Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School

Dear Parents and Carers

At Cranbrook, we recognise that change is a constant for any successful school, and that listening to our community is an important part of informing that change. Over the past 18 months, we have invited frank and open feedback from our students, families and staff in a series of projects with independent research agencies. Because the results of these projects are already having real and lasting impacts within the School, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the key findings they produced.

In the final term of 2023, we surveyed Y5-Y11 students to gain a deeper understanding of the school culture from their perspective. The results described a positive culture (rated as ‘good’ or ‘great’ by 73% of students), with a focus on excellence. In their own words, students described our School as inclusive, welcoming, supporting, fun and diverse.

Having said that, the survey also reminded us that bullying and discrimination are a reality for some of our students, something which continues to be a key focus for our wellbeing and pastoral programmes. Following the survey, we began providing additional professional development for teachers in 2024 that has continued into this year addressing negative student behaviours, as well as working with student leaders to develop student-led wellbeing initiatives. This week, some of our Wellbeing staff have had the opportunity to meet with Dr Abramovich from Melbourne University, as we explore the Click Against Hate digital program that helps build an understanding of harassment, why it is wrong and how to engage positively with peers. This programme targets Y5-Y10, the most common years to see an escalation in student bullying and harassment behaviours.

In the first and second semesters of 2024 we worked with Making Work Absolutely Human (MWAH) to review the staff culture at Cranbrook. This work involved an online qualitative survey open to all staff members, one-on-one interviews and focus groups across our four campuses [and extending to staff members that had left the school].

The review found a strong staff culture, in which passionate educators are inspired to do their best work and strive for continual improvement. Across all parts of the school, there is a powerful focus on our students as individuals, as well as a strong sense of belonging as a School community. The data reflected a generous, caring and inclusive culture that was similarly experienced by staff regardless of their gender or cultural background.

Alongside these findings, the project reinforced that there are areas we must continue to work on as an organisation if we are to establish and maintain Cranbrook as a best-practice employer. Work/life balance continues to be a concern for many across the teaching profession and we strive as a school to identify practical ways to address this. The review showed us that we also have opportunities to improve our internal processes and communication, to ensure consistency in leadership and to empower our staff to do their best work. To continue to attract and retain excellent staff, we need to ensure they enjoy equitable, accessible talent management and professional development.

Finally, in Term 4, we provided Cranbrook families the opportunity to share their feedback through an online survey. Parents were broadly satisfied with their experience of Cranbrook (71% ‘very satisfied’ or ‘extremely satisfied’) with many citing facilities, resources and the quality of staff as key strengths of the School. They felt that the values of the School continue to be important, with a particular focus on integrity and respect. The feedback reflected the many and diverse perspectives of our community. Some families felt the School could benefit from a greater focus on academic excellence, while others believed pastoral care and wellbeing should be given greater attention. Regardless, there was a recognition of the importance of the Cranbrook community, and the benefit that students and families gain from a sense of belonging to that community. Importantly, the results of all three surveys were able to be incorporated into the process the School Council ran for the recruitment of our new Head of School.

All of these findings will continue to play an important role in shaping our initiatives for ongoing organisational change. These initiatives range from embracing greater student voice in shaping our School culture to improving our support for diverse student capabilities in the classroom; from evolving our professional development and staff mentoring programme to revisiting the staffing model for our co-curricular activities. Planning and implementing positive changes will be important in continuing to offer students excellence in educational experiences, as well as maintaining the positive momentum of the School as we look forward to welcoming Stuart Meade next term and Anne Johnstone as the new Head of School for the start of Term 3.

We look forward to a happy final week of Term 1.

Michele Marquet
Acting Head of School

Bob Meakin, Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster

Dear Parents and Carers

Our Year 12 exams commenced yesterday and despite a power outage this morning which saw the Business Studies exams moved to Vicars Centenary Hall, all appears to be going smoothly. I wish all Year 12 the very best for their examinations.

A special thank you to all families who attended the Friday Night Lights last week at Easts despite the 1^st XV not finishing the game due to injury. It was a fantastic community event and a great hit out for some of our Senior Rugby teams.

This morning our Year 7s embark on their Slam Poetry programme, run by our English Department. This is the performing of Poetry in front of an audience combining both creativity and performance. Our hope is that the students engage with poetry and literature because of this incursion.

This Saturday is our final Winter Sport round for the term, and we hope for better weather than last week that saw many fixtures cancelled.

Also, this morning we farewelled our Year 9 students who will embark on their CITF programme with Outward Bound at Tharwa. As the boys settle down for their first night’s sleep in Tharwa, we wish them well on this powerful, formative experience. We gathered the cohort in the Packer Theatre yesterday afternoon to run through expectations and send them on their way with our encouragements. The boys were in good spirits. We look forward to seeing the boys back safely and hearing all about their adventures while away.

