Anisha Ramlaul, Headmistress of St James School in Durban came to the school on Saturday and Monday. She spoke about her school in Durban which caters for mostly black children from the lower socio-economic levels. Miss Ramlaul strongly believes that it is from this sector of society that the future leaders of South Africa will come, and that too many of them are growing up poorly educated.   St James, Durban aims to redress that. What was most stimulating about her vision was the size of it. It was not limited to a successful school but extended to service to the nation of South Africa and beyond. Just prior to her talk, we located a world map to show the children and she looked at the continent of Africa and said, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see St James Schools spread over the whole continent.

Miss Ramlaul told the children a story about a small river high in the mountains that was searching for its home in the ocean and how it knew that it was part of something greater. It had to journey through all sorts of obstacles such as high mountains and deep ravines but it never gave up. To the children she said that they are like the river – they start small and if they are determined they all have the capacity to become something great like the mighty ocean.    This requires determination and memory of the truly limitless nature of a human being.   This tied in well with our story of Shackleton’s incredible story of survival in the Southern Ocean, which is one of the finest examples of courage, determination and resilience.

Peter Crompton

Notices

Blazers – To be worn to and from school every day
During the winter terms the children need to wear their blazers every day to and from school.

Girls Blouses – All sizes now available
We have received a new delivery of the girls’ blouses and all sizes are now available from the school uniform shop.

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.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.

Assemblies on Friday
All parents are invited to attend the school assembly on Fridays.  See the calendar for Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Ficino School Netball

Ficino School Hockey

Welcome back to the new term and the onset of winter. After a glorious first day, the remainder of Week One has well and truly dismissed the sunshine of the last few months.  All the rain is good for the gardens and you will no doubt have noticed the changes that have taken place in the front entrance.  The hedging has been removed from the front of the villa giving the building more presence.   Among other things, shrubs have been removed and replaced with Coprosma and Mondo Grass.  Two Italian Cypresses have also been planted to give the entrance way more definition.  These changes are part of a long term plan to improve the front entrance, which was donated to the school by members of the School of Philosophy and a parent.

In our assemblies this week we have been hearing the story of Shackleton’s heroic escape from the clutches of ice floes near the South Pole.  He and his twenty-seven men spent nearly two years in freezing conditions awaiting rescue.  One of the heroes of the expedition was a New Zealander, Frank Worsley, who captained the Endurance and navigated their lifeboats to eventual safety.   All twenty-eight men survived and one of the incredible parts of the story is the journey of six men across 1300 kilometres of Southern Ocean from Elephant Island to South Georgia in the James Caird, a twenty-two foot liferaft.  Frank Worsley later wrote –

“We were lifted up and hurled down.   With her bows and our bodies we whipped, swept, flailed and stamped on the seas.  We leaped on the swells, danced on them, flew over them and dived into them.   We wagged like a dog’s tail, shook like a flag in a gale, and switchbacked over hills and dales.  We were sore all over”

Worsley’s outstanding navigation skills ensured they reached their destination, however they ended up on the wrong side of the island.  If the trip across the Southern seas wasn’t enough, three of the men, Shackleton, Worsley and Crean had a 36 hour trek over an unchartered 65 kilometre wilderness of icy peaks to reach the whaling station on the other side.  The children will hear this last part of the story next week.

Thank you all for your efforts to ensure the children have smart winter uniforms and regulation footwear.

Peter Crompton

Notices

Talks by Mrs Anisha Ramlaul – St James School, Durban – Saturday 11^th May 3.30pm and Monday 13^th May at 8.30am
Parents are invited to two talks given by Mrs Anisha Ramlaul, Headmistress of the St James School, in Durban, South Africa.   St James School in Durban is unique among our worldwide group of schools, because unlike all its sister schools it sets out to provide a high quality education to children from a less privileged background; an education which their parents value highly but for which they simply cannot afford to pay for fully.    All parents of children attending St James pay around 70% of the costs of education, and the balance is subsidised by well-wishers.   Mrs Ramlaul will show a DVD and give some insight into the inspiring and miraculous journey of this school.   The children there thrive on a principled education in a country which is being systematically polluted by rampant corruption, self-interest and nepotism.  Your presence will help support this worthy cause.

Safety in the Rear Carpark During Playtime
To ensure the safety of the children during playtimes, please note that there will be no access to the school through the rear driveway from 10.30am to 11.00am and from 12.30 until 1.00pm.  The driveway will have a chain across it during these times.

School Door – Locked at 8.20am
A reminder that the school door (next to the flag pole) will be locked from 8.20am.    Any children arriving after this time will need to come in through the villa door and report to the school office.   The reason for this is to keep the school secure, and to note any children arriving after registration.    Thank you.

