MBAS Newsletter, Term 4, Week 8, 1st December 2023
MBAS Calendar
Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all
Primary Years Update
Kia ora e te whānau,
More term 4 busyness from the Primary Years and we’re not done yet! We have all been making the most of the beautiful weather and being active in the sunshine has been amazing for our general mood and wellbeing:)
St John’s Emergency Response Sessions
We have welcomed Sue, from St John’s in our primary years this week. She had been teaching 3 different modules to our students.
- Years 1 & 2: Emergency Smart
- Years 3 & 4: Emergency Ready
- Years 5 & 6: Emergency Responder
The students have learned some really helpful information and practised how to apply this information in an emergency situation.
Year 3-4 Classes Informer Article
This week’s edition of the local Informer showcased all of the amazing learning that has been taking place in our Year 3-4 classes. Make sure to check out the awesomeness - Great job year 3-4 students and teachers:)
Yr 1-2 Athletics Day
This is on Monday next week from 9:30am to 11:30am - Students in years 1 & 2 are encouraged to wear house colours - parents are welcome to as well! Come and support our youngest students as they showcase all of the learning and practise they have been doing!
Senior Student Leaders & Years 3-6 Art Collaboration
Earlier in the year our student leaders from across the kura had a meeting and decided on some projects they would like to achieve over the year. One of the projects was to inject some colour and art into the primary years. After a lot of planning, liaising with Primary SLT and refining the plan they were able to complete the project this week. The difference some colour can make to the overall feel of an environment is definitely more than I think any of us expected. We are grateful that the senior students persevered with the project and have come back in even after their exams. Epitomises our kaupapa of “Growing good people, Growing good learners & Growing good leaders!”
Reminders:)
Hats, water bottles and sunscreen will be required more and more as the weather continues to warm up - our primary rule - no hat, no play!
Last day for Primary Years is Thursday 14th December - Prizegiving starts at 9:30am in the hall. School will finish at the normal time of 3:00pm:)
Ngā mihi,
Hira & Pip
Positions Vacant - Teacher Aides
Mercury Bay Area School is looking for Teacher Aides to work in various roles across our kura. You would be working alongside a team of dedicated teachers and teacher aides, supporting akonga and learning programmes.
The position/positions are fixed term starting Term 1 2024 and conclude at the erd of the school year.
Please read the information for applicants and complete an application form, attach your CV and send to Karin Farrelly farrellyk@mbas.ac.nz by friday 8th December 12pm.
Room 23 - Learning
The tamariki in room 23 have been leading their learning. They all wanted to make potions. They experimented with different materials. Found out how different natural materials reacted together. Created some amazing stories and had a lot of fun. They created some beautiful artwork illustrating their potions and wrote a sentence to match.
Room 24 - Science
Whaea Bex had made some red cabbage water. Today we put a little bit in a jar and mixed in some lemon juice. We watched in amazement as the purple water turned red. We then added baking soda; the reaction that occurred was “explosive” and then the cabbage water turned back to purple. What we learnt about was acids and alkalines and ways to tell this using red cabbage.
My New Gallery
M3 - Chemistry
What have we been up to? Well, we have been doing a little organic chemistry. By adding vinegar to warm milk we were able to separate out the casein and create a solid. We pressed the solids into shapes which we will paint - our own Christmas decorations!
Year 7-8 Surf Life Saving Education
It was all sun, surf and smiles during our Year 7-8 Surf Life Saving Education trip to Hot Water Beach on Monday!
Students participated in a range of fun beach and water activities, including paddling up the lagoon by board or inflatable rescue boat, beach races, ocean relays, and a quick soak in the hot pools. These activities challenged students to think critically, work cooperatively, and venture outside of their comfort zone in a safe and supported way. Many thanks to the amazing Hot Water Beach Surf Life Saving Club for partnering with us to run this event. For those keen to continue their Surf Life Saving journey, Junior Surf starts on Sunday 10 December.
Manaaki Kai Class
A group of year 10 students have been very fortunate to be involved with a food and nutrition program once a week called Kai. Students decide on what we will cook ahead of time. We consider what is seasonable (and in the garden) and in our budget and then find recipes to suit.
Some of the dishes we have cooked include;
Wontons
Dumplings
Hamburgers
Spaghetti Bolognaise
Mini carrot cakes
Weetbix Slice
Chicken stir fry
Before cooking we look at the nutritional value of the dish and look at costs for an individual serving and what it would cost to cook for a whanau. We then put on some reggae music and enjoy each other’s company while cooking. A bit of creativity and flair in the kitchen is encouraged.
This class has been a highlight for the students and teacher.
International Students Activities
Last week (Tuesday) our International students joined Thames High Schools International students, for a fun morning of paintball. There were a few bruises (as expected) and they all seemed to have a great time. It was a very hot day, so they all did well in their overall and headgear!
