Senior School Link – Week 5, Term 2 2025 - 29 May 2025
Bob Meakin, Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster
Dear Parents and Carers
On Monday night, we enjoyed the annual AMPED! Rock Music performances at The Factory in Marrickville. The courage and confidence shown by the performers of all ages was incredible and the audience participation was loud and encouraging. I would especially like to thank Mr Eddy Fairburn and all the Music staff for this very professional evening and commend all performers.
Last night we hosted our Year 9 2026 Subject Information Webinar. I hope all parents and students who joined us are now well informed to make their elective choices for next year. In-person discussions will be in our Subject Information Fair on Wednesday 18 June. Mr Harrison and Mr Henriques also hosted a Year 11 2026 Q&A session for families with any issues regarding Stage 6 last night.
Last Friday, we hosted Knox for Friday Night Lights Volleyball. Despite losing narrow matches in both 1sts and 2nds, the evening was a roaring success. I would like to thank all students who came in support of our Volleyball players and commend them on their vocal support.
On Sunday many students were busy collecting for the Red Shield Appeal. I appreciate this is always an extra commitment on a Sunday, however, Mr Nolan, our Director of Service was impressed with the turnout and the attitudes of our students.
E-Bikes (again)
Sadly, I have to report that there is a complaint almost everyday about the way our students are riding E-Bikes to and from School. The complaints are not malicious, there are genuine fears for our young people’s safety. Students without helmets, riding on footpaths or even worse, weaving between traffic at great speed; all of which are incredibly worrying. Can I please ask parents to reinforce all safety messages about the use of E-Bikes. I am not trying to be the ‘fun police’, but we are extremely worried that a tragedy will occur if behaviours do not change.
This weekend, our CAS fixture is against Waverley College for most teams. We wish our students the very best with the fixtures.
Finally, next Friday 6 June is our Year 7 to 10 Parent / Teacher Interviews Day (online). Students are encouraged to join their parents online for these appointments. Year 11 and 12 will be able to attend optional lectures and the Year 11 and Year 12 Colleges will be open and staffed.
Have a good week!
Best wishes,
Bob Meakin Head of Senior School / Deputy Headmaster
Adrian Harrison, Acting Director of Academics
Be a Teacher for the Day
Last Friday we had some new members of staff. A number of our Year 12 students volunteered to teach a range of Year 7 and 8 classes. Ranging from History to Drama, Mathematics to D.T and PDHPE mixed with Science and a dose of French, it was a full and varied day. The feedback from both students (learners) and students (teachers) was extremely positive. The bonds that were built and those that were strengthened were invaluable. Well done to Felix Malcolm our Student Head of Academics for organising (and teaching two classes).
Parent Teacher Interviews Years 7-10 – 6 June
Years 7 – 10 families should have received an invitation (from edval.com) to book in for parent teacher interviews. These will be occurring online via Microsoft Teams on Friday 6 June. There will be no classes on this day for Years 7 – 10. Should you have any queries please contact @Anna Andonovski for assistance.
Years 11 and 12
During the Parent/Teacher Interviews for Years 7 – 10, there will be no formal lessons for Years 11 and 12. Both Colleges will be open with external tutors available for students who wish to use them. In addition, there will be a range of workshops. More information regarding this schedule will be sent in the lead up. Attendance on this day is optional for Years 11 and 12.
ICAS
We will be running ICAS competitions in Term 3 across a variety of subjects Digital Technologies, Writing, English, Mathematics and Science.
More details about involvement and registering will follow in the weeks ahead.
Best regards
Adrian Harrison Acting Director of Academics
Daisy Turnbull, Director of Coeducation
Dear Parents and Carers,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Student voice and leadership is fundamental to a school’s culture. At Cranbrook, our Prefect body is elected through the Houses, with student and staff voting and interview processes.
As we commence coeducation in Year 7 and 11, 2027 will be the first year of coeducational student leadership. For four years, we will have girls enrolling in Year 11 before the first Year 7 cohort matriculate through to Year 11 in 2030.
The prospect of having female Prefects across the Day Houses to be role models for all the younger cohorts, both boys and girls, is very exciting. The benefits of closing the gender gap on leadership in organisations has been shown across industries, as highlighted by Harvard University and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
Cranbrook has often had students enrol in Year 10 or 11 and become House Prefects, and we have always considered students’ leadership experience, especially in the area of service, prior to commencing at Cranbrook. The female students who are joining Cranbrook for Year 11 2026 are a strong, independently minded group of young women, who have shown leadership throughout their schooling career.