Our best wishes go to the following Year 10 students: Edward John-O’Brien, Alexander Hutchinson, Fergus Dawson-Damer, Renzo Balagna, Kai Bogg and Edmund Granger. These students head off to Argentina on exchange, where they will be hosted by families there and will be away until then end of Week 2 next term. This is an incredible experience for them, and we wish them well.

Have a good week.

Best wishes,

Bob Meakin
Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster

Daisy Turnbull, Director of Academy

Study Centre

From Term 2, Study Centre has been revamped to suit the needs of students as well as improving supervision throughout the School in the afternoons. 

All students in Years 7 – 10 are welcome to attend the Study Centre on Level 4 of the Vicars building from 3.30 – 5pm Mondays – Thursdays free of charge. This runs from Week 1 – the penultimate week of each term (so Week 8 in Term 2). Students can do this on a ‘drop in basis’ or on a regular day around their sports and Co-Curricular commitments. 

Students can buy afternoon tea at the Hive from 3.20 – 4pm each afternoon. 

If students would like to stay beyond 5pm until 6.30pm this will be available at a rate of $30 per session and include afternoon tea (a toasted sandwich, fruit, and drink). This will be a regular booking charged at the end of each term, and only confirmed once there are enough students enrolled. If you would like your child to be part of the Extended Study Centre please complete this form. 

Another part of the new Study Centre will be increased supervision in the afternoons. If students are not part of a sport or a Co-Curricular activity they will be sent to the Vicars Centenary Building to do their homework and can work there until 5pm. This is important in case of an evacuation that all students are accounted for. They do not have to be part of the Study Centre programme but they cannot be in their House areas once they are no longer supervised. 

The following teachers will be available at Study Centre each afternoon with one staff member there until 6.30pm dependent on enrolment. 

Daisy Turnbull
Director of Academy

Adrian Harrison, Acting Director of Academics

Academic Reports

There will be a temporary alteration to the way that parents receive their reports at the end of this semester. Due to some technical issues at the end of last year, we have taken the decision to print all reports and distribute them directly to the students. Years 7 -11 will be receiving their reports this term via their mentors during House periods. The table below outlines the reporting types for Term 1.

As Year 12 are currently completing assessments they will receive their reports in early Term 2.

A reminder that the more specific feedback on student work within subject areas can be accessed via your child’s CANVAS courses. Below is an excerpt of information sent previously by Ms Schmidtke our Director of Digital Learning and Research

We have prepared resources to support your access and navigation of the platform. You can access Canvas HERE. For first-time users, you will need to select ‘Forgot Password’. We have created this guide to help you. Our comprehensive ‘Canvas for Parents’ training site offers detailed information about how to access teacher feedback. Should you require additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact us at digilit@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au

Year 7 Poetry Slam

The 2025 Cranbrook Year 7 Poetry Slam was one of the best yet. This dynamic, high-energy spoken word competition took place in the esteemed Packer Theatre, a fitting venue to celebrate students’ creativity and self-expression. Nominees from each class delivered outstanding performances, captivating an audience of students and staff. The judging panel consisted of five randomly selected students and five staff members. In a tie for third place were Charles Liang (W), Kiran Jarosch (Hv), Xavier Mancuso (S), and Oscar Martinez Tevfik (C); second place went to Leon Canturi (Hw); and our highest commendation and congratulations on first place to Alex Pontifix (N). Congratulations to our place-getters and to all students who took part in the event, and to Mr Sinclair and the English team for their stewardship of this wonderful event.

Adrian Harrison
Acting Director of Academics

Ryan Taylor’s Teacher Inquiry Project

Do traditional tests truly capture students’ mathematical understanding, or could alternative assessments offer a more accurate reflection of their skills?

Ryan Taylor explored this important question in his Teacher Inquiry Group (TIG) project, presenting his eye-opening findings last week to Cranbrook Senior School teachers.

Ryan’s research focused on 36 Year 7 students of mixed mathematical abilities, including those who typically struggle with written assessments. Students were divided into two groups, each completing both a traditional paper-based test and an alternative assessment. The alternative assessment consisted of a one-to-one interview where students used a mini-whiteboard, gave verbal explanations, or created diagrams to show their understanding. The assessing teacher supported students by reading questions aloud, responding to clarifying questions, and providing definitions, without influencing the responses.

Key Findings:

– There were minimal differences in students’ achievement in simpler problems, but students performed significantly better in the alternative assessment as the complexity of problems increased.

– The average score was 10.7% higher in alternative assessments.

– 81% of students scored the same or higher in the alternative assessments compared to traditional tests.

– Statistical analysis confirmed with 99.9% confidence that alternative assessments positively impact student performance.

