I am delighted to become the Chair of AROPs, and I would like to thank Peter Jakobek for all his excellent work and wish him well as President. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him on your behalf

Times have been difficult for alumni societies recently. Traditionally alumni societies are about meeting like-minded people linked by school experiences shared or compared, connecting and reconnecting over the generations. Through this not only can there be fun, knowledge and skills can be passed on both to the alumni but also to the current generation of pupils. Advice, mentoring or by inspiring through example, be it through actions or presentations are some of the joys of being part of an alumni society. Covid has curtailed many of these and redrawn how we can interact within our societies and with our alma mater.

AROPs still believe strongly that face to face meeting is of great benefit and that leaders of societies, be they independent or school run, by sharing experiences of alumni events and interactions can enhance their own offering to help engage their alumni. Our regional meetings aim to do just that – an opportunity to meet and discuss and then in smaller groups make those contacts to develop ideas further. Unlike local schools our alumni are not in competition with each other, except occasionally on the sports field, so sharing good practice is in the best interests of the alumni.

Our regional meetings have recommenced and have been very well received and we are looking to increase the number and expand the locations of these. I will be contacting members to see if they might host one but would be delighted if you are able to volunteer your school.

We are also looking at how we might use the experiences of Covid to enhance our offering too. The on-line conference we held was very well received and opportunities to draw together the membership of AROPs together on occasion for on-line presentations is our aim and feedback from you at our meetings about potential topics or speakers would be welcomed.

I am sure that you are busy preparing for Christmas events, sending cards and planning for the new year. So are we and I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead as AROPS continues to grow and develop and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.