2025 brought a change to the Cranbrook senior prefect structure, increasing the number of positions from two to five. We now have:
Head Prefect
Second Head Prefect
Academic Prefect
Co-Curricular Prefect
Community Prefect
All Houses will continue to have:
Student Head of House
Academic Prefect
Co-Curricular Prefect
Service Prefect
The Houses also continue to give Prefect ties and roles to students throughout Year 12, recognising students who may not have been chosen as a Prefect initially.
We expect the incoming girls will nominate and be engaged across these various Prefect roles.
For some of our students in Year 10 and below, this may feel worrying, and raise for them the idea that they may not become Prefects because girls are coming. This is not true, but more than that, it is vital that our Year 10 and under students understand that the Prefect process has not even begun. Two years ago, I spoke to the current Years 9 and 10 about student leadership and reminded them that while the Head of School’s office has many books in it, none of those books is a Book of Future Prefects with their names written in it.
If you are hearing from your sons on the way to Saturday sport, the kind of rhetoric around Prefect positions being chosen by gender, may I please recommend you consider asking these questions:
How are you showing leadership right now?
How are you becoming involved in the service programme at School?
How are you wearing the school uniform?
How are you living out the school values?
Focusing on our inner locus of control, in all cases, is better than that which is beyond our control. Accountability is important. To quote Michael Jordan “earn your leadership everyday”. Last week, the Red Shield Appeal was a huge success across the school community, but it was disappointing to see that only 16 students in Year 10 were involved. Events like this, and the upcoming Push Up Challenge are opportunities for students to lead through service, and to those who participated, well done! Mr. Nolan, our Director of Service, is working on a new student leadership program which formalises many of the activities students do that contribute to leadership in the senior years. This will help students understand what is expected of them as leaders in the school.
And for the parents of our current Year 11 students, your sons are already showing great leadership across the school, volunteering at coeducational events and engaging with the student coeducation committee. Their leadership next year will be foundational to the establishment of a positive and inclusive coeducational culture of Cranbrook, and I am looking forward to working with them through SWP next term as they start their student leadership process.
Daisy Turnbull Director of Coeducation
Angelique Sanders, Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we reach the midpoint of the term, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of balance in our students’ lives. This term often brings increased academic demands along with co-curricular commitments, making it essential that we continue to support our young people in maintaining their wellbeing.
During this week’s Student Wellbeing Committee meeting, students shared some of the key challenges they are currently facing. Mental health remains a significant concern, with many students expressing feelings of stress and anxiety. A common theme that emerged was the pressure to meet expectations—not only those set by teachers and parents but also the high standards they set for themselves. This internal and external pressure can be difficult to manage, especially when combined with the demands of schoolwork, sport, co-curricular activities, and the need for adequate sleep and downtime.
Students also spoke about the difficulty of balancing their academic responsibilities with their social lives. Finding time for friends, managing relationships, and navigating peer pressure are all part of the high school experience, but they can also impact a student’s emotional wellbeing. These insights are a valuable reminder of the complex and often invisible load our students carry and highlight the importance of student voice to help shape our wellbeing initiatives.
This week, our Student Wellbeing Programme focused on developing key social and emotional skills across all year levels. Year 7 students continued their exploration of friendships, with a particular focus on how to respectfully set and maintain personal boundaries. These early conversations are vital in helping students build healthy and respectful relationships as they grow.
Year 8 students attended a cohort meeting with Mr Henriques and Mr Harrison to begin thinking about subject selections for next year. This was followed by a parent webinar in the evening, providing families with the opportunity to engage in the decision-making process and support their children in making informed choices.
In Year 9, students discussed what coercive behaviour can look like in different types of relationships. They participated in the annual Healthy Relationships Day today, facilitated by the PDHPE Department, which provided a safe space for meaningful conversations about respect, consent, and personal agency.
Year 10 took part in a session led by Ms Turnbull on navigating a coeducational learning environment. Students were encouraged to reflect on real-life scenarios and discuss how they might respond in ways that promote inclusivity, respect, and understanding.
Year 11 had an impactful session where they heard from Matthew French, an ex-paratrooper who spoke about leadership and finding strength during challenging times. His personal stories resonated deeply with the students and offered valuable insights into grit, perseverance and resilience.