Leaving School in Uniform
Please note that all students should leave the school premises at the end of the day in their school uniform unless they have permission to change from the Principal.

Uniform Shop Next Tuesday 14^th May – Open from 2.30pm – 3pm
The uniform shop will be open for the shorter time of 2.30pm – 3pm next Tuesday.

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 next week’s calendar for Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

ANZAC Day falls in the holidays this year, but we devoted our assembly on Monday to reminding the children of the importance of remembering. We heard the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Lt Col John McCrae which in the final verse reminds us of the importance of being remembered.

Take up your quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Fields

This poem inspired two ladies in America, one of whom wrote to McCrae before he died saying simply ‘we shall keep the faith’.    These two were responsible for the poppy becoming a symbol of remembrance.  Their names were Moina Michael and Madame E. Guerin.

The children also heard the story of New Zealand medical officer Leslie Averill, who through his ingenuity and courage was instrumental in freeing the fortified French town of Le Quesnoy a week before the end of WWI.    Anzac services take place there every year on the 4^th November when Averill and the 3^rd N.Z. Rifle Brigade are still remembered.

I hope some of the children will have the opportunity to attend ANZAC services on the 25^th.   The Dawn Service at the museum is very moving and is attracting more and more Aucklanders each year, from the very young to veterans of WWII.

On our final day of term we had an excellent Athletics Prize Giving Assembly, where parents were thanked for all their assistance on the day and the children who excelled received certificates and medals.    There were sixteen school records broken, some of which had been held since as early as 2002.  Well done

Peter Crompton

Notices
New Term Begins on Tuesday 7^th May
We look forward to seeing all the children at the start of next term on Tuesday 7^th May.

Winter Shoes for Next Term
The children have been reminded about the winter shoes they need to wear next term, as follows:-
Girls must wear lace-up, T-bar or Mary Jane style black leather shoes with navy blue tights or knee-high socks.
Boys from Year 2-8 must wear black lace-up leather shoes (no velcro).   Boys in Year 1 may wear velcro or lace-up shoes.

Uniform Shop Open on Staff Day – Monday 6^th May – 2pm – 3pm
The uniform shop will be open from 2pm – 3pm on Monday 6^th May.

Talks by Mrs Anisha Ramlaul – St James School, Durban – Saturday 11^th May 3.30pm and Monday 13^th May at 8.30am
Parents are invited to two talks given by Mrs Anisha Ramlaul, Headmistress of the St James School, in Durban, South Africa.   St James School in Durban is unique among our worldwide group of schools, because unlike all its sister schools it sets out to provide a high quality education to children from a less privileged background; an education which their parents value highly but for which they simply cannot afford to pay for fully.    All parents of children attending St James pay around 70% of the costs of education, and the balance is subsidised by well-wishers.   Mrs Ramlaul will show a DVD and give some insight into the inspiring and miraculous journey of this school.   The children there thrive on a principled education in a country which is being systematically polluted by rampant corruption, self-interest and nepotism.  Your presence will help support this worthy cause.

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 Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.

The Ficino School Fair was another resounding success this year. Thank you all for your huge contribution to the smooth running and enjoyment of this event.    It is a time when the whole community comes together as one in service of the school.   Parents, staff, students, trustees, and members of the community all shared in the enjoyment of a day well run.   The value of this service to the school is immeasurable and is certainly not limited to the funds raised – although they were substantial and are a result of the open-heartedness of all involved.  Lawrence Ames, the Chairman of the Ficino Board, who attended the event along with most of the Trustees, asked me to pass on his personal thanks and gratitude to all those involved in making the event such a success; and particularly the Friends of Ficino and the Fair Committee who have again done a great job of promoting and efficiently managing the Fair.  The overall profit from the event looks to be around $35,000.  Half of these funds will go towards the upgrade to the kitchen which is already proving its worth with a wider variety of delightfully nourishing meals for the students. The other half will help towards the 2014 Renaissance Trip for Year 7 and 8.

Peter Crompton

Notices
Ficino School Fair

Thank you to the whole school community for all your hard work, help and donations. The hallmark of the Ficino Fair is its atmosphere, quality of the goods and the displays and the friendliness of everyone on the stalls. This year was no exception.

We have been very fortunate over the past few years and have built up a relationship with many local businesses, who sponsor goods for our Silent Auction and It’s in the Bag. We will be presenting our sponsors with a Certificate of Appreciation next week and ask that if you notice a certificate on display in any of your dealings that you take the time to thank them for their support.

The Fair Team

Parent/Teacher Interviews – Monday 15^th April – from 1.15pm
A reminder that children will need to be collected at 12.45pm on Monday 15^th April, due to the Parent/Teacher interviews.   Appointments can be made by coming in and filling in the sign-up sheets at the school office.

