Senior School Link – Week 4, Term 3 2025 - 14 August 2025
Adrian Harrison, Director of Academics – Senior School – Acting
Science Week
Congratulations to our amazing Science Department for delivering an outstanding celebration of science under the theme “Decoding the Universe”. Students participated in hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and engaging showcases that revealed the hidden languages of nature. My highlight was the delicious creations from our Year 7 Ecochefs, c’est bon! This week has been both inspiring and energising, sparking curiosity in the next generation of scientists and showcasing exciting pathways for the future.
Year 12 Examinations
Congratulations to our Year 12 students who are nearing the conclusion of their IB Diploma Mock Examinations and HSC Trial Examinations, held over the past two weeks. Students have been tested (pun intended) in conditions closely mirroring the final examinations, which commence in October. In fact, this period is arguably more demanding, with all papers scheduled within a tighter timeframe than the official end-of-year assessments. Regular lessons will resume from Monday.
Following this there are optional Parent–Teacher Interviews for Year 12 will be held on Thursday, 28 August, from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Booking details will be sent on Monday, 18 August, via our usual platform, Edval. As in previous years, interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams.
Kind regards,
Adrian Harrison Director of Academics – Senior School – Acting
Writing Hub
Writing skills have recently been identified as a key area for development in all subjects for students across the country. To help students further develop these skills, Cranbrook offers Writing Hub, a literacy initiative designed to provide targeted, individualised support in a relaxed and supportive environment.
At Writing Hub, students have the opportunity to work one-on-one or in small groups with an English teacher, focusing on specific aspects of their writing they wish to improve. Whether it’s refining sentence structure, crafting clear and cohesive paragraphs, or using vocabulary more effectively, our goal is to equip students with practical strategies and feedback that can be applied immediately in their schoolwork.
Students are encouraged to bring a piece of current writing – this might be a class task, draft for an assessment, or even a personal writing project – so that feedback is directly relevant to their needs. This targeted approach ensures that each student receives advice and guidance that can have an immediate impact on the quality of their work.
Beyond improving skills, Writing Hub aims to foster greater confidence in students’ ability to express their ideas with clarity and precision. The lunchtime drop-in sessions allow students to access support without interfering with their before/ after school commitments.
We warmly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their writing skills and build confidence in their ability to express their ideas.
Kate Broadley Acting Assistant Head of Department – English
Bob Meakin, Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster
Dear Parents and Carers,
Our Year 12 Trial and Mock examinations have continued this week. These examinations will conclude on Friday, with all Year 12s back in class for the rest of the term for the final big push in all of their subjects. The students have been in good spirits when I have seen them around the School and have worked hard to post good marks.
This week has been Science Week at school with various themes and experiments run by Ms Bateren and the Science staff. This morning, we welcomed some Junior School students from Year 3 to work on experiments with our Year 10 students. This was a beautiful atmosphere with Year 10s showing excellent leadership and teaching potential towards our younger Cranbrookians.
Last weekend was our final round of Winter Sport; even though the weather tried to dampen our spirits, it failed and the final round of fixtures went well mostly against Waverley and St Pius X.
This weekend, we commence Athletics training with our first invitational carnival a week from Saturday.
A reminder that our Winter Sport Presentation evening is on tomorrow at 5:30pm in the Vicars Centenary Hall.
Looking ahead to next week, we look forward to our annual Inter-House Athletics Carnival at ES Marks Athletics Field; fingers crossed for better weather.
Finally, I would like to wish our 1sts Debating team our very best for this Friday evening when they take on Barker in the Packer Theatre for the CAS Premiership.
Have a great week.
Best wishes,
Bob Meakin Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster
Student Wellbeing Programme – This Week’s Highlight
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
This week during SWP, students across year levels took part in a range of thoughtful and interactive sessions.
Year 7 took part in an Elephant Ed workshop on Identity, sparking thoughtful conversations around gender stereotypes and their impact, as well as different aspects and expressions of identity.
