This week, I came across two views of what the purpose of education is. The first was one was being put forward in a graduate teacher programme at one of our universities. It stated that ‘the purpose of education is to equalise society’. The second came from an Indian scholar and spiritual teacher. It stated ‘We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet’. Both in their way have some validity. The first looks at the social purpose of education and is the reason New Zealand has such a strong state education system. The second addresses the unlimited capacity of the student being taught. It speaks of expansion, strength, character and independence – all qualities anyone would want to foster in a growing human being. I was particularly drawn to the statement “that education by which one can stand on one’s own feet”. As a school this is an element of our education we wish to foster further, and this will be one of our focus areas for next year.
In our assembly on Friday, we had a delightful presentation from three of our senior girls on their Diwali celebrations. Diwali is a Hindu festival full of rich meaning. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance and of good over evil. The girls spoke beautifully about their practices at home and the pundits, prayers and temples that are part of this tradition. The common factor was the light; so I wish you all a bright and enjoyable Labour Weekend.
Peter Crompton
Notices
Labour Day Holiday on Monday
There will be no school on Monday due to the Labour Day national holiday.
Summer Uniform
Please be reminded that the footwear requirement for the summer uniform is black leather sandals. The Year 7 & 8 girls may wear leather shoes as per winter regulations with white socks instead of sandals.
Auckland Kids Marathon – Sunday 2nd November
For those children taking part in the marathon, please find attached an information sheet and a course map. All children will need to collect their race packs and race number before the event (details are on the sheet).
Football Kidz NZ Primary Skills Clinic – Starting Friday 7th November
The children have brought home a leaflet with details of this after school coaching programme. Please return forms with payment to your child’s teacher or the school office. Thank you.
Ficino After School Care (FASC)
Please remember that all bookings for FASC need to be made through the school office either by email office@ficino.school.nz or by phone 6233385. Thank you.
Assemblies on Friday
All parents are invited to attend the school assembly on Fridays. See the calendar for Commendation and Good Works assemblies.
Term 4 Events, 2014
Week | Event | Date | Time | Venue |
3 | Labour Day Holiday – no school | Monday 27th October | ||
Hearing & Vision Testing (some children due for re-testing) | Friday 31st October | 9am | ||
4 | Edenvale Rest Home concert – Class 2 | Tuesday 4th November | 1.30pm | Edenvale Rest Home |
Commendations Assembly | Friday 7th November | 8.30am | School Hall | |
Fundraising Cake Sale, Class 4 | Friday 7th November | 3pm | ||
5 | Exam Week | Monday 10th – Friday 14th November | ||
Good Works Assembly | Friday 14th November | 8.30am | School Hall | |
6 | Rotoroa Island Trip – Yrs 5 & 6 | Tuesday 18th November | All day | Rotoroa Island |
School Tour | Thurs 20th November | 9.15am | ||
Renaissance Trip Presentation | Friday 21st November | 8.30am | School Hall | |
Fundraising Cake Sale, Class 3 | Friday 21st November | 3pm | ||
7 | City Mission Foodbank Collection Week | Monday 24th to Friday 28th November | Boxes in classrooms | |
Music Competition | Tuesday 25th November | |||
Just this Day | Wed 26th November | |||
Eden Village Singing | Friday 27th November | Eden Village | ||
Music Awards Assembly | Friday 28th November | 8.30am | School Hall | |
Swimming Gala – Yrs 3 – 8 | Friday 28th November | Mt Eden Swimming Pool | ||
Christmas Bazaar | Sunday 30th November | 11am – 2pm | School villa | |
8 | Class 2 Nativity Play & School Concert | Tuesday 2nd December | 1pm | School Hall |
Class 5 & 6 Camp | Tuesday 2nd December to Thurs 4th December | |||
Renaissance Trip Presentation | Friday 5th December | 8.30am | School Hall | |
NZ Ballet – Yrs 4 – 8 | Friday 5th December | |||
Fundraising Cake Sale, Class 1 | Friday 5th December | 3pm | ||
Graduates Dinner | Sunday 7th December | |||
9 | Carol Service | Tuesday 9th December | 6.45 – 7.45pm | St Barnabas Church |
End of Term Prize Giving | Friday 12th December | 9.30am – 12.00 noon | Mt Eden War Memorial Hall, Dominion Road |
Term Dates for 2014
Term 4 | Start | Tuesday 14th October | Finish | Friday 12th December |