MBAS Newsletter, Term 2, Week 8, 19th June 2025

MBAS Calendar

Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all

From the Middle Years

Kia ora whānau,

As we approach the end of Term 2, we want to thank you for your continued support of our students and school community. It’s been a full and rewarding term for our Middle Years students, and we’re proud to share just a few of the recent highlights:

1. Year 7 and 8 Sports Camp
Our Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed a fantastic five days of sport, competition, and team bonding. Their positive attitudes, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm made us incredibly proud.

A huge thank you to the parents who helped get students to camp, and to those who gave up their time to manage teams and support our players. Special thanks to Mr Paul Maskery and Matua Marcus Oxenham, whose dedication and preparation were key to making this such a successful experience.

2. Digital Technology Workshops
We were fortunate to host Ngāti Tamaterā, who delivered engaging digital technology workshops to our Year 7 and 8 students. Using virtual reality tools, students explored how we can be kaitiaki of our marine environments while gaining valuable skills that support future- focused careers in tech and sustainability.

3. Year 9 and 10 Reports
Next week, families of Year 9 and 10 students will receive Term 1 and 2 Progress Reports via email. These will include academic results and indicate the curriculum level students are currently working at. Reports will also provide insight into key disciplinary skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and independent learning across all subjects.

4. Student-Led Conferences
Thank you to all the whānau who came along to support their child during our Student-Led Conferences. It was great to see such positive engagement with teachers and learning conversations taking place. Students have been working on their Learning Portfolios, which showcase their progress and reflections, and we hope you enjoyed seeing these.

For our Year 9 and 10 whānau, we are gathering feedback on the learning profiles and conference process. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete the Google Form that was emailed out. Your input is valuable and helps us continue to improve our practices.

5. Matariki Celebrations
To honour Matariki, our Year 7 and 8 students have each selected a Matariki-based activity as part of their Electives Day this week. The week will finish with a shared hāngī, offering students a meaningful and memorable way to close the week and acknowledge this important time in the Māori calendar.

We hope you’re able to enjoy a well-deserved break and take time to connect with whānau during the upcoming Matariki celebrations and extended weekend. 

Ngā mihi,
The Middle Years Team

Attendance Matters!

Running Late?

Being late for school has a negative impact on your child's learning.  Being just 10 minutes late every day adds up to an hour a week of lost learning.  Over a year this adds up to one week of school missed in a year!

Being late for class often means important instructions are missed and the class is interrupted.  Your child may feel uncomfortable and on the outer with peers. Children need to arrive on time ready to settle into their school work. Arriving at least 5 minutes before the first bell allows your child to interact with their peers and teacher and get themselves ready for their busy day. 

At Mercury Bay Area School in years 9 to 13 we have Kauri Group (home room) for the first 15 minutes of every morning and daily notices are read out.  This is where our students find out what is going on in our school. 

Matariki Elective Day – Celebrating Culture and Connection

Today our Year 7 and 8 students are immersing themselves in a range of enriching cultural activities as part of our Matariki Elective Day. Students are taking part in traditional Māori garden preparations, preparing and cooking a hāngī, exploring movement through Te Ao Kori, playing Kēmu Māori (traditional Māori games), and engaging in a special drama creation.

The photos featured here capture the energy and teamwork involved in the preparations for the hāngī, which students will have the chance to enjoy later today. This hands-on experience offers a meaningful connection to Māori tradition and a chance to celebrate the spirit of Matariki together as a school community.

Y7-8 Totara Springs Sports Camp

At sport camp, I got around to the various courts, fields, and pools across Totara Springs to watch our year 7 and 8’s in action. It’s always wonderful to see our team representing Mercury Bay so proudly. Some teams won, some lost, but all gain something valuable through the experience of playing alongside their teammates.

Being part of a team plays a vital role in our students social and emotional development. It builds confidence, it builds connection, and it builds character.

There’s something truly special about being in a team. Students often make new friendships with others who aren’t in their classes. These shared experiences create a sense of identity and belonging. They build school pride and memories that can last a lifetime. While winning is thrilling, it’s often in the setbacks and losses where the most meaningful lessons are learned. Being in a team teaches you to commit to something bigger than yourself. You learn the importance of showing up, being reliable, communicating well, and managing your time. These are all essential life skills.

Well done to the boys’ volleyball, boys’ and girls’ indoor soccer who made their semi- finals. Archery and hole in one golf came second. A special thank you to Matua Oxenham and Mrs Maclarn, as well our awesome parents Mr Percival, Mrs Haywood, Mrs Judson, Mr and Mrs Thomas for your help on camp.

