Senior School Link – Week 3, Term 3 2024 - 8 August 2024
Stuart Meade, Acting Head of School
At the end of this week I conclude my short stay at Cranbrook and I wish to thank the staff, students and parents who have made me feel welcome over the past five weeks. As I have noted on numerous occasions, I have a great deal of affection for Cranbrook, and it has been a pleasure catching up with former students who are now fathers of boys here. We have kept the unwritten rule of “if you don’t tell them stories about me, I won’t tell them stories about you…” although that mantra may be at risk when I meet some of the ‘boarding dads’ this weekend.
I have enjoyed the many different activities and events I have been able to attend during my time here. In the past seven days, these have included Honefest, the Student-Directed Drama productions, the Senior Debating team in action, Old Boy reunions, and a day of sport v Barker last weekend. The enthusiasm to be part of ‘something bigger than yourself’ has been obvious and adds to the positive culture evident in the Cranbrook community.
In that vein, at the Senior School Assembly this week, I recounted a story involving Old Cranbrookian and former Test cricketer, Ed Cowan. A few years ago, he wrote a book about his time as a State cricketer trying to make the national team. He wrote about Ricky Ponting as they both played for Tasmania. He described a situation when Ponting played one of his very rare games for Tasmania and then organised for the entire team and their partners to attend a BBQ at his home. He organised and paid for the taxis for everyone to get there and home again and provided all food and drinks. Cowan writes “There is no reason for him to put on such an event, bar the fact that he loved playing for Tasmania; there was no need for him to be so generous and enthusiastic either. We experienced a measure of the man from what he has done that wasn’t necessary.”
With the final week of winter sport upon us, I urged the boys in the room to support their mates this weekend by turning up to at least one game or event other than their own to support their friends or other students. It is an act that is not necessary but will contribute to something bigger than themselves and will add further to all that is good in this place.
Schools are relational environments, more than most other organisations. The key to meaningful relationships is respect. I see this in so many areas of the School, with interactions between staff, students and parents consistently displaying mutual respect. It is a vital element, indeed, a core value, of a successful school – long may it continue at Cranbrook.
My best wishes to all in the Cranbrook community.
Stuart Meade Acting Head of School
Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School
Dear Parents and Carers,
We have had another busy week at school and yesterday’s assembly showcased some of the many endeavours of students. The student directed plays, the musical rehearsals and various service activities were congratulated. We also enjoyed hearing from our guest, Jigme Tshering from CETOP, where he is a special guide and has enjoyed working with so many students and staff over the years. The message of adventure and service was an inspiration to the students coupled with some stunning images from Nepal on display.
It was also wonderful to hear the SRC leaders, Matthew Downes and Sam Collison, encouraging our students to ‘get around it’ and support all aspects of the School’s Co-Curricular and Service programmes. The Chaplain, Reverand Farraway addressed the School with an Olympic theme and giving one’s best. We also spoke to the students about volunteering. Winter Sport is compulsory but the Athletics season which commences next week is more voluntary and students were reminded that, whatever their athletic ability, all are welcome and to volunteer into as many sessions as possible.
The Head of School’s list of academic effort was also celebrated. This is an effort level of 97%. Almost half the student population has now achieved this list in Term 2 which is an incredible achievement. Our Cross-Country team was also announced for the CAS championships this weekend and we wish them all the very best for their individual and team performances.
Our Year 12s are in the thick of Trial examinations for the HSC and mock exams for the IB. They are carrying themselves extremely well at this point and utilising the Year 12 College well into the evenings. I wish them well for the remainder of their examinations.
This weekend sees our Winter Sport programme come to an end and I wish everyone a wonderful, successful, and enjoyable end to the season.
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,
Recently we have had students enter essays in to the John Locke Institute’s2024 Global Essay Prize. I am pleased to report that Aaryan Mahtani (Year 8) and Alex Villata (Year 12) have had their essays shortlisted and have been invited to the awards ceremony in London in September. Congratulations to them both for this outstanding achievement.
The Big Science Competition is one of the largest international science competitions held in schools. This year, the school entered 435 students in the competition across Years 7-10. In a very impressive result, we achieved 115 credits, 34 distinctions and 17 High Distinctions. Congratulations particularly to the following students who received a High Distinction:
Year 7
Darren Cai
Patrick Gisz
Owen Jarrett
Ned Lord
Justin Wang
Year 8
Etienne Roux
Year 9
Thomas de Vos
Tamati Firth
Nicholas Long
Year 10
Oscar Balmer-Burton
Ted Boss
Kevin Chu
Donald Dyer
Andrew Nguyen
Thomas Nguyen
Van Onions
Jason Wang
The School will host an online parent webinar on Canvas and the Continuous Report on Tuesday 10 September at 6pm. More information regarding this event will follow soon.
Have a great week.
Nick Jolly Director of Academics / Deputy Head of Senior School
AI In The Classroom
“By using this technology properly, we can unlock new possibilities for teaching and learning.”
Dan Guo, Associate Director of the Center for Research, Teaching and Learning at Loyola University New Orleans
This week Cranbrook teachers delved deeper into the world of AI in Education with another innovative session facilitated by Tara Schmidtke and Simon Hamblin.
This interactive workshop introduced teachers to a range of AI tools, such as CoPilot and ChatPDF, and showcased how they can support teaching and learning. Rob Messiter, Vicki Hounslow and Fabian Navarro shared their AI wins in a series of engaging, practical presentations, and teachers collaborated in departments to trial the tools.
Resilience Project
“1 in 4 adolescents have experienced a mental disorder” (ABS, 2021).
Georgia Neeson presented at last week’s Cranbrook Teachers Talking Teaching (CTTT) on the findings and methodology of the Resilience Project.
The Resilience Project employs an evidence-based Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) approach to fostering and explicitly teaching emotional resilience.
Georgia’s presentation focused on how she had integrated activities to employ the GEM approach in her classroom, and discussed the effect that psychological resilience has on positive risk taking.
The presentation also included bonus strategies for teachers on boosting mood and reducing stress.
Angelique Sanders, Director of Student Wellbeing
Dear Parents,
I am writing to you about a research study that Cranbrook is partnering in and that your child/ren will soon be invited to take part in. This research project is being funded by the Australian Research Council and the University of Sydney, and our school is one of three that is partnering in the research.
Corridor Cultures aims to examine our school culture, with a particular focus on student and teacher experiences related to gender and sexuality. The objective is to identify our strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that Cranbrook remains a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
In March 2022, many students participated in a 15-minute online questionnaire during our SWP time. This year, on August 27, students will have another opportunity to participate in an updated version of the questionnaire. This will allow us to gather more comprehensive data, track any changes, and enhance the reliability of our findings.
Following the questionnaire, selected students and teachers will be invited to participate in focus groups to discuss the results.
In the coming weeks, you will receive an Operoo form regarding this study. Please note that participation in the questionnaire is entirely voluntary, and you have the option to either approve or decline your child’s involvement. Students will then have the option to opt in or out on the day of the questionnaire.
We appreciate your support in this important initiative to make Cranbrook a better place for everyone.
Angelique Sanders Director of StudentWellbeing
Matt Grice, Director of Sport
Dear Parents and Guardians,
A big thank you to everyone who participated in Cranbrook Sport over the weekend as we hosted Barker at home. All games were played in great spirits with Cranbrook winning the 1sts and 2nds Football and Volleyball, and Barker taking out the 1sts and 2nds Tennis and Rugby. It was fantastic to see some Tennis on the weekend with a dry, sunny day on hand. I know Mr Higgins was very pleased with our efforts after such a long layoff. Well done to our Opens Volleyball teams who managed to win all their matches! This Saturday sees the CAS Cross Country Championships held at Sydney Park. Cranbrook are looking to defend their 2023 title and I know the team have prepared exceptionally well for this final event. A win would see us retain the shield for the 3rd straight year. We wish Mr Uncles, Drew and Kurt Fryer and the entire squad the best of luck!
