Sam and Elena will be spending 12months at Cathedral Grammar, working as part of the staffing team. They will work with all Grammar children from Pre-School to Year 8.

Sam Kearns

Where are you from? Somerset, United Kingdom

What do you like about New Zealand so far? The people in New Zealand are so friendly and welcoming.

What do you like about The Cathedral Grammar School so far? The location of the school is awesome and the facilities here are really great! I am enjoying getting to know all the children.

What is your favourite NZ food? Pita Pit. Enough said.

What are your hobbies? I enjoy music and have played the saxophone since I was nine. I am also a very keen cricket player and coach. I am intending joining the St Albans cricket team for the coming season.

What do you miss most about home? The warm weather. It was 35°C back home right before I left.

Now for a little bit of fun! 

If you could be a superhero, who would it be and why? Thor because I like his hair.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla

You have been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it.
What would you do with the elephant? Teach it to play the double bass and start up the next greatest jazz band.

A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero.
What does he say and why is he there? “Sweet as” because literally, every speaking organism in New Zealand says it.

Elena Galanakis

Where are you from? Pretoria, South Africa 

What do you like about NZ so far? All the scenery is so beautiful and green, you just want to take in every moment. New Zealand has everything from beautiful beaches to gorgeous snowy mountains. I caught a glimpse this whilst walking through town and on our flight down from Auckland. I can’t wait to experience the snow on our South Island road trip this coming holiday! I also love the friendly people and how safe and at home, I feel here in Christchurch.

What do you like about The Cathedral Grammar School so far? All the lovely staff members who have been so friendly, welcoming and helpful over the past few weeks. I really enjoy being involved in the hockey and netball games of the Sport and Choir exchange with St Mark's Church School. I am enjoying getting to know the great students in Prep room every afternoon.

What is your favourite NZ food? Pita pit and the vegan burger from Burger fuel! Oh! And Helens lunches of course! 

What are your hobbies? Since being in Christchurch I really enjoy walking around town with the other gappies, seeing new places and experiencing everything New Zealand has to offer. 

I absolutely love to travel and making incredible memories, especially with some great friends by my side. 

What do you miss most about home? I don’t really feel any homesickness at the moment because of the great support system at CGS and the other gappies in Christchurch, but I am definitely missing my parents and my dog, Barley. 

Now for a little bit of fun! 

If you could be a superhero, who would it be and why? I’d still be me, except I would be able to teleport places because long flights are the worst.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate!

You have been given an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with the elephant? I’d name him David. He and I would open a zoo for all the other animals I’d like to adopt. Like a highland cow named Angus and an otter named Calvin. 

A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there? His name is Kowalski and he has left Madagascar to join Sam’s Jazz band!