MBAS Newsletter, Term 2, Week 6, 6th June 2025

MBAS Calendar

Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all

Senior Student Leaders 2025

Y13 OED Timber Trail

Last week we enjoyed a phone free rain drenched bike trip. 

On Wednesday we drove down to Ōngarue in time to pitch our tents in the rain. On Thursday we were shuttled to the beginning of the track at Pureora and started out straight uphill, making it to 14 kilometres and up 971 metres before lunch. We enjoyed some mildly technical downhill sections and stopped for a wet lunch by Bog Inn Creek Bridge. For the last leg of day one to camp in Piropiro we were delighted to have torrential rain and even hail for a time before we reached the shelter of Camp Epic. Everyone on the trip can agree that hot showers were an absolute relief to our saturated and muddy selves. 

On Friday we arose to mildly better conditions for day two, when we quickly found out how the previous day's ride took a toll on us. It was a short and damp 5km trip to the biggest landmark on the trail, the Maramataha Bridge. Right after we had a series of climbs up the hillside before descending to the start of the old train line that was built in 1948. There was a gradual elevation gain as we passed historic artefacts, heading to our second lunch spot with a view of the forest below. Following this we came to the highlight for many was 10km downhill to the vans.

We’d like to thank all the people that made this trip possible and happen, despite prior challenges. It was an amazing experience which gave us invaluable insight into our report topic and taught lessons not possible in the theory class. Most importantly it was a lot of fun!

Attendance Matters!

Every week we strive for regular attendance from our students. Here is our data for attendance for this Term so far.

Parent Teacher and Student Led Conferences

Year 1-6 Parent Teacher, 7-8 Student led Conferences
Year 9-13 Student led Conferences 2025

Dear Parents/Caregivers 

Here is the information for this years Parent Teacher & Student led Conferences.

Year 1-6 Parent Teacher are all day Tuesday 17 th 8.45-6pm
Please book a meeting with your children’s class teacher

Year 7-8 Student led Conferences are Monday 3.15-6pm and all day Tuesday
Your children will provide feedback on all subjects during their conference please only book an interview with your children's class teacher.

Your time slot with the teacher is 10 minutes and we have built in time to move between bookings.
Years 1-8 use this link: https://parentinterviews.co.nz/book/welcome?code=W4VJVZGU

Year 9-13 Student led Conferences are Monday 16 th June 3.30-6pm, Tuesday 9-6pm and Wednesday 9-4.30pm

Year 9 & 10s have student-led conferences on Monday afternoon, all day Tuesday until 6pm and Wednesday until 4.30pm.

Parents are to select and book in with the teachers they would like to have a student led conference with.  Academy, Literacy and Numeracy subject teachers will not be available for bookings.

Years 11-13 with their parents can book a time to see all of their teachers at separate times between Monday afternoon, all day Tuesday and Wednesday until 4.30pm.

Your time slot with the teacher is 10 minutes please ensure you leave time to move between bookings

Years 9-13 use this link: https://parentinterviews.co.nz/book/welcome?code=N2AUWJHB

MBAS Y12-13 2025 Ball - One Week to Go!

Uniform Shop - Donations Required

Items currently in short supply at the Uniform shop - Middle and Senior Years shorts, long pants and skirts.

If you have any of these, please feel free to drop them into the school office.

Uniform Shop is open Thursdays 2.30pm to 3.30pm

M1 - Reading

We finished our 3rd novel of the year, “The Twits”.
Our class reviews are as follows
-it’s the best
-it’s very silly
-Mr and Mrs Twit are very wicked
-10/10

So I think they enjoyed it!

Next we start Charlottes Webb.

M3 - Matariki

This week, we began work on a technology project for Matariki with our buddy class. We are going to make Waka out of flax. We made a little test Waka using tin foil, we were all successful with our design as they were able to float. We are looking forward to working with our buddies over the next week to design our flax Waka together.

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Room 32 - Marine Art

Learning about blending colours and the value of colour. Value refers to how light or dark a color is (light having a high value).

We cant wait to see how we go with the next step.

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Y5-8 Boys Tackle Day

Year 5-8 Boys Tackle day in Thames was a great day out for our boys who love Rugby.  The games were tough and the boys really enjoyed getting out there in the mud and rain and giving it their all.  The conditions were a little trying with slippery surfaces and bare feet but the boys took it in their stride.

Teams pictured - 1 Year 5/6 Boys teams MB Marlins & MB Chiefs.  2 MB Shredders.   3  MB Sharks.

