Stuart Meade, Acting Head of School

There is no doubt the Olympic and Paralympic Games add an extra dimension to our lives for the period of the competition. While the events are captivating, with the talents, skills and determination of the athletes on full display, the ‘back stories’ that emerge which provide the human element to the achievements we see on the screen (unless you are fortunate to be in the crowd at a venue in France), as well as the post-event interviews, are also worthy of our attention. Early this week, we saw one of Australia’s most successful swimmers (in terms of medals), Emma McKeon speak with emotion as she called time on her Olympic career. Her swimming journey, both pre- and during her Olympic career, has been inspiring and her humble outlook belied her fierce determination over an extended career.

Then there was Harry Garside, the Australian boxer who arrived at the Olympics with high hopes for a podium finish. He was defeated in his first round fight – Games over. His post-bout interview was gut-wrenching as he said he had failed and this would take time to get over. He eventually composed himself and spoke of the support of his family but the hurt and disappointment were laid bare.

We speak of character, and the development of one’s character as an important element of a school’s purpose. It is written in the mission of many schools and character education is a key element of the wellbeing/pastoral programmes in many schools. I like the simple definition of character as “who you are when no-one else is watching” and I believe the development of character is an important aspect of the building of culture in a school.

One example of character development was presented by Professor Michael Klimmel from the US when he spoke at an International Schools conference a couple of years ago. It involved the coach of the USA Olympic men’s swim team at the time. Apparently, when the swimmers were competing in a meet that did not have as much significance as Olympic trials, the coach would change their routine or upset their preparation – having the swimmers arrive late for their event, having the physio not turn up, giving them goggles which he knows would break during the event, etc. It was done to prepare the swimmer for the unexpected and to develop resilience and an ability to cope with setbacks. “Prepare for Chaos” was the approach taken by the coach. I am not entirely sure how this would work in the family home – some may suggest it already exists as a matter of course, but the idea is linked to the notion of letting children fail as a way to develop resilience as they grow. It is not a new idea but one worth considering.

As the Year 12s commence their exam block next week, I wish them well and I look forward to being part of the busyness of Cranbrook next week.

With good wishes

Stuart Meade
Acting Head of School

Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to announce that Mr Tim Lilley will be our new CITF Coordinator. Mr Lilley has extensive experience with outdoor education, including being our Duke of Ed Coordinator and has worked with Outward Bound on many courses during his time at Cranbrook. A reminder that Year 7 will be going on CITF in Week 6; this is a five-day course commencing on Monday 26 August through to Friday 30 August (inclusive). Due to this being a Spring course and a slightly colder climate, the course and the sleeping arrangements have been modified to ensure students are safe and warm. More details will follow in a CITF briefing letter tomorrow. A quick note for Year 7 students who are involved in the Music Spring Festival – these students will complete their CITF course and return on the first bus on Friday morning to allow them time to return to home, shower and be back on campus for a 2pm start. There will also be a parent briefing during Week 4, all details will be provided tomorrow.

The Year 12 exams commence next week. I realise this can be a stressful and demanding time for our Year 12 students, but good preparation and study does help to relieve the stress of the tasks. I’d like to wish all Year 12 students the very best for their examinations.

On Tuesday, the annual Pitt Dash was held on campus, where a Junior and Senior runner from each House pound their way around the School in what has become a rather long sprint. Congratulations to Cutler House who were the overall winners and to Huon Groves who was our Senior winner and to Henry Roberts our Junior winner.

Yesterday, we hosted Warwick School from the UK for Rugby where a mixture 16s and 3^rd XV players took on Warwick’s 2^nd XV. Congratulations to Warwick School who won 4-2.

I wish everyone well with their weekend activities.

Have a great week.

Best wishes,

Bob Meakin
Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Nick Jolly, Director of Academics / Deputy Head of Senior School

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week we released the Head’s List for Outstanding Academic Attitude and Effort for Term 2. By way of reminder, this list recognises consistency of student attitude and effort in class. Data is drawn directly from school reports. To be placed on the list, students need 97% or better of ticks for attitude and effort in the ‘consistently’ column on their school report. I am pleased to say that we have broken a record! Of 1200 students in the school, 529 are on the list for Term 2. This represent 44% of the entire school body, and is our highest ever percentage! So good! Congratulations to all students, who will be recognised in House assembles with a certificate.

I have had a number of queries from parents regarding access to Canvas and the Continuous Report. The School will soon be setting up some webinars to assist parents with their access to various features on Canvas and to answer questions. Standby for confirmed dates.