On Wednesday, we organised a scavenger hunt for them. They split into groups and had about 20 things to find or do, of which many required photo evidence!! From counting the stingrays on Buffalo Beach, recreating Abby Road cover to being creative with unique photos, they all enjoyed the day and looked like they had lots of fun.
A big SHOUTOUT to Mercury Bay Twin Cinemas for the free ice-creams - very much appreciated Matt and Anne-Maree.
Sports Roundup
Sista Smash Cricket Day
The annual girls Cricket festival Sista Smash Cricket was held over in Ngatea on Tuesday. Our 3 girls teams cleaned up on the cricket stage and enjoyed having a go at a new game. Many are keen now to take up the sports which is fantastic for the summer months.
The MBAS - Howzat's, Powerhitters and Thunderstrikes pictured. Harper McGregor, Sienna Rasmusen, Paige Morgan, Claudia Westrupp, Marlie Candelaria, Armani Tupaea, Lucy Thomas, Boh Boyd, Willow McKeown, Lana Ducker, Mieke Ducker, Marika Macdonald, Angel Scobie, Skye Condon, Chelsea Westrupp, Maddison Kereopa, Mia Jones with Madison Morgan and Libby Van de Ven on their shoulders.
Thanks to Parent helpers - Tracy Jones, Jane Thomas, Amber Boyd and Jen Westrupp.
Waikato Athletics - Te Awamutu
6 Mercury Bay students qualified after the Thames Valley Athletics to go onto Waikato Full Primary Athletics in Te Awamutu on Wednesday. Our students excelled themselves and we are very proud of them. Thanks to the wonderful Parental support that travelled over, Rickelle Ramage, Dawn Thurgood, Alana Kline, Alyssa Whiting and team manager Teresa Kereopa.
Results on the day:
Sunny O'Brien Year 7 - 1st Longjump 4.25m
Eli Whiting Year 8 - 3rd High jump 1.51m
Annabelle Kline Year 8 - 3rd High jump 1.29m
Charlotte Thurgood Year 8 - 3rd = 200m 28:69sec, Year 8 2nd 800m 2:39:81, Overall Champ 3rd =
Mercury Bay Athletic team Pictured back - Liam Ramage, Paiggon Kereopa, Eli Whiting
front - Anabelle Kline, Charlotte Thurgood, Sunny O'Brien
Nurses Notes
Hi Beautiful Young People – Why is sleep so important for you?
I have noticed lots of people who are tired and lacking in sleep and this makes school really difficult.
Not enough or poor quality sleep can have a negative effect on behaviour, learning, health, wellbeing and weight. It can make us feel grumpy and disconnected.
Young people need 8-10 hours’ sleep every night. And this needs to be good quality sleep. This is a time when your brain is developing and sleep is super important.
Tips for good sleep –
- GET OFF YOUR DEVICE AN HOUR BEFORE BED – Avoid screens, gaming, TV an hour before bed time
- KEEP YOUR DEVICE OUT OF YOUR ROOM AT NIGHT – good time to recharge it in the kitchen and don’t get upset if your parents turn of the WIFI at night – suck it up - this is for you, so you will have a better day tomorrow
- IF YOU HAVE BEEN GOING TO BED TOO LATE, GRADUALLY CHANGE THIS BY GOING TO BED 30 MINS EARLIER AND GETTING UP 30 MINS EARLIER
- AVOID HEAVY MEALS 1-2 HOURS BEFORE BED
- DO QUIET ACTIVITIES BEFORE GOING TO BED – read, have a relaxing shower, listen to some chilled music
- BE ACTIVE TRHOUGHOUT THE DAY – GET OUTSIDE – burn some energy so you feel tired at night
- AVOID CAFFEINATED DRINKS LIKE COFFEE TEA AND ENERGY DRINKS – these are a stimulant and will keep you awake
- DO HOWEWORK EARLIER IN THE DAY, NOT JUST BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
- TRY TO MAKE A WARM, DARK, QUIET SLEEPING AREA
- IF YOU CONTINUE TO SUFFER FROM POOR SLEEP SEE YOUR DOCTOR
PLEASE THOSE CARING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – TURN OFF THE WIFI AT NIGHT – EVERYONE WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS IN THE LONG RUN.
Thanks and have a great week
Shaz/School Nurse MBAS
Community Notices
Mercury Bay Athletics Club
We are looking for senior athletes to join our club 10 years and up
Next term details:
Term dates - February 13th - March 12th - Tuesday 5.15pm
Christmas Craft
En Pointe 2023 Dance Show
Carols in the Park
Super Smash Holiday Cricket
A fun filled day of cricket with your friends! Short and fast festival style games in teams!
Sign up now and come along to an action-packed holiday programme before Christmas. Whether you currently play or want to give it a go, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Just $15 for the day, which includes a FREE Northern Brave T-Shirt too!
Each day will be 9am to 3pm.
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