Year 12 students engaged in a session focused on finding balance. They were provided with a range of resources, including articles highlighting the importance of National Reconciliation Week. The opportunity to pause, reflect, and engage in open conversations was a meaningful and much-needed part of their week.
Angelique Sanders Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School
Matt Grice, Director of Sport
Dear Parents and Guardians
Rather than focusing on the obstacle in your path, focus on the bridge over the obstacle. Mary Lou Retton.
Friday night kicked off the weekend with an enthralling volleyball showdown between Cranbrook and Knox in the VCH. Both the 1sts and 2nds matches were played in front of a large and vocal crowd—so loud, in fact, the umpires may have been wishing for earplugs. The atmosphere was electric, and both games were tightly contested from start to finish. Unfortunately, Cranbrook narrowly lost both matches in the final moments. However, the players were truly gallant in defeat, showing resilience, determination, and sportspersonship throughout. A huge thank you to all the students who came out to support, many bringing an eclectic mix of musical instruments, which helped create a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere. It was a special night for our volleyball community—one that highlighted not just the skill on the court, but also the spirit and energy off it.
Photo credit: Jono ZhangPhoto credit: Jono Zhang
It was wet… Let’s not beat around the bush—last week’s weather was difficult to describe in any way other than relentlessly wet. Comments like, “This is not fun” and “Haven’t seen a day like this in a long time” summed up the mood perfectly. In fact, it would have been very easy to copy and paste last year’s sports report into this week, as the rain once again caused havoc across Sydney, with many grounds forced to close. Mr Lewis did everything he could to ensure as many games as possible went ahead. Unfortunately, the ducks won the battle of Dangar. A big thank you goes to the Heads of Sport for organising Saturday drop-in sessions for those students whose games were washed out. It was great to see so many students turn up and enjoy a runaround indoors.
Mr Lewis; Ducks of Dangar; and Saturday drop in Futsal.
Thankfully, despite the weather, Cranbrook were able to host Knox in a number of fixtures. Knox were the stronger side on the day in the 1sts Rugby and should be congratulated on their impressive win. The 1sts Football team will be disappointed after going 3–0 up, only to have Knox score three late goals to tie the match. The draw does see us hold onto second place, just two points behind Trinity. Congratulations to Zac Crowe on his selection in the CIS 1st XI Football team.
Well done to the 10A Football, 8As Football, 13As Rugby, and our 7D Tennis teams, who were best on ground this week.
This week sees us travel to Death Valley for one of the most exciting rounds of the sports calendar—an away fixture against Waverley. We’re looking forward to seeing a large crowd, as these games on QP1 are always highlights of the year.
Cranbrook’s swimmers delivered another phenomenal performance at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championship last week with all seven students finishing the meet with medals. Five were selected to represent NSW at the national championships:
Thomas Penny (Year 7), Aodhan Taylor (Year 7), Noah Kemp (Year 9), Aidan Park (Year 9), and Tate Sirianni (Year 12).
Year 12 students Oliver Minning and Matthew Alexiou also secured medals as part of the Open Medley Relay team.
Cranbrook concluded the championships with:
12 Gold medals
5 Silver medals
4 Bronze medals
3 CIS records
5 new school records
5 NSW Team selections
Aodhan Taylor, Thomas Penny, Aidan Park, Noah Kemp, Matthew Alexiou, Tate Sirianni, Oliver Minning
The Lewis Report, by Eddie Lewis
It was a week that turned playing fields into lakes and raised the question of “when do we stop measuring in mm and start measuring in litres?” In a repeat of last week, the sun came out on Saturday morning for a beautiful day – unfortunately, the week’s rain had done its damage and forced the cancellation of many of our games.
One winter sport that is unphased by the weather, Volleyball, was able continue with their regular fixtures. This week that was highlighted by a Friday Night Lights for our 1st and 2nd VI. The excitement of the crowd energised our teams. Our 1sts managed to give their opponents, Knox – which has a much larger volleyball program – a real fright, as we took the match the 5 sets, going down by just a few points. A great effort from our team, and our crowd who rose every point with the team.
With Dangar renamed the Dangar Duck Sanctuary for the weekend, all eyes were focused on Hordern as our only home games for Football and Rugby. Kicking things off at 8am was the 10As Football. After a frustrating draw against St Aloysius last week, our team were determined to go one better this week against the formidable Knox. Our team came out strong, with strong defence and a goal from Renzo B bringing the score to 1-1 at halftime.
