Thursday 20 May 2004

A parade down Worcester Boulevard Weds 26 May Part of a week of celebration - Selwyn House School's 75th Jubilee

After many months of planning and preparation, leading Christchurch independent school, Selwyn House, begins its 75th Jubilee celebrations on Monday 24th May.

The first of the two biggest events takes place on the morning Wednesday 26th May when the entire school, including current and former staff members, will walk en masse to the square, down Worcester Boulevard. Before the parade starts, they will be addressed by Ilam MP and deputy leader of the National Party, Gerry Brownlee, who will then farewell the group of more than 350 as they walk down the Boulevard to the square. This should take approximately 15 minutes, commencing at 10.20am.

The Christchurch Tram has been commissioned and as part of the parade and will transport the more than 60 Selwyn House pre-schoolers (aged 3 and 4 years) to their destination in the square. Beautiful classic Mercedes cars are transporting former staff members. Current staff will be dressed in caps and gowns.

Meeting the school and guests in the square is Christchurch Mayor, Garry Moore, who will make a short speech after which the junior school will release balloons into the air before everyone enters the Cathedral for a special service to be led by Canon Craufurd Murray.

During the service, there will be two readings and several musical items presented by the school chamber choir. Parents of the students will also be attending the service, which should be finished by 11.30am.

Selwyn House School principal, Jane Lapthorn, says the Jubilee celebrations have been eagerly anticipated for many months now, and the entire school community is looking forward to everything getting underway.

"An celebration of this magnitude with the number of events we have planned takes a massive amount of planning, time and commitment. The teachers, support staff, parents and other members of our school community who have made this Jubilee possible are a testament to the school and our achievements over the last 75 years," says Mrs Lapthorn.

As well as one of the youngest Jubilee participants having the same name as one of the oldest (Connie Hutton), there are many wonderful stories we can share with you. Art workbooks from the 1950's showing former student's artwork of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a drawing by the well-known artist and former Selwyn House student Celia Allison (www.Cecily.co.nz) featuring a Selwyn House schoolgirl; more than one family with three generations of girls having attended the school (much has changed over those generations!); 'famous' old girls including Celia Allison and Peri Drysdale of "Untouched World" fame - there are many other stories, these are only a few.

Other stories / events you may be interested in during Jubilee Week:

Thursday 20 May and Friday 21 May, 1pm: Spanning the Decades in Fabric:

The final panel out of nine panels from "Fabrication - Spanning the Decades in Fabric" is being completed this week. The girls will be putting the final touches to the piece and you are welcome to come along and see their work. Ever seen a typical 1950's meal of 'meat and three veg' made entirely of material? This is your chance! At Selwyn House, 122 Merivale Lane.

24-30 May, 2004: Merivale Mall Display

A week-long display at Merivale Mall starts on Monday, where an interesting range of photographs and memorabilia, both historical and modern, will be on show. Selwyn House girls will be on hand to answer any questions visitors may have (to be confirmed).

25 and 27 May, 2004, Performance Extravaganza - "Spanning the Decades", Aurora Centre

This performance "extravaganza" involves every student, staff members and many parents. There are two performances at the Aurora Centre at Burnside High School, on the 25th and 27th May. This promises to be one of the most impressive stage productions the Aurora has ever seen. The first performance is for parents, the second is open to the general public, tickets are available from the school on 3557 299, at a cost of $10 each. Starts at 7pm

26 May, 2004.10.20am: Parade down Worcester Boulevard to Cathedral Square.

This wonderful spectacle will be led by the NZ Army Band and involves more than 350 people, the Hon. Gerry Brownlee MP - who will farewell the parade down Worcester Boulevard and Mr Garry Moore, Mayor of Christchurch, who will welcome the parade in the Square.

26 May, 2004.11am-11.30am: Jubilee Service, Christchurch Cathedral.

Canon Craufurd Murray will lead this special commemorative service, which features readings from the Principal, Jane Lapthorn as well as performances by the school Chamber Choir.

28 May, 2004. Noon: Junior and Senior Choir Performance, Merivale Mall.

60 girls perform traditional and contemporary pieces amongst a display of memorabilia from Selwyn House School spanning the last 75 years.

ENDS

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