This week the majority of our Year 12 students finish their Cranbrook sporting journey. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for their exceptional service and unwavering dedication to sports during their time at school. Their commitment to teamwork, perseverance, and sportspersonship has not only elevated our teams but has also inspired the entire school community. Through countless training sessions, weight session, speed and agility sessions, and matches, they have demonstrated the true spirit of being a Cranbrookian as well as camaraderie through thick and thin. They have won and they have lost, but no matter the result they have always given their best for their friends, family, and school. I thank them for all they have given.
Interstate Water Polo Competition
Cranbrook held the interstate water polo competition over the past 3 days, which is the highest level of school water polo. It bought together the top teams across the country with NSW split into three teams.
Ethan Negrin Yr 11 was part of the grand final NSW CIS team which finished 2nd place behind a strong QLD team which won 12-8. Ethin was a home crowd favourite and had the loudest cheers of the game when he scored a 5metre penalty in the 4th quarter.
In the girl’s competition the NSW CIS team won 14-10 against QLD
School Sport Australia 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 and 1 coach compete in the swimming championships for NSW who had a 250 strong people team.
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.
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
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.
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.
Please see the Term 3 Sport, Co-Curricular and Academy Schedulehere.
The Winter Season fixtures conclude this Saturday 10 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.
Please note that Winter Sports Team Photos will take place in Week 4 and Week 6 this term. Students and Families have been emailed the schedule below and we wish to remind students that the below items are required:
Full Winter Sport Uniform
Student ID Cards
Winter Sport
Term 3, Week 4 Tuesday 13th August
Lunchtime 12:50 – 1:30pm
AFL (Junior & inters) Swimming (all)
VCH
Tuesday 13th August
After school 3:30 – 5pm
Y10 Football, Tennis, Rugby, Volleyball
VCH
Wednesday 14th August
Lunchtime 12:55 – 1:40pm
YR8 Tennis, Football Rugby
VCH
Wednesday 14th August
After school 3:30 – 5pm
YR7 & YR9 Tennis, Football, Rugby
VCH
Term 3, Week 6 Monday 26 August
Lunchtime 12:50 – 1:30pm
1st/2nd Team Photos
VCH
Tuesday 27 August
Lunchtime 12:50 – 1:30pm
Opens Football, Tennis, Rugby, Volleyball plus Snow Sports (all)
VCH
Co-Curricular Group Photos
Term 3, Week 9 Tuesday 17th September
Lunchtime 12:50 – 1:30pm
Chess, Debating, Model UN, Public Speaking, STEM Hub, Investment Club, Drama & Production, Ethic Club, Amnesty International
VCH Full School Uniform
CAS Athletics
Term 3, Week 9 Thursday 19th September
Recess 10:15am
CAS Athletics Team plus Cross Country (all)
Hordern Oval
Looking forward to seeing everyone around the grounds this weekend.
Matt Grice Director of Sport
Old Cranbrookian Grae Morris’ Olympic Win
We warmly congratulate former Cranbrook student, Grae Morris (OC 2021), who won the silver Olympic windsurfing medal last weekend near Marseille. At just 20 years old, Grae has become the youngest male windsurfer to win a medal for Australia and is also the first windsurfer in almost 30 years to achieve this.
Throughout his time at Cranbrook, Grae juggled his rugby commitments with a lifelong passion for windsurfing. Whilst at school he was a talented full-back and played in the first XV. Grae started competing in windsurfing at 11 years old following in his father’s footsteps. His father is a former national champion and was president of the Australian Windsurfing Association for 12 years, so from a very early age Grae was accompanying his dad to competitions all over the country. By the end of Year 12 Grae had to choose between playing high level rugby and committing wholeheartedly to that sport or following his passion. In Grae’s words: “The decision was clear, windsurfing won.”
