Senior School Link – Week 6, Term 1 2024 - 7 March 2024
Daisy Turnbull, Director of Coeducation and Academy
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day (IWD). The theme is ‘Count her in: invest in women, accelerate progress’.
I recognise it seems strange to write about IWD when we made the decision to postpone our breakfast, but we did not want recent media attention to overshadow what has been a very well thought out celebration of the women who make Cranbrook and educating our current students in important gender issues.
Throughout the term we have been highlighting female staff because they are leaders in the classroom, in pastoral care, and in sports. At Cranbrook we have around 60% of all staff female and we have a negative gender pay gap of 9.3% which means the median woman earns 9.3% more than the median man.
Our Director of Student Wellbeing, Angelique Sanders, and I worked together on the Student Wellbeing Programme for students in Years 8-12 (Year 7 were preparing for CITF). For Years 8 and 9 they focused on gender biases and understanding the way our views on gender are shaped. Year 10 had a session on understanding the gender pay gap as well as hearing from young parents at the School, including young fathers who support their partners’ careers. Years 11 and 12 had a session on how women are not ‘counted’ fairly in the media, including understanding the impact of the male gaze for women, as well as the treatment of women in the media. They learnt how their awareness of this, and behaviour, can accelerate progress.
International Women’s Day is an important day in the calendar to remember the work that has been done, and more that needs to be done to promote gender equality. The theme of ‘count her in’ and investing in women gave us as a school the opportunity to invest time in educating our students how to count women in, in a society that often shows them the opposite.
But IWD should be more than a day, too.
As we move to coeducation, we are holding events for our incoming 2026 Year 7s and hosting waitlisted and enrolled girls for a workshop with the Academy of Enterprising Girls, where they will have the chance to work together and think entrepreneurially.
So again, I am sorry that we have postponed the breakfast, but please rest assured much has been done to discuss the importance of investing in women to accelerate progress.
Daisy Turnbull Director of Coeducation and Academy
Privacy Collection Notice for Parents Address Collection 2024
Please view the Privacy Collection Notice from the Department of Education here.
Phil Beverley, Director of Music
Dear Parents and Caregivers
It has been another busy week for Cranbrook musicians. On Monday night Year 11 and 12 elective music students attended the Encore concert at the Opera House on Monday evening. The annual Encore concert showcases the outstanding musicianship of HSC students from NSW schools as singers, instrumentalists, and composers. Current Year 11 and 12 students enjoy attending this concert which is both entertaining and aspirational at this stage of their studies. Cranbrook students were really impressed with the calibre of compositions and performances presented.
On Wednesday night, the Orchestra Room was filled with the wonderful sounds of 12 young solo performers who participated in our Term 1 Soirée. To be ready at this stage of the year is no small feat, requiring discipline, determination, organisation and dedication to developing their craft.
Our MAD (Music and Drama) committee is always on the lookout for new members. It is a wonderful way for parents who wish to actively support their child’s involvement in Drama and Music and meet like-minded people in the process. Last year’s raffle has now been drawn and the winners will be contacted by a member of committee to deliver the prizes.
As we look forward, our scholars’ will take the stage next Tuesday in the Orchestra Room (12 March). This is sure to be a night that exemplifies the wonderful work of our students. This will be followed by an Easter Concert (26 March) which will feature the excellent work done by our choristers and smaller chamber ensembles.
Warm Regards
Phil Beverley Director of Music
Oratory Article
Competition Debating
Cranbrook continued its strong start to the season with a near clean sweep against Kincoppal last Friday night, with wins for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and the Senior Bs.
See below the ISDA topics, for which Cranbrook was affirmative in all debates:
Division
Topic Area Round 3 ISDA
7
That doctors should be allowed to overrule parents when making medical decisions regarding children.
8
That doctors should be allowed to overrule parents when making medical decisions regarding children.
9
That doctors should be allowed to overrule parents when making medical decisions regarding children.
10
That healthcare workers should not have the right to strike during emergencies (e.g. pandemics).
Senior B
That we support the use of AI in the provision of mental health services, such as talk therapy via chatbot.
Senior A
That we support the use of AI in the provision of mental health services, such as talk therapy via chatbot.
See below the updated tally:
ISDA Division
Round 1 vs SACS
Round 2 vs St Caths
Round 3 vs Kincoppal
7
WIN
TBC
WIN
8
WIN
TBC
WIN
9
WIN
WIN
WIN
10
WIN
WIN
WIN
Senior B
WIN
WIN
WIN
Senior A
WIN
WIN
Loss
Cranbrook’s Eastside debaters travelled to Sydney Grammar on Friday night for Round 1 of their competition. This is one of our toughest opponents, so it was especially pleasing to see our Year 12s win their debate (as well as Year 9), and Cranbrook equalled its historical average number of wins against this opponent.