Elevate Education are offering the below free webinars for parents this term:

1. How to Get (And Keep) Your Child Motivated – 7 August at 6.30

2. How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) – 21 August at 6.30

3. How To Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking – 4 September at 6.30

4. How You Can Support Your Child During Exams – 18 September at 6.30

I recommend these webinars to you. They are always highly informative and are attended by thousands of parents from around the state. Click here to register for these events.

Have a great week.

Nick Jolly
Director of Academics / Deputy Head of Senior School

Daisy Turnbull, Director of Coeducation and Academy

Dear Parents and Carers, 

With less than 18 months until coeducation commences at Cranbrook, I wanted to update you on the enrolment processes for our coeducational cohorts and the orientation activities we are running. 

For Year 7 2026 we have enrolled our first coeducational cohort. We continue to run a long orientation for our Year 7 2026 students with activities each term to give our current students and incoming boys and girls the opportunity to get to know each other and engage in activities together. A similar programme will commence with Year 7 2027 next year. We will endeavour to run this long orientation for incoming Year 7 groups until the School is fully coeducational. 

For Year 11 2026, we are interviewing girls who are looking to join Cranbrook as the inaugural senior coeducational cohort and have been very impressed with the interest and calibre of the young women enrolling. We understand that the decision to change schools is not one that is made lightly, nor early, which is why the enrolment process for Year 11 begins halfway through Year 9. 

At the start of 2025 we will start holding orientation activities for current Year 10 students and incoming students that give students the opportunity to interact with each other, and the incoming students a chance to get to know Cranbrook better. Many of these opportunities will be based around our Year 10 academic events including the IB seminar, subject selection fair, and engaging with external providers on wellbeing topics. 

The 2026 scholarship process will commence at the end of this year for both Year 7 and 11 cohorts. Students who do not currently have an application on file, or have not yet completed admissions activities, as well as those who have accepted a position for 2026 are welcome to sit for our suite of scholarships. 

The Year 7 2027 enrolment processes have also begun for boys and girls. Next year we will commence the enrolment for Year 11 2027, and Year 7, 2028. 

Daisy Turnbull
Director of Coeducation and Academy

Peter Young, Director of Students

The process for the selection of the 2024/25 Prefects has commenced. Year 11 students will have the opportunity to apply for a number of roles within the Prefect team. Interviews with Heads of House and mentors, as well as voting, will occur over the coming weeks with the new Prefect team announced at the end of the term. Over the coming two weeks Year 11 students will also be asked to accept supervision responsibilities around the School as the Year 12 cohort take Trial HSC exams.

The SRC combined with Hone House to organise a sausage sizzle during lunchtime on Thursday. All students were also able to be part of an audience as a number of musicians performed items which were part of the recently held and successful Amped concert.

Winter sport is in its final weeks. Can I remind everyone that if a student can not attend a Saturday fixture due to illness or a family reason it is expected that the team manager or coach is notified with as much notice as possible so arrangements can be made to find a replacement. Students who let their team and themselves down through non attendance and without notice sent to the appropriate staff member will receive a three hour detention which will be held in 1 ½ hour sessions over consecutive Mondays.

Peter Young
Director of Students

Matt Grice, Director of Sport

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Once again, the weather produced an interesting twist to the start of Saturday sport for Term 3. Term 2 saw an amazing 210 fixtures cancelled due to the rain, and unfortunately, Tennis was a casualty again on Saturday. It’s been a beyond frustrating season for the Tennis Club, and we hope with clear skies now forecast, that our Tennis students have an uninterrupted last two rounds. Despite a few delays due to lightning, we were able to get all our Rugby, Football, and AFL games started in due course.

It was an evenly matched day across the board against Trinity, with all games played in good spirits and warm sportspersonship. We thank Trinity for a fantastic day and their generous hospitality. The 1st Football Team was outclassed by a strong Trinity Team and will now have to hope a few results go our way as we chase our maiden title. Well done to the 2nd Football Team for a convincing win and the 2nd Volleyball Team who played their best game of the season, claiming a straight sets win. The Opens Rugby Squad got Term 3 started in a positive manner as the 1st to 5th teams all won their games on TGS1. The 2ndTteam had an epic thriller against a much bigger Trinity Team, winning by 5, while the 1st Team, who were nearly at full strength for the first time this season, showed what they could do with a fantastic away win.

The Lewis Report. 9Bs Football

After the thunder and lightning had cleared, the 9Bs footballers came out with a bang! Starting the scoring off with a penalty, there was no stopping our team. The well drilled moves were clear for all to see as the 9Bs turned defence into offence, and offence into goals. At the end of a dominant first half, the score stood at 3-0. Coach Tony Canning led an inspiring halftime address, asking for even more from his players.

The team listened and continued to apply the pressure on their Trinity opponents in the second half. Several more exciting chances, brilliant crosses, and tidy finishes had the score at 8-1 when the whistle blew for full time.