The whole school community have been cheering Grae on throughout his time in Paris and we are so proud of his fantastic achievement. Commenting on his win, Grae acknowledged all the support from Cranbrook and said: “I’m just ecstatic, I’m super happy and I can’t compare it to any other moment in my life.”
Running Lines: Volume 9
In what has been a rarity this season, it was a lovely sunny day as Cranbrook hosted Barker College last Saturday.
Our results were;
Team
Opposition
Result
Win/Loss
1sts
Barker
44-7
Loss
2nds
Barker
20-0
Loss
3rds
Barker
22-19
Loss
4ths
Barker
12-10
Win
5ths
Barker
28-12
Win
6ths
Sydney Grammar 3rds
8-5
Win
16A
Barker
15-14
Win
16B
Barker
Cancelled
NA
16C
Riverview 16F
Cancelled
NA
15A
Barker
57-7
Loss
15B
Barker
29-17
Loss
15C
Barker
46-21
Loss
14A
Barker
20-5
Loss
14B
Barker
27-12
Loss
14C
St Joseph’s 14F
22-22
Draw
13A
Barker
46-27
Loss
13B
Waverley 13C
48-5
Loss
13C
Barker 13B
20-17
Loss
Player of the Day: Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s)- Oliver Orden (14B)
Player of the Day: Senior Teams (16s & Opens)- Toby Pearce (16A)
Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field):
Johann Ah-Colt (16A)
Team of the Day- 16A
The 16As are the Team of the Day.
In a tight and evenly matched fixture the 16As were superb to take the win by a solitary point.
The opening stanza was a physical affair with Barker going to the break 7 nil to the good of Cranbrook.
The response was swift from Cranbrook. After a jinking run from winger Jack Mahoney the ball swung back to the midfield to see Ethan Sackar crash over near the posts.
The match ebbed and flowed and saw Barker score a well constructed try followed by a fabulous try to Toby Pearce after a pin point cross kick from Charlie Harris.
The game was on a knife edge as Cranbrook were awarded a penalty in the final minutes which saw Charlie Harris cooly slot the match winner. Well done boys- a thoroughly deserved win.
A special mention to the 6th XV who played Grammar’s 3rd XV. In a similarly tight affair, Jago Schutzinger scored early after a sterling run. Grammar returned serve to make in 5 all. With a couple of minutes remaining Milo Serfontein expertly kicked a drop goal. Euphoria ensued! Definitely a win for the ages.
We host St Aloysius College on Saturday in the final round of the Winter Season.
During the recent winter break, Cranbrook students participated in the Asia Pacific Junior Debate Championships. Students from Australia, China, South Korea, India, Japan and the USA competed in an intense couple of days of online debates in this prestigious event that consistently attracts talented speakers of high school age.
We are pleased to announce the following achievements:
Alexander Kitto in Year 7 – Co-4th Best Speaker of Australia, Oceania, and Octofinalist, 13-and-Under Main Category
Ian Wu in Year 7 – Co-10th Best Speaker, 12-and-Under Category, 3rd Best Speaker of Australia, Oceania, and Octofinalist, 13-and-Under Main Category
Justin Wang in Year 7 – Co-5th Best Speaker of Australia, Oceania, and Octofinalist, 13-and-Under Main Category
Congratulations to all three students, whose enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in debating has clearly served them well.
Oratory Programmes in Semester 2
With the commencement of the new semester, we welcomed many returning students and new faces to the range of oratory programmes on offer at Cranbrook. Our Monday public speaking group has been focused on preparing speeches on the topic of ‘A Fair Go’, while our Friday Voice and Communication group have continued their preparations for their upcoming externally assessed readings and presentations. Debaters have achieved success in the first two rounds of the CAS competition and a fresh cohort of social and legal debaters have begun their journey during our Thursday afternoon sessions. Starting this week, Model UN is back with an interesting resolution on the ongoing question of Afghanistan democracy – good practice for our planned inter-school event later in the term!