Not satisfied with a draw, our team found another gear in the second half. A great run up the right wing before a centering ball was finished with a brilliant header by Jackson R to put us in the lead. With 10 minutes on the clock, we managed to control the pace of the game and held on for an amazing win; the first of their season. Congratulations 10As on a brilliant performance at both ends of the pitch.
Looking forward to seeing everyone around the grounds this weekend. Please download this weekend’s fixtures here.
Please note next week there is no Saturday sport for the Kings birthday long weekend (June 7th).
To Note:
The T2 2025 Co-Curricular and Sport Schedule can be accessed here.
Rugby Holiday Camp – please find more details and booking here.
Basketball Holiday Camp – please find more details and booking here.
Sports Resources – contain essential information regarding sports events, schedules and important updates for the year ahead
Looking forward to seeing everyone around the grounds this weekend.
Matt Grice Director of Sport
NSW All Schools Swimming Report
Cranbrook was proudly represented by seven students at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships, held on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 May at Sydney Olympic Park. This event brought together the top swimmers from the Independent, Catholic, and Public school systems to compete for a place on the NSW team for the upcoming School Sport Australia Championships.
Cranbrook’s swimmers delivered a phenomenal performance, with all seven students finishing the meet with medals. Five were selected to represent NSW at the national championships:
Thomas Penny (Year 7), Aodhan Taylor (Year 7), Noah Kemp (Year 9), Aidan Park (Year 9), and Tate Sirianni (Year 12).
Year 12 students Oliver Minning and Matthew Alexiou also secured medals as part of the Open Medley Relay team.
Cranbrook concluded the championships with:
• 12 Gold medals
• 5 Silver medals
• 4 Bronze medals
• 3 CIS records
• 5 new school records
• 5 NSW Team selections
Individual and Team Highlights
The meet began with a tightly contested Men’s Open Medley Relay, where Tate Sirianni, Aidan Park, Matthew Alexiou, and Oliver Minning earned bronze in a race that saw just one second separating the top three teams – Knox, Trinity, and Cranbrook. These 3 teams dominated with 4th place 5 seconds behind.
Thomas Penny began his campaign with a statement swim in the 13 Years 100m Freestyle. After a narrow loss at CIS to a local Scots rival, Thomas knew his areas of improvement and refined them in the lead up to the meet using biomechanical analysis at the AFC, which paid off with an All Schools record-breaking 54.96 – half a second faster than his previous CIS best. He went on to dominate, winning nine gold medals, including 5 of those events being the 14&U age group:
• 50m, 100m & 200m Backstroke
• 100m, 200m & 400m Freestyle
• 100m & 200m Butterfly
• 200m Individual Medley
He set All Schools records in the 50m Backstroke and 100m Freestyle, narrowly missing records in several others, which he is no doubt on track to break next year when he is 14 years old. Thomas also collected silver in the 400m IM, 4th in 100m Breaststroke, and 5th in 50m Freestyle—qualifying for an extraordinary 10 individual events at School Sport Australia.
Aodhan Taylor delivered an impressive performance with gold in the 50m Butterfly, breaking the All Schools record. He also took bronze in the 100m Butterfly in a personal best time and placed 6th in the 50m Freestyle.
Aidan Park broke the 30-second barrier for the first time in the 50m Breaststroke with a 29.98—breaking the Cranbrook school record set by Junior World Champion Nicholas Stoupas in 2023 and finishing third in a race separated by just 0.10 seconds. Notably, all top three swimmers went under the previous All Schools record showing extraordinary depth and talent in Aidans age group. Aidan went on to place 2nd and claim a silver in the 100m Breaststroke with a 1:06.99, edging out the second-place swimmer from the 50m event.
Noah Kemp started with a massive 1.5-second PB in the 100m Backstroke, clocking 1:00.96 to claim silver and book his spot on the NSW team. He followed up with silver in the 50m Backstroke, bronze in the 50m Butterfly, and a 4th-place finish in the 100m Butterfly.
Tate Sirianni despite a disrupted training block due to illness and still carrying some fatigue, he showed his class by claiming gold in the 200m Backstroke with a dominant win. He also earned silver medals in the 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke, securing his place on the NSW team in three events. Tate finished 4th in the 50m Backstroke.