The performance marks huge improvement for our team throughout the season. Having beaten Trinity 2-1 earlier this season, this result is a great reflection of the team’s hard work and determination at training.

They’ll look to keep the ball rolling as they come up against Barker this Saturday, who they drew with 0-0 in May. 

Eddie Lewis, Sport Operational Coordinator P-12

2024 Pitt Dash

On Tuesday, our annual 2km Pitt Dash around the school campus saw Cutler House take out both the Junior (Henry Roberts) and Senior (Huon Groves) race – congratulations to all students who took part.

This weekend sees home fixtures of the CAS Winter Season against Barker. Both of our 1sts and 2nds Football and Rugby will be playing away on Hordern this week, and I’d 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.  

Please download this weekend’s fixtures here.

Please view the Sports Academy timetable here.

Cranbrook is excited to announce its inaugural combined winter sports award presentation, bringing together the entire community to celebrate the achievements of the Winter season. This new event will showcase the exceptional performances and dedication of Cranbrook’s winter sports teams and individuals. This historic occasion reflects Cranbrook’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture and supporting the development of its student-athletes.

Winter Sport Presentation – Friday the 16 August 5:30pm to 8:00pm in the Vicars Centenary Hall.  Tickets now available.

Matt Grice
Director of Sport

School Sport Australia Games

The School Sport Australia Games 2024 were held this week on the Gold Coast. With over 3500 athletes competing in 6 different sports, Cranbrook had 3 students compete in the swimming championships for NSW who had a 250 strong people team, showcasing remarkable skill and dedication in the pool. 

Tate Sirianni from Year 11 delivered impressive performances by setting 2 new school records when he won silver in the 100m backstroke with a time of 59.06 seconds and bronze in the 50m backstroke with a time of 27.36 seconds. Additionally, Tate contributed to NSW team’s success by securing a silver medal in the 4x50m medley relay and a bronze in the 4x50m freestyle relay.

Noah Kemp, from Year 8, also made a significant impact. He earned a silver medal in the 50m butterfly with a school record time of 26.71 seconds, and another silver in the 50m backstroke with a new record of 28.74 seconds. Noah further showcased his versatility by winning bronze in the 100m butterfly, and gold in both the 4x50m medley and freestyle NSW relays.

Ollie McGee from Cranbrook Junior School, Year 5, finished with a bronze medal in the 100m butterfly, silver in the 4x50m freestyle relay, and placed 4th in both the 50m butterfly and 200m individual medley. 

Head coach, Rebecca Wheatley was the appointed coach for the NSW swimming team and had the privilege supporting all athletes. 

Congratulations to our Head coach and all the swimmers for their outstanding achievements and for setting new benchmarks for future competitors.

Rebecca Wheatley
Head Coach – Swimming

Running Lines: Volume 8

Yet again Saturday morning in Sydney dawned inclement. This time with some lightning strikes added in that delayed the 16Cs fixture at Summer Hill.

Our results were;

• Player of the Day: Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s)- Christopher Harris (15A)
• Player of the Day: Senior Teams (16s & Opens)-  Levi Funa (1st XV)
• Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field):

Baxter Torrance (1st XV)

• Team of the Day- 2^nd XV

The 2^nd XV are the Team of the Day.

Under heavy conditions the 2^nd XV were superb.

Both teams exchanged tries in an extremely physical opening half as team went to the break on the even keel.

In a similar try to Aymeric Schmidt’s in the opening stanza, Harry Jones muscled his way over after an excellent line out drive to go to the lead.

The match ebbed and flowed and was highlighted by Cranbrook’s tight and resolute goal line defence that withheld Trinity’s attack to take an outstanding win.

Harri Smith, Theo Walsh and Finn Earl-Smith were tireless in the set piece and tight exchanges. While half back, Fletcher Gill and fly half Mat O’Neil marshalled their troops well. Elliot Price and Oscar Holland made invaluable contributions in the midfield.

We host Barker College on Saturday.

Mark DeBrincat
Master in Charge of Rugby

Cranbrook Corner: Round 8

Read the Cranbrook Corner 2024 Round 8 here.

Phil Beverley, Director of Music

Good kids doing good things!

Congratulations to both Austin Fairfax (Composition) Wesley Woodhouse (Trombone performance) in gaining early entry to study Music at the Sydney Conservatorium.

Year 10 Violinist Oscar Xing has been accepted to take part in the International Summer Academy, held by the Mozarteum University in Salzburg. Students audition to be accepted into this programme and are provided the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most famous clinicians including Zakhar Bron, a teacher who has produced many internationally renowned artists, such as Maxim Vengerov, who was regarded as the world’s best violinist for many years during the early 21st century, Vadim Repin, Gwendolyn Masin, and  Daniel Hope, to name a few. We wish Oscar the very best as he works on refining his already well-established performance skills.

