MBAS Newsletter, Term 3, Week 10, 27th Sept 2024

MBAS Calendar

Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Students,

As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to reflect on the incredible achievements and events that have taken place over the past few months. It has been a very busy and productive term, filled with excitement, learning, and community spirit.

Last week we were entertained by the Junior Dance Showcase, where our talented students performed beautifully, showcasing their hard work and creativity. It was a joy to witness their passion and enthusiasm.

The Senior Outdoor Education programme continued to provide enriching experiences, allowing students to challenge themselves and grow in confidence in the great outdoors. These opportunities not only build teamwork but also create lasting memories.

The Year 7 and 8 Wearable Arts event was a spectacular display of innovation, with students creating wearable masterpieces that pushed the boundaries of imagination and design. I am incredibly proud of their creativity and effort.

A further highlight this term was our involvement in the Kapa Haka Cultural Festival in Whangamata. Our students represented the school with pride and mana, and I am thrilled to announce that we will be hosting this prestigious event next year.

Our community came together for the "Friends of the School" Quiz Night Fundraiser, which was a fun evening that helped raise vital funds for school initiatives. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event.

Another event that showcased the heart of our students was the Student-led "Shave for a Cure" initiative. It was a touching and courageous demonstration of solidarity and care, with students raising both awareness and funds for cancer research.

Interhouse events throughout the term brought out the competitive spirit in everyone, while our Spirit Week added a dose of fun and school pride with themed days and activities that engaged students and staff alike.

The Charity Concert was another opportunity for students to shine, while also raising funds for important causes. Their performances contributed to a truly inspiring student led fundraiser.

Academically, our Senior Prelim Exams took place as students continue to prepare for their final assessments. I encourage all students to stay focused and keep up their hard work as we head into the final term of the year. Another round of the NCEA Prerequisite exams also took place. 

This term is bookended by the acknowledgement of John Wright's service to Mercury Bay Area School. He gave approximately 20 years of service as Principal of the Kura with a vast array of achievements and accomplishments. It is a fitting tribute to celebrate his endeavours with the naming of the John Wright Gymnasium.  

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our staff, students, and the wider school community for their support, dedication, and involvement in making this term such a success. I hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable break. I look forward to seeing you all in Term 4 and the array of exciting events it holds. 

Ngā mihi

Ross Dunn

Host Families Needed

MBAS is seeking interest from families to host international high school students (Years 11-13) in your home.  

Hosting provides your family opportunities to learn more about other cultures and enable your children to develop as global citizens through international connections.  Your family provides hosted students exposure to the wonders of New Zealand.

If you want to know more, please email (international@mbas.ac.nz); phone Jodie (Homestay Coordinator) on 0272489187.

2025 - Y9 Information Evening

Uniform Shop - Volunteers Needed

If you have any clean uniform you no longer need please drop it off at the School Office. There is no stock of the following - Canterbury items, hoodies, fleeces age 4 to 12.

All items $5 except Canterbury $10, Wool jerseys Free (limited stock - 12, M, L, XL, XXL). Payment cash or card.

Opening Hours

Term 4
Monday 14th Oct - 2.30pm to 3.30pm
Wednesday 16th Oct - 8.30am to 9.30am

VOLUNTEERS WANTED - to help out at the Uniform Shop in term 4. Mondays and Wednesdays hours as above. One day or both days. Contact the school office if you're keen. You don't have to be available every week. Support your uniform shop!

"Dancing Through the Decades" - Primary School Dance Show

The primary school was so  excited to present their dance show last, "Dancing Through the Decades", in 4 SELL OUT shows in the school hall. This performance showcased dances from the 1920's all the way up to the present day. 

Students worked hard in rehearsals to perfect iconic dance moves from each era, from the Charleston of the Roaring 20's to the pop, hip hop, and contemporary numbers of today. The show took the audience on a rhythmic journey through the music and dance styles that have defined the past 100 years. 

The three lead performers, Indie, Ivy and Paige seamlessly helped transition the decades by using the time machine as a prop and they shone in each of the dances they performed. The teachers worked tirelessly to choose music, create moves, collate costumes and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Miss Freya Marra's vision came to life and the finishing touches were put together with an enormous amount of effort from her and Lisa Gifford. The music was seamlessly edited to create a performance that flowed and entertained the audience. 

Congratulations to all involved! It was a massive success and loved by many!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 12

Next

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 12

Next

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

MBAS 3rd Album Launch - Another Success!

On Wednesday night, we proudly celebrated the release of our third school album, In Resonance, recorded by renowned producer Dave Rhodes. This album features 17 diverse tracks, showcasing a range of genres and the exceptional talent of our students. Each song offers something unique, highlighting the creativity and dedication poured into this project.

The album launch party was a huge success, with the venue packed with enthusiastic supporters. The evening featured some amazing live performances by our students, who delivered powerful renditions of their songs from the album as well as some bonus material. The energy in the room was electric, and the crowd’s support was overwhelming.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came along to celebrate this milestone, and to Dave Rhodes for his invaluable guidance and production expertise, which brought the album to life. The students worked tirelessly throughout the recording process, and their efforts truly shine through in the final product.

The album will be available on all major streaming services in 2 weeks time. It is currently available on Band Camp.

Y10 Camp - Just a few photos for now

Just a few teaser photos, see next terms Newsletter for more.

Y1-2 Cricket Super Smash

Our year 1 & 2 students enjoyed their Cricket Super Smash Awareness sessions with Alne from Northern Districts Cricket. 

7 classes participated in a 30 minute session working through key fundamental movements are covered  e.g. Catch, Strike, Throw, Move.

The students all enjoyed the little taster. 

See cricket club details below for further cricket opportunities. 

