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Message from the Acting Principal – Farewell Term 1

A group of school children with their teacher

As our first term draws to a close the vibrant energy of the children continues to shine in the classrooms. The buzz of the Class Concerts and the Speech Competition has inspired the children to showcase the best of their ability to their peers. As tools of communication music and speech elevate and expand our […]

Resilience and Courage

Leading the assemblies with the children this term has been wonderful. Their insightful wisdom is already developing well. When I recently asked one of the Year 6 children, “What does it mean to be human?” She replied, “Humans have the ability to give sympathy to others and recognise that when someone makes a mistake, they […]

Welcome back Mr Crompton

Two men stand at sign in Cape Reinga New Zealand

Mr Crompton has now completed the Te Araroa walking trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff, a distance of just over 3000km. He is looking forward to meeting with the school community again next week, when he returns to Ficino School. Mrs Spicer will continue to lead the school in her capacity as Acting Principal until […]

Self-discipline, communication & emotional intelligence

Young male student and male teacher in conversation

When you look at the skills employers really value, it’s clear they all come down to things like self-discipline, good communication, and focus. Teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving all rely on these. So do things like gathering information, planning, staying organised, and knowing what to prioritise. At Ficino School, we make sure our students get plenty […]

Education Outside the Classroom

Students carrying inner tubes

EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) is a key part of the New Zealand curriculum. It offers children the opportunity to take part in off-site activities that give them practical life experience of the topics that they are learning in the classroom. Ficino School has an especially rich and diverse EOTC programme that runs throughout the […]

Message from the Acting Principal – Week 5

three women wearing sunhats

It was wonderful to see so many families at our annual school picnic last Sunday. The weather was perfect, and the harbour view was idyllic. I’d like to thank the School of Philosophy for welcoming everyone to their beautiful property. The Friends of Ficino also deserve a huge thank you for providing such a delicious […]

Message from the Acting Principal – Week 3

Children showing unity

It was fantastic to see everyone at our Parent Evening last night. We like to develop a strong relationship between home and school because it is beneficial to the children to know that we share responsibility for their wellbeing and academic growth. We are also grateful to our Class Representatives and Friends of Ficino (FoF) […]

Week 2 – Message from the Acting Principal

a book with a heart shape

It has been a joy to watch the return of your children to school. As teachers we appreciate that you have placed your trust in us to care for your child and we are fully committed to giving them our best. It starts with the simple tradition of greeting every child on their arrival. This […]

Message from the Acting Principal – Week 1, 2025

Welcome back. The new year is an uplifting and celebratory time. Thanks to the handwork of our Ficino Team, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for all. Those who have followed the progress of the much-anticipated Art Studio on our Ficino Facebook page will be pleased to know that it is complete and looking […]

Prize Giving Message

It is a privilege to stand before you today as Acting Principal. I felt honoured that Mr. Crompton trusted me to keep Ficino School on an even keel whilst he went on sabbatical leave. I have had a long association with Ficino, starting my teaching career over twenty years ago at our sister school, St. […]