Week 1

If you are reading this blog, you already know something of the power of networks.   

You may or may not know that networks are strange things - the more you use them, the more powerful they become. The more people join the network then the more potential it has to spread benefits far and wide. The more everyone interacts and engages then the greater the synergies become. 

Certainly, one purpose of the Tormead Alumnae network is to benefit the pupils who are here now, and this is most certainly does. There is a quote that you need to "see what you might be" and nothing could be more perfect for inspiring the next generation than a photo or a story of a career journey. I toured some of our new Year 7 families a few weeks ago and their grins could not have been broader when they saw the photos on the wall of what some of you have gone on to achieve. The whole thing suddenly became real for them in the most marvellous way. Even if the only thing you have time to do is send one photo or even if your journey has not been plain sailing, it is still such a valuable thing. Your contribution has the potential to change lives - literally change lives.  In what has been a challenging year, your stories inspire us as teachers too. It makes our day when we hear from one of you, sometimes after a gap of years and years.   

Networks offer huge benefits for the contributors too and not just from giving back where you initially benefitted. You can all share from experiences and advice from like-minded people and you can all benefit from opportunities that you have come across or found valuable. My top tip for this time - if you have not done so already, take a look at Future Learn's brilliant course "How to Build Resilience at Work" https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/professional-resilience. Networks play a vital part in building the kind of professional resilience that you need in today's exciting but challenging world. Remember that professional resilience comes in part from drawing on the support of others but also knowing that you are using your knowledge and experiences to contribute to the pool for the benefit of others.  Celebrate and promote your membership of the Tormead Alumnae Community.  Employers will value the contributions you are making. So should you. So shall we.  

 
See you next time!