Ryan’s research highlights the importance of using varied and inclusive assessment methods to ensure students can demonstrate their understanding in multiple ways. This approach aligns with best practices in education and reflects the assessment principles promoted by the International Baccalaureate (IB), which emphasises that assessments should be inclusive, student-centred, and designed to support learning. Ryan’s work is a crucial step toward creating assessments that are not only more equitable and inclusive, but also better reflect students’ true potential.

Angelique Sanders, Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School

It has been a busy and productive term in SWP with students participating in a wide range of activities designed to foster personal growth, collaboration, and skill development.

Year 7 students had the opportunity to reflect on their transition to Senior School. With guidance from their mentors, they discussed how they have felt this term and reviewed the Term 1 goals they set for themselves. Reflecting on goals is a key element of the MYP, and we encourage you to ask your child about their reflections and celebrate their achievements.

Year 8 students explored the importance of respecting differences through engaging activities that emphasised courage, individuality, and celebrating diversity within the school community.

Year 9 students have embraced the theme of “Stronger Together” this term, through a focus on leadership and the importance of effective communication. During a cohort meeting with Mr. Pyle, they explored what leadership can look like, how it influences teamwork, and the advantages of strong communication skills. They will now have the opportunity to apply these skills as they embark on CITF, where collaboration, teamwork and leadership will be required.

Year 10 continued to explore how to have difficult conversations to help them develop the confidence to express themselves effectively in situations where they need to speak up for what they believe to be right, particularly when facing peer pressure.

Year 11 students had the opportunity to reflect on Term 1 by celebrating achievements and identifying areas for growth. In the previous SWP they completed a survey on the Careers Department website which generated a profile of their personality, values, skills and their own individual work style along with suggestions for industries which they may be interested in exploring. Following this, they began a guided process on the website on how to build a resume. They were also reminded of the range of service opportunities they are provided with here at school which can be include in their resume that help them demonstrate leadership and commitment to something bigger than themselves.

Year 12 DP students had a session with Mr Hanrahan and we wish our Year 12 HSC students all the best as they began their assessment block yesterday.

Year 8 Hone made collages to represent their individuality and unique identities.

Angelique Sanders
Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School

Matt Grice, Director of Sport

Dear Parents and Guardians,                            

Cranbrook played a full round of Winter trial fixtures on the weekend. It was great to see the Winter season in full swing and all the students giving it their best during the trial period. A big thank you to all who turned up and supported Friday Night Lights at Easts rugby club. We look forward to competitive games beginning in the coming weeks. 

Cross country had their first invitational on Saturday Mr Uncles reports… Centennial Park presented some incredibly marginal conditions for the first race of the season, with relentless rain and muddy trails providing conditions reminiscent of many of last year’s fixtures. A number of spectacular results made for a hugely successful morning, with debut runners Walter Heeley and Oscar Rouse establishing themselves firmly in the front pack of the Juniors race, both placing in the top 15 of 127 runners. Cranbrook won the Intermediates race with Henry Roberts, Edwin Alder, George Cardonnel and Remy McKay all placing in the top 10, highlighting Cranbrook’s depth in that division. Huon Groves, cool, calm and collected for the entire 8km, took out the Opens race in a field of 96 runners, putting forward a masterclass in consistent pacing and a seemingly effortless stride. We look forward to another exciting season ahead.

Well done to all our Rowers who competed at the Nationals in Tasmania last week. In the pinnacle of Australian Schools rowing competitions Cranbrook had plenty of fantastic results and PBs. A fitting end to the rowing season. Congratulations to all involved.

To Note:

• Saturday 5^th April Sports Fixtures can be found here.
• The T1 2025 Co-Curricular and Sport Schedule (including Winter Sport) can be accessed here.

Winter Holiday Camps:

• Please find the Holiday Training Schedule for the Term Break here.
• Rugby Camp is available to book now 14 – 16 April: Click here to book.
• Tennis Camp is available to book now 14 & 15 April: Click here to book.
• Football Camp is available to book now 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24 April: Click here to book.
• AFL Camp – is available to book now Thursday 24 April: Click here to book.
• Cranbrook Twin Creeks Golf Day – is available to book now – 15 April (all players require a Golf Link Number): Click here to book.

Sports Resources – contain essential information regarding sports events, schedules and important updates for the year ahead

• 2025 Sports Welcome Booklet
• 2025 Sports Calendar

Matt Grice
Director of Sport

National Rowing Championships Regatta

The following boys represented Cranbrook School at the National Championships held at Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Sol Stathis, Toby Lane, Henry Dawson, Max Scales, Tomas Loukes, Edward Hartwright, Edward Williams, Charles Mann, Luke Martin, Owen Mudie, Oscar Orden, Tate Leggett, James Campbell, Max Allchin & Fergus Dawson-Damer.