This marks Cranbrook’s most successful NSW All Schools Championships to date, with every athlete returning home with a medal and every individual competitor earning selection to the NSW team for the School Sport Australia Championships, to be held in Brisbane from 26–31 July.
The Cranbrook students have set school records in 22 events this season. Some of these records being broken multiple times in a season. For example, the 13 years old 50m Freestyle record has been broken 6 times, 3 times by Aodhan Taylor and 3 times by Thomas Penny. Of the 57 swimming records maintained by Cranbrook, 43 have been broken since the opening of the AFC. Just 14 records remain from before the facility’s opening, and in many of those cases, our current students are already swimming faster than the existing times. These remaining records are expected to fall as our athletes progress into the appropriate age groups.
Cranbrook Aquatic Swim Club had another 8 students represent their schools at the Championships. All 8 gained medals and 3 were selected on the NSW team for School Sport Australia.
Daniel Arnamnart Head of Aquatics
Running Lines: Volume 2 2025
Getting to the top is easy, it’s staying up there that proves difficult. After an array of wins against St Aloysius it was back down to earth after the fixture against Knox.
Our results were:
Team
Opposition
Result
Win/Loss
13A
Knox
47-10
Win
1sts
Knox
14-61
Loss
2nds
Knox
26-27
Loss
3rds
Knox
12-38
Loss
4ths
Knox
Cancelled
–
5ths
Knox
Cancelled
–
6ths
Knox
Cancelled
–
16A
Knox
10-19
Loss
16B
Knox
Cancelled
–
16C
Knox
Cancelled
–
15A
Knox
5-26
Loss
15B
Knox
Cancelled
–
15C
Knox
Cancelled
–
14A
Knox
5-40
Loss
14B
Knox
Cancelled
–
14C
Knox
Cancelled
–
13B
Knox
Cancelled
–
13C
Knox
Cancelled
–
Player of the Day: Junior Teams (13s, 14s & 15s) – Oliver Morgan(13A)
Player of the Day: Senior Teams (16s & Opens) – James Jackson (1st XV)
Rugby All Rounder of the Day (for effort/attitude on and off the field) – Jack Rankine (13A)
Team of the Day – 13A
Let’s start on the top. The under 13A rugby boys. A squad of 20 boys who, initially were in doubt if there game would actually go ahead with all the field closures taking place over the week. The game was pushed to Knox’s main oval. With 27 years of coaching experience in Mr Messiter, and a current Australian under 20 player Kaleb Ah-Colt as coaches and a group of boys who love the game and have a good knack for it. These boys are besotted with the game and really take in all the direction that is given to them. They will learn, and learn quick. The future for these young boys is bright. Oliver Morgan made some positive tackles to keep the pressure on the Knox Grammar boys. Sebastian Pilcher gets on the board first, with a well worked team try that saw some great passing accuracy releasing the speedy winger under the sticks. Momentum and confidence is key, especially for these younger rugby boys. Scoring first really asserts some confidence amongst the team and puts the opposition team under great pressure. Jack Rankine and Bowie Klaiber were carrying the ball with such power and determination, not willing to go to the ground at all. Meters gained really allowed Hamilton Gill to control the game. Cross field kicks at under 13 level… this shows great confidence. When you have Sebastian Drower on the wing, it is no wonder these boys decide to get the ball to the edge wherever possible. He is rapid. Well done to our youngest team of the senior school. You have made your school and rugby supporters so proud.
As many of the games were cancelled as a result of the heavy rain during the week. Dangar and Woollahra looked like a small aquatic ecosystem.
The 14s showed a glimpse of progress. These boys need to stay switched on in the game. Once they have made a good pass, tackle or run, they need to continue looking for work. A few individual performances that stood out on game day, but these boys need to develop a bit more cohesion going forward.
The mighty 3rds were in the game until the last 10 minutes. 12-14 down at one stage where our boys were always in the fight. A few careless errors saw Knox capitalise and run in a few unanswered tries at the end. The scoreline does not reflect the effort that the Cranbrook boys put in.
After a significant score margin for the under 15 team against Knox in 2024, this years under 16 group had a good crack at turning the scoreboard around. Bravery was the word that comes to mind. Our boys were flying into tackles and putting in some good shots onto the Knox boys. A few turnovers and the ball was given width where our boys were given some great attacking opportunies.
The seconds had a heart-breaking end to their game with a missed penalty kick at the death. However, these boys are resilient and robust. After leading 26-10 with 10 minutes to go, the boys let in a few soft/lazy tries that were unanswered by the fatigued Cranbrook boys. Another game and another lesson learned. Upwards and onwards, we go.