Year 9 Pianist, Thomas Boyd received Second Prize in the 12–15-year age group for the Grand Opus International Piano Competition in Vietnam. A wonderful achievement where he had the opportunity to perform Rondo Alla Turk with a full orchestra.

Term 3 Focus

Term 3 sees our musical focus pivot towards to soloists and Our Performance Plus Keynote with Karen Carey OAM supported just that. Our Year 12 students were joined by other elective music students and instrumentalists to see just how important the critique process is when refining a performance before final practical examinations.

Our HSC Students are gearing up for their final examinations and will be showcasing their talents as both Composers and Performers in the coming weeks during Spring Festival. It’s not just our Year 12s who are working hard however. We also have 220 entries for this year’s Spring Festival Soloist Performances on Friday 30 August. This event is set to be a wonderful celebration of Cranbrook creativity with seven recitals running concurrently, and the Visual Arts Exhibition and Drama mask work in and around the Perkins Precinct. Further details including map,  timings and who is performing where will be made available closer to the event.

A note to our Year 7 performers in the Spring Festival Performances and who also are attending CITF. Rescheduled rehearsals will be communicated to you very soon. These will take place in Week 5, prior to you departing in Week 6. I will work closely with the Tim Lilley, our new CITF Coordinator,  in order for you to leave early on the Friday so that you can return home in time to prepare for your performance. We understand that both CITF and Music performances are important opportunities for our students, and we are committed to making both opportunities a fun and enjoyable experience.

Phil Beverley
Director of Music

Cranbrook School Council

Click here for the latest update from Cranbrook School Council.

Study Centre

A reminder that the study centre is available to all students in Years 7 – 10 Mondays to Thursdays from 3.30 – 6.30pm. Each afternoon teachers supervise and support students with their homework and assessment preparation, and students are provided with afternoon tea. Study centre costs $50 each afternoon.

Please register here.

Articles of Interest

Please find below this week’s articles of interest from the boarding staff:

Can you answer these 50 HSC questions

Podcast – Parental as Anything

Ted Talk – Why you should disappoint your parents

Ted Talk – What I’ve learned about parenting as a stay-at-home dad

The right to disconnect is coming to Australia. What does this mean for you?

How should I factor AI into my decision about what to study after school?

Why are bullies so mean? A youth psychology expert explains what’s behind their harmful behaviour

All best,

Matt Banes

Volunteers for Examinations Needed

Are you sometimes available during the school day? Do you feel competent reading and writing English? Are you a legible writer? Please note you don’t have to be neat, just readable.

If so, we would love to hear from you as we are always keen to have more people to support our students as exam volunteers who act as a reader and/or writer for students doing exams.

Readers can read exam material and a student’s answers at the direction of the student.

Writers must write exactly what the student dictates, but they can punctuate without direction by the student.

All volunteers will require a valid WWC; this can be a volunteer or a paid WWC.

If you would like more information about acting as a reader or writer, please contact Fiona Bain on 9327 9435 or email fbain@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.

If you are keen to begin, you can start the process by emailing compliance@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au with your name, email address, date of birth, and your WWC reference number.

Compliance will then send out an information pack and a number of documents for which you must sign and return along with a photo page of your passport and proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Thank you!

Becoming a Member of Cranbrook School

Cranbrook School is a public company limited by guarantee which was established to provide students with a well-rounded, liberal education based on Christian beliefs.

It is governed by the School Council in accordance with its Constitution and has a membership comprised of eligible persons who have made significant contributions to Cranbrook or who are key stakeholders in its mission.

Parent of students in Kindergarten to Year 12 attending Cranbrook are eligible to become a Member of Cranbrook School for so long as they have a child attending the School.

The Members of Cranbrook School play an important role in the governance of Cranbrook. Being a Member entitles you to attend and vote at general meetings of Cranbrook School. This includes attending and voting at the Annual General Meeting, where the matters considered include receiving the statutory financial reports and electing members of the School Council.

If you are not already a Member of Cranbrook School, and wish to become one, please indicate your willingness to do so by completing and returning the application form which can be found on Cranbrook Connect here.

Applications are subject to approval by the School Council, and will be considered at the next possible School Council meeting after receipt of your completed application.

We encourage you to apply to become a Member of Cranbrook School and to take up the opportunity to contribute to the governance of the School.

If you have any questions regarding membership of Cranbrook School, please contact Sarah Deveson, Company Secretary, by email on councilsecretary@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.

Geoff Lovell                                                                                          
President of School Council