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. James in London. It is an educational approach that resonates with my own holistic values and when I emigrated to New Zealand I was very happy to join this fabulous team of experienced teachers. Whilst taking time out to raise my own family I was lured back to manage the fledgling flight of our preschool, finally returning full-time as Deputy Principal when my youngest child started school.
For a small school we offer a huge range of extra-curricular activities. Thank you to Mrs. Setters and Mrs. Clarke who ensure that our students can shine in the sports that they love. I also acknowledge the parent community who get involved in our hockey, netball and basketball teams, those who assist with taking students to Auckland zones competitions, Miss Brickland’s running club helpers and parents who attend Friday swimming lessons. Thank you.
We know that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities perform better academically. We have an outstanding Head of Arts teacher, Miss Doctor, who works closely with the Junior and Senior choir master Elise Bradley to extend your children’s many vocal talents. At Kids Sing the Senior Choir won a Silver medal this year and in 2024, 80 students attended lessons with our fabulous team of instrumental teachers. Learning how to perform with confidence is also a key part of the music programme. The annual class concerts and music competition provide the perfect opportunity to develop these skills.
In the garden, Miss. Farrelly weeds and sows with the house teams and raises the students’ awareness of the garden to table model. Mr. Gillespie supports our Chess team and introduces the seniors to Wing Chun martial arts during winter clubs. Mrs. Crompton even led a knitting club this year with our lovely volunteer Margaret Willis. Thank you.
Education outside the classroom is a firm favourite among staff and students for fostering a spirit of adventure and building resilience and courage. The Year 4 MERC trip was blessed with good weather, Year 5 and 6 explored the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley on the Coromandel Peninsula, Year 6 travelled to Northland to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and Years 5 to 8 had lots of fun with Youth Town last week, many trying archery for the first time.
Whilst Ficino does have an excellent reputation for academic success – with the Year 5 team winning the prestigious Mathex trophy this year – the performing arts are also highly valued. Those of you who were fortunate to see Year 2’s Spirit Play or Year 3’s Nativity Play would have joined me in astonishment at quality of speech and acting from such young children. Our regular speech and drama lessons lay the foundations for the Shakespeare play directed by Mr. Hudson in Year 7. We were treated to many standout performances from the Twelfth Night cast in Term 3. It was truly magical.
In 2024, we were thrilled to be able to go ahead with the Renaissance trip for the first time in 6 years. The Year 8 students appreciated their privilege as they walked through the grand historical cities of Florence, Rome, Bath, Oxford and London. Summer wrote: ‘Of all the breathtaking sights we saw in England, Westminster Abbey left the deepest mark on me. To stand amongst the memorials to scientists, poets, leaders and great thinkers was truly awe inspiring…an experience I’ll cherish for eternity.’ Since their return each child has given a specialist presentation on an aspect of the trip to our gathered assembly. The standard was incredibly high: many of the teachers commenting that it was like attending a university lecture.
On Sunday evening Mr Hudson, Mrs Danby and I enjoyed the company of the Year 8’s at the graduates’ dinner. I spoke to them at the time and encouraged them to celebrate their unique strengths, to put happiness first and follow what they love with enthusiasm and passion. As they leave us and head off on their next educational adventure, we reminded them to look back, because, as Mrs. Danby said, “We will always be here for you.” A Ficino education is intended to stay with you for life. We don’t just teach for tomorrow. We teach for the many decades that are to come, and we all wish you the very best on the next stage of your journey.
As you are aware, the community spirit of Ficino School, with its emphasis on service and unity, attracts devotional people who often stay with us for many years. I would firstly like to thank our Board and the Chairman Bruce Watson for maintaining their expansive vision for Ficino. The amazing Senior Management Team, our dedicated teaching and administration teams, Miss Toshala and the kitchen team and Mr, De Jager for another exceptional year. Their willingness to go the extra mile creates a school environment that our school families cherish.
I wish you all a happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.
