MBAS Newsletter, Term 2, Week 6, 7th June 2024

MBAS Calendar

Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all

Middle Years Update

Parents.... we need your help

We have been working hard to try to educate and eradicate vaping at our school. The New Zealand Drug foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri, through their annual "ASH" surveys of Year 10  students, have noticed a significant decline in tobacco smokers which is really positive. However they have also seen a significant rise in vaping - many of those have never smoked before.  Out of the 42.7% of Year 10 students who have ever tried vaping, 39.8% said they vaped ‘just to give it a try’. The biggest concern here being what our children are inhaling. It is not just water vapor. It usually contains nicotine, other harmful chemicals, and flavourings. We were all teens once and it was exciting to break the rules, do something naughty (in this case illegal) and there seems to be no incentive to give up. We have no choice other than to take a punitive approach if they are caught. However we know they are still vaping, encouraging others to vape and not being caught. 

It is illegal to sell or give a vape to someone under 18, and it is prohibited to vape on school property or grounds 24/7.

What are some health effects for our young people? 

• addiction: the 'juice'  contains nicotine, a drug that’s highly addictive. You don’t have to vape every day to get addicted.
• anxiety and depression: Nicotine makes anxiety and depression worse. It also affects memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, especially in developing brains.
• becoming a smoker: People who vape are more likely to start smoking regular (tobacco) cigarettes and may be more likely to develop other addictions in the future.
• sleep problems:  Research shows us that teens who usually get too little sleep are more likely to struggle in school. 
• chronic bronchitis and other lung issues. Lung damage can be life-threatening.

It is possible there are other health effects that we don’t yet know about. Vaping hasn’t been around that long, so its health risks aren’t all known but these are enough to make us really concerned. 

Please take some time to watch this Sky News You Tube video investigating "kids who vape".  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4G3GP3vPW0  

Quitline now offers support to vapers who are under 18 years  - for support or advice you can call  0800 778 778.

This is a problem in our school, just as it is in all schools across Aotearoa. We try to make it as difficult as possible for our children to vape at school but we know it is still happening.  Please help us by talking to your children about the dangers of vaping. If we all work together, perhaps we can eradicate vaping and become a VAPE FREE school. 

Uniform Shop

Keep warm this winter! 

Polar fleece jackets - current sizes 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16 - $5 each.
Lightweight showerproof jackets (fold up small) - sizes 8 up to XL - $5 each. Soft shell jackets - $5 each.
Wool blend winter jerseys (cold machine or hand wash) - sizes 10 up to XXL - free to school students - still a good range of sizes available.
Hoodies - $5 each - a few in stock now.

Primary polos - sizes 4 up to 16.
Lots of navy polos and white polos in stock - $5 each - pickup a spare for winter in case the washing doesn't dry. 
Same with skorts and shorts - sizes 4 up to 16.

Thank you to those who have donated.  Donations required - stocks are currently low on long pants, hoodies, polar fleece jackets particularly sizes 6 to 10, and primary polos. Also hangers - just the clippy ones please. Drop them into the school office. Thank you very much.

Opening hours - card or cash - Mondays 2.30 - 3.30pm/Wednesdays 8.30 - 9.30am

Trophy Returns

Friends of MBAS

M8 - Kai

It's all about kai in M8 at the moment. First we learned about sugar and salt and got to try tasting some real sugar cane that had been growing for almost two years on the Lidgard farm. Then we got to try some "Ladies Fingers" bananas that they grow there too. They are smaller and sweeter than regular bananas and all the children loved them. On Thursday Kennedy and Whaea Montana made us Koko laisa (coconut rice) which is a traditional Samoan food. Then to finish off the week, we made Rēwana bread using the starter that M1 had shared with us. When we were eating, we made sure we were eating mindfully - eating slowly and noticing the smells, textures and flavours of the food. It was such a great experience to taste food from different cultures and foods that are usually grown in different countries.

Room 30 - STEM

STEM in room 30! We are experimenting with reflecting light to create spy device!

