Head of Performing Arts

David Selfe: Professional Certificate (Prof. Cert.) & Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (L.R.A.M.)

David is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London. Prior to this he was fortunate enough to attend The Purcell School, (a primary and secondary school focusing on the education of the musically talented.) It is from this experience that he came to realise the importance and enjoyment of being involved in a musical environment at an early age.

David has been a professional musician for the last twenty years, with highlights such as the New Zealand season of "Les Miserables", "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum", and the nationwide tour of "The Supremes", Cleo Lane, Petula Clarke, and Michael Barrymore to name a few. David is equally at home in London's West End.

He is involved with his own teaching school, "Studio 10" on Auckland's North Shore, and it was through this link with school-aged children that he initially identified the need for the type of school such as Corelli.

"There is a need in this country to pursue Arts excellence prior to tertiary education, so that a child talented in the performing and visual arts, with dedication and the right environment, may fulfill their potential to become a world class artist or performer ".

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Academic Principal - Kirsten Selfe

Kirsten Selfe - Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) & Diploma in Teaching (Dip. Teach.) (English)

Kirsten trained at Palmerston North Teachers' College and completed her degree in education at Massey University (Palmerston North). After three years in the Primary sector, she moved into the Secondary sector to teach English and Music at Colenso High School, in Napier. Kirsten then moved to England where she taught in various church and state schools, over seven years, including William Byrd Primary in Hayes, Middlesex, where she was co-ordinator for Music and Community Liaison. Upon returning to New Zealand in 1996, Kirsten 'kept her hand in' (while taking time out to be a mother), tutoring School Certificate English.

Since Corelli opened in 2001, Kirsten has been actively involved in the classroom, teaching various subjects to all age groups. "I thoroughly enjoy working in such a friendly and arts-focused environment, where children can be, and are encouraged to be, themselves."

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Deputy Principal - Jacqui Hopkins

Jacqui Hopkins Bachelor of Arts (Education and Music), Diploma in Teaching, LTCL (Bassoon)

Jacqui has been teaching at The Corelli School for a number of years, and has been Deputy Principal for the last three years. Since working at Corelli, Jacqui has extended the age groups taught and now teaches English at all levels up to the end of Year 11, and Junior and Senior mathematics.

Jacqui has two children, both of whom attended Corelli and have gone on to study Performance Music at University.

In her spare time, Jacqui learns the bassoon and plays in various community and semi-professional orchestras. She also enjoys photography and walking, hobbies which she shares with her husband, Ashley.

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Head of Visual Arts Department

Aurelia Zatta: Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (BAFA) & Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Aurelia studied for her Fine Art degree at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, majoring in Graphics and Art History.

After graduating, she returned to Zimbabwe and became involved in senior art education at the Dominican Convent and Chisipite High Schools in Harare. This career path prompted her to study further for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education through the University of South Africa.

Aurelia recently immigrated to New Zealand with her husband and two children and is now entering her eleventh year of teaching Cambridge Art and Design at both IGCSE and Advanced levels.