The Board and teachers have recently been reconnecting with our Purpose as a school. This essentially involves examining why Ficino exists. As part of this work, Mrs Spicer conducted a session with the teachers, in which they were asked what they wished for their students. Using the hauora (wellbeing) model from the Māori tradition, these were collated under five headings. Here is what the teachers wrote:

I would like you to:

Spiritual Wellbeing

• feel a deep connection to the universe, yourself and others
• be able to tap into a deep sense of peace
• be able to attend fully
• find peace at any moment
• see the beauty of your own being
• feel a unity with all cultures

Social Wellbeing

• be able to understand and communicate your feelings needs and boundaries
• treat yourself and others with respect
• take responsibility for how your behaviour impacts on others
• apologise meaningfully
• communicate freely with anyone
• be able to enjoy the company of your peers respectfully

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

• have the tools to access your full intellectual capacity
• believe in yourself and be confident to step forward to show your true self
• be able to think for yourself
• be able to express yourself well
• feel seen, heard and valued
• be proud of your achievements while still encouraging others
• have a positive attitude towards yourself and others
• feel that you have a voice and a place

Physical Wellbeing

• be well rested so you are ready to learn
• feel comfortable in your body and treat it with respect
• enjoy moving, dancing, singing – expressing yourself
• be able to move your body freely with strength, purpose and grace

Belonging

• know that you belong here
• be proud of your school and wear your uniform with pride
• be proud of your school and be happy at school
• feel that you have a place here
• feel that your culture is represented here
• feel that you are a part of a community

To me, these wishes illustrate wonderfully the care and love that our teachers have for our students and their belief in the children’s ability to embody Ficino School’s ethos.

Peter Crompton, Principal