Consideration of our Alumni - As a newcomer to our school and town I was delighted to discover a fledgling Alumni organisation . Like many new organisations  this has been founded by a groundswell of ex pupils determined to give something back to ‘their old school’. This hasn’t been established by the college itself but rather by an enthusiastic group of ex pupils who have been kind enough to include me in their meetings and future plans.
I see the Alumni providing two key functions. The first of these is to link with the schools past and to support the development of an Ashburton College heritage. As a new comer to town it’s very clear that long established features such as the house system are essential to maintain. One of my staff members (who is an Ashburton College old girl) was offered a promotion as head of house. She turned it down because it wasn’t ‘her house’. In town I’ve had many conversations with ex 1st XV members interested in this year’s team.
Any ex pupil of the college has a link to the past.
The second feature of our Alumni is helping Ashburton College to prepare for the future. This comes in numerous forms but is often via support for future initiatives, links with the local businesses and employers and the adoption of a “how can we help” attitude.
As principal it gives me much pleasure to support the Ashburton College Alumni.