MBAS Newsletter, Term 2, Week 5, 30th May 2025

MBAS Calendar

Kia Ora tātou – Greetings to you all

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whānau,

Research shows that when students feel a strong sense of belonging at school, their learning outcomes improve significantly. That sense of connection through relationships, recognition, and shared experiences is something we’ve seen in action across Mercury Bay Area School this term.

We’re now at Week 5, which marks the halfway point of the school year for our Year 11 to 13 students. It’s a good moment for them to take stock of their progress, check in with teachers, and refocus as they head into the second half of the year. Staff are working alongside students to support their academic goals and endeavouring to ensure success.

One of the real highlights of the week was Monday’s full school assembly, led by our primary student leaders. They did an outstanding job guiding the school through a celebration of achievement and community. We recognised a wide range of successes and took time to highlight students and staff who have been consistently living out our Kauri values. It was great to see students from every part of the school acknowledged in such a positive way.

While there’s been a lot happening in classrooms, students have also been out and about. A number of EOTC trips across a wide range of year levels have been running throughout the term, giving learners a chance to explore and engage with the world beyond the classroom. These opportunities play a valuable role in deepening learning and building connections.

Thank you, as always, to our students, staff, and whānau for the contributions you make every day. We’re proud of the energy and care that lives in our school community.

Ngā mihi,
Ross Dunn
Principal

NB: I want to inform you of an important update to our school policy: due to an unfortunate incident involving a dog on site recently, dogs are no longer permitted on school grounds or in buildings unless they are disability assist dogs, for educational purposes or you have received explicit permission from the principal. This decision has been made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff. 

This policy will take effect from next week 02/06/2025.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Attendance Matters!

The Ministry of Education would like all schools to strive towards a 90% regular attendance.

Here is a list of our students who are attending at 90% or more. 

Year 1 - 65%
Year 2 - 62%
Year 3 - 67%
Year 4 - 68%
Year 5 - 57%
Year 6 - 70%
Year 7 - 45%
Year 8 - 46%
Year 9 - 53%
Year 10 - 31%
Year 11 - 62%
Year 12 - 47%
Year 13 - 35%

MBAS Y12-13 2025 Ball

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

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.

Room 19 - Art

Look at some of these amazing Cranky Bears we made today. We watched a YouTube video tutorial on how to draw a Cranky Bear and followed it step by step, pausing the video as we needed to.

The tamariki and I are still collaborating on what we do with them next, e.g. colour them or leave them black and white.

I’m so proud!

Room 31 - Physical Education

Term two is when our physical education focuses on ball skills. We are working through football, netball & rugby. It's amazing to see the tuakana step up and lead using their knowledge and expertise. Today was the perfect afternoon for our first football skills session. Mahi tika ana Zac, Archer, Saneo & Ethan for demonstrating, and providing valuable feedback & feed forward.

M1 - Recycling

As part of our kaitiakitanga inquiry unit, we have been exploring recycling.

This week we recycled paper to make new paper. Such a fun process.

M1 really enjoyed this hands on process.

Y9-10 Soccer Academy

Year 9 & 10 Soccer Academy students making the most of the fine weather to hone their ball control skills and fitness in a competitive fun environment.

Level 2 Wood Technology

This week the Level 2 Wood technology students visited a local house construction site as part of their technology course. On site students were taken through health and safety protocols, spoke with a range of tradespeople, were able to explore the site and make connections with people in the industry. We would like to thank Landmark Homes, BCA Contracting and Ray Christini the lead builder for allowing us on site and inspiring students to take up a career in the trades.  

Makeup and More Academy

This week the theme  for the Makeup and More class was Avante Gard. They investigated ideas and came up with 2 plans for this last week. This week the ideas were put into action.

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Smoke Free Rockquest - Banddotcom

The Banddotcom Break Through to Bay of Plenty Regional Finals of Smoke Free Rockquest.

Punk outfit The Banddotcom has powered their way into the regional finals of Smokefreerockquest in the Bay of Plenty, turning heads with their gritty sound and fearless approach to songwriting. Hailing from Mercury Bay Area School, the band has carved a niche with their high-octane performances and lyrics that speak directly to the challenges faced by today's youth.

Their raw, unapologetic energy on stage captures the urgency of their message, resonating deeply with their audience and judges alike. By combining classic punk intensity with a clear sense of purpose, The Band.com are more than just a school band — they’re becoming a voice for a generation.

As they head into the next round of the competition, they carry not only their instruments but also the weight of issues that matter. One thing is clear: The Band.com isn’t afraid to make noise — and people are listening.