Year 8 continued their exploration of Risk Taking. They engaged in lively role plays and scenario-based decision-making exercises, allowing students a valuable opportunity to practice and reflect on their decision-making skills within a safe and supportive environment
Year 9 focused on Road and Pedestrian Safety, working through practical modules to build awareness and safe habits. You can look through these modules HERE
Year 10 participated in a session on Connecting in a Co-ed Environment, led by Ms Turnbull. The discussion explored students’ spheres of influence, highlighting what they can and can’t control in their interactions and relationships.
Year 11 took part in a student led Road Safety Session, demonstrating initiative and leadership in peer education. Mr Papandreas (Hewan Head of House) briefed a student representative from each house to share statistics, facts and insights on road safety.
I am pleased to announce that you can now access the Student Wellbeing Programmevia your child’s Canvas page. We encourage you to explore the content and continue these important conversations at home.
Angelique Sanders Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School
Matt Grice, Director of Sport
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity… Amelia Earhart
Saturday marked the close of the 2025 Winter season, and what a finish it was. A huge congratulations to our Cross-Country team, who have once again won the Michael Spratt Cup for the second year in a row, an outstanding achievement in Cranbrook’s sporting history. We narrowly missed out on the Senior Trophy this time, with Trinity just proving too strong on the day. However, with dominant performances in the Junior and Intermediate divisions, the future of Cranbrook Cross-Country looks very bright. A big thank you to Mr Uncles, Drew, Kurt Fryer, and the entire squad for their hard work, dedication, and success this season.
We had a great day of CAS and ISA fixtures on Saturday. Hordern and rival grounds were buzzing with activity, plenty of fun, and some fierce competition. Our 1sts teams had a strong showing – winning Rugby, Volleyball, and AFL – though unfortunately we went down in Football. All Tennis was, once again, washed out. Hopefully, next season brings us some drier weather! Saturday also marked the end of Winter Sport for our current Year 12s. I want to thank them for the effort, commitment, and passion they’ve shown over the years. I hope they look back with pride on what they’ve achieved and the friendships they’ve built. Well done, Year 12 – you’ve done us proud.
Lastly, but most importantly, a big thank you to all our staff who have been involved in Winter sport this season. To our Head of Sports, Claire and Marieta, coaches, managers, students, and supporters, I thank you for all your tremendous care, passion, and desire to make Cranbrook the best it can be. We are very lucky to have you all.
Looking ahead to the rest of this term:
The Winter Season has now concluded.
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 provides students with an opportunity to develop and enhance their athletic skills, as well as skills related to their specific Summer and Winter Sports. Through regular training and guidance from experienced coaches, they will improve their technique, agility and speed, ultimately becoming a better athlete. It’s also a great opportunity to train and be part of a group outside of their regular summer and winter sports.
This Saturday sees the Athletic Squad training at Dangar Oval:
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Winter Sports Awards on Friday.
Matthew Grice Director of Sport P-12
Cranbrook School’s House Athletics Carnival 2025
Dear Parents,
The House Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, at E.S. Marks Athletics Stadium, Kensington. It is a great Community Day in the school calendar.
General Details:
Date: Tuesday, 19 August 2025
Venue: E.S Marks Athletics Stadium, Kensington
Departure Time: 7:30am from Hordern Gates, New South Head Road
Return Time: Approximately 3:20pm to school
Transport: Buses will be provided
If your son is making his own way to and from the venue, please make sure this noted on the Operoo form that has been sent to all parents. Please note that the first event is scheduled to start at 8:30am sharp. Please arrive at E.S. Marks by 8:20am.
What to Bring and Wear:
Clothing: Full PE uniform, including House sports shirt and runners. Be prepared for all conditions.
Food & Drink: There is no canteen at the venue. Students must bring their own food and water for the day. No student will be permitted to leave the venue to purchase food or drink.
EpiPen: Students who require an EpiPen must bring their own, as this is a mandatory requirement.
Attendance:
Attendance is compulsory for all students. Exemptions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
If your son is absent on the day, a medical certificate must be provided.
Please reach out to your son’s Head of House with any queries.
All best and we look forward to a fantastic day of Athletics and fun.
Matt Banes and Liz Fletcher Deans of Students
Running Lines: Volume 7 2025
That’s the wrap of the 2025 rugby season. What a great send off it was for our Year 12 boys who have been instrumental to our program all season. A wet day at Oxford Falls proved rather entertaining for players and spectators alike.
