Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with the Principals from our sister schools in Australia; John Colet School in Sydney and Erasmus School in Melbourne. These two schools both have the same basic foundation and follow a similar philosophy to Ficino School. At our meetings, we discussed and confirmed the important factors that make our school what it is. Themes that arose were: ‘The Pause’ and the importance of Mindfulness, which is at the heart of everything we do, the purpose of handwriting and the value of attention in producing beautiful work, our school values which can be simply expressed as truthfulness, obedience, respect, responsibility and resilience, and meditation amongst other things.
I was also fortunate to attend the ISNZ Conference over the weekend just passed. This was an excellent event opened by the Minister of Education Hon Hekia Parata. She had the daunting task of following an earlier address by the Chief Executive of ISNZ Deborah James, who pulled no punches in reminding the assembled company and the Minister what a huge contribution the private school sector makes to education in this country. Not only do we lead innovation, provide the Government with a net fiscal return, but also raise the national levels of achievement of New Zealand on the world stage. In 2012, private schools in New Zealand, when compared with all non-government sectors worldwide, ranked second in the world in Reading, second in the world in Science and third in the world in Maths.
Peter Crompton
Notices
Friends of Ficino Children’s Movie Night – Saturday 28th June at 4pm
Door sales are still available. We would love to see you there. Please bring cash for tickets, refreshments and the witches potion shack!
Free Introductory Philosophy Classes for Parents
If you would like to understand more fully the philosophical foundation from which Ficino School arose, you would be welcome to attend a nine week introductory course in Mindfulness, Spirituality and Philosophy next term, free of charge. Please contact the office for details.
Mufti Day This Week – Westpac Helicopter Fundraiser
Thank you for your gold coin contributions for this worthy cause. A total of $265 was raised for the Westpac Helicopters.
Ficino School Netball
There was no Year 1 – 6 netball this week.
| NETBALL RESULT TABLE | |||||
| SCORE | OPP | STATUS | |||
| Ficino Blue | 29 | St Heliers Saints | 6 | Win | |
Ficino School Hockey
| HOCKEY RESULT TABLE – Saturday 7th June | ||||||
| SCORE | OPP | STATUS | ||||
|
Ficino Tigers
|
10
|
Grammar Kiwis Somerville King |
24
|
Loss Loss |
||
| Ficino Pumas | 5 | Grammar Korimako | 0 | Win | ||
| Ficino Jaguars | 6 | Diocesan Jellytips | 0 | Win | ||
| Ficino Strikers | 9 | St Cuths Astrosand | 0 | Win | ||
Build Skills Hockey Holiday Programme
Auckland Hockey is running a holiday programme during the July school holidays for all ages and abilities from Year 1 through to Year 10. Monday 7th July, Tuesday 8th July, Wednesday 9th July – 9am – 3pm. Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga – $60 per player per day. To register, go to www.akhockey.org.nz or email coaching@akhockey.org.nz
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.
Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.
French, Spanish, German or Mandarin Holiday Programme for 5-11 year olds 14-18 July
The after school French Club teacher has let us know about a language holiday programme for children. If you are interested, please email maroussia@lcfclubs.co.nz or phone 021 251 7435. Further information on this and other holiday programmes can be found in our brochure holder in the villa ramp area.