Five Favourite Things

Val Field is the Executive Assistant to the Head of Junior School

Val Field started working at Canberra Girls Grammar School in 2003, initially as receptionist before moving into the position of EA to the Head of Junior School. Originally from the United Kingdom, she and her husband moved to Australia in 1982, living in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Orange, Sydney (and Brisbane again), before settling in Canberra in 2003. Prior to emigrating, Val was accepted into university with desires to become a social worker; however, fate had other plans.

“I was travelling around Europe with a girlfriend and missed the beginning of the academic year,” Val said.

“To fill the gap before the following year’s intake, I enrolled into a secretarial college for young ladies and never did get to uni.” Val’s last position before leaving the UK was working as secretary to the Director of World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-UK.

“I was fortunate enough to meet people such as Sir David Attenborough, Sir Peter Scott, David Bellamy and on one occasion, I was presented to our patron HRH Prince Phillip. It is a cause I still support today, together with World Vision.”

My favourite…

…activity

Keeping fit has always been a passion of mine. I’ve been a member of a gym for as long as I can remember and attend three times a week. My sport of choice is Dragon Boating – I have represented my club, the ACT and Australia. The sport has taken me across Australia and internationally to Hong Kong, Macau, Italy and America.

…kind of music

I love a variety of music and have been an active concert-goer for many decades. Back in the early days, I saw Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits and Fleetwood Mac (even before Stevie Nicks joined). In the past 12 months, I’ve seen Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, U2 and Elton John. I think these artists might give away my age!

…time of day

Some people are known as larks, others are owls as they stay up late – I don’t seem to be either as I like to sleep. I need seven hours sleep and preferably 10! My favourite time is just before bed when I reflect on the day and settle in for a bit of reading. There’s nothing better than that sleepy feeling you get after a day’s work and a visit to the gym, when your body relaxes and you feel content and at one with the world.

…way to relax

I love to relax with a jigsaw or a good book. I predominantly read fiction and enjoy authors such as Liane Moriarty and Jane Harper. I also find walking a great way to reflect and relax. Being out in nature puts most things into perspective and coming across an echidna, blue tongue lizard or wombat certainly lifts the spirits.

…part of the School

My favourite part of the School has to be Clements Hall at the Junior School. It is a place where we all come together and represent the CGGS community – surrounded by the flags of origin of all students and staff. It can be a sombre place, particularly when the Last Post is played during the ANZAC Assembly, but more often than not, it is filled with joy; from Book Week Assembly, with so many wonderful costumes and creativity, to the energy of PE lessons and co-curricular activities. The Hall is also a space where I’ve heard so many wonderful choirs, bands, talent competition performances, many that leave me in awe of our students’ ability.

Clockwise from top: Relaxing at the end of the day with a book; Val (centre, facing camera) with her Dragon Boat crew; Before leaving the UK, Val had the honour of meeting HRH Prince Phillip in 1982; Walking in nature, a favourite way to relax

Main image at top: Val pictured in her favourite part of the School, Clements Hall