Our results were:
Team
Opposition
Result
Win/Loss
1sts
St Pius X
24-19
Win
2nds
St Pius X
12-26
Loss
3rds
St Pius X
10-5
Win
4ths
St Pius X
44-0
Win
5ths
St Pius X
Cancelled
–
6ths
St Pius X
Bye
–
16A
St Pius X
28-0
Win
16B
St Pius X
5-12
Loss
16C
St Pius X
Bye
–
15A
St Pius X
19-0
Win
15B
St Pius X
Cancelled
–
15C
St Pius X
Bye
–
14A
St Pius X
0-46
Loss
14B
St Pius X
22-42
Loss
14C
St Pius X
Bye
–
13A
St Pius X
34-10
Win
13B
St Pius X
25-28
Loss
13C
St Pius X
Bye
–
Player of the Day – Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s): Oliver Pietor
Player of the Day – Senior Teams (16s & Opens): Otto Cumming
Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field): Baxter Torrance
Team of the Day- 1st XV
With many games being cancelled of late, it was looking hopeful once again that the games would go ahead at Oxford Falls. Unfortunately, the home games at Woollahra were called off (15B & 5ths).
The swimming pool gates opened at 9:30 am with the 14B boys taking to the field. These boys didn’t want to get too wet and muddy during the warm up, but they quickly realised that it was inevitable. The boys conceeded two tries early on as they needed to realise that this game was actually going ahead. Our boys eventually took their snorkels off and got to work. Some well worked tries by Johnny Hancock and Ethan Sweeney kept our boys in the game. 29-22 down at half time, we were within a whisker. The boys got stuck in the second half but similar to the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions in the last first two tests it was too little too late. With a yellow card issued, our boys were unfortunately unable to orchestrate a second half comeback.
The 16Bs kicked off proceedings on the main field and showcased a rather scrappy but willing attempt. Early back and forth kicking saw teams trying hard to play for territory. Eventually the game hit its straps with some good running rugby and physical collisions. Once again, our Cranbrook boys are to be commended for their willingness and physicality. We were showing encouraging passages of play, but the scoreboard was not going our way.
Pouring with rain, muddy underfoot and a bar of soap to fight over- the U16As hit the field. The scoreline suggests that the conditions were perfect for running rugby. These boys have come a long way this year. The learnings along the way have enabled them to adjust to the conditions on the day. The forwards were clinical at set piece and work tirelessly around the corner at every breakdown before setting the backs to either kick for territory or move the ball around a bit. A fantastic season by this group of young men. The confidence that teams take on to the field when our team wins before is a small win before even taking to the field.
The 4ths took the field which now looked like a pig pen. They were once again on top of the opposition in all parts of the game. Zain Rashid controlled the game well behind the scrum and breakdown area distributing some accurate passes to the heavy ball runners. Felix Sheldrick was once again full of running. I had a good chat to him in the week before as to why he always found himself playing down in the 4ths when he could quite easily play up in the 3rds. His response was “Sir, I’m just loving the time on the field and I might be good at running but I’m hopeless at tackling”. Funny he mentioned that- as I walked up to the main field Sheldrick executed a sensational tackle and put the attacker over the sideline. Clearly loving his rugby is the only truth in his comment. Jackson Smits was also a stand out player on the field. His polka dot head gear was just about the only noticeable feature of his on the field, as it became very difficult to identify players on the field. A well-earned 44-0 victory.
The thirds didn’t have it all their way. The wet and muddy conditions didn’t help the cause. The game was filled with pressure situations, with the score always being within reach. Test match footy at its best, our thirds came out with a narrow 10-5 win.
The 2nd XV took to the field and defended their own try line for the first 10 minutes, putting some great shots onto the Pius ball runners. Johann Ah Colt who was returning from injury was getting some positive hits onto the shoulder. Really rising above and showing his value, Jadon Perumal also tucked in to tackling the one-off runners. We would turn the ball over but couldn’t escape our own 22m line. Defending for so long took its toll and we conceeded two tries in the first half. The playing field had changed, the conditions had changed. We needed to adjust to the conditions. We managed to score two well worked tries early in the second half. One by Toby Lane and the other by our big ball runner Matty Downes. Fatigue from the first half may have set in. Pius rallied and registered a couple of tries to nudge ahead. Nonetheless another great occasion with this group of men. They have been exceptional this season and have really shown up to the big occasions.