See below the Eastside pre-season round topics:
Division
Topic Area Round 1 Eastside: Ethical Issues
7
That we should make all students go on a school excursion to an abattoir.
8
That we should make all students go on a school excursion to an abattoir.
9
That we should implement Vietnam’s gambling regulations in Australia.
10
That the government should significantly increase the RTP of all gambling activities.
11
That the government should significantly increase the RTP of all gambling activities.
11
That the government should significantly increase the RTP of all gambling activities.
See below the results for Cranbrook:
Eastside Division
Round 1 vs Sydney Grammar
7
Loss
8
Loss
9
WIN
10
Loss
11
Loss
12
WIN
This Friday 8th March sees the following debates take place:
Details
ISDA
Eastside
Round
Round 4
Round 2
Venue
Kambala
Scots College
Address
794 New South Head Rd, Rose Bay NSW 2029
53 Victoria Rd, Bellevue Hill NSW 2023
Entry via
NSH Road Gate, immediately turning left into The Souberian, Minter Building.
Senior School Chapel Gate, meeting at the Coote Theatre.
Years 7-9 debate / finish
Debates start 6.30pm / Debates finish 7.30pm
Debates start 6.15pm / Debates finish 7.15pm
Years 10-12 debate / finish
Debates start 7.30pm / Debates finish 9.00pm
Debates start 7.15pm / Debates finish 8.45pm
Topic area
Social Issues
Law and Justice
Spectator policy
Spectators welcome
Spectators welcome
No bus is provided since all debates are within the Eastern Suburbs this week. Students are required to make their own way to venues after school.
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
Social Debating, Mooting and Mock Trial this Thursday 7th March from 3.30-5.30pm
ISDA Competition Debating R4 vs Kambala (away) and Eastside Competition Debating R2 vs Scots (away) this Friday 8th March
Public Speaking next Monday 11th March from 3.30-5.30pm
Social Debating and Mock Trial next Thursday 14th March from 3.30-5.30pm
ISDA Competition Debating R5 vs Shore (home) and Eastside Competition Debating R3 vs Reddam (home) next Friday 15th March
Oratory programmes are fully subscribed for Semester 1
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 2 sign-up are welcome to reach out to me (note, we only accept expressions of interest from students directly). Sign-up for Semester 2 offerings will circulate via student email in mid-June.
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 and Student Journalism
Articles of Interest
Please find articles of interest below compiled each week by members of the boarding staff team.
“Cloudstreet,” penned by Australian author Tim Winton, is a literary masterpiece that transcends generations with its poignant exploration of family, identity, and the Australian experience. Set in post-World War II Perth, the novel-turned-play follows the lives of two disparate families – the Pickles and the Lambs – who find themselves sharing a large, ramshackle house on Cloud Street.
At its core, “Cloudstreet” is a saga of resilience and redemption, weaving together the stories of its colorful characters against the backdrop of a rapidly changing nation. From the affable yet flawed Sam Pickles to the stoic and resilient Oriel Lamb, each member of the two families grapples with their own trials and tribulations, ultimately finding solace and strength in their shared struggles.
Cranbrook Drama is excited to present this senior production in the round as an immersive production for the audience to experience in the Packer Theatre.
Don’t miss out on a CRU Camps for K-Y12! Choose from residential activity camps, HSC & IB study camps or daytime-only camps, all with fantastic activities like sailing, horse riding, rock climbing, archery, canoeing, abseiling, cooking, Year 12 study, plus new friends, engaging Bible talks & more! For more info or to register, visit crucamps.com.au ‘CRU Camps’ is a division of the Crusader Union of Australia which has 90 years’ experience running safe, Christian camps for kids.
The Old Cranbrookians’ Association is proudly supporting the Three Islands Classic (3IC), to be conducted as usual on Sydney Harbour. It’s open to all who are owners or skippers and can beg, borrow or by other means produce a keelboat for the day! The event will be held on Sunday 24 March 2024 and will commence at 11am with most yachts sailing for approximately one and a half hours. Arrival at Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association (RANSA) will then be around 1pm for an award ceremony at about 2pm. Old Cranbrookians and Cranbrook families are all welcome to come along!
Cost: $70 to cover the cost of running the 3IC, the use of the venue at RANSA for the post-race raft, TryBooking fees and trophy regeneration.
