3 minute read
Griff, the Lion Heart
from The Voice 37
GRIFF, The Lion Heart Let’s say hi to Griff! Who is he and what is he doing at Tanglin? Read on to find out more.
This page: Griff visiting the Infant School; Griff celebrating Chinese New Year
If you have seen a furry brown lion decked in Tanglin’s uniform and walking around the school lately, your eyes weren’t playing tricks on you. He is Tanglin’s friendly mascot - Griff! He is a very busy lion but we managed to catch up with him for a chat over some durian ice-cream (his favourite), to find out what he’s been up to.
Tell us more about yourself; why is your name Griff? What are your hobbies?
Griff: I was named after Tanglin’s founder, Ms Anne GriffithJones! If you don’t already know, she’s the brave and amazing lady who started our school in 1925 and the children back then knew her as Miss Griff. I have plenty of hobbies. I love all kinds of sporting activities, and I am a proud supporter of the Tanglin Lions.
How would you describe yourself?
Griff: Hmm, I would say that I am brave, enthusiastic, sporty, and positive! I love learning new things from the wonderful teachers at Tanglin. I am also a very responsible lion; I make sure my uniform is freshly ironed before the start of each day so I’m all ready to take on my duties as a professional lion mascot!
at Tanglin. ”
What have you been busy with?
Griff: I have been super busy lately! I popped by the Infant School on their House Day to play with the children. It was so great to see the children participating in various activities wearing their new House kits. I even got to work with the lion dancers to put on a special performance for Red and Gold Day to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
I am also a studious lion and I love to learn new things. During Year 5’s Space Day, I learned about topics related to the universe; constellations, Mars Landers, and how astronauts sleep when they are in space. I also learned how to count during 100 Days of Reception by looking at the 100 lions that Infants drew.
The teachers at the Infant school say I am a model lion so they asked me to help them think of ways to help Infant children learn how to deal with difficult situations. We came up with “Griff’s Great Choices” and showed the children how to “be like Griff” by teaching them ways I use to solve small problems. For example, if someone makes them angry, instead of becoming frustrated, the teachers will tell the children to be like Griff and walk away, talk about how they are feeling, or take a breath and count to 10, instead of arguing or letting the problem grow bigger.
What gets you excited?
Griff: Plenty of things! The Forest School site is now ready, and I love going there during my free time to explore nature. I was also rooting for the Tanglin Lions during the Alpha Age Group Badminton Series, which took place during the term break. They did really well and I’m very proud of them!
Oh and have you walked past the Tanglin Centenary Building lately? I’m pretty excited about the new facilities there and I can’t wait to cheer on our climbers on the new bespoke climbing wall, watch the Merlions train in the Olympic-length pool and learn from our talented gymnasts in the new gymnastics centre.
Where can the children find you?
Griff: I hope to be at more assemblies and sporting events soon! If the children spot me, they can always come by to say hello and cheer along with me! ■ DO YOU HAVE A SMALL PROBLEM? USE ONE OF GRIFF’S CHOICES TO HELP YOU! GRIFF’ S GREAT CHOICESGRIFF’ S GREAT CHOICES