Paul Maskery

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Spirit of Adventure - Memories Beyond the Horizon

Once I heard about the applications for Spirit of Adventure, I signed up not knowing what to expect. I hoped for fun and long lasting memories from the trip. But wow, I got a whole lot more.

As I got on the ship towards the start of June, anxiety washed over me as I glimpsed at the rocking mast, which stood tall above everything else. It made me realise the extent of this trip and how challenging it may be.

We found our designated bunks and put everything we could fit into our bags into an even smaller crevice. I was lucky to have a top bunk with a window just beside it. When I felt sea sick, I could just look towards shore from the window and feel a little bit better.

We set off, the sun set and we all had some laughs. This trip was off to a great start. Surprisingly, I was enjoying the trip very much. We hadn't even got up to anything fun or exciting yet. But being with your mates on a boat, sailing the high seas, makes all your problems go away.

We awoke early in the morning to the loud sound of someone's voice. It was almost like a sergeant raising their voice like in the movies. He told us we have five minutes to change into our togs and move onto the deck. We were all tired and fog filled the empty night sky. We were told it was 6:30am in the morning which made us all feel a little more empathetic for those who were bound to jump in first.  After walking around the boat a couple of times, we jumped into the freezing water one by one. This made us gasp and swim the length of the boat a bit faster. We were promised a five second shower, and the five second shower rule was taken very seriously. 

We changed into many layers before crowding around all the delicious food we would devour for an early breakfast. The meals on the boat were very good and no one left much on their plates at all. 

Jobs and learning to sail filled up most of our days, yet countless activities still kept us busy. We swam with dolphins, jumped off the boat, paddled for hours to try to win a treasure hunt, climbed to the top of the mast, did AMP shows, quizzes, laughed at each other trying to do charades, set up an inflatable ‘slide’ off the boat and so much more. We were never not occupied.

Everyone on board was so amazing to be around and the atmosphere and staff were so welcoming. 

By night time, we were all prepared for our rotations looking after the multi million dollar boat and the lives of 55 people. Night shifts were fun and scary at some points. We had so much to remember and had strict instructions to wake up the staff if anything was slightly off to what it normally is.

The Spirit of Adventure showed me so many things and made me grateful for the little things in life. It was so different and unique, I miss every part about it. It was a trip I would definitely recommend to anyone. It challenges you to do things you wouldn't normally do and it is so much fun.

Luca Varga Y10

Hei 2 - Digital Workshop

Last Thursday we were treated to an incredible Virtual Reality workshop with the team at BLAKE Inspire.

With our headsets on, we explored the waters of the Coromandel, Goat Island, and the Mokohinau Islands. We flew by drone over Whakaari/White Island to check out the bird life, before diving into the ocean to see what lies beneath. We saw the stark difference between protected and non-protected areas. We got up close to dolphins, stingrays, snapper, trevally, blue maomao, sharks, and more… We were even taken to the top of New Zealand’s highest mountain!

What a great experience first up on a Thursday morning for our future kaitiaki o te moana.

My Fantastic Time At The School Ball

Story by Reuben Davis

Saturday 14th, June

How The Story Began

The Arrival: 6:30 PM

At home, I was getting ready for the school ball and I was dressed up in a black suit with a black bowtie. I felt so excited! My uncle Arnold came to the ball with me. He was also dressed up in a black suit. When we got there, there were lots of people and I saw some fancy arrival cars. I saw people getting out of them. I saw a fire engine and a police car. I felt so happy to see Darcey. She was wearing a beautiful blue dress. We danced and sang many songs together. Inside the hall, there were balloons, food, drinks and even decorations and a game of poker. The clerk gave me money in case I  wanted to play Poker, but I didn't get a chance to play Poker but everybody else did.

7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

The Party Has Begun!

The kitchen had many foods like cheeses, sweet goods; chocolate fish and heart-shaped marshmallows, sandwiches and carrot sticks. I also danced with Deryn, who was wearing a gold dress. Mr. The DJ played many songs and there were even some ones that I have played, such as "Men At Work: Down Under" which was the whole song that I knew off by heart and sung along to it, and "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore, where I barely knew the words to that song. Even "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction was played. These great songs were played and we knew them off by heart. I Dance The Night Away and I loved seeing Everybody Dance!

I danced non-stop until I had to rest with drinks of water, juice and even lemonade. Then I continued dancing from here and out. I got photos taken and we had a group photo taken from the photo booth.

Final Speech Conclusion: Getting a Chance to Play Poker
Next time, whenever I go to a ball, if I get the chance to play some Poker I will.