Community Thank You - From Learning Support

Learning Support would like to thank Rachel and her team from Guthrie Bowron for the kind donation. The large vinyl piece is the perfect size for our classroom and will be handy for art and craft activities. We appreciate the support you have given students in learning support.

Karen Johansen
Learning Support Coordinator

Plane Build Log

Plane Build Log 21st May and 28th May 2025. Wing, Mid Fuselage Section, Parts Prep.

Open photos below to read full log.

MBAS Art Students - Whitianga Lions Art Expo

The Whitianga Lions Club Art Expo is opening on King's Birthday Weekend. We have more than 20 MBAS Art students entered in the Secondary Schools Art Competition. On opening night, May 30 (5.30pm-8pm), they will award the winners of this competition, and we're having live auctions with some fantastic prizes, including a Whitiangler Day Fishing Charter Package, Wellness Package and a Hot Escape Weekend. Entry is free to the Art Expo in the Whitianga Town Hall. All money raised during the weekend is going to the Cancer Society Lions Lodge in Hamilton.

Image by MBAS Photography student: Juri Kirstein

Artwork by MBAS Painting student: Isobel Warwood

Sports Results

Football
Mercury Bay Junior Boys (mixed) beat Te Awamutu College Junior Boys 2-1 and advance to the second round of the Knockout Cup.
Mercury Bay Senior Boys (mixed) lost to Fraser High School Senior Boys 5-3.

Rugby 
Under 15's
Thames 44- Mercury Bay 17
Best Back - Levi French-Hill
Best Forward - Kaeden Willis
Player of the Day - Kayden Te Manu
Thames pick - Liam Clothier

First XV
MB 27 v HPC 24
Player of the Day Tom Lamason
HPC pick - Leon Melde

Thames Valley Basketball
MB Junior Girls 9 v Thames 30
MVP- Lana Ducker

MB Senior Girls 34 v Coromandel 27
MVP- Meg Harper

MB Junior Boys 36 v Thames 62
MVP- Kobi Sullivan

MB Senior Devo 52 v Manaia 62
MVP- Xavier Sarich-Dunn

MB Senior Boys 62 v Coromandel 21
MVP - Ridge Rameka

MB Senior Girls Basketball Team

TVSS Golf - Waihi

Caleb Mahoney and Weston Mulligan, two of our budding young golfers enjoyed the first of 4 tournaments last Friday in Waihi.

An amazing turn out from the schools - just under 130 kids all up. The majority (120) played Ambrose and were absolute beginners, through to handicap players who just wanted to have a game with their friends. 

The individual tournament that Caleb and Weston were entered in had some really good players, so it was great for the boys to get exposure to that.

Tertiary Tidbits

Scholarships Opening Soon

Lincoln University scholarships will be opening for applications from May 30th.

We have a wide variety of scholarships available for your students. These vary from financial support to fully inclusive support and training programmes. 

 Here’s some of the options we have available:

• Future Leader Scholarship
• Sports Scholarships: Basketball, Netball, Rowing, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Elite
• Tihi Kahuraki Scholarship
• Pasifika Excellence Scholarship
• Lincoln University Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships for Excellence
• All Māori and Pasifika Scholarships

Please pass these fantastic opportunities along to your students and encourage them to apply. Applications close August 15th.

Lincoln Virtual Tour

Can’t visit Lincoln University in person? Take a Virtual Tour instead!

https://lincoln.youtour.nz/

VET INFO WEBINAR

Please find the recording of our recent Vet Info Webinar:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_NABtYfz7k

• Navigate Ki Aoraki: Māori and Pasifika Student Day 2025
• Date: Wednesday 4^th June 2025
• Time: 10am-1pm
• Location: Waikato Innovation Park (3 Melody Lane, Ruakura, Hamilton East)
• You will need to have your own transport to attend and you must contact Sharon Porteous, Gateway Co-ordinator; email porteouss@mbas.ac.nz or text 027 311 6054 to register for this event.

• Waikato Information Evening
• Date: Thursday 5^th June 2025
• Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm
• Location: Waikato Innovation Park (3 Melody Lane, Ruakura, Hamilton East)
• Registration Link: Waikato Information Evening 2025
• Note:  This event is open to parents and guardians to attend.

Careers Corner

Nurses Notes

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

Over the next month I will put some information in each week about Vaping. 
Next week will include some strategies on quitting.  

Community Notices

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.

Whitianga Lions Art Expo

Skool Loop - One Stop School Information App