Language Perfect Championships

Congratulations to the Awatapu College students who competed in the Language World Perfect Championships recently. This is an international competition with over 125,000 entrants. Not only did six of our students score an Elite Award (a score of over 10,000 points), but as a school Awatapu College also placed 1st in New Zealand and 1st Internationally in the 1-50 entrant category. Well done, team!! A special congratulations to Matilda Fyles and Cassandra Feasey who came 11th and 13th, respectively. The top Awatapu College results are:

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Teacher Only Day - School Closed

Please note the school will be closed on Friday 2 June due to a Teacher Only Day. School will also be closed on Monday 5 June due to Queen's Birthday. Normal timetable will resume Tuesday 6 June. 

Youth Council Scholarship

Congratulations to Phoenix Reid who received a Palmerston North Youth Council Scholarship at the annual ceremony held on Thursday 18 May. The scholarship will enable Phoenix to travel to America to compete in the America’s Cup Skating Championships early next year. Well done, Phoenix.

Fulbright Distinguished Teaching Award

Congratulations to Mr Dobson who has been awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Programme. This award is granted to only two New Zealand teachers a year, giving them the opportunity to participate in an intensive professional development programme in the USA. 

Mr Dobson will spend four months at the University of Indiana, USA from August to December this year. During this time, he will observe classes and a variety of educational approaches, as well as share expertise with local teachers and students. He will also enrol in advanced courses and seminars at the University of Indiana; engage in other teaching‐related activities; and complete an inquiry project, which focuses on using technology and web based software to enhance individualised student programs. Mr Dobson will be working collaboratively with 18 other teachers from Finland, India, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. Congratulations, Mr Dobson! This is an incredible opportunity and we are very proud of you. We wish you well for the trip and look forward to hearing about the experience.

Young Enterprise

As part of the Young Enterprise Program, a group of four students from Awatapu College are producing hand crafted table art. The Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) is an experiential programme where students set up and run a real business. Each YES company creates their own product or service and bring this to market. Interestingly, Awatapu College was the first to trial this scheme in the early 1980s.

This year, the entry from our very own school brings to you an authentic and elegantly created artwork for your office desk or living room table. As depicted below, this piece displays a strong sail which has been weathered and joined to a native rimu base, all made of recycled materials. This elegant design has been named “Ariki O Ngaru”, translating to Master of the Waves in English. It represents our ancestors traveling across treacherous waters to discover the beautiful Aotearoa. The tarnished design, created by exposing the metal to specific acids, represents the hardships found along the way to making this magnificent country what it is to this day.

These items are limited to ninety nine and are selling fast. If you are interested in purchasing one of these limited addition pieces of art, for only $39.99, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The plaque measures 20cm tall and 10cm wide.

Winter Sports

Winter Sport is underway! The sports on offer this term are: Badminton, Basketball, Canoe Polo, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Squash and Table Tennis.

Information/registration forms for winter sports will be sent home via email to interested students and their caregivers. Please sign and return these ASAP as no student will be placed into a team without the correct registration form completed and health/permission form signed. 

Students and parents/caregivers are also reminded of the College's expectations for players:
• Players must uphold the principles of fair play at all times
• Fees must be paid at the school office in a timely manner
• Players must wear their sports uniform correctly - both on and off the playing fields
• As representatives of the College, players must reflect in the community the standards that are upheld within the College

Any queries regarding sport can be directed to the Director of Sport, Mrs Daysh, by phoning 356 4817 or emailing daysh@awatapu.school.nz