The first side suffered a second half onslaught from Knox. Cranbrook enjoyed much of the possession in the first half and got some good attacking phases together but just weren’t able to penetrate the Knox defence. James Jackson was a key link between forwards and backs, making great decisions on the field. A few kicking errors and lack of kick chase saw Knox return kicks into space putting Cranbrook back on scramble defence. This group of boys will lick their wounds and prepare well for the next game against Waverley.
The sun looks to be out this week and into the weekend, so no better way to return to action than a local derby against our neighbours.
Brent Crossley Master in Charge of Rugby
Cranbrook Corner – Round 4 Football Report
Cranbrook vs. Knox Grammar This weekend’s fixtures against Knox were a great showcase of the growth of Cranbrook Football. Unfortunately, our Year 7 games were cancelled, but it was great to see the boys turn up for a high-energy training session at the AFC.
A huge shoutout to our 10A team for their thrilling 2-1 win! They’ve had a bit of a rocky start to the season, but with two players stepping up to the 1st and 2nd XI, they’re starting to shape into a promising team. Jackson Randles sealed the win with a well-placed header in the dying minutes – what a finish!
Our 8A team also had a great result, they remain undefeated , winning 5-3 on the road with some fantastic attacking football. The 8B team followed suit with a confident win – well done to all involved!
The 9A team’s draw against a strong Knox team was one of the highlights of the day. They’ve faced some tough results this season, but this shows they’re starting to believe in themselves.
While our lower teams didn’t have the same luck, it’s worth noting that Knox has a massive football program. Our players are showing great spirit , even when the scores aren’t in our favour.
The real standout was our A teams across all age groups – they went unbeaten against Knox! It’s clear the program is building positively, and we’re seeing development and improvement every week. Well done to all involved – another proud weekend of Cranbrook Football!
Match Report: Cranbrook 1st XI 3 drew vs. Knox 3 What a rollercoaster of emotions in our match against Knox! We took a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime, thanks to some excellent football. Jeno Kerr opened the scoring with a welltaken shot from the left-hand side, after some fantastic work down the right from Lachie Zhang.
Our structure was solid, and we were creating scoring opportunities with ease. The second goal was a beautifully crafted team effort, with Zayah Askaro scoring after some great lead-up play from Jamie Samios. The third goal sealed the deal, with Tom Melhuish scoring after we won the ball back high up the field.
However, the second half told a different story. Knox came out firing after halftime, and we conceded a goal off a cross from the right. A mix-up at the back soon followed, reducing our lead to 3-2. Knox equalized, and the score was level at 3-3.
Zac Yaffa had a golden opportunity to win it for us, but his first touch wasn’t quite enough. In the end, the match ended 3-3, providing a thrilling spectacle for the crowd. It was a nail-biting finish. Trinity are top, Cranbrook two points behind. Despite the draw, it’s clear that our team has the potential to compete at a high level. Well done to all involved!
Ben Rollinson Head of Football
Phil Beverley, Director of Music
Dear Parents and Caregivers
A Celebration of Sound: Jazz Night and the Contemporary Music Showcase Two unforgettable evenings of music and community spirit lit up our school’s cultural calendar this term. The warm, intimate ambience of the Packer Theatre was transformed on Jazz Night into a haven of funk, swing, and sparkle, while the Contemporary Music Showcase at the Marrickville Factory Theatre brought an electrifying energy that had the entire audience buzzing.
Jazz Night at the Packer Theatre From the moment the first note sounded, the Packer Theatre glowed with a special kind of magic. Students from across all years took to the stage with confidence and passion, weaving classic jazz standards for the Stage Bands with key featured soloists including Fergus Jones, Liam Crowe, Dash Bouvier, Ty Imtarnasan, and Ashton Corbett. The stage lighting, paired with the smooth flow of music, created a cosy, club-like atmosphere that welcomed parents, students, and staff alike. Audience members were treated to solos that soared, grooves that had feet tapping, and ensemble playing that reflected hours of dedication and joyful collaboration. A special thanks to the amazing work of Jane Wynn-Jones, Adam Lindberg and the tech crew as well as the MAD committee for supporting the event with their amazing enthusiasm and flair.
