WASH YOUR DISHES THE ECO-FRIENDLY WAY

Here are ecostore’s top five dishwashing hacks to help you boost your eco-credibility at home, every single day.

HACK 1: Take your empty ecostore bottles into store. If you’re worried about where your recycling goes, take your empty ecostore bottles into the Freeman’s Bay shop to make sure they are made into new ecostore bottles.

HACK 2: Refill, in-store or at home. You can either buy ecostore’s large format bottles and refill your smaller bottles at home, or take your small ecostore bottles into their shop and they’ll do it for you.

HACK 3: Look for more thoughtful bubbles. Choose a pH balanced formulation that says no to SLES, DEA, synthetic dyes or artificial perfumes. While it won’t make doing the dishes more fun (sorry), it will be kinder to your skin, your home and your world.

HACK 4: Use only what you need. One of the biggest sustainable switch-ups you can make is to consciously consume less. Ecostore recommends using just 8ml of their Dish Liquid for a sinkful of sparkling dishes.

HACK 5: Dishes away, don’t delay. When food hasn’t welded itself onto your pots and plates, it can be lifted off more easily with less dishwashing liquid. If you must wait, soak.

Looking for more ways to make your home cleaning and body care routine more sustainable? Head into ecostore’s shop for inspiration.  PN

WHY CHOOSE A GIRLS’ SCHOOL?

Single-sex schools deliver strong academic results.

NCEA and Scholarship results show that students in both boys’ and girls’ single-sex schools consistently achieve higher academic results than their peers in a co-ed environment. At Diocesan School for Girls, students also consistently achieve higher than average when compared to the national NCEA results and are a cut above their co-educated peers nationally in decile 10 schools when it comes to achieving NCEA Excellence.

Principal Heather McRae credits single-sex education as one of the key ingredients for our girls’ consistently high academic achievement and says results are in line with statistics from across the Tasman and in the UK. This difference in results does not mean that girls do not learn in co-ed schools; it means that the opportunities that are provided by girls’ schools enable girls to achieve their full potential.

“In a learning environment that is free from gender discrimination, girls achieve greater academic success, are more confident and assertive and are more likely to study science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and participate in physical education. Post-school, they are more likely to pursue tertiary study and careers in STEM, hold leadership positions and earn higher wages.”

The fact that girls attending girls’ schools are more likely to take advanced mathematics, physics, and chemistry than girls at co-educational schools speaks to the different environment that exists in girls’ schools. Gender stereotypes are less prevalent, and students are encouraged to take academically challenging, technologies, and physical science subjects to gain entry to tertiary courses and pursue male-dominated but more highly paid careers in STEM fields.

Indeed, academic outcomes are only one measure of a wellrounded education. Girls fill every single leadership position for every activity in every year level of girls’ schools, from the Head Prefect to Heads of House, Council Heads, Tutor Representatives, to the most junior of sports teams. Girls also play all instruments in the orchestra, stage band or jazz band, from the bassoon and tuba to the drums and electric bass guitar. In a girls’ school, girls lead and participate more freely in discussions, they feel empowered to behave more competitively and to take more healthy risks, such as trying new activities.

The most important factor for classroom learning that distinguishes girls’ schools, however, is that there are no boys in the classroom to distract, discourage or overwhelm girls, and nor are teachers trying to teach two groups who have differing needs and interests. Overall, the differences highlight that while girls learn in other schools, girls’ schools provide greater opportunity to enable girls to achieve their potential.

We acknowledge input from the Australian Alliance of Girls Schools and their eBrief Report on the Advantages of Girls’ Schools. www.diocesan.school.nz

How will your daughter make her mark?

The world is changing and the role of women is changing even faster. Join us to experience the people, place and depth of education that can encourage, challenge and inspire your daughter to be more than she ever imagined. Join us at our Open Day and experience the world-class opportunities awaiting your daughter at Dio.

OPEN DAY 25 March, 10am – 12pm

Register at diocesan.school.nz

HONOUR MITCHELL: ED’S EDEN EXTRAVAGANZA

Like many teenagers, I love a good concert. So when I heard a certain Ed Sheeran was touring New Zealand in 2023 I had to hop to it and secure some tickets - I wasn’t missing out on this one!

I find Ed Sheeran to be one of those universally liked artists. Nobody really seems to have “issues" with him. His songs are well-known and cherished by many. Over the last decade he has had a staggering number of hits; my personal favourites being: "Photograph" and “Give Me Love’. I know his music connects to a wide range of ages because even my grandma is a fan, and then I hear kids up at the local primary school belting out his songs. That’s quite a rare accomplishment.

The chosen venue for the concert was Eden Park, which I was very happy about because, for we Ponsonby folk, it's just an easy walk or a quick “Uber” away, whereas getting to Mt Smart can present quite a few more logistical challenges! I was, however, bummed to find the whole concert was seated (I confess to being a bit of a mosh-pit aficionado), though, in the end, I have to admit I was thankful not to be squished in with thousands of other sweaty bodies. And even at 17, being able to sit down when my legs got sore was quite a bonus.

After the Elton John concert cancellations and devastating flooding experienced at Eden Park over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, the closer we got to the big night the more nervous I became. Would the venue be repaired in time? Could there be more concert-threatening weather on the way? But luck was certainly on my side, and Friday Feb 10 dawned bright and clear bringing a perfect evening for an outdoor show. Furthermore, Cyclone Gabrielle was still sitting well north of New Zealand, phew! Looking back, the fact that Ed actually went ahead was such a bright spot for Aucklanders who have endured so much distress and tragedy over the past few weeks.

Now onto the actual concert. My friend and I arrived with plenty of time to check out the "merch" on offer as well as the large array of food trucks which housed a generous spread of nibbles. A few of these caught my eye such as delish hot dogs, yummy donuts and taste-bud-tickling Mexican - all great options for those who tend to get a bit peckish before a show (guilty) or possibly need a quick but substantial dinner option. After a few hasty purchases we found our seat.

The first thing I noticed was that the stage was smack-bang in the middle of the stadium. This contrasts with the last time I was here for Six60 when the stage was pushed to the very back of the stadium. This new arrangement meant, no matter how far back you were, it was easy to catch a good view of what was happening. And because the stage was constantly spinning in 360 degree motion, everyone got a chance to see the leading man face-to-face.

The performance started off with a bang, and I was immediately hooked and immersed in nostalgia, hearing the songs I had grown up with. Whether I was singing the rap to ‘Galway Girl’ or shedding a few tears during ‘Thinking Out Loud’, I was mesmerised. Near the end of the show there was some kind of altercation between Ed and his loop pedal, which he uses to create the effect of a band. Lots of technical types raced to his aid and after three attempts to fix the problem they all seemed stumped. Nevertheless, ‘the show must go on’ so Ed resorted to playing acoustic guitar for the rest of his act. And there were certainly no complaints; he was brilliant under pressure. Personally I enjoyed the the acoustic version of his most popular song, ‘Bad Habits’, even more.

Overall, I have to say that this concert was an out-and-out success and just what the doctor ordered after such a dismal summer. I loved every minute - even when things weren't perfect. Live music can be a truly special experience, emotionally connecting with others through some good ol’ tunes gives a feeling of elation I cannot easily put into words. When I feel like another “hit" I can simply pull up my concert videos on the phone - every time I do this it's an instant mood boost and I’m transported back in time.

(HONOUR MITCHELL)  PN