Values in Action – Meet Greg
Our ‘Values in Action’ series shines a light on how our Caulfield Grammar School employees live our School values.
Greg Meredith, Residential & Facilities Manager for our Expedition Program NT, shares how he encourages the value of Living Wholeheartedly in his role.
“I love being around young people. I draw inspiration from them, and I also feel like I can give them inspiration. That is what has sustained me over an enjoyable 37 years working at Caulfield Campus in so many wonderfully diverse roles.
When the chance arose to help establish the Year 9 Expedition Program in Jabiru, Northern Territory, I leapt at it. The Program is such an exciting and unique opportunity for our students to experience the incredible beauty, history and culture of Australia’s Top End, often in uncomfortable climatic situations, and it’s always a joy to witness the emergence of resilience and teamwork as they learn to embrace stepping outside their comfort zones.
It’s been so wonderful to see this transformation in students, but also to witness the personal growth of the School’s trainees over the year as they take on greater responsibilities and leadership roles, all the while developing a greater understanding of the local culture and communities.
I’m constantly learning from the Expedition Program trainees and staff here, but my major learnings have been from the local community and about our Indigenous culture. Recently, a prominent Indigenous elder passed away. A loss of that magnitude impacts the entire community, and the funeral ran over several days. It was fascinating to watch from afar and gain an insight and appreciation into this culture. I’ve realised I know nothing (!), but I am naturally curious and constantly questioning, so hopefully by the end of this year in Jabiru I will know a little bit more than nothing.
Living Wholeheartedly is something I try to instil in those around me every day in every experience. I’m always upbeat and I’m always willing to try anything and embrace everything. Trainees and students say my attitude to life promotes optimism and wellbeing and inspires them daily.”
Caufield Grammar School is a values-led school. Our five School Values guide the way we work together and behave. Active interaction with these values supports our students and staff in having clarity and ownership about what it means to be a member of the Caulfield Grammar School community – how we treat each other, and what we expect from each other.