1889, the founding year of our association, was 14 years before the first powered flight and 19 years before the first people’s car, the model T Ford. Nobody then would have been able to imagine the changes to come.
These include population explosion, globalisation of industry and commerce, ease and speed of travel and communication, innumerable technological innovations and, not forgetting, the devastation of 2 world wars. Our school has moved from less than 50 male pupils to over 1400 boys and girls. Some change!
During its existence our association developed positively, sometimes modestly, and has survived. We are engaged with school administrators in answering the question, how may we further develop and adapt to reflect our role in a rapidly changing scene? We must understand the needs of our members.
This gives rise to the question, what do individual Stopfordians want from the association? We are taking steps to obtain the answers from Stopfordians across the board. There is work to do, and our findings will be communicated along with a plan of action.
Like all OSA presidents, I have attended many of the in-house school events – the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award evening, art exhibition, music and theatrical performances, and school prize giving day.
These allow me to view how the school works, what makes it tick and what inspires the pupils. Much is pleasing to the eye and ear and I have particularly enjoyed the several musical occasions, finding it remarkable that such high standards are maintained at all the age levels.
At each visit I receive a positive impression of school life. Pupils have a good work ethic, behaviour and attitude, and exude a quiet confidence, maturity and natural enthusiasm. This bodes well for those who come to this school and then move on to an increasingly uncertain world beyond.
I thank our association committee members for their tolerance, support and guidance during my term in office and the school’s officers for the many courtesies extended when I have asked for help.
On behalf of all Stopfordians, I thank those committee members and support staff tackling the serious work of finding a way forward for the OSA. This continues and involves much thought and effort on your behalf.
Tom Gare
OSA president
November 2011
