The Lucca Teachers Conference is an annual event hosted by our sister school, St James, in London. It offers an opportunity for educators to revisit the foundational principles of our shared educational philosophy, engage in enriching studies in art, history, or Sanskrit, and gain deeper insight into the daily experiences of our students. Set in beautiful surroundings, it provides a chance to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with the heart of our teaching practice.

This year I was lucky enough to be invited to the conference and wish to share my reflections. Our focus for the week in Lucca was Love. Love is not simply an emotion, it is instead a state of being.

There were three main forms of Love that I experienced while in Lucca.

Love for Learning

At Ficino we believe in supplying children with the finest materials and passionate teachers who bring a subject to life. Our leaders in Lucca were no different. There was a mixture of highly talented and trained professionals who show the power of Love through their teachings. They are an inspiration for their depth of knowledge in subjects such as Sanskrit, Shakespeare, art and history. I was privileged to be under the tutelage of a highly experienced artist who taught me the art of watercolour painting. The experience of being a student again highlighted to me the importance of having a teacher who is full of Love for their subject matter. This Love is an inspiration for learners as it inspires them to Love the work they are doing.

Love for Others 

Kindness is free and plentiful, it is a choice. My experience at Lucca reminded me of how kindness and respect are forms of Love, as they come from the heart. Our Ficino Value of ‘Respect All’ is an expression of Love towards others.

Love for Ourselves

The practice of being mindful and present affects our inner dialogue and disposition. If we are dysregulated it can be much harder to be positive within ourselves, in turn affecting our disposition. While at Lucca we practised mindfulness exercises that allowed our brains and bodies to come back to the present moment.

There is a real power in being shown the tools for mindfulness and learning, though it is up to the individual as to how they will utilise them. I know that I have personally changed and discovered a greater depth within myself through picking up and using these tools.

My time away from the classroom and the school gave me the space to appreciate all the Love within Ficino and our lives. We are blessed to have dedicated teachers that inspire students through all facets of Love. We are fortunate to have school values that align with core aspects of our being. We are personally responsible for reminding ourselves of the Love that is ever present.

Warm regards and with Love,

Tegan Brickland