Time for the 1st team boys to have their final show. On the field they go, in their bright white playing gear which stood out beautifully in the mud. Let’s see how long this lasts… our boys came out the blocks hard and fast. Levi Funa-Iuta took the field with immense controlled aggression and will to dominate the collision. He was like a brick wall at the breakdown and clearing players out of the way. Co-Captain Baxter Torrance set about controlling the game calmly and engaging his forwards runners. The tough nature of our co-captain saw him relish the opportunity to display his leadership skills. His passing was pin point accurate, his decision making clear and most noticablely his tactical kicking on target, turning the St Pius back three back around. Cruz Cronan– play him at 6, play him in the second row. Put him at hooker. He will give you everything. Ask him to score a try and he will score three. Which is exactly what he did. His powerful runs saw him charging to the line in difficult conditions. With defenders on his back, holding onto his legs he was not letting anyone get in between him and the tryline. Tighthead prop James Jackson covers so many positions on the field. He does his basics well and scrums, throws in the lineout, stands as first receiver, carries hard, throws back door passes, kicks for poles. We still talking about our loosehead prop here. He has been instrumental this year. The pack was filled with Year 12 leavers and the conditions suited their physicality. Aymeric Schmidt does not tire, nor get bored of man handling defenders out of his way. He has had such a physical presence this season and I am surprised that his body has survived the collisions that he has given and received. A true ‘stalwart’ of Cranbrook rugby. Taj Aufai Farani playing in the centres was powerful in defence and some really dominate tackles stopped all ball runners in their tracks on many, many occasions. Co-Captain Jack Weeks once again showed his good understanding of the game. He has a natural feel for the game and transitions easily when to take contact, or when to distribute on attack. Similar on defence, he is not shy of fronting up and also reads the opposition well and often disrupts their attacking systems. John ‘Giraffe’ Dulhunty who struggled through a back injury in the beginning of the season was a massive addition to the 1st XV squad. He is a player that gets so much unnoticed work done on the field. It was really hard to identify players on Saturday as their jerseys were now all black and numbers completely camouflaged in their mud ridden jumpers. John Dulhunty was always in the action, sky high in the lineout, and down low making shots on the big Pius ball runners. Vinnie Tagg who recently made the transition from the wing to the back row. He made up for all the quiet time spent on the wing earlier in the season. He loved putting a shoulder on and never shied away from contact. Vinnie unfortunately sustained a knee injury near the end of the game. With the score at 24-12, the game was in our hands. Complacency and prioritising defending the lead was noticeable. Pius came back with a well worked try. 24-19… 5 minutes to go. We conceded many penalties from the opposition 22 and all the way into ours. Level heads were needed. Captains Baxter Torrance and Jack Weeks needed to take control here. A win here would surely be a fantastic send off for the season. “to finish first, you first have to finish”. Alas, a knock on by Pius sees Baxter pop the ball into touch. A great win for our brave men.
A season filled with ups and downs on an off the field. Injuries, narrow loses, superb victories, heartbreak, moments of brilliance, friendships and the Afrikaans word ‘spanbou’ comes to mind here. Meaning togetherness or a deeper feel of teamwork. Teams have stood together, age groups have supported one another. As we close the curtain on the 2025 rugby season, we must give thanks to our dedicated coaches and managers who guide us through the season. Our parents who get their sons to their fixtures and shout for the team on the sideline. The opportunities are endless.
Brent Crossley Master in Charge of Rugby
Spring Festival 2025
Dear Cranbrook Community,
We are pleased to invite you to Cranbrook School’s Spring Festival 2025.
The annual festival is a vibrant celebration and showcase of the creative Arts in our School. This year’s programme offers an inspiring array of artistic expression, from the HSC & IB Drama Showcase and Year 12 Visual Arts Exhibition to the TAS HSC & IB Body of Work Exhibition.
