Our warmest congratulations to Gina Threlkeld, the Selwyn College Dux for 2009. Gina pursues the highest standards of academic scholarship with a refreshingly open and inquiring mind as well as a genuine delight in learning. This year she has studied a broad range of subjects - English, Maths with Calculus, Classical Studies, Drama, Engineering and Physics. She is a talented all-rounder who has involved herself fully in the life of the school. She plays football and hockey, is part of the Stage Band and String Ensemble and this year, she has been leader of the Academic Council and on the Student Executive. Gina fully deserves this supreme award!

Our warmest congratulations to the following students who have been awarded prestigious scholarships for
Tertiary study in 2010:

• Yan Fong                     The University of Auckland Jubilee Scholarship
• Nora Xharra                 The University of Auckland Alumni Scholarship
• Gentiana Shabani        AUT Significant Student Scholarship
• Leanne Ray                  AUT Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship
• Divya Velalagan           University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
• Natalie Watkin-Ward   University of Otago Alumni Annual Appeal Scholarship
• Meiliana Nurhalim Keir Trust Study Award (for Business Studies at AUT)

On Tuesday 3 November Selwyn College held its inaugural ‘Arts Awards’ evening. It was a most wonderful occasion! Parents and students gathered in the foyer and our newly renovated courtyard area for drinks and nibbles, served by the Junior Performing Arts students who were dressed in role. Students’ artworks were on display and there were a range of performances, including Year 13 monologues which students were preparing for Scholarship exams, music from the Stage Band and a medley of songs from the upcoming Junior Performing Arts musical “Charlie”.
We then moved into the theatre where past Performing Arts student, Tess Munro-Pedreros, was suspended in circus silks above the stage. It was a spectacular opening to a wonderful night of celebration of excellence amongst our Arts students. The theatre was full to capacity with an audience who clearly appreciated the creativity on show. This included an outstanding piano solo from Year 11 student Samuel Lee, the best media production “Beam Me Up” and excerpts from the 2009 musical “Grease”.
Each of the top scholars were presented with colourful trophies in the form of kite.

Top Visual Arts Student:   Min Ran Cheng Best Media Production of the Year:   Tyrone Tangata-Makiri, Krissy Rangi and Jayden Ritai Musician of the Year:   Samuel Lee Outstanding Contribution to the Performing Arts:   Fergus Burnett Excellence Across a Range of Arts:   Fergus Burnett

In planning for the new event, we decided to introduce a special new award – the Golden Ticket award for excellent voluntary contribution to Selwyn Performing Arts. It is a complimentary ticket to all 2010 production and performance work. Congratulations to the following people who were chosen as the 2009 recipients for the amazing work they have done for our students:

• Fiona Flynn
• Prue MacDougall
• George Burrell

Congratulations also to the many Arts students who received awards and thank you to all who worked so hard to make this happen.