For all enquiries or if you’re just keen to be part of a crew, please contact Rebecca Curran in the Development Office on +61 2 9327 9409 or email alumni@cranbrook.nsw.edu.au
Matt Grice, Director of Sport K – 12
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Firstly, a huge thank you to the huge number of students, staff and parents that turned up to the last Friday night lights of the season. The atmosphere on Lewin Courts was electric and amplified by the presence of the Brookie Booster, Prefects, and school students. The entire building was buzzing with excitement and energy. It was a thrilling sight to behold, as the school crowd brought an undeniable sense of unity and passion to the game, pushing the 1sts Basketball Team to their best performance of the season. The 1st lead for most of the game but a late comeback by Waverley ensured a thrilling finish, with the Brookie ballers managing to pull away in the last minute for an 8-point win. Good luck to the 10th’s and 10Cs basketball who are going for an undefeated season when they play Barker this Saturday.
The 1sts and 2nds Tennis continued the momentum on Saturday with the 1sts winning 7-1 and the 2nds winning 8-0. The 9D team won 6-0 and showed brilliant teamwork throughout the matches. We won 85% of games played on the weekend which is a huge achievement for the entire tennis community. Congratulations to Angus Kelly and Eric Mallam who both have been selected in the CAS Tennis team.
Huge congratulations to Ethan Negrin who has been selected in both the CAS and CIS Water polo team. An amazing achievement!
The 1sts Cricketers made it 17 games without a loss as they produced a work-like performance to beat Waverley in their final game at Woollahra 2/3. Lots of fond memories of the ground that turned into our home for the last 5 years. Looking forward to getting back onto Hordern next season.
Rowing hosted Newcastle Grammar, Redlands, and Northern Beaches Secondary College at our boatshed for the “Rose Bay Riot” on Saturday. A great time was had by all and a big thankyou to all that helped on the day. The build-up to the major CAS Swimming Championships at SOPAC has begun, with the competition taking place next Thursday 14th March. The 33 Senior School Students selected to represent the school at CAS were presented with their representative Swim Cap, towel and Goggles by Mr Sampson and Mr Meakin last Wednesday. The Swim Team, led by Co -Captains Axel Robinson and Max Moylan, have been training the house down and are now getting ready for the biggest night on the Swimming calendar. We wish them all the best as the whole school rallies behind them next week. Good luck!
Cranbrook Dual Meet The team raced for the final time before the CAS Championships on Friday night at the inaugural Cranbrook Dual Meet. The Cranbrook Dual meet is a new fixture in our calendar, where Cranbrook and Kincoppal Rose Bay School team up to compete against a team from St Catherine’s & Waverley, and a further team from Meriden College & St Patricks College.
This meet consisted of individual 50-metre races, as well as mixed gender relays which apart from being a lot of fun, were great practise for CAS Championships, as relays yield higher points for that particular competition. The meet started strong with the Boys 13 Years 50m freestyle with Carter McGee & Max Khan going 1st and 2nd in the first individual race of the event and setting the tone for the night. Waverley were in no doubt that we were ready for a battle.
The 50m Freestyle wins continued by Preston Irawan & Noah Kemp winning the 14 Years, Matt Davey and Jack Wilkinson in the 15 Years, James Lee & Vinne Tagg in the 16 Years, Ethan Negrin in the 17 Years and Marcus Da Silva, Max Moylan Axel Robinson and Oscar Holland taking the top 4 spots in the Open 50m freestyle. This resulted in Cranbrook winning every 50m freestyle battle against Waverley and St Patricks.
We continued to have success through the form strokes, despite resting some of our A Grade swimmers. There were some outstanding individual performances with our B Division swimmers putting up a good fight and winning many races over the Waverley A swimmers. However, the night was really about the relays and the team competition. The mixed relays provided an opportunity to interact with Kincoppal School and have strategies in place to have our males and females, swimming the best positions for success. Cranbrook & Kincoppal was able to get many wins on the board, but not enough to walk away with the Team Point Score Cup, finishing 2nd behind St Catherines & Waverley.
Cranbrook Boys dominated the point score winning the Robinson Shield for the highest point score. Robinson Shield – Highest Points Male School
1st Cranbrook 300
2nd Waverley 268
3rd St Patricks 183
Cranbrook & Kincoppal finished 2nd on the team point score behind the Murray Rose Dual Cup Winners of Waverley & St Catherines. Murray Rose Dual Cup – Highest Team Score
The Tonelli Shield for the highest female point score was won by Meriden in 263 points, over St Catherines of 226 and in 3rd place was Kincoppal in 180 points.
We have reached the final week of summer fixtures in the Senior School and we are looking forward to a strong finish after another positive season.