This semester is a changing of the guard as we will farewell our current Year 12 leadership team and welcome in new student leaders for the 2024-25 school year. Applications for those positions will come out later this term and we look forward to seeing the next group carry on and strengthen what is a tremendous legacy built over recent years. Over the weeks and months ahead, we’ll bring you all news from Competition, Social and Legal Debating, Public Speaking, Model UN and our Voice and Communication group – be sure to read our weekly updates right here.
CAS Competition Debating Update
Cranbrook has had an excellent start to the Term 3 CAS Competition. Although a short competition of only 5 rounds, CAS is a fierce annual rivalry between the Combined Associated Schools of Cranbrook, Barker, Knox, St Aloysius, Trinity, and Waverley.
Last Friday night we took on Barker College and won the following divisions: 7As, 8As, 8Bs, 9As, 10As, 10Bs, and the 1sts. Special commendation goes to the following debaters:
Ian Wu (7A) for demonstrating conscientiousness and critical thinking when discussing minorities and other sensitive issues.
Simon Tesvic (9A) for listening well in coaching and directly applying new skills and feedback in the debate.
Tom Harnett (Thirds) for presenting a speech that balanced rhetorical techniques and clear analysis.
David Tabachnik (Seconds) for immense improvement on his style and manner, presenting a well-expressed and clear first affirmative speech.
See below the CAS topics:
Division
Round 3 CAS: Social Issues
7A and 7B
That Australia should have mandatory national community or military service
8A and 8B
That we should ban violent video games
9A and 9B
That we should ban violent video games
10A and 10B
That we oppose the ‘parachuting in’ of candidates
Opens(choice)
That we oppose the ‘parachuting in’ of candidates That we should measure gross national happiness and base policy decisions on those measurements rather than on GDP That we would prefer to live in a world where personal success and failure were widely seen as primarily a consequence of random factors, as opposed to personal choice
See below the updated tally:
ISDA Division
Round 1 vs Trinity
Round 2 vs Barker
7A
Loss
WIN
7B
WIN
Loss
8A
WIN
WIN
8B
WIN
WIN
9A
WIN
WIN
9B
Loss
Loss
10A
Loss
WIN
10B
WIN
WIN
4ths
WIN
Loss
3rds
Loss
Loss
2nds
WIN
Loss
1sts
WIN
WIN
This Friday 9th August sees the following debates take place:
Details
CAS
Round
Round 3 vs St Aloysius
Venue
Cranbrook Vicars Building Level 4
Address
5 Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill
Entry via
Rose Bay Avenue pedestrian gate
Years 7-9 debate / finish
Debates start 6.30pm / Debates finish 7.30pm
Years 10-12 debate / finish
Debates start 7.30pm / Debates finish 9.00pm
Topic area
Education
Spectator policy
Spectators welcome
A reminder that all Years 7-9 debaters must be collected by a parent or guardian at the end of the night.
Upcoming oratory events
NSW Junior Public Speaking Competition at Sydney Boys High School this Wednesday 7th August
Model UN lunchtimes this Wednesday 7, Thursday 8 and Friday 9 August
Social Debating, Mooting and Mock Trial this Thursday 8 August from 3.30-5.30pm
AMEB Voice and Communication group this Friday 9 August from 3.30-5.00pm
CAS Debating R3 vs St Aloysius this Friday 9 August from 3.45pm
Public Speaking next Monday 12 August from 3.30-5.30pm
Oratory programmes are fully subscribed for Semester 2
There has been a lot of recent interest in participating in one or more of our oratory programmes. However, close date for sign-ups have long passed and we are presently fully subscribed across all debating, public speaking, and Model UN. We are therefore unable to accept new enrolments. However, students keen to gain access to our resources and prepare themselves for Semester 1 2025 sign-up are welcome to reach out to me (note, we only accept expressions of interest from students directly). Sign-up for Semester 1 2025 offerings will circulate via student email in February.
Contact
Should you or your son have any further questions about any of Cranbrook’s oratory programmes, you are welcome to reach out to the Head of Oratory and Student Journalism, Mr Benjamin Smith, at bsmith@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au. In the first instance, students should be making contact about getting involved.
