medal and Cranbrook B Team (Wynn Au, William Britten-Jones, Oliver Czinner and James Nicholason) placed 4th, qualifying for State.
Congratulations to Hunter Whittle for his individual bronze result and Ryan Shi for placing 4th. This is our largest division this year and all of the teams brought home solid results, particularly as it was the first racing experience for many of our participants.
Finally, our youngest students in Division 6 Alpine were amazing in their first races! The A Team (Hugo Fern, Sam Cowan, Armie Salamon and Edward Darke) placed 1st overall, taking home gold!
Well done to our Division 2 participants who gave it their all on a tight and high-speed course. Shout outs go to our A Team (Oscar Parsons and James Walker), who achieved a very respectable 7th place, whilst our B Team (Oliver Southwell-Keely, Charlie Parker and Tom Daglish) also placed well at 12th.
The Division 3 Alpine A Team (Charlie Roberts, Archer Hutchinson, Steven Haritos and William Holt) placed 6th overall, with Charlie Roberts achieving a bronze medal individually. Our B Team (Jasper Lee, Sam Spry, Julian Rosza and Joe Hinchliffe) also placed well at 11th. This was a packed division with lots of talent, so well done to all who competed!
In Division 4 Ski Cross, the A Team (James Cowan, Hugo Croft, Joe Robertson) put down some seriously fast runs to place 3rd overall, a bronze! Huge shout-out to the B Team (Xavier Fern, Sebastian Salter, Imanol Plante) who finished 4th and qualified for the State championships!
At the Division 5 Ski Cross race our A Team (Hunter Whittle, Ryan Shi, Sandy Dusseldorp) won a bronze medal, and Hunter Whittle also won an individual bronze.
The Division 6 Ski Cross race saw our A Team (Hugo Fern, Sam Cowan and Edward Darke) finish with a gold medal! This was complimented by our B Team (Sam Mckelvey, Armie Salamon and Noah Stivala) who won a bronze medal! Individually, Hugo Fern also picked up a bronze medal, with Sam Cowan, Sam McKelvey, and Armie Salamon all finishing in the top 10.
Congratulations to all the boys for what was a great week of racing.
A big thank you to Mrs Whitten, Mr Scardino, the Snowsports Parent Committee, and Mrs Erickson, for coordinating and running an amazing week of Snowsports. We appreciate all the work everyone put in behind the scenes. It was also fun to have a guest appearance from Mrs Allen-Waters, who came down and supported all of her current and past students! Thanks to our Snowsports parents for making the travel down and being the best supporters the boys could ask for. Finally, thanks to all of our Cranbrook participants for constantly giving it your all and representing Cranbrook loud and proud.
Elliot Roberts and Sach Edwards 2025 Snowsports Captains
Phil Beverley, Director of Music
If It Were Easy, Everyone Would Do It
Welcome back to Term 3!
Last term, our focus was on ensemble music—making music together. This culminated in our unforgettable Town Hall Concert, where over 700 students from Years 3 to 12 took to the stage in a vibrant celebration of our School motto, Esse Quam Videri—to be rather than to seem.
This term, we turn our attention to the individual. We’re shining a spotlight on solo performance, with hundreds of young Cranbrookians preparing for AMEB examinations and our upcoming Spring Festival Solo Competition. Senior students are also busy fine-tuning their HSC and IB compositions and performance pieces, which will be showcased in our performance series over the coming weeks.
The holidays offered a chance to reflect. Watching my own children balance the joys of flexible screen time—games and movies—with more demanding activities like reading and instrumental practice reminded me of a simple truth: anything worth doing takes time. The video games and films they love weren’t created overnight; they required dedication, creativity, and perseverance—just like learning an instrument or developing any meaningful skill. It’s not always easy. In fact, it can be frustrating. But it’s also deeply rewarding.
So next time you hear signs of struggle in the practice room at home, remind your child that it’s worth the effort. Mastery takes time, and “nothing worth doing is easy”—at least not at first.