Contemporary Music Showcase at the Factory Theatre Taking things up a notch, the Contemporary Music Showcase at the Marrickville Factory Theatre was nothing short of epic. Set in one of Sydney’s iconic live music venues, the night felt like a professional gig, with bands and soloists owning the stage and commanding the crowd. The industrial vibe of the venue, combined with a roaring sound system and dynamic lighting, gave students the thrilling experience of performing in a real-world setting. From original compositions to inventive covers, each act brought something unique, reflecting the diverse voices and bold talents of our contemporary music students. The energy was infectious, the crowd enthusiastic, and the performances—outstanding.
These two evenings showcased more than musical skill—they revealed the spirit of our music community: bold, expressive, and deeply connected. A huge congratulations to all performers, the tech crews, and the tireless music staff who made both events not just possible, but truly remarkable.
Performance Plus Masterclass – Monday Week 6 Learning a musical instrument is a fantastic way to unlock creative potential. It not only builds resilience in mastering technical skills but also boosts capacity for abstract reasoning, complex planning, and imaginative thinking. Plus, when everything falls into place, it’s fun!
Within this structure, improvisation plays a vital role—encouraging spontaneity, risk-taking, and the exploration of new musical ideas. It allows musicians to respond instinctively, adapt to changing contexts, and discover personal expression beyond written notes.
We are super excited to have two of Australia’s leading exponents of improvisation and ensemble music join us in leading a practical workshop in improvisation and on-the-spot thinking as part of our regular Music Plus Workshops.
Neal Peres Da Costa is a world-renowned performing scholar, researcher, and educator. He has held academic posts at the University of NSW, University of Leeds, Trinity College of Music (London), and Royal Academy of Music (London). He is Professor of Historical Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he founded the Historical Performance division in 2007 and was the division’s chair for eight years. Subsequently, he was Program Leader of Postgraduate Research. Currently, he is Associate Dean (Research).
The Australian violinist Madeleine Easton is internationally recognised for her versatility and expertise on stage. Throughout her career, a desire to combine period and modern playing has led to unique opportunities to work with a variety of ensembles worldwide. She performs internationally, appearing as soloist, concertmaster and director of some of the world’s most respected ensembles and orchestras.
Luke Chapman is an accomplished music educator and performing guitarist specializing in secondary and tertiary education. A distinguished scholar of the prestigious James Morrison Academy of Music, Chapman brings exceptional versatility to his craft, demonstrating mastery across diverse musical genres including jazz, pop, classical, and contemporary art music.
As a performing artist, Chapman has established himself nationally through extensive performances across Australia in various professional capacities. His expertise extends beyond traditional performance into the cutting-edge realm of music technology, where he pioneers innovative approaches to integrating acoustic and electronic elements in composition, live performance, and pedagogical practice.
Chapman’s commitment to advancing music education is evident in his continuous exploration of new methodologies that bridge traditional musicianship with contemporary technological applications, enriching both his students’ learning experiences and his own artistic practice.
Soiree is growing X2 Due to popular demand, we will divide our resources and hold two Soirees simultaneously. One in the Chapel and the other in the Orchestra Room.
Town Hall Showcase Fundamental is fast approaching please ensure you have secured a ticket for this Major Whole School event.
Warm Regards
Phil Beverley Director of Music
The 2025 School Shakespeare Carnival
Unleash Your Inner Bard: The 2025 School Shakespeare Carnival
This year, our school proudly presents the 2025 Shakespeare Carnival—a creative competition that invites students to reimagine the works of William Shakespeare through performance, music, film, and design. Whether drawn to acting, composing, or directing, the Carnival offers a platform to showcase student talents and bring Shakespeare’s timeless stories to life.
Participants had the opportunity to perform in categories such as duologues, group-devised scenes, physical theatre, and original compositions. The Carnival is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work. It’s an opportunity to gain confidence, develop critical thinking, and engage with literature in a dynamic and expressive way. This year the carnival was led by Ms Bamford who assembled a small but dynamic group of students who presented exceptional work last week.
Andrew Benson Head of Drama
Balmoral Fun Run 2025
Last Sunday, a group of Cranbrook students (George McIntosh, Isaac McIntosh, Nicholas Long, Tommy De Vos, Ned Granger, and Jan Druijff) entered the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s fun run, the Balmoral Burn a 420m uphill race, raising $160 for the foundation.
The Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s the largest charitable supplier for children’s medical equipment in state government hospitals. They have raised over $100 million to date and have been running for 30 years. According to their mission statement the Humpty Dumpty foundation believes that “every Australian child deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live.”