The 2025 Spring Festival will also feature a series of Composition Showcases, where our talented musicians will present original works alongside outstanding performances, celebrating the artistry and achievement of our Year 12 HSC and IB students. This year’s Spring Festival 2025 will culminate in a spectacular finale – the Music Finals Recital.
The Spring Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the full breadth and depth of artistic talent at Cranbrook. Our dedicated musicians, actors, artists, designers, programmers, and craftsmen have invested countless hours honing their skills, and their passion will be on full display in each performance and exhibition.
Your presence is a valued show of encouragement and support, and we hope you can join us to celebrate the dedication and achievements of our students as they share their creativity with our Community.
We very much look forward to welcoming you to Cranbrook School’s Spring Festival 2025.
Kind regards,
Cranbrook School
Year 12 Drama Final Showcase
Cranbrook Drama invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements of our Year 12 Drama students as they present their final showcase performances. These evenings are an opportunity to witness the creativity, skill, and dedication of our senior students as they share work that reflects the rigorous and rewarding nature of the Drama curriculum.
Our IB Diploma Programme Theatre students will present a diverse range of solo performance and research projects that highlight their exploration of theatrical traditions, performance-making, and critical reflection.
HSC Drama Showcase 📅 Wednesday 20 August & Thursday 21 August 2025 🕕 6:00pm – 9:00pm 📍 Packer Theatre
Our HSC Drama students will perform their Individual Projects and Group Performances, offering an insight into their creative process and the collaborative spirit that underpins the subject.
Both showcases promise an engaging and thought-provoking celebration of the performing arts, demonstrating the discipline, passion, and artistry required at the highest level of secondary Drama.
We warmly encourage all members of the school community to attend and support our talented young performers.
Andrew Benson Head of Drama
Andrew Benson, Head of Drama
Cranbrook Drama Tour 2026 – Japan Information Evening
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Cranbrook School Drama Tour! The tour will take place from 19 September – 1 October 2026. The Tour will immerse students in the rich cultural and theatrical traditions of Japan.
We will be hosting a Q&A to launch the tour on Monday 18 August at 6:30pm in the Drama Performance Room (Level 3 of Vicars). There we will provide a detailed itinerary and answer any questions.
About the Tour
The Drama Tour is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and skills in Drama through performance studies in a variety of culturally specific theatrical genres. Students will investigate a range of Japanese Theatre options that are set for study in both the HSC Drama Course and IBDP Theatre course. This immersive experience will not only broaden their horizons but also provide invaluable learning in some of the best workshops there are on offer! See the images below of some of the highlights and destinations from the 2023 Drama Tour.
Tour Highlights in Japan
Learn from industry artists in workshops for Butoh, Suzuki, Kabuki and traditional Noh Theatre.
Explore iconic sites in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Cultural exploration at Markets, Hiroshima Peace Park and A-Bomb Dome, Ginza District, Shibuya and Temples.
Participate in activities like Taiko drumming, a sumo tournament, and a visit to Tokyo Disneyland.
Cost and Inclusions
The estimated cost per student is approximately $8,500, which includes:
International economy flights on a reputable airline (including taxes)
Private coach transfers
4-star, twin-share accommodation
Breakfast each day
Specialized workshops and performances
Admissions to shows and sightseeing as per the itinerary
Exclusions: Passport, travel insurance, visas, meals other than breakfast, spending money, and additional activities at your own cost.
Andrew Benson Head of Drama
City2Surf – Service, Joy and Resilience in the Rain
On Sunday, 10 August, in true Cranbrook spirit, a hardy group of students braved what can only be described as inclement weather cheering on participants as we manned the first drink station for the now iconic City2Surf course. This year had $80,000 participants which kept us busy from 5:30 -11am with lots of work, laughs and high spirits. Though the weather was far from inviting, our boys and staff brought warmth, energy, and exuberance to the day and had a good deal of fun while giving back to an important cause.
Our volunteer station outside the school gates was nothing short of brilliant. Even with umbrellas and rain jackets in full use, our students turned what could have been a soggy slog into a celebration of enthusiasm, positivity and fun. The laughter, cheers and encouragement echoing along the route warmed the hearts of runners and onlookers alike and for those running themselves (including several students and staff) —what a performance of grit, resilience, and determination!