We kick off this term’s calendar with our first Performance Plus event this coming Monday. We are thrilled to welcome Karen Carey OAM, who will be leading a masterclass with our Senior Music students. The session will take place on Monday, 28 July from 3.30pm to 5.00pm, and is open to all, with attendance required for students who have selected Music as an elective in Years 9–12.
Key Dates
Date
Week
Day
Events
28 July
WK 2A
Monday
Performance Plus, Keynote – Yr 12 Focus (3.30pm-5.00pm) Orchestra Room
Senior Composition recording day and Showcase (6:30pm-8:00pm) Orchestra Room
27 August
WK 6A
Wednesday
SS HSC Performance Showcase (6:30pm-8:30pm)
28 August
WK 6A
Thursday
JS Spring Festival Music Eisteddfod – Performances (1:00pm-5:00pm)
29 August
WK 6A
Friday
Spring Festival Solo Music Competition Performance (2:30pm-6:00pm)
4 September
WK 7B
Thursday
AMEB 2nd Piano Rehearsals Yr 7-12 (8:00am-4:00pm)
5 September
WK 7B
Friday
AMEB 2nd Piano Rehearsals Yr 7-12 (8:00am-4:00pm)
8 September
WK 8B
Monday
AMEB Examinations (8:00am-4:00pm)
11 September
WK 8A
Thursday
AMEB Examinations (8:00am-4:00pm)
12 September
WK 8A
Friday
AMEB Examinations (8:00am-4:00pm) Cranbrook Voices perform at Yr 12 Farewell Assembly (11:30am) JS Gym
13 September
Saturday
AMEB Examinations (8:00am-4:00pm)
16 September
WK 9B
Tuesday
Spring Festival Finals (6:30pm – 9:00pm) Orchestra Room
Phillip Beverley Director of Music
City2Surf Volunteering – Service in Action
On Sunday 10 August, up to 100 Cranbrook students and multiple staff will have the chance to take part in something bigger than themselves—not by running the City2Surf, but by cheering from the sidelines while manning the drink station outside the school gates.
Volunteering at the City2Surf offers a unique opportunity to live out the values at the heart of our Service Learning program: community, compassion, and contribution. By cheering on thousands of runners and supporting the inspiring charity Running for Premature Babies, students will be part of a collective effort to raise awareness and funds for newborns and their families.
Service isn’t always about grand gestures—it’s often about showing up, giving your energy to support others, and recognising your role in a broader community as an agent of change. Being part of this day means encouraging strangers, lifting tired spirits, and standing in solidarity with those running for a cause.
This is what meaningful service looks like: simple, powerful, and deeply human.
Students are encouraged to step up and be part of the City2Surf volunteer team by registering at the link emailed to them earlier this week.
It’s more than a fun day out—it’s a way to give back, grow, and be changed by the experience and we look forward to seeing lots of enthusiastic faces there on the day!
Aaron Nolan Acting Director of Service
Japanese Incursion Student Reflections
As a Japanese student at Cranbrook, the recent Japanese Day incursion was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had. The day began with Urasenke chado (tea ceremony) teachers guiding us through the art of making traditional matcha, where I learned that every gesture in chado (tea ceremony) carries meaning and intention. Gestures like turning the tea bowl before drinking or whisking the matcha to make just the right amount of foam were done to show respect and care. The teachers’ movements were calming, precise, and deeply reflective of Japanese omotenashi (the spirit of thoughtful hospitality and putting others before yourself in even the smallest details). A special shout-out to Cole, who delivered an impromptu thank-you speech on behalf of all of us. His words reflected the deep respect we felt for the experience.
Later, we moved into the kitchen to make okonomiyaki—a savoury pancake packed with cabbage and topped with delicious sauces and “dancing” bonito flakes. It challenged both our cooking skills and our understanding of Japanese flavours. My team nearly forgot to add enough batter because we misheard the measurement—shoutout to Ms Wei for saving us from serving cabbage stir-fry. Meanwhile, the Year 11 quietly proved themselves to be the better cooks by getting the first okonomiyaki on the table. Cooking and sharing a meal together not only created a real sense of connection, but also brought a sense of community into the Japanese ab initio experience.
