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WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY
In May 2008 a group of Ficino parents met at the end of a school day to discuss their experience of the school and their impressions with respect to the benefits for their children. We talked for about 45 minutes. Two more parents were interviewed more recently. The following summarises what was discussed and to aid with ease of reading has been arranged under headings relating to the topics that arose. The words are lifted directly from the conversation and have been amended and / or combined only to assist with reading and sense.
Testimonials
HOLISTIC EDUCATION
I like the fact that the school emphasises academic excellence within a wider, inclusive framework which is very moral and
holistically supportive. Ficino School suits anyone who wants a holistic, high quality education for their children. The focus is definitely on education and that education is overall or comprehensive, ie the whole person. You see this in the way our child's personality is developing in such a confident, caring and socially interactive way. The children are supported and nurtured at every level, ie emotional, physical, social and academic.
Excerpts from interviews with parents - 2010:
"I notice a real appetite for learning from the children here, and an appetite for coming to school."
"I believe that the teachers really do understand each child individually, that they KNOW your children."
"I really like the no nonsense way the children are treated."
"Children [at Ficino] are encouraged to be competitive but with humility and respect."
"Both my children are athletes really - both are involved in sport, netball and hockey, and are loving it. It is huge for them, they love the sport."
"Even though it is a small school with small grounds they can still do really well at sport."
"My children were naturally quite shy - the building blocks of this school have allowed them to turn into confident young children. I particularly see that through the drama which is very strong here."
"I have to say Cameron's artwork is phenomenal. He was not an artist before Ficino - what he has brought home in recent years is absolutely amazing."
"People are allowed to be their best but to use ideas of stillness and understanding of the human condition."
"Children are taught to pause and that instills in them quite a calmness, they will even use it at home."
"There is respect for adults, respect for each other, something you see less often these days."
A WONDERFUL ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR CHILDREN
My first impression of Ficino has proven to be very accurate. It is a traditional family environment. It immediately felt
warm, welcoming and honest. I was immediately impressed with the school values of honesty, discipline and manners. It is the best thing that has happened to our family. It is a truly special school populated with very decent human beings. The physical environment is lovely. Ficino is a warm, structured, family-based environment, with clear and good standards. Even though the school is growing, it retains a small feeling through smaller class sizes, the culture and the closeness of the children, the teachers and families. I love the calm, controlled, peaceful learning environment. It is a peaceful, nurturing home which I am confident to send my children to everyday. I feel that my children are safe and protected within the core of the school and its community.
HIGH STANDARDS SET AND UPHELD
A school which sets itself and the whole school community unashamedly high standards which they achieve and maintain consistently.
Between the environment, the company and the food they eat, my children have really benefited. They learn the difference between right and wrong (not such a fashionable idea these days!) and are given the tools for living life accordingly. Hard work, effort, endeavour and success or achievement are explicitly valued and all the children are encouraged to strive for their personal best. They focus on the basics or fundamental foundational components of education; language, numeracy, writing and science. They don't shy away from competition.
THE EXEMPLARY TEACHERS AND SUPPORT TEAM
One important benefit is the example set by strong male and female teachers. Particularly the Principal who is totally committed
to his staff and students. All the teachers and staff are excellent role models, they are not only academically but also emotionally intelligent people. You strongly get the sense that teaching is their vocation, their devotion, much more than just a job. They have tremendous self-discipline and self-respect and this is passed on to the children who are encouraged to become all that they can be, without any false notions of limitation. The teachers are not afraid to speak about what they believe is right and valuable. I feel like my parenting is supported by the teacher, there's no inconsistency between what he learns at school and how we live at home.
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