We’re proud that our participation this year was in support of Running for Premature Babies, a cause dedicated to providing life-saving neonatal equipment for hospitals across Australia. As a team, Cranbrook has raised an incredible $5,505 so far, contributing to the over $11,000 raised. While fund raising is just one way students can give, it is appropriate to acknowledge the efforts of a few in particular.
On the team leaderboard, these standouts led the charge:
Christian Clementson raising an incredible $1,930
Seb Tucker with an outstanding $1,433
Harry Breakspear chasing his tailcoats on $1,127 and
Myles & the Gregory Family who raised an amazing $1,015
Everyone’s efforts – both on the fundraising front and in the rain – exemplify our school community’s generosity and resilience.
A massive thank you to the dedicated staff who were there on the day: your early hours, support at the drink station, and encouragement were invaluable. Our gratitude also goes to every student who cheered, ran, volunteered—or did all three! Your enthusiasm was infectious, your positivity inspiring, and above all, you demonstrated the very best of Cranbrook.
Aaron Nolan Acting Director of Service
Daisy Turnbull, Director of Coeducation
Dear Parents and Carers,
New Uniform Look Book
I am excited to share our new uniform look book for families to peruse the new Coeducational Uniform Suite designed by Johnathan Ward for Noone. All students from Preschool to Year 12 will be wearing the new uniform.
Our new coeducational uniform is in production and will be available in the Uniform Shop from Week 1 of Term 4.
For students in Years 11 & 12 in 2026, we are strongly encouraging they wear a white shirt. For our current Year 11s I have spoken to a few who are waiting until Term 4 to buy white shirts, and I know Mr Metcalfe in the Year 12 College has some motivating rewards for those who wear white shirts (which may, or may not, involve Frosty Fruits!)
There is a two year phase in period for the new uniform, which means you can continue to buy pieces of the current uniform from the Uniform Shop as well as from the CSPA Second Hand Uniform sale until the end of 2027. As the blazer is a very minute change for current students, the current blazer can continue to be worn beyond that.
We will also be updating the uniform policy online and in the school diaries for 2026.
For incoming students, they will be sent information about booking a uniform fitting in Term 4.
Daisy Turnbull Director of Coeducation
Cranbrook Teachers Talking Teaching: Recap Corridor Cultures – A Co-Research Project with Sydney University
This term’s first Cranbrook Teachers Talking Teaching session explored the powerful and thought-provoking Corridor Cultures project, a multi-year collaboration with the University of Sydney. The research investigates how school spaces, particularly corridors, shape students’ experiences of identity, belonging and inclusion.
We were privileged to hear from presenters Andrew Benson, Angelique Sanders, Adam Catchpole, and Year 12 student Ed Chubb, who shared their experiences as co-researchers. Dr Victoria Rawlings, the project’s lead researcher, also joined us to share insights from the broader study across three schools and to contextualise the work taking place at Cranbrook. Together, the presenters offered a rich and layered perspective on how student voice can inform meaningful cultural change.
The project, which ran across three schools over two and a half years, was grounded in co-research methodology. Students were not simply participants; they designed surveys, led focus groups, analysed data and shaped findings. At Cranbrook, Ed played a central role in shaping the initial survey and interpreting the responses. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “Being a student researcher was amazing. The focus groups enabled us to capture perspectives from students across different year groups of their experiences at school.”
One of the key findings was that a proportion of students reported not feeling a sense of belonging, and this figure was significantly higher among LGBTQ+ students. Dr Victoria Rawlings noted that the project deliberately focused greater attention on this group, as their insights had the potential to reveal important truths about school culture and how it might be improved. These students, she suggested, often notice and experience the aspects of school life that others take for granted. Their voices were therefore essential in shaping recommendations for a more inclusive and responsive Cranbrook.
Adam Catchpole shared a revealing moment from the research process. After staff and students came together to develop a set of collective goals based on the data, they separated into groups to prioritise them. When they regrouped, it became clear that the students’ rankings were the exact reverse of the staff’s. This dissonance underscored the gap that can exist between teacher intentions and student experiences. As Adam noted, “Teachers may think they’re making a difference, but that change may not be seen by students as significant. If we listen more to them, we can be better practitioners and create a more inclusive space.”