Room 31 - Matariki Preparation

Room 31 merrily peeling and chopping vegetables in the sunshine this week. They were looking forward to sharing somekai today after the assembly.

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M4 - Matariki Stars

Matariki biscuit decorating was a hit this week with tamariki decorating the nine stars of Matariki. If you look closely, you will see eyes on some of the biscuits - these eyes represent Tāwhirimātea, who in the pūrākau, tore his eyes out and cast them into the skies. Everyone finished the activity with 9 stars each and there was also sufficient biscuits for some taste testing at the end. There was some very creative work and we looked forward to sharing our biscuits after our Matariki assembly.

Look what I got up to with my big brother!

Sometimes Hospitality have visits from Luke and his little brother last block on a Friday. Last Friday the class was making Almond Shortbread and Luke came in with Ryan. Once he was kitted out appropriately, he was given the task of fork pricking the shortbread.

Te Purittanga O Hei

Recently, Mercury Bay Area School’s Kaupapa Māori Class secured significant funding from Sport New Zealand, supported by Sport Waikato, to support their Hauora Programme.This funding was in the tune of $20,000.00, which is used to promote healthy active lifestyles for rangatahi.

Te Purittanga O Hei, is a Te Ao Māori based class in Mercury Bay Area School that ranges from Year 7-Year 11, the name of this class means 'To Hold the Line', or, 'To Endure'. The kaupapa of this group is to maximise personal development for our students and collective development for their whānau, supporters and school. 

Health Community Consultation – Reminder for Year 8–10 Parents

Health Community Consultation – Reminder for Year 8–10 Parents
A reminder to all parents and caregivers of Year 8, 9, and 10 students that we are currently seeking your feedback as part of our Health Education community consultation. More detailed information has already been sent out, including a link for you to share your thoughts. We value your input as it helps us shape a Health programme that reflects the needs of our students and wider community. Thank you to those who have already responded!  

Sports Results

Football
MBAS Senior Boys (mixed) beat Thames High School Senior Boys 5-1
MBAS Junior Boys (mixed) drew with HBHS Orange 0-0

Basketball
MB Senior boys 54 v Thames 39  - MVP Kiani Van der Putten
MB Junior boys 70 v Thames 35 - MVP Kaino Adams
MB Senior boys Devo 57 v HPC 43 - MVP Mathis Reece

Rugby
U15 MB 10 v Te Aroha 60
Best Back - Hunter Jackman
Best Forward - Liam Clothier
Player of the Day - Kayden Te Manu
Te Aroha pick - Liam Clothier

MB Girls 1st XV - Bye

MB 1st XV 22 v Waihi 25
Player of the day Reice McKinnon

Netball

Y5&6
MBAS Team go (8) vs WS The Fireballs (6)
Coro Kutai (7) vs TRS Taniwha (15)
TRS Tui (9) vs TRS Thunder (15)

Y7&8
Coro Stingaz (29) vs MBAS Tsunami (5)
MBAS Te Puritanga o Hei (18) vs WS The Networks (7)
TRS Court Crusher (30) vs Marlins (15)
MBAS Coastal Comets (11) vs WS Flames (15)

C Grade
MBAS Sharks (13) vs MBAS The Panthers (7)
MBAS Blue Magic (6) vs Coro Ferns (7)
Coro Ferns (5) vs MBAS Sharks (9)
Tairua White (14) vs MBAS Blue Magic (7)

B Grade
Marlins Black (31) vs MBAS Stars (15)

Upcoming Apiculture Course

Tertiary Tidbits

University of Otago Radiation Therapy

Digital Passport - Get digital skills - 100% free

Careers Corner

Discover Tahatū Career Navigator

For a quick introduction on everything you need to know about using Tahatū Career Navigator, click the link:

https://vimeo.com/1065292716

Over the coming weeks, we will update this section with videos, links and more specific information on how to use Tahatū and how to get the most out of it for your specific needs.

Nurses Notes

Vaping Number 4 - How to quit vaping

More tips on how to quit vaping next week.

Waikids Children’s Free Ear Service- WHITIANGA

Community Notices

Holiday Winter Reading Challenge Competition/Holiday Programme

Mercury Bay Library

Looking for short films for our Film Festival

Mercury Twin Cinemas are looking for short films for the "Shorts" progamme at our 2nd CoroCine Festival this coming August. If you have something you'd like to share, please email Anne-Maree at am@mercurytwincinemas.com. OR if you are a student and you want to talk about an idea, pop over to Hei 8 and see Mrs McDougall.

School of Mines - Matariki

Oscar Explorers - After School Care

Skool Loop - One Stop School Information App