Y7/8 Totara Springs Sports Camp

32 excited students are about to head off to Tōtara Springs Sports Camp next week. The students have been training almost every day for a few months and they will spend every day of the week from morning to night playing sports.

Teresa Shepherd our amazing middle years teacher has spent hours and hours working on the timetable so that everybody has a smooth running of events.  We would like to also thank Rekha Percival who has organised all of the uniforms with the help of our very kind and generous sponsors - New World Whitianga. NZ move it. Tree Man Trav and Matarangi plumbers.

We will have full details of the camp in next weeks newsletter.

Y10 - Enterprise

Some of the fabulous Year 10 Enterprise students creating their prototype and products. Wax Wraps - Beeswax lunch wraps, Purify - Room Diffusers, Beachy Lips - Lip Products and Coastal Jewellery are just a few of the businesses featured today.
Students have been learning about business concepts by developing and following business plans. In week 9 on Wednesday 26 June from 1-2pm we are having a Business Market Day. This is an opportunity for all business students to sell products that they have been working on in class. Over the next few weeks we will have posters and information on products that will be available to buy or order on the day - watch this space!

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MBAS Music at Lukes Kitchen - Tonight

Come to Luke's Kitchen tonight (7th June) for a
fun night of live music with our talented students! 

Whitianga Lion's Art Expo

A big congratulations to our student, Euan Stewart,  who came third in the Whitianga Lion's Art Expo Student Competition last Friday with this beautiful picture.

Well done, Euan!

Mark Wright's In and Out of Character Workshop

Mark Wright's In and Out of Character Workshop: A Journey in Character Development

Join us for an exhilarating workshop led by Mark Wright, a stage, television, and film actor, renowned for his captivating performances. This is an exclusive opportunity for members of our community to delve deep into the art of character development under the guidance of a seasoned professional.

Where: Mercury Bay Area School Drama Room, South Highway, Whitianga

When: Sunday, July 7th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Cost: $40 per person

Don't Miss Out!

Brief Outline of Course:

Mark's workshop will centre on the intricate craft of character development, focusing on finding, building, and fully embodying your character. Participants will have the chance to explore and refine their acting skills through the lens of character study.

During the workshop, students will be tasked with learning a short monologue from a play of their choice, whether classical or contemporary, from Shakespeare to Roger Hall. Whether it's a piece they've previously performed or a new challenge, all are welcome to participate.

While not mandatory, attendees are encouraged to catch Mark's solo play, Voices From Gallipoli, at the Monkey House Lounge and Cabaret on June 14th at 6:30 PM. Mark will be drawing inspiration from monologues as a means to deepen the understanding of individual character development.

This is an invaluable opportunity for aspiring actors to hone their craft and learn from one of the industry's finest. Spaces are limited, to reserve your spot please email magril@mbas.ac.nz now for an unforgettable journey into the world of character acting with Mark Wright!

See you there!

Plane Build - Current Weekly Log

Tail Cone, Mid Fuselage.

Open the photos below to read the full log.

Tertiary Tidbits

Thinking About University?

With scholarship season starting (and many scholarships are now OPEN) here’s some information and tools to help:

Careers NZ
How to apply for Scholarships

There are a lot of small scholarships advertised here that go unclaimed every year: Primary Industries Scholarship website https://scholarships.hata.nz/

Moneyhub
The Complete New Zealand Scholarship Directory 2024-25 for Year 13 Students Attending University in 2025

Other Useful Sites
Tips/Advice Applying For Scholarships
Essential Tips When Applying For Scholarships

Community Notices

Matariki at the Museum

Here is the link to our facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/xZCpWFe8MD1GdmaZ/

Girls In Football Fun Day

Location: Whangamata School

Date: Tuesday 16th July 2024

Age Group: 9 to 13 years old

Time: 10am to 2pm

Cost: FREE

Registration Form
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/296888

Scams - Phishing - ID Theft - How to Spot Them

Pottery Holiday Program