Youth Parliament 2019

The selection process for the Youth Parliament 2019 programme is now underway. This triennial programme gives young people the opportunity to understand and be a part of the Parliamentary process, connect with their communities, and bring young peoples’ voice to Parliament. This is a significant opportunity for 120 young New Zealanders as every Member of Parliament will select a Youth MP to represent their community (please note that this is a non-partisan initiative and MP’s carry out the process as the local constituent MP, rather than being party political).

The process for the 2019 parliament is as follows:
1. Candidate Submissions: 3 - 31 September 2018
       - Submit a short (<600 words) essay on ONE of three topics 
       - Submit a short (30sec) introduction video via YouTube
2. Intro videos uploaded to Facebook for voting: 8 - 15 October 2018
3. Selected candidates attend a morning group panel meeting on 19 October 2018
4. Selection made and candidates informed

More detailed information on the criteria and process can be found here.

If you have any questions or would like more information on Youth Parliament 2019, please contact the Ministry of Youth Development at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..nz.

More information on the initiative is available at http://www.myd.govt.nz/young-pe…/youth-parliament/index.html

Maori Language & Hauora Week

Not only is it Te Wiki o Te Reo week but we are also having a Hauora festival at school. Here are some 'winning ways of wellness' (Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand):

• Heke tipu oranga (connect): talk with friends and family 
• He taonga tuku iho (give): share a meal, share some of your knowledge with friends
• Ka pakanga ake (take notice): notice if your friends are different and may need some encouragement or support
• Aue te aiotanga (learn): focus on what you are learning
• Te manawanui (be active): take a walk or play a sport with friends

Education Trust AGM

The Awatapu College Educational Trust invites members to attend the Annual General meeting on Wednesday 12 September at 5.30pm. The meeting will take place in the College Conference Room and will be followed by a light supper. Please RSVP to Elizabeth Shand by phoning 356 4817 ext 8813 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Monday 10 September.

Year 13 Geography Trip

On Wednesday 22 August to Friday 24 August, the Year 13 Geography class embarked on a trip to Rotorua with the intention of learning more about the tourism industry and how it causes variations and impacts in both the development of the city, the economy, and the environment.

Our first stop was the Government Gardens where we were given a talk about the early history of the tourism in Rotorua as well as interesting information to use as evidence in our case study. Next we explored the CBD taking notes and pictures of different types of tourism elements before heading for our base at Keswick Camp.

The next day our first stop was Te Puia, where we were able to have a first hand experience with Maori cultural performances, and got a guided tour around the geothermal attractions such as the world famous Pohutu Geyser. Te Puia also offered us the opportunity to look at the artistic side of Maori culture which included bone and wood carvings, and we were able to go through the Kiwi House and ex

perience New Zealand’s iconic wildlife. After we had finished at Te Puia, we relaxed at Waikite Thermal Pools for a few hours before walking through the native forest along the Kaituna River which is home to many natural attractions such as caves and waterfalls.

On the last day we went to the Skyline Gondola where we went on the gondola and the luge to see the adventurous side of tourism that free and independent tourists (FIT’s) tend to go on. After this, it was time to head back to Palmy. This trip is both really fun and informative because we learnt so much about the tourism industry in Rotorua! A big thanks to Mrs Povey who helped Mr Dunbar run the trip.

Rugby Champions

Congratulations to the 1st XV Boys Rugby Team who won their Premier Four grade. The boys played extremely well in the final, winning 27-12 against a tough Hato Paora team.

ICAS Science Competition 2018

In Term Two, many of our Science students competed against the best Science students in New Zealand and the South Pacific in the ICAS Science Competition. This multi-choice test assesses skills and knowledge. Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Distinction and Credit Certificates: