Alumni from all four decades gathered together on Tuesday 27th February to reconnect and share memories over a cup of tea and famous Selwyn House scone. It was wonderful to witness some friends coming together for the first time in many years and some for the first time since leaving school. Others had been in touch beforehand and arrived together and in anticipation of the event had dug out photo albums and even an old school tie to wear!

Our wonderful archivist, Johnann Williams, had put together a slide show of photos from these years as well as sourcing yearbooks and old uniforms to put on display. This amazing display also included embroidery samplers and art cards created by those who attended. 

After a welcome by Principal, Julie Calder, and Alumni Preident, Tamara Tait, stories of favourite teachers and boarding house antics were swapped. Long forgotten poems and school trip accounts were stumbled upon in yearbooks and many laughs were shared while spotting familiar faces in the collection of framed photos.

The alumni group were then treated to a tour of the school by both Julie Calder and Business Development and Marketing Manager Jennifer Shepherd. The tour started off in the playground where the much-loved pear tree once stood. Our current school girls were thrilled to meet such special visitors and were very proud to share what they were learning. Next on the itinerary was a class in the Food Technology Room followed by a trip to the Art Room to see some clay creations take shape. 
 

The highlight for any of our alumni who had been boarders when they came to Selwyn House, was a visit to our current boarding house. Comparisons were made between the bright and cosy boarding house bedrooms our current students call home and the dormitories of days gone by. 
 

This was a very special event full of laughter, memories and reconnections that was enjoyed by both our alumni and our current school community and we are looking forward to the next reunion already.
 

If you have any suggestions for future alumni events, please contact community@selhouse.school.nz