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 […]
Message from the Principal

Grandparents’ morning is a very special day in our calendar year. It is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude to these pillars of our community; the storytellers and the wisdom-providers. The role of grandparents in today’s society is more important than ever. This generation has seen the fastest social shift in the history […]
Philosophy, Unity and Shared Values

Every year for the last decade, teachers and management staff from our school have attended what has become known after its location as the Lucca Conference. This is an opportunity for Board Members, Principals and teachers from our family of schools around the world to meet together and be reminded of the guiding principles of […]