NSW Featured member interview

NSW Featured member interview

Interview with Sandy Goddard, Director of Community Development at Canberra Grammar School

 

What are you looking forward to most post COVID?

A return to normal, whatever that will be. I miss the direct personal contact with students, colleagues, friends and family. Remote learning has certainly highlighted advantages in the delivery of classroom curriculum and subject matter, yet it fails to pick up on the subtleties of human interrelationships and makes it significantly more difficult to motivate students.

Have you re-ignited a passion or hobby during COVID?

Gardening. I’ve had the time, the inspiration to get outside and do some landscaping. We have terraced the front of the house, so creating an expansive lawn area and new garden beds has allowed me to plant with a long-term vision in mind. Though my adult sons have had to help as the body is not as fit and strong as it used to be – they do much with greater ease.

Do you have a go to iso food?

Homemade pesto /pistachio pasta but added ‘Covid-3’ to the waist line! A good bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon D’Arenberg’s – the Coppermine Road.

Who would you like to have lunch with and where?

Sir David Attenborough in the Kalahari Desert. As a geographer, I have always been fascinated with his scientific documentaries – the desert ones I have found most fascinating. The world-renowned respect he has achieved from these documentaries and his somewhat eccentric personality lends itself well for an entertaining and meaningful conversation on his life experiences.

Tell us about your favourite food and why?

Favourite food and why? Anything Italian. The Mediterranean foods are so wholesome and not over processed. Initially all the food stuffs of the traditional Mediterranean required no refrigeration – I find this really appealing and does wonders of the taste buds.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I like reading my stars and believe that names somewhat characterise a person.

Motto or personal mantra?

‘You should never walk alone’. Simple and pragmatic, it can be applied to every situation one finds themselves. It gives you the opportunity to help others whilst acknowledging the help others give you. Loneliness would be a terrible feeling.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

My wife, though she doesn’t think so!! Seriously, my family.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?

Working on a sheep station in my early 20’s having to castrate sheep at lamb marking in the traditional, bushman’s way!