Thanks to all the Parents who assisted with travel and to Coaches Aaron, Rob,  Carla & Sarah for your help with the teams.

Te Ha o Hei: Shellfish Monitoring and Native Planting at the Bike Park

Te Ha o Hei: Shellfish Monitoring and Native Planting at the Bike Park

Te Ha o Hei have been working alongside local community groups, and environmental organizations. Recently, the class undertook a dual project involving both shellfish monitoring with 4D environmental monitoring in the estuary and native planting with Trees for survival at the Bike Park.

Shellfish Monitoring: Protecting Our Coastal Waters

MBAS has been involved since 2008 in shellfish monitoring, which plays an important role in understanding the health of our marine environment. Shellfish, like cockles, are vital indicators of water quality, as they filter water and provide habitats for other marine species. By regularly monitoring the shellfish populations, the students are gathering valuable data on the state of our local waters. The work involved measuring cockle populations at different intervals from the shoreline, and identifying areas where shellfish may be under threat. The class has been working at comparing the data from the different years and understanding the possible variables.

Native Planting at the Bike Park: Restoring the Land

Also, the class has been helping the Tree for Survival program planting native trees within the nearby Bike Park, an area that is becoming an important hub for outdoor recreation. The project saw the primary school growing the trees involved in the planting, before Te Ha o Hei was given the opportunity to help in the planting process. The plants including trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants, to help restore biodiversity and improve the health of the land.

Native plants are essential for maintaining the balance of local ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife, and their roots help prevent soil erosion and improve water quality. By introducing more native flora, the project is helping to restore habitats for local birds, insects, and other species that are integral to our environment.

For students involved, the experience has been both educational and hands-on. They learnt about the importance of native plants and how they contribute to a balanced ecosystem, as well as how to plant, care for, and protect these species for future generations. The planting also promotes an understanding of sustainable practices and the role of humans in nurturing the environment.

Community Engagement: A Collective Effort

The Te Ha o Hei class is not just about environmental science; it’s about bringing the community together for a common cause. The projects have been an opportunity for students to collaborate with local iwi, environmental experts, and parents, learning from a diverse group of people who share a passion for preserving our natural heritage.

Through this collaborative effort, the students are gaining valuable skills in environmental stewardship, research, and teamwork. The hope is that this hands-on approach will inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and spark long-term positive change in our local ecosystems.

Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Future Projects

The shellfish monitoring and native planting efforts are just two of the projects the class are involved in alongside the ongoing trapline work, the Maori garden and next term's whitebait survey and beach clean-up. In the future, the class hopes to expand its efforts, with plans for more restoration projects, and educational programs designed to deepen understanding of environmental issues.

By continuing to involve students, locals, and experts, Te Ha o Hei is fostering a strong sense of environmental responsibility and community pride. With each step, they are making a lasting impact on the health of our coastlines, forests, and waterways.

A big thank you to the parents who are always there to support  the class, even when the weather is not the best.

MBAS Students Shone at Whitianga Lions Club Art Expo

Over King’s Birthday Weekend, the Whitianga Lions Club Art Expo brought together a vibrant celebration of art, community, and creativity. Held at the Whitianga Town Hall, the event featured a Secondary Schools Art Competition, with more than 20 talented Mercury Bay Area School (MBAS) students participating.

The opening night was a lively and well-attended evening, which included the announcement of competition winners. Entry to the expo was free, and all funds raised over the weekend were donated to support the Cancer Society Lions Lodge in Hamilton.

MBAS students achieved outstanding success, taking top honours in several categories:

• Juri Kirstein – 1st Place in Photography

• Naomi Bell – 2nd Place in Photography

• Isobel Warwood – 1st Place in Painting

It was a hugely successful event for our students, with MBAS proudly cleaning up across the board. Their creativity, dedication, and artistic talent were clearly on display and recognised by the judges and community alike.

A big thank you goes to the Whitianga Lions Club for organising such a meaningful event and for their ongoing support of youth arts in our region. 

Juri Kirstein - Sunset at Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown

Naomi Bell - Photography

Thank You Pub Charity & AGT Grants received

Thank you to Pub Charity and AGT for your recent grants, we would also like to thank the following supporting businesses in our area.