Please note, next Saturday 16th March will be a sport-free weekend. A great chance to recharge and get ready for the Winter Season. The Winter Season Sport schedule can be found here.
Looking forward to seeing everyone around the grounds this weekend. The full fixture list can be found here.
Please see below the reminder for Summer Sport Team Photo sessions.
Students should be at the photo session with :
Full Summer Sport Playing Uniform
Student ID cards
For dates, times and details please see the table below – please not the venue change on Monday afternoon.
Photo session
Term Date
Time
Notes
Location
Summer Sport
Term 1 , Week 7 Monday 11th March
Lunchtime 12:50 – 1:30pm
YR 7 – 9 Swimming, Water Polo, Sailing (all ages)
VCH
Monday 11th March
After school 3:30 – 5pm
YR 7 – 9 Basketball, Cricket, Tennis, Rowing
VCH/Furber Courts
Tuesday 12th March
Lunchtime 12:50 – 1:30pm
Y10 Water Polo Opens Volleyball Y10 – 12 Rowing Y10 – Y12 Swimming
Bob Meakin, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School
Dear Parents and Carers
Thank you to all Year 12 parents who engaged in the parent and teacher night; I hope the feedback from teachers was extremely useful. Our Year 12s appear to be travelling extremely well, as they continue to lead the positive culture of the School.
Tomorrow marks International Women’s Day and students will be issued a purple ribbon on arrival; female staff will be celebrated in their respective House meetings in their mentor time, and at a breakfast for all staff.
I would like to commend our senior dramatists in preparing the production of Cloud Street, which opens on Wednesday 20 March. Much of this work involves extensive hours and intense preparation. I would like to thank all students involved; both cast and stage crew.
Last Friday night saw a tremendous final home game for Basketball, where our 1sts narrowly defeated Waverley, in part thanks to the very loud and enthusiastic support of our players from our students in the stands. This week sees the final week of summer sport, where most teams will play Barker; I wish every student well as they conclude what has been a very successful summer season.
Recently, I encouraged the boys to continue to focus on their learning and their academic efforts and also to enjoy their co-curricular engagement. I also reminded them of kind and respectful interactions with one another, especially online.
A reminder to parents that if any student ever wants to reach out and discuss any issues with me including any concerns they have whilst outside of the School, I encourage them to drop by for a chat as my door is always open. I understand some parents have expressed interest in reading the Q&A supplied to the ABC, please click here to view.
A reminder that next Thursday is the CAS Swimming Championship at SOPAC; attendance is compulsory for students in Years 8, 10, 11 and Prefects. We look forward to a successful evening in the pool.
Health Centre update: We have been notified by NSW Public Health that a Year 7 Cranbrook student has been diagnosed with Whooping Cough (Pertussis) which is spread when the infectious person coughs bacteria in the air that can be inhaled by people nearby. Please monitor your sons for early signs of Whooping Cough which are common cold like symptoms such as blocked or runny nose, fatigue, mild fever and cough. If these symptoms occur, please keep your son at home and seek advice from your local GP. As Whooping Cough can lead to severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing that can be dangerous for at risk persons and babies, it is very important to contain the spread, so we thank you in advance for not sending your son to school if he is symptomatic.
Whopping Cough vaccine immunity wanes over time so speak to your GP if members in your household would benefit from a booster dose. Vaccination is free for babies at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, and then boosted at 4 years and 12 years of age. It is important that pregnant women receive a booster dose in their last trimester and consider a booster dose for the elderly and carers of young children.
Please advise the school if your son does test positive to Whooping Cough so Public Health and the school community can stay informed. Thank you for your understanding.
Best wishes for an enjoyable week.
Bob Meakin Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School
Peter Young, Director of Students
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Recently 16 Prefects were involved in an experiential learning opportunity at Terrey Hills. Run by Leading Edge Professional Development our students had the unique opportunity to work in small teams with horses. The program supported our leaders to achieve a flexible and adaptive leadership style; build self awareness, authenticity and presence; develop collective, collaborative leaderships skills and create a strategic, innovative and action focused approach.
Although some were apprehensive and maybe even a little sceptical at first, the group enjoyed the mornings challenge and were enthusiastic about the experience. Jack commented “Not only did the programme facilitate the development of improved leadership skills, the presence of the horses provided a unique means of reflecting on our leadership traits and the impact of these approaches in motivating desired behaviours. Horses, who are incredibly sensitive to human demeanour taught how important it was for us to maintain control and composure in challenging situations.” Eyad said “Ultimately, the activities conducted provided me with a wide and rich leadership skill set that I can hopefully apply for my House”
