TEEN PICKS

Hello residents of Ponsonby! My name is Honour and I am just about to turn 15. I have lived in the Ponsonby area all of my life.

I love this neighbourhood and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.The vibe is amazing - it’s like a small town in a big city.

We’re so lucky to be surrounded by delicious cafes, awesome shops and cool hangouts. Our community has such a friendly and welcoming atmosphere - always giving off that “at home” feel. Over the next few months I’m going to be writing a column called 'Teen Picks'. I want to explore everything on offer but I just have to start with my personal favourite - FOOD!

TEEN EATS Whether you are out with your friends, your family, or even by yourself, Ponsonby is a hot spot for delectable food. The choices seem endless, but here are five of my absolute favourites:

1. Bread & Butter - Bread & Butter is our family’s “go to” cafe. We can always count on them for friendly service, warm, inviting drinks and no surprises AMAZING bread! The Sourdough is spectacular. An onsite bakery means you can always expect the freshest food. There are great meals too - I love the breakfast salad when I’m really hungry. Since B&B is conveniently positioned right next to Farros in Westmoreland St West, it’s a perfect stop for a breakfast/ shopping combo. (There is also a Little Bread & Butter located in Ponsonby Central).

2. Crêpes A Go Go - It never ceases to amaze me how good these crêpes are. From savoury to sweet, each one is uniquely delicious. Whether you want a healthy lunch or a little sweetness, this is a perfect spot to go with your friends, solo or even on the run. The crêpes are buckwheat-based and are suitable for gluten, dairy and sugar free people - as well as vegans. When I’m not getting the Nutella crepe, I go for the Mediterranean. Nestled in vibrant Ponsonby Central, it’s like a little bit of France. I could watch them make those crêpes for hours - as well as eat them!

3. Duck Island - Where do I start? Duck Island is a dream ice cream shop. I absolutely love everything about it - the friendly staff, the unique and delicious flavours and the simplistic design of the indoor/ outdoor eating area. Although I always want to try something new here, I tend to cave in and go with my favourite flavours: salted caramel cocoa crumb and peppermint slice. I can feel my mouth watering already! I love going to this place for a treat, with my friends. You can find Duck Island in the old fire station on Ponsonby Road.

4. Prego - Ever since I can remember, my family and I have been going to Prego for the most delicious and beautiful meals. Although some of the prices are a bit tight on my teen allowance, the other night I went and shared two pizzas with three friends and we were all very happy, especially with change for Duck Island! The pizzas at Prego and setting are so authentically Italian I could almost picture myself in Florence. I recommend Prego for the cosy, relaxing atmosphere. If you go there with your family I suggest you get the calamari. Perfecto!

5. Food Truck Garage - One of my favourite places to eat out for dinner. Located in the City Works Depot, this spot gives off super-cool and comfy vibes. Normally I would get the sides of fish and burnt broccoli, which are amazing. But sometimes I go for the burger, which is also delicious. And I never leave the Food Truck without a yummy Fro-Yo - Pixie caramel is my fav. This food is such good value and worth every penny. And there are so many different options from wraps to burrito bowls that even offer vegan nut mince! (HONOUR MITCHELL)  PN

Bread & Butter

Crêpes A Go Go

Duck Island

Prego

Ficino School provides a philosophically inspired private school education for boys and girls from preschool to year 8.

Children who come to Ficino develop confidence, a love of learning and a strong sense of self while growing their innate ability to care for others. Our programme is based on three key platforms.

Academic Excellence Our unique curriculum incorporates aspects of the Cambridge Primary programme and New Zealand’s National Curriculum, as well as specialist programmes. We focus on the fundamentals to provide a strong foundation for learning - understanding punctuation and grammar, learning times tables by heart, and practising good handwriting to develop fine motor skills. As the children grow, their natural passion for enquiry is ignited through deep exploration of the subject matter.

Culture Children’s horizons are expanded through the rich material found in our global traditions. They study great men and women in our History, Myth and Culture programme, read and enact Shakespeare plays, enjoy inspiring classical music, and learn from the best and brightest cultures and civilisations around the world.

Mindfulness Great weight is placed on the need for inner quiet and contentment; at the beginning and end of each activity, children briefly close their eyes, and come to rest. They listen to the sounds around them and pay attention to their senses.

They are encouraged to develop this power of attention by truly focussing on the task at hand – pen to paper, hand to instrument,

listening to the person in front of them. This greatly improves the way children learn, and their efficiency while working.

Courtesy, respect, and good manners are part of everyday life at Ficino. By fostering a love of learning, teaching the ability to be calm and centered and encouraging respect for all, Ficino School helps our students to build strong foundations for life.

www.ficino.school.nz

Your Child’s Stepping Stone to School

Ficino Preschool nurtures and develops the social, intellectual and physical skills your child will use to thrive and take the next step to our on-site primary school.

Book a visit. Hop online, book a visit and discover why Ficino Preschool is more than a stepping stone to school. It is the Greatest Gift you can give your child.

BOOK A VISIT TODAY FICINO.SCHOOL.NZ

A dream come true for aspiring artist and ACG Parnell College alumna

After graduating from ACG Parnell College in 2019, gifted artist Sammy Chen is now heading to London to begin her studies at University College London’s (UCL) Slade School of Fine Art.

Ranked as the UK’s top art and design educational institution, UCL is one of three UK universities keen to open their doors to the artful ACG Parnell College alumna. For Sammy, landing a place at UCL is the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Slade is so renowned for its Fine Art programmes and it has cultivated many great female artists,” she says. “I can’t wait to broaden my knowledge of art and immerse myself in the artistic atmosphere of the city. The campus is located right next to the British Museum, so it will be magic!”

Originally from China, Sammy came to New Zealand in January 2017 to complete her high school studies at ACG Parnell College. She flourished during her three years at the school, taking out the Young Artist Award in Year 13 and gaining the skills and confidence she’ll need to succeed at university.

“ACG taught me good study methods and excellent time management skills and I will take this study pattern through to UCL with me. My teachers also taught me the importance of relaxation – it’s vital in order to stay in a positive cycle of studying, learning and working.”

Sammy’s passion for art began when she was just five and has continued to grow over the past 14 years, thanks in part to her inspirational art teachers and a love of anime (Japanese hand-drawn and computer animation).

“I had lots of hobbies when I was little, but art is the only one I’ve continued to concentrate on. As long as I’m drawing or painting, I feel peaceful. I think I will continue to love art for the rest of my life.”

With a fine art degree under her belt, Sammy will have the backing she needs to turn her passion into a career.

“After I graduate, I plan to work in an art-related role for a few years. Once I have a sufficient store of knowledge and money I’d like to work as an artist or an illustrator. That would be a dream come true.”

If you’d like to know more about ACG Parnell College, please join us for our next Open Day on Saturday 19 September or visit parnellcollege.acgedu.com