The Woodford House Old Girls' Association was founded by Dorothy Campbell in 1933. The aim was to provide a framework within which past pupils could continue an interest in the school and to give it support. The provision of a network for social and supportive purposes and fundraising for scholarships constitute its main role.

More than one attempt was made to set up the organisation before the inaugural meeting was held in 1933. This followed the Napier Earthquake which caused major damage at Woodford and had the effect of rekindling feelings of fondness and concern for the school amongst former students. An appeal had been launched to provide funds to repair the Chapel and generosity to this was evident, despite the Depression.

The time was right then, for the Old Girls' Association to be established, largely on the model of boys' public schools in England. A resolution was passed at this meeting stating the organisation's objective would be to promote and keep alive among its members a continual and active interest in their old school and to carry out anything that would be conducive to its welfare.

Later that year a reunion was held at the school. By this time seven branches had been formed and there were 236 members.

There have been a number of changes to the Association since that time. Administration, fundraising, management of funds and scholarship selection is shared by all seven branches through their representation on the national committees. Many of the changes follow those in society, education, communication and demographics. But the fundamental purposes of the provision of support to the school and a social network for old girls remain the same.

Today the Association is thriving with nearly 1600 members belonging to one of seven branches. Old Girls' scholarships are still awarded each year as a result of fundraising and investments. Financial assistance is also given to the school in the form of support for special projects such as funding an annual Artist in Residence, and the purchasing of Old Girls' Literature prizes. Reunions of Old Girls are organised by the Association, as was the 1994 Centennial celebrations in collaboration with the school and the parent body. All members of the Association receive a special edition of the school newsletter twice a year. Old Girls' articles and information are included in these two editions. It is the Association which has launched this website and established the database of Old Girls.

The Association is administered by an executive committee which is comprised of a President, Secretary and Treasurer and a representative from each Branch. They meet from time to time and organise special events, including the Annual General Meeting, and make decisions about many matters such as the spending of funds raised , membership fees, and appropriate involvement with the school.

The President of the Association is a member of the school Board of Proprietors. Her membership of this Board ensures the preservation of traditions at the school and helps to enhance the "special character" which is a requirement for the school now that it is integrated. There are usually other Old Girls on the Board of Propriertors as well.CLICK HERE to view contact details for Executive Committee

The Scholarship Council of the Association consists of a representative from each Branch and a Secretary. This Council meets from time to time to select a scholar when applications for financial assistance have been received. The Executive members decide upon the amount of money to be made available to the Council.CLICK HERE to contact someone for information about scholarships.

ENDOWMENT TRUST

The depression resulted in some Old Girls becoming financially disadvantaged and at the Annual General meeting in1934, it was decided that a capital fund should be set up to assist Old Girls to send their daughters to Woodford. Then, as now , many Old Girls were very keen for their daughters to follow in their footsteps and attend Woodford. There was a wide assumption that every attempt should be made to help get Old Girls' daughters to the school. An endowment trust was set up to manage funds to be used to help Old Girls' families.

The Endowment Trust Board consists of two Executive members and other appointed trustees, and is responsible for the management of investments with the help of a financial adviser. The predetermined proportion of school fees for recipients of Old Girls scholarships is paid by the Trust and the disbursement of money for other projects is made from time to time when directed by the Executive. CLICK HERE to contact someone about the Endowment Trust

OLD GIRLS' NEWS

Old Girls' News is sent out to members twice a year. This consists of information sent in about Old Girls and allows members to catch up with news of friends and past class mates.

Twice a year the school produces a special edition of its newsletter, which contains profiles of notable Old Girls, notices of up coming events and other matters of interest to Old Girls. This is sent out to all members with the Old Girls' News.
CLICK HERE to send in your news. CLICK HERE to view the current events.