Do you have a nick name? Where have you moved from to join the SCS family?

I have quite a few nicknames, some of my family call me GG (Grant Glen), others call me Garfield or Ginger because of the colour of my beard. When someone is upset with me “Fielding” tends to ring out. Before I came to Southern Cross Schools, I was working at a private school in Mauritius and resided in a town called Pereybere while working there.

What drew you to this school?

It might be a cliché, but after my very first interview towards the end of last year, I just had a “gut-feel” that I have not experienced with any previous interview that I’ve been part of. The feeling of belonging to a supporting and sincere community (staff and parents) was clear. The potential for growth/improvement in sports at Southern Cross Schools is a challenge that excited me, and still does. It is a community where I feel I can make a difference while living out my passion.

Initially how does SCS strike you as being different, unique, special?

As mentioned above, the sincerity of the staff and parents, the family feel of the school and the community, as well as the fact that looking at the children and learners, I cannot help but feel that this is a community where “kids can be kids”, climbing trees, running around barefoot, eager to participate. Southern Cross Schools and its community, is truly something that is extremely special and valuable in creating a unique blend of learners and parents for generations to come.

What positive changes would youlike to bring to the sports department?

I always say that before a person can be competitive or reach your potential in a sport, you first need to enjoy it! One of my goals is to ensure that learners enjoy participating in the sports, whether it is playing at break time, training or a match day. I would also like to encourage sportsmanship as I am a firm believer that one is never ready to win until you know how to lose with humility, with pride and with no regrets. I know that various stakeholders are / have been working hard behind the scenes to also improve sports facilities and I would just like to say THANK YOU, I really appreciate all the support and ambition that’s been shown.

What do you most look forward to learning from this incredible environment and the school as well as our learners?

To answer this question, I need to be honest about one of my BIGGEST fears –being average. My goal every day is to try and be a better person than I was yesterday. Being out of my comfort zone, the bush (I am terrified of snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies), I feel that every day is an opportunity for me to challenge myself in a role that is quite new to me. What has stood out for me in this environment, especially with the learners, is that one can be who you are, and that is enough. The learners here are resilient, they fall and they get up with a smile (bleeding or not) and that is definitely something that has stirred my heart, and will continue to do so. Southern Cross Schools has reignited a passion and drive within me since I have been here and all I can say is THANK YOU!

I look forward to learning more from the SCS community. Here’s to creating many marvelous memories, together!

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