Essential information and highlights for parents will be posted here on Cranbrook Connect as part of the Thursday Link. Students involved in oratory programmes will receive updates via their respective Canvas or TEAMS channels.
Benjamin Smith Head of Oratory & Student Journalism
100 years ago, Eric Liddell took his starting spot in the finals for the 400 meters. More than 6,000 paying spectators filled the stadium on that warm Friday night in Paris, a century ago, when the starting pistol fired and the Scottish runner took off from the outside lane.
The only problem was, he was in the wrong race.
Liddell entered the 400-meter race only after learning that the heats for his best Olympic event, the 100 meters, would fall on a Sunday. He withdrew from that event, holding fast to his Christian convictions about observing the Sabbath.
He communicated his intentions privately and behind the scenes, with no public fanfare. It became newsworthy only when the press became aware and began sharing their opinions.
Some admired his convictions, while others saw him as disloyal and unpatriotic. Many could not comprehend his inflexible stand. It was just one Sunday, and at a time when Sabbath practices in the English-speaking world were rapidly changing. Besides, the event itself would not happen until the afternoon, giving Liddell plenty of time to attend church services in the morning. Why give up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring honour to himself and his country?
Liddell recognised that the world was changing. But the Sabbath, as he understood and practiced it, was to be a full day of worship and rest. It was, for him, a matter of personal integrity and Christian obedience.
Throughout the public debate about his decision, Liddell did not raise complaints about discrimination and oppression. He did not blast the Olympic committee for their refusal to accommodate Sabbath-keeping Christians. He did not take aim at fellow Christian athletes for their willingness to compete on Sunday. He simply made his decision and accepted the consequences: Gold in the 100 meters was not an option.
Liddell was willing to sacrifice athletic glory for his convictions but also a joyful athlete engaging in sports simply for the love of it—and because through it he felt God’s presence.
If this were the end of the story, Liddell’s example would be an inspiring model of faithfulness—and also a forgotten footnote in history.
Back to the starting pistol. Bang!
Few expected him to have a chance in the significantly longer race.
Many then believed that the 400 meters required runners to pace themselves for the final stretch. Liddell took a different approach. Instead of holding back for the end, Liddell used his speed to push the boundaries of what was possible, turning the race into a start-to-finish sprint.
Liddell later described his approach as “running the first 200 meters as hard as I could, and then, with God’s help, running the second 200 meters even harder.”
47.6 seconds later, Liddell had set a new world record, leaving his competitors in awe and his fans grasping to make sense of what they had just witnessed.
News of Liddell’s achievement quickly spread back home through the press and the radio. He arrived in Scotland as a conquering hero; those who had criticised his Sabbath convictions now praised him for his principled stand.
The stadium where he raced has been renovated for use in the 2024 games and displays a plaque in his honour.
The Olympics are a great opportunity to see people striving in the event of their lives.
1 Peter 4 reminds us that we are all in the event of our lives. The event is our life. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
We too must make decisions each day between character and glory.
Both of these words are included in our school prayer, where “the humblest among us in age or rank may add to the character and glory of our school” through “a love of truth, goodness and sincerity”.
It is the quiet work of integrity which produces true champions in life.
If you made it to the Olympics, I’m sure that like Grae Morris the Old Cranbrookian (OC ’21) who spoke to us in assembly last term, and who won silver in his windsurfing event, you would give it your best. To most of the world, we here at this school, in this city, in this country, at this time in history we are Olympians of prosperity and opportunity.
So, make the most of your event. Use the gifts you have. Don’t submit to mediocrity or lose sight of your responsibility.
If things don’t happen as you planned, change your plans. Run 400 metres instead of 100.
We are all in an event of Olympic importance, not just every 4 years, but every 24 hours. Let’s make the most of the opportunity and be faithful stewards of the gifts we’ve been given.
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.
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.
If you have any questions regarding membership of Cranbrook School, please contact Sarah Deveson, Company Secretary, by email on councilsecretary@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au.
