MBAS Newsletter, Term 1, Week 8, 22nd March 2024

MBAS Calendar

Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all

Middle Years Update

School attendance - Why does it matter? What is the effect on my child's learning? 

School is the best environment for most students to learn in. Being surrounded by teachers and friends in school helps keep children safe, and supports them to reach their learning potential.  Attendance at school is also crucial to prepare our young people for successful transition to adulthood. 

Children can sometimes feel anxious about going to school. Mostly, this is a very normal emotion. It is important to recognise that going to school can help children to feel less worried than letting them stay at home. If your child is anxious over several weeks, then please talk to us about how we can support you in getting them to school.  

A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn.  Great teachers are the most important for student success, however chronic student absence reduces even the best teacher's ability to provide learning.  Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance.  The effects of lost school days build up one absence at a time. When your child misses 1 day every two weeks, that equates to 4 weeks per year -  over their school life that is nearly 1 and half years of learning they have missed!! 

"There’s a clear connection between going to school regularly and doing well in the classroom. Higher levels of educational achievement can mean better health, higher incomes, better job stability, and more participation in communities. This all makes society stronger and more connected." Ministry of Education - attendance is a shared responsibility.

Please do the right thing by your children and send them to school regularly. 

Jenny Bloom - Deputy Principal - Middle Years 

Paid Union Meetings

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop Hours until the end of Term 1

Monday 25th March - 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Wednesday 27th March - 8.30am - 9.30am
Wednesday 10th April - 8.30am - 9.30am

Then back to usual hours after the holidays

SPECIAL OFFER * Wool/Nylon jerseys - many brand new - gold coin donation. Sizes 10 to XL. Cold machine wash or handwash. 

All other uniform (except Canterbury) $5 per item - Canterbury $10 per item

WANTED Canterbury long pants - please donate any that are no longer required to the office. Plus any other clean items of uniform such as Rain jackets and Fleeces

Photolife Class, Sibling and ID Photos

Thursday April 11th

Trophy Returns

Student Drivers Licence Rules

We are noticing that some of our senior students are not legally following their license rules at the moment.  

The law around this is designed to keep you safe while you’re still learning. 

There are some conditions you must follow while on your restricted licence:

•  Between 5am and 10pm you can drive on your own.
•  Between 10pm and 5am you can only drive if you have a supervisor in the front passenger seat.
• If you’re driving without a supervisor, you can only take a passenger if they are:

1.   Your spouse or partner (for example the person you live with as if you’re married or in a civil union)
   
2.    A child who is financially dependent on you or your spouse (for example you’re their parent or guardian)             and who normally resides with you or your spouse
   
3.    Your parent or guardian
4.    Relatives that live with you and are on a social security benefit
5.    Someone you look after as their primary caregiver

Student Leaders Hui

All our school student leaders got together for a Hui to discuss plans for the year and how they want leadership to look for 2024.

M3 - Life Education Visit

On Wednesday morning M3 got to visit Harold in the life education truck!!! We have been leaning about friendship and the importance of being a good friend.

M9 - Kauri Tree

We have been making our own kauri tree. We wrote what we are proud of and how we help on our leaves.  It is looking amazing!

Y7/8 Aquatic Survival Skills

Year 7 and 8 classes are learning aquatics survival skills.

They are: H.E.L.P., HUDDLE, dry rescue, tube rescue, treading water, sculling, side stroke.

Here are some photos of Hei 7 practising their survival skills in the pool.

Y7/8 Wood Technology

In Y7/8 Wood technology, students have been designing and building their own media device holder and passive speaker. Their design had to incorporate a shape and hot poker design which reflects their culture. Here are some of the creations from PMA.

12OED Sea Kayaking Camps

Over the last 2 weeks the Yr12 OED classes have been away on their Sea Kayaking camps off the Coromandel harbour.

Students had been learning around positive group dynamics and the contribution individuals can make to ensure everybody has enjoyable experiences when in the outdoors. Students had to pack into their kayaks 3 days worth of food and water on top of all their camping gear and personal clothing.

Mr Adams's class was able to capitalize on some calm conditions and spent 5 hours exploring some of the offshore islands. 

Thames Show Jumping

On Wednesday 12th April the Equestrian Team sent three riders to the Secondary Schools Show Jumping in Thames; Tahlia Osborne and her pony Kalani, Ella Simpson and her pony Nike, Sarah-Kate Lusby and her horse Smoke.