Primary - Lunchtime Cards

This week in Primary we have had the Senior House Leaders down playing cards at lunchtime. On Monday we had the Year 1-3 learning to play snap, and on Wednesday we had the Yr4-6 who played a variety of card games. We really enjoyed something different to do during our lunchtime!

Room 22 - Tangrams

We began learning about tangrams on Rāhina. Most of the class found this very difficult. A tangram is 7 shapes that make a square and many pictures.

We cut the shapes out to make a square and a fish. They look fabulous but we couldn’t do this independently. The tamariki needed a lot of support to do this.

M3 - Native Seedling Planting

On Monday we helped with potting of some native tree seedlings. In class we have learnt the importance of planting native trees such as soil stability, storing Co2 and providing shelter and food for our native fauna. We planted Cabbage Trees, Kauri seedlings, Ma-hoe (White wood) and native toe toe. These seedlings will grow behind the year 5/6 classrooms until they are ready to be planted elsewhere.

M10 - Number Knowledge

In M10 we have been developing our number knowledge by subitising (the ability to look at a small set of numbers and instantly know how many there are without conting them). To get through the maze, ākonga had to quickly add the 2 dice together and colour the hexagon.  They are really enjoying subitising with different materials and it has helped inprove their basic facts knowledge too!

World Clean Up Week

Our Year 7&8's were once again involved in the 'World Clean up Week' supporting our local community groups involved in this mahi. Our students cleaned up the area around our school and all along the estuary, 'Lover's Rock' around to Hilton Park and back to school. In total they collected over 200 kilos of rubbish!

Hei 7 after they had cleaned up around Lovers Rock this week.

Opoutere School Adventure Race

On Tuesday we had 19 students from year 7-10 head over to Opoutere for the annual Adventure, Orienteering race. Students had to use a map and compass to navigate around a course that spanned from bush, to beach, through scrub, along paths and up steep hills. Each navigation point was worth a set amount of points, and there were 4 various challenges along the way; involving kayaks, mountain bikes and riddles to solve. Schools from across the Valley took part with almost 60 teams in the competition. The MBAS students did exceptionally well, especially those who had never used a map or compass to navigate before. 

Most of our teams placed in the top 4 in each of the various categories - It was a fantastic day, plenty of smiles and tired bodies! Special thanks to Mr Butler, Mr Moseley and Mrs Pletts for organsing the teams and taking our students to this event! Extra special thanks to our superstar parent helpers /supporters/ drivers : Debbie, Candice and Tania! 

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

Trap Line 2024

The trap line this year has been successful we have killed a lot of pests over the past term, especially on the mustelid line we've got 1 stoat and 1 weasel and about 20 rats on the mustelid line alone and about 18 possums on the top line. We have been using fresh rabbit shot by Cody and the bait is working well. In my opinion, this has been one of our best terms this year for trapping which is a massive help with getting our country to predator-free 2050.

Thanks for listening.
Alfie Harris

Level 1 - Wood Tech

This year the Level 1 Wood students have designed and built a piece of indoor furniture for a range of internal assessments. This piece of furniture needed to incorporate two different types of joints and four different types of hardware. They have created some amazing outcomes!

I would also like to thank all the members of the public who kindly donated wood and resources to the department so the students could add visual interest to their projects. We really appreciate it. Ngā mihi!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

Term 4 NCEA me te Whānau registrations are now open!

NCEA me te Whānau Registration Form

Junior Basketball Programme

The Mercury Bay Boars Junior Basketball programme is in full swing every Wednesday after school with our year 5-8 Students.

The enthusiam is fantastic and the children are learning great skills and improving every week.Our student coaches Ngaru Hinds, Tom Lamason, Maddi Kereopa, Ridge Rameka & Ruben Thackray are being led by our Junior boys Coach Jared Adams.

The players will resume after the holiday for another 3 weeks then finish the program with a tournament.

Basketball Prizegiving

**Date change**
Basketball Prizegiving Friday 18th October in the school Gym from 5pm- followed by pizza and scrimmage.

MB Secondary Schools Rugby Prizegiving

Thursday 17th October
Mercury Bay Rugby Club rooms
5pm

Tertiary Tidbits

Click the link below to Register:

https://www.wintec.ac.nz/about-wintec/events/event/2024/10/15/default-calendar/all-subjects-information-session

A new scholarship is on offer from AUT, to help with paying for fees. It is for $4000/year for 2 years. Click the link below for more information.

https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships-and-awards-at-aut/secondary-schools-scholarships

Waikato Engineering Design Show

Nurses Notes

Just an FYI from Shaz/School nurse – Healthify NZ – He Puna Waiora -  is a great website for any health information.

Community Notices

Upcoming events for Museum Explorers

Multi Sport - Give It a Go Days

Save The Mini Golf - Fundraiser Disco

Mercury Bay Family Expo - Fundraiser

School Holiday Events at Mercury Bay Library 

MB Athletics Club Muster

It's that time of year again - REGISTRATION for the 2024/2025 season is officially open!

We're having our Muster on Tuesday 16th October at 5.15 at Moewai Sports Park.

You can register on the night, or feel free to register online beforehand by visiting our Facebook page - Mercury Bay Athletics Club.

Te Miro MTB Summer Series Racing

It's time again for the Te Miro MTB Club Summer Series Racing. Racing starts on 24 October 2024, runs every Thursday evening until 19 December, and restarts from 23 January till the 13^th March. There are three tracks with options for all ages and fitness levels. To register please fill in the registration form on Webscorer https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=367022

For more information please visit the Te Miro MTB Club website https://www.temiromtbclub.co.nz/summerseriesracing

Te Korowai - Whānau Day - Thames

Need Help Getting your Drivers Licence?

Skool Loop - One Stop School Information App