In the afternoon, we became School ambassadors, using our Japanese to guide the new teachers around the school. It was a moment that made me realise just how far I’d come with the language, and how powerful it is to use it in real, authentic situations. The whole day reminded me that language learning isn’t just about vocabulary or grammar—it’s about connection, confidence, and stepping into someone else’s world with curiosity and respect.
On Monday, Cranbrook School had the great pleasure of welcoming our 9th Head of School, Dr Anne Johnstone.
Dr Johnstone opened the day with a thoughtful and inspiring address in which she shared her philosophy of education that schools should be places where students are not only stretched intellectually, but also supported emotionally, morally and spiritually. Education, she emphasised, should nurture the whole person and empower young people to flourish with purpose, resilience and joy.
She spoke candidly about how her philosophy was shaped by her own journey as an educator, particularly her drive to better understand and support students struggling with failure avoidance, perfectionism and pressure. This deepening interest led her to undertake further academic study, completing a Master of Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a PhD in Education at the University of Melbourne. In her doctoral research, she developed the concept of an ‘Other Person Mindset’ – a transformative model of wellbeing based on the idea that by intentionally building the wellbeing of others, individuals also enhance their own capacity to flourish.
Dr Johnstone also reflected on Cranbrook’s proud history and the powerful values embedded in the School, including its motto Esse Quam Videri – to be, rather than to seem to be – which calls us to live with authenticity and integrity. She spoke of how closely these values align with her own, and how they support students to fulfil their potential.
Above all, Dr Johnstone spoke with a sense of hope, a genuine optimism for this new chapter in Cranbrook’s story, and for what we can achieve together as a community.
Her address set the tone for an uplifting Appreciative Inquiry session, which brought together staff from across our Preschools, Junior School and Senior School campuses. Guided by the 4D model (Discover, Dream, Design, Deliver) we reflected on Cranbrook’s core strengths, shared stories of impact, and imagined bold aspirations for the School’s future.
Staff collaborated in focus groups exploring areas such as teaching and learning, wellbeing, professional growth, co-curricular life, and community engagement. These rich discussions revealed the depth of expertise, care and commitment that characterise our community, and the collective energy to move forward with purpose.
Thank you, Dr Johnstone, for your leadership and vision. We’re excited for the journey ahead and grateful to be shaping it together.
Hannah Thomas Director of Professional Learning
Study Centre
Study Centre is run every Monday – Thursday from Week 2 of Term 3 from 3.30pm – 5pm on Level 4 of the Vicars Centenary Building. Students in Years 7 – 10 can drop in for study help with teachers across subject areas. Student names will be added to Clipboard roll to mark attendance. If you would like your child to attend on a regular basis, please email dturnbull@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
CETOP 20 Year Anniversary Celebration
Dear CETOP Supporters,
This year marks 20 years of CETOP, two decades of journeys taken, friendships formed, lives changed, and communities connected across Nepal, Ladakh and here at home.
To honour this milestone, we invite everyone who has been part of the CETOP story – past travellers, teachers, parents, committee members, and supporters to come together for a special evening of connection and celebration.
Whether you were part of the very first trip or joined us just last year, this is a chance to reconnect with the people you shared those moments with, celebrate the group you travelled or worked alongside, and reflect on all we’ve achieved together.
You might even like to reach out to the group you travelled with and come along together. It’s the perfect excuse to reconnect, reminisce and be part of a night that brings the whole CETOP community together again.
Event Details
Date: Friday 8 August
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: The Field at Easts Rugby Club
Tickets: $50 per person. Children under 12 $30. Click here for tickets. Bookings are essential – please RSVP before Friday, 1st August
Please note that any students under 18, whether they have attended past trips or are interested in future one, must be accompanied by a parent or carer at this event, as alcohol will be present on site.
If you are a parent whose son has now left Cranbrook, please do pass this invitation on to him. We would love to see as many of our past travellers there as possible.
And for those who have travelled to Nepal, we have something truly special to share. Our beloved guide and dear friend Jigme will be joining us all the way from Nepal. For so many of us, Jigme is at the heart of the CETOP experience, and having him with us to celebrate this milestone will make the evening even more meaningful
We truly hope you can join us for this special gathering of the CETOP community.