There were riders from schools all over the Waikato district. Tahlia Osborne placed 2nd in the 90cm class and Ella Simpson was awarded the Good Sorts award. The team were thrown a few curve balls but took it in their stride. 

Y9-11 Invitation - Drama Performance in Auckland

The Drama Department invites students from Years 9, 10 and 11 to join us on a trip to Auckland on the 3rd of May to watch the play "I Love You G." We will leave school at 7:30 a.m. and return around 7 p.m. Massive Theatre is a professional physical ensemble company that creates new theatre with emerging and professional actors, directors, and writers. Their work comes from real stories, reflecting the rich diversity of Aotearoa. Harmony Hogarth, an ex-MBAS student, is also an integral part of Massive as an actor, teaching artist, assistant director, and composer.

The activity costs $40, which includes transport and a ticket. If you are interested in joining, please email Leo Magri at magril@mbas.ac.nz.

More information about Massive Theatre company here: https://www.massivecompany.co.nz/

Plane Build 20th March 2024

Parts Preparation, Acid Etching.  Open the photos below to read the full log.

Y7-8 Triathlon

Specialist Music Lessons

Specialist Music Lessons 2024 - Guitar and Bass

Slots are still available for Guitar and Bass lessons with the incredible singer, songwriter and top musician Stewart Pedley.

Please email magril@mbas.ac.nz if you want your child to join Stu's lessons this term.

Tertiary Tidbits

Wintec Presentation - Yr12' and Yr13's
If you are thinking about your tertiary options, Wintec are coming to do a presentation to any year 12 or year 13 interested.  

Thursday 21st March, 11.20am - 12.20pm (Block3). 
Please go to room E9 at the beginning of block 3, your attendance will be taken there.

Scholarship Opportunity

Scholarship includes $12,000 (over 3 years) towards your university cost, a mentoring programme and paid work experience.

Applications close Sunday 17th March.

For all details click the link

https://firstfoundation.org.nz/students-schools/

Girls In Infrastructure

Girls in Infrastructure is an initiative dedicated to promoting awareness of career opportunities in the infrastructure industry to girls in year 12 and 13. The Girls in Infrastructure event gives an opportunity for girls to visit a construction workplace, interact with heavy machinery, chat to education providers and meet people in the industry. 

The event will take place at Ruakura Superhub on Thursday 20 June, from 10am to 2pm. Registration begins at 9:30am, with the event starting promptly at 10am.

The participating students will be divided into 4 groups, each led by female industry professionals, to rotate through engaging activities:

    1.  Infrastructure companies and education provider exhibitions
    2.  Heavy machinery showcase e.g. cranes and diggers
    3.  Site Visit #1 – details TBC
    4.  Site Visit #2 – details TBC

This event is open to students 16 years of age and older. All attendees must wear fully closed shoes and long trousers. High visibility vests will be provided upon arrival.

If this sounds like you, please register your interest with Sharon Poteous, Gateway Co-ordinator email porteouss@mbas.ac.nz 

Nurse's Notes

DENTAL CARE IS FREE TILL YOU TURN 18
YEAR NINE STUDENTS AND ANY NEW SENIOR STUDENTS AT MBAS– A REMINDER THAT
YOU NEED TO REGISTER WITH LUMINO DENTIST

IMPORTANT TIPS ABOUT TEETH AND MOUTH HEALTH

•    VAPING CAUSES BAD BREATH, TOOTH DECAY AND GUM DISEASE
•    WATER IS THE BEST AND IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION AND CLARITY AND IS PREVENTATIVE AGAINST TOOTH DECAY
•    SUGARY DRINKS CAN LEAD TO TOOTH DECAY AND GUM DISEASE
•    WEAR A MOUTH GUARD FOR CONTACT SPORTS – A BROKEN TOOTH IS DAMAGED FOR LIFE

Community Notices

Whitianga Run Fest

A short 3km beach run has been added to this event.

Check it out!

The organisers of the Whitianga Running Festival are generously allowing students of MBAS to enter the run for free. This year there is now also a 3km option. Use the code MBAREASCHOOL when registering.

Mercury Bay Netball Centre

**2024 REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN** - Register here

MB Football Registrations