Cranbrook entered the “senior schools just for fun category.” We participated with a variety of challenging items including an inflatable koala costume and running up the hill while playing the trumpet or trombone.
We hope to grow this initiative over the coming years.
George McIntosh Cranbrook Student
Red Shield Appeal
I had the opportunity to help fundraise, but most importantly, raise awareness for The Salvation Army on 25 May as part of the annual Red Shield Appeal. The boarders were assigned to Lyne Park, where my peers and I walked along the waterfront, inviting members of the public to help those in the Eastern Suburbs struggling with meeting basic needs, such as having a roof over their heads and a warm environment to sleep on a cold winter night. Other students were on site at other locations across the area from Edgecliff to Rose Bay doing our best to raise much needed funds for this important cause. Despite some members of the public having no cash on them, the opportunity to spark a conversation and thus raise awareness for the Salvation Army and their work was invaluable.
Personally, this was my fourth Red Shield Appeal. Every year I participate, I get left in awe of the generosity of members of the public. It is a beautiful opportunity for us Cranbrook students to engage with the broader community, while learning about the impact of our service. Understanding that our efforts truly mattered encouraged me to persevere through the challenge of organising my own fundraising efforts, and the power of asking.
Louis Mak Cranbrook Student
Cranbrook Sleepout
On Sunday 18 May, 80 Cranbrook students and staff took part in the inaugural Youth Off The Streets Sleepout. The event aimed to raise awareness of youth homelessness and support vulnerable young Australians through fundraising and education.
Despite the rain forcing the group to relocate from the Oval to the VCH, the experience remained challenging and impactful. Students went without dinner and spent the night sleeping rough followed by a full day of school. The physical and mental fatigue the next morning gave students a powerful glimpse into the daily struggles faced by thousands of homeless youth.
Throughout the night, students engaged in reflective activities, including a collaborative “shock wall” of statistics, and heard from Peta and Gary, representatives from Youth Off The Streets. Their powerful talk sparked meaningful conversations about the causes of homelessness and how young people can help.
So far, the Sleepout has raised over to $3,500 for Youth Off The Streets through a fundraising page and BBQ efforts. More importantly, it planted seeds of empathy and reminded students that real privilege isn’t material but it’s the comfort, security, and support systems many of us take for granted.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported, and donated. If you’d still like to contribute, please visit our fundraising page here.
Year 9 Dynamic Costal Environment Geography Excursion
On Tuesday 26 May, Year 9 Geography students explored the dynamic coastal environment of Sydney Harbour, travelling by ferry from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay. Along the way, they conducted a series of primary fieldwork investigations, including water quality testing, observational sketches, and human impact surveys, gaining firsthand insight into the environmental processes and management strategies shaping one of Australia’s most iconic marine landscapes.
Students gathered results that indicated moderately high turbidity levels near ferry wharves, suggesting increased sediment disturbance from boat traffic. Water samples showed relatively stable pH, consistent with tidal marine environments. Observational sketches and photos highlighted evidence of coastal erosion near the sandstone cliffs at The Gap. The Ranger Jamie team leading the excursion also provided detail on the human value of the local area, and how the local council aims to balance tourism with conservation efforts.
These findings will inform student discussions on sustainable coastal management strategies and the importance of environmental stewardship in urban coastal areas.
James Harte Assistant Head of Social Science (Geography)
Mackenzie Pedersen Science Teacher, Resident Tutor and Assistant Head of Science
Baptism and Confirmation 2025 – Expressions of Interest
In the Anglican Church, Baptism is the sacrament that welcomes individuals into the Christian faith, signifying rebirth and the washing away of sin. Confirmation, which typically follows Baptism as a child, is a reaffirmation of a person’s faith and their commitment to Christ, often involving a bishop. It’s a time for individuals to publicly affirm and be encouraged in their faith as they live out their Christian walk.
At Cranbrook our custom is to hold a Baptism and Confirmation service in Term 3, after a time of preparation. If you would like to enquire more about this service, please contact Rev Farraway.
Run (or walk) to save a baby’s life – in the CITY2SURF – 10 August
CITY2SURF – RUN TO SAVE A BABY’S LIFE!
Calling all students, parents, siblings, friends, staff to join the Cranbrook team in the City2Surf in support of charity Running for Premature Babies on 10 August.