James Campbell & Max Allchin competed in the Under 17 Double Sculls event. After coming 2^nd in their initial Heat, the boys bounced back with a superb row in their Repechage to qualify for the Semi-finals. An unfortunate combination of weather and change in start procedures caught the boys off guard at the start and they failed to qualify for the Final. For a combination that has excelled at every regatta they have competed in for the school over several years it was an uncharacteristically ignominious way to exit the national event but a valuable lesson to be carried into the future.

Oscar Orden, Tate Leggett, James Campbell, Max Allchin & Fergus Dawson-Damer contested the Under 17 Quadruple Scull event. 33 crews contested the event with Cranbrook eventually making the Semi-Final only to miss the Final by less than 4 seconds. The boys stepped up race by race as they realised they could dig deeper and deeper with every experience. The event’s rules allow composite/representative crews, when compared to other school crews Cranbrook finished in the top 5 crews in the country.

The crew went on to compete in the Open Schoolboy Quadruple Sculls where they eventually finished 19^th from 26 Crews and were the 2^nd highest placed Year 10 crew in the competition. An experience that will no doubt serve them well in years to come.

The Cranbrook 2^nd Quad of; Sol Stathis, Toby Lane, Henry Dawson, Max Scales and Tomas Loukes contested the Open Schoolboy Quadruple Sculls in both long (2000m) and short (500m) format. The crew wrestled with the enormous task of taking on the best schoolboy sculling crews in the country in an event where the National Record which has stood since 2016 was lowered by 5 seconds in the preliminary rounds. While finishing 22^nd overall from 26 entrants, the real marker was that the crew finished 4^th in the country when compared to other 2^nd Crews and reflected the depth and confidence in the Cranbrook Rowing Program this season.

Edward Hartwright, Edward Williams, Charles Mann, Luke Martin and Owen Mudie represented Cranbrook as the School’s 1^st Quad and ‘flew the flag’ at the highest possible level. A school record breaking row in the Heat saw the crew qualify directly to the Semi-Finals where they withstood a withering finish from Gippsland Grammar to qualify for the A Final by .65 seconds the school’s first appearance in the A Final in 9 years. In a scorching A Final, the crew finished 7^th in the country leaving it all out on the deep waters of Lake Barrington.

The crew also contested the National Final of the Schoolboy Quadruple Scull Sprint finishing an agonising 4^th, a mere 1.22 seconds off the podium.

All boys gave their best effort throughout a long and exhausting week at the biggest regatta ever held in Australia. We are extremely indebted to our Coaches, Mr Henning and Mr Irons, our support staff at school Ms McCabe and to the dedicated parents who fed and supported the boys throughout their journey.

Regards

Sam Carroll
Head of Rowing

Photos taken by Craig Allchin

Articles of Interest – Week 10

A few interesting articles to read;

Teens Should Never Have Caffeine, According to New Guidelines

Exercise can boost your memory and thinking skills

‘Platforms must actively listen to teen experiences’: Snapchat launches Australian teen advisory council

What parents worry about and what teens say concern them are worlds apart

Is Lighthouse Parenting the Answer to All Our Problems? (A Child Psychologist Weighs In)

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Mackenzie Pedersen
Science Teacher, Resident Tutor and Assistant Head of Science

Run (or walk) to save a baby’s life – in the CITY2SURF – 10 August

We are excited to be supporting local charity Running for Premature Babies through a Cranbrook team in the City2Surf this year on 10 August, and encourage our Cranbrook community (students, parents, siblings, friends, teachers) to join us!

All team members will receive a free tee shirt/singlet, and are invited to the Running for Premature Babies hospitality tent at the finish line. Fundraising is optional, but anyone who raises $300 will be eligible for a race entry refund!

Funds raised go to life-saving neonatal equipment, saving the lives of sick and premature babies. The charity’s founder, Sophie Smith OAM, started Running for Premature Babies after losing all three of her prematurely born triplets in 2006. Since then they have raised over $9 million, helping save the lives of over 10,000 babiesstudents, including some of our current Cranbrook students! Sophie will be sharing her inspiring story at our school assembly on 18 June.

The event is selling out fast so sign up today for a great community day out!

Click here to sign up.

Click here to learn more about Running for Premature Babies.

CRU Holiday and Study Camps

Every holidays a number of Cranbrook students take the opportunity to join a CRU Activity or Study Camp. CRU Holiday Camps is Australia’s leading provider of HSC & IB Study Camps with over 50 years’ experience in helping students achieve the results they need to succeed!

CRU Study Camps provide the ideal study environment free from the distractions students face while studying at home alone. Their experienced Christian leadership teams help students combat low productivity and procrastination, supporting them as they face the challenges of HSC/IB study. Details can be found at https://crucamps.com.au/cru/camps-2/study-camps/