It was a great honour to be invited to be President of the Walthamstow Hall Association and in this letter I would like to tell you a bit about my ambition for the association and my experience that has inspired what I would like to achieve during my period of office.
We ask that when we go out into the world, we may use what we have learnt to lead purposeful lives.
Some of you may recognise that extract from the Walthamstow Hall School Prayer and I would like the Walthamstow Hall Association to do more to harness those purposeful lives that Walthamstow Hall Alumnae lead. My ambition is for the Association to become a vibrant network of capable and talented women who inspire and support each other throughout their careers and lives, whatever they choose to do. I am currently working with the Committee to make this happen. Whilst our annual News Sheet and reunions have their place, we need to establish new ways to communicate with each other and interact more using digital channels and holding more regular events, for example events focusing on groups of Alumnae who have followed the same career path. These groups could not only be useful for Alumnae in terms of networking opportunities, but could also be a source of inspiration to current pupils deciding which career they want to pursue. This is just one of the ways in which we can make membership relevant to all generations.
My first formal engagement as President was to address our Alumnae at the annual reunion, which happened to coincide with the 30 year reunion of my year group. I was so lucky to have some of my old classmates there to support me in that task. Whilst we all have busy lives it is always great to renew those friendships and to find out what everyone’s been up to.
I hope that together with the Committee and your support I will be able to make a difference to the Walthamstow Hall Association and pass it on to my successor in really good shape.
With best wishes,
Claire Jarvis
Walthamstow Hall 1980 – 1987
Head Girl 1987