Admirals Arms Hotel
Smitty's Sports Bar & Grill
The Coroglen
Whangamata Sports Bar

Whitianga Hotel

Sports Results

Basketball
Results from last Friday night games

MB Junior Girls 13 v Coro 42
MVP - Tasman Williams

MB Junior Boys - Bye

MB Senior Girls 19 v Paeroa 23
MVP - Holly Simpson

MB Senior Devo Boys 57 v Coro 35
MVP - Mathis Reece

MB Senior Boys 40 v Paeroa 70
MVP- Ruben Thackray

Netball cancelled due to weather
No Rugby or Football due to Kings Birthday

Mercury Bay Girls 1st XV

Mercury Bay Girls 1st XV had their first game of the season last night against Waihi/ Whangamatā combined team. Mercury Bay also have a combined team with Thames girls. Final score was Waihi 27 v Mercury Bay 17.
Congratulations to Player of the day  Paiggon Kereopa. 

Thank you to our sponsors

Uno plasterers
Specialised Construction products.
Dulux
Adam Clow
Planners Plus 

Reice McKinnon

Congratulations to Reice McKinnon who was selected and played last week for U17 Development squad for the Waikato Maori Rugby League Team.

Taingarunui Hinds

Congratulations to Taingarunui Hinds who place first overall in the 6km event at the Whitianga Run Fest at the weekend.

Sports Fixtures

Upcoming Apiculture Course

Tertiary Tidbits

Waikato University Scholarship/Accommodation  

Wednesday 18th June, 10am-11am 

Yr13’s only - Andrew is here again to help you apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for, as well as applying for Accommodation. 

Digital Passport - Get digital skills - 100% free

Careers Corner

The magazine is now available to read online:  www.oliverlee.co.nz/leavingschool-issue32 and can be easily downloaded onto PC’s, iPads, Smartphones and other devices.

The 32-page magazine is packed full of information that will be helpful to your students in Years 12–13 as they plan for their futures after finishing high school.

Included in this issue are profiles on seventeen young people making successful careers for themselves in a variety of jobs, including: Accounting, Agribusiness, Aquaculture, Construction, Engineering, Dairy Farming, Geographic Information Science (GIS), Law, Quarrying, Primary Industries,Plumbing, Science and Teaching. 

We also include details on the Tahatū Careers Expos which take place in May and June, the Polytechnic and University Open Days taking place from May to September 2025. Also included in the magazine are tips on the skills employers look for in new employees, good CV Preparation, Preparing for your first job and a feature on financial secrets for new adults.

Nurses Notes

Vaping - It has really taken hold in Aotearoa - What do we know so far? 

This is number 2 in the series about vaping
So, what is in a vape - what is going into the lungs and blood stream ? 

Community Notices

Thames Valley U14 Boys Rugby Muster

– Wednesday 18th June

Muster Details:

• Date: Wednesday 18th June
• Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm
• Venue: Paeroa Rugby & Sports Club (Centennial Park)

Following this session, a squad of up to 25 players will be selected.Coaching & Management Team:

• Coaches: Pieter Aucamp, Dwayne Mansell, Herman Harmzen
• Managers: Michelle Johnson, Michelle Mulholland

Eligibility:

• Players must be Year 9 or 10 students.
• Must be 13 years old or younger as of 1st January 2025.
• Please note: This muster is not open to Junior Rugby players.

Upcoming Key Dates for Selected Squad:

• Training Sessions:
• Wednesday 25th June – Venue TBC
• Wednesday 2nd July – Venue TBC
• North Island U14 Heartland Carnival – Taupo:
• Monday 7th July
• Tuesday 8th July
• Wednesday 9th July
  (Transport, accommodation, and meals will be provided by TVRU.)

Registration & Info:To register or for more information, please click the link below:
https://forms.gle/9FHSRmw7ruQhf7Do7

Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel upcoming Winter Forum

Our recent Innovation Summit stimulated some interesting conversations around the latest developments in predator control technologies. Following on from this, we are pleased to have Shaun Ryan of 2040 Ltd presenting on the range of products they have developed, including A.I. thermal cameras and High Interaction Rate traps.

2040 Ltd is a social enterprise whose mission is to use technology to eliminate predators of NZ native birds by 2040. They manufacture, sell and support technology developed by The Cacophony Project: thermal cameras, traps and bird monitors.

 Please RSVP using this link https://form.jotform.com/251327397532056  

Event details are:
Whitianga, Saturday 14 June 6-8 pm, Whitianga Community Centre, 2 Cook Drive Whitianga Room 15

Blood Drive

Oscar Explorers - After School Care

Trek to Everest - Expressions of Interest

Gary Hinds is planning on taking a youth group - 16 to 18 years old  (and parents -optional) to Mt Everest Base camp in the April 2026 holidays.  Gary has been taking youth on this trek for 12 years now. If you are interested in finding out more please ring Gary on 027 455 0097.

Skool Loop - One Stop School Information App