Andrew Benson spoke about the importance of recognising and responding to teachable moments. He gave examples of how subtle interactions — such as a dismissive joke or an offhand comment — can unintentionally reinforce exclusion. He encouraged staff to step in when they witness students being “othered” and to use those moments as opportunities to model empathy and reflection.
A recurring theme was that corridors are not neutral spaces. They are sites of social and cultural meaning where belonging is made visible or invisible. Angelique Sanders reminded staff that even subtle choices in the language we use each day play a central role in shaping student identity and belonging. This focus on language feels especially timely as Cranbrook prepares for its transition to coeducation in 2026. It presents an important opportunity for all of us to reflect on the inclusivity of our everyday speech and ensure it affirms students across the gender spectrum.
The session also celebrated a milestone: earlier this year, Cranbrook’s student and staff co-researchers presented their findings at the University of Sydney Symposium on Gender, Sexuality and Schooling, which explored how these issues impact wellbeing, relationships and belonging in schools. This was an opportunity to share the school’s work with a broader educational audience and to learn from the experiences of other schools undertaking similar initiatives.
The discussion concluded with a focus on practical next steps. Cranbrook will be working toward the aspirations articulated by the co-researchers:
We confront community-based and structural sources of stigma, discrimination, injustice, and violence.
We critically reflect on and challenge our own and others’ harmful behaviours and language.
We celebrate diverse presentations of gender, sexuality, race, class, disability, religion, and other vectors of difference.
We create a respectful environment for all where all individuals have opportunities to flourish.
To support this vision, Cranbrook will begin by implementing several key recommendations from the co-researchers. These include a clear and enacted commitment from school leadership to shared values and aspirations; using the Student Wellbeing Program (SWP) as a space for structured, student-led conversations; appointing Equity Champions to lead cultural initiatives; and developing a training module for new staff and coaches that aligns with the project’s values. These early steps will guide our ongoing work to embed inclusion, belonging and student voice into the fabric of everyday school life.
Hannah Thomas Director of Professional Learning
Old Cranbrookian Seamus Cloonan Visits IBDP English A: Language and Literature Students
Today the IBDP English A: Language and Literature students were treated to a presentation by Old Cranbrookian (1993), Seamus Cloonan, a multi-award winning creative whose work draws upon video editing, copywriting, directing and sound design.
A proud member of Chelmsford House, Seamus has previously worked across multiple brands at Foxtel and SBS, contributing to the World Movies brand alongside many of its premium drama launches and the 2022 Football World Cup.
We were delighted to hear him explain his expertise surrounding film making and TV construction to our Y11 IBDP English students. Our study of the Body of Work – Boys Will Be Boys: Gillette Advertising through the ages – explored the representation of masculinity through the construction of archetypical narratives in film and TV production, and our analysis into how archetypes shape identity and the construction of self was at the heart of analysis of these texts.
Seamus shared his love for English and how the production of ‘promos’ (TV trailers) is intrinsically linked to storytelling. He focused on the importance of audience, purpose, and context in the creation of his film texts – factors that are the root of our analysis within English Language and Literature. Seamus presented some of his award winning work and spoke about the power of connection: that emotion connects people and we create that through the use of space, music and storytelling on screen.
The IBDP students will sit the Individual Oral in November, the first Internal Assessment worth up to 30% of students’ overall English grade. Within this assessment, students will look at how connections and Global Issues are evident non-literary and literary texts. Seamus’ invaluable insights today gave students further tools to access their critical readings of the multi-modal texts studied in class.
Caroline Usasz Assistant Head of Department – English (Stage 6)
As we embark on our exciting new chapter in Cranbrook’s history, we are delighted to bring together the Cranbrook Community to mark the beginning of co-education and to warmly welcome Dr Anne Johnstone, our new Head of School.
We will be hosting a Gala Evening on Saturday 6th December 2025 6pm at Cranbrook School. Please mark the date in your calendar. Further details will be announced over the next few weeks. The event is open to all parents from Preschool to Year 12. Tickets will go on sale in September.
We look forward to celebrating this exciting new era together!
