Message from Mrs Preston – The Value of Learning Language at Ficino
In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently is more important than ever. Here in New Zealand, we are surrounded by many languages every day. Because language and culture are closely linked, children growing up in our multicultural society gain great benefit from learning another language. Internationally recognised education expert, Professor Barbara […]
Ficino’s Unique Renaissance Tour
An excited group of our Year 8 students departed for Europe on Tuesday. This remarkable Renaissance Tour is unique to Ficino School. The students, teachers and parents will travel first to Rome, where they will visit the Pantheon, built in the first century AD, the Colosseum and St Peters Basilica, including the Sistine Chapel painted […]
Message from the Deputy Principal
Today schools across New Zealand are fundraising for the Cancer Society. At Ficino School Daffodil Day provides an important leadership opportunity for our Head Boy and Girl. They are tasked with internally publicising the event and delivering an age-appropriate assembly presentation to the Junior and Senior schools about the impact of cancer. This morning you […]
Use of finest materials at Ficino School
The message a couple of weeks ago spoke of handwriting and how important it is for brain development as well as focusing our attention and encouraging beauty. The other aspect of writing is of course the content. This has hit the media this week, with the Minister of Education proposing a new writing action plan […]
The Unseen Curriculum – Building Resilience
It was wonderful to see our students tackling cross country with such determination yesterday, despite the less-than-ideal weather. There were, of course, some who found the prospect quite daunting, but supporting students to manage the daily stresses and strains of life is a crucial component of the education process. We cannot eliminate these challenges. However, […]
The Importance of Handwriting
Education is making front page news almost every day at present. The swift changes being made to the NCEA programme have been particularly prominent. Also reported recently, are changes the Ministry of Education is making to guidance on handwriting. The following statement appeared on the NZ Curriculum website last month: – New handwriting guidance is […]
The Importance of Small Classes and Focused Attention
The new term has started with cold crisp mornings turning into beautiful sunny clear days. It has been delightful to see the children’s bright and enthusiastic faces to match the sunshine. We have a busy term ahead with a whole variety of trips and events including Kids Sing and the Australian Maths competition, two plays […]
Message from the Principal
This week we enjoyed a day of wonderful musical performances from students of all ages as part of our class music competition. Not only did the children perform, but they also listened to their peers, which provided an opportunity to immerse themselves in the moment and fully experience the thoughts and emotions that the music […]
Matariki and Togetherness
Ficino Preschool is now thriving following the challenging years of Covid and its aftermath. It is completely full and has a substantial waiting list. We are now starting to give our attention to the pathway from Ficino Preschool to the School and, as part of this, students from across different years groups are getting the […]
The Importance of Spirit
Drama is a key feature of a Ficino education. As each child makes their journey through the school, they will be part of three or four productions, culminating in the Shakespeare play in Year 8. This week, the whole school and Year 2 parents and grandparents came to see our traditional play about Spirit. The […]