Please Note:      There will be no After School Care available on this day.

Ficino Icicles Programme at Snow Planet
All registrations forms are due in by the end of today.   Please email these directly to Andrea Alston at alstons@xtra.co.nz

Winter Uniform Worn From Term 2
Winter uniform is to be worn from the start of next term.   A reminder that all girls must wear lace-up, T-bar or Mary Jane style black leather shoes with navy blue tights or knee-high socks.    Boys from Year 2-8 must wear black lace-up leather shoes (no velcro).   Boys in Year 1 may wear velcro or lace-up shoes.   Blazers must be worn to and from school every day – please ensure children bring their jumpers and cardigans to school so that their blazers are not being worn to run around and play in.

Talks by Mrs Anisha Ramlaul – St James School, Durban – Saturday 11^th May 3.30pm and Monday 13^th May at 8.30am
Parents are invited to two talks given by Mrs Anisha Ramlaul, Headmistress of the St James School, in Durban, South Africa.   St James School in Durban is unique among our worldwide group of schools, because unlike all its sister schools it sets out to provide a high quality education to children from a less privileged background; an education which their parents value highly but for which they simply cannot afford to pay for fully.    All parents of children attending St James pay around 70% of the costs of education, and the balance is subsidised by well-wishers.   Mrs Ramlaul will show a DVD and give some insight into the inspiring and miraculous journey of this school.   The children there thrive on a principled education in a country which is being systematically polluted by rampant corruption, self-interest and nepotism.  Your presence will help support this worthy cause.

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 Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.

Over the Easter weekend, I came across the Parliamentary Prayer which is recited by the Speaker at the opening of parliament each day.   The use of a prayer was debated when it was introduced in 1854, and the original prayer has been modified twice since then.    The current version which was adopted in the 1960’s is still in use today, despite a motion to either abolish or change it that was put before the house in 2007.   The prayer reads as follows:-

Almighty God, humbly acknowledging our need for Thy guidance in all things,
and laying aside all private and personal interests,
we beseech Thee to grant that we may conduct the affairs of this House and of our country
to the glory of Thy holy name, the maintenance of true religion and justice, the honour of the Queen,
and the public welfare, peace, and tranquility of New Zealand, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

This formed the starting point for our assembly discussions this week.   Year 8 students stood in for the House of Representatives, with one of them being Speaker of the House.   Parliament is often thought of as being simply another name for the House of Representatives; however it includes the Governor General who has an important role to play.  As the Queen’s representative in parliament, he is responsible for giving Royal Assent to any bill that is passed in the House of Representatives.   He stands back from all the activity in the house and is kept informed of what is going on, always on duty, always watchful over the nation.  Sometimes people say he has no power to act, however enormous power comes from stillness and watchfulness, far more than frenetic activity.  His role is to ensure the government of the nation does not get out of hand; a very necessary role in this day and age.

Peter Crompton

Notices

School Fair – this Sunday 7^th April – 11am – 3pm
Thank you for all your hard work and donations.     See you all at the Fair on Sunday!

Parking Over Driveways at Pick-up Time
We have received a complaint from our neighbours in the flats next to the main school entrance on Esplanade Road that some parents are parking over their driveway during the pickup time in the afternoon, as well as on the yellow lines and in the bus stop opposite the school.     Please be considerate to our neighbours and either park in the school, drive through, or find legal street parking.    Thank you.

Outstanding School Hockey shirts – Return on Monday
If you have a school hockey shirt at home, please return this to school on Monday please.

Parent/Teacher Interviews – Monday 15^th April – from 1.15pm
A reminder that children will need to be collected at 12.45pm on Monday 15^th April, due to the Parent/Teacher interviews.   Appointments can be made by coming in and filling in the sign-up sheets at the school office.

Please Note:      There will be no After School Care available on this day.

Winter Uniform Worn From Term 2
Winter uniform is to be worn from the start of next term.   A reminder that all girls must wear lace-up, T-bar or Mary Jane style black leather shoes with navy blue tights or knee-high socks.    Boys from Year 2-8 must wear black lace-up leather shoes (no velcro).   Boys in Year 1 may wear velcro or lace-up shoes.   Blazers must be worn to and from school every day – please ensure children bring their jumpers and cardigans to school so that their blazers are not being worn to run around and play in.

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 Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.

This week, we have opened the school to the public with our two Open Mornings on Thursday and Saturday.  The children have prepared samples of their work on speech and singing, and are delighted to present them to whoever comes.  The importance of clear, truthful and uplifting speech has always been central to what is on offer at Ficino. This term, as you will be aware, we have started offering classes in which students can learn and recite speeches and poetry with the aim of working towards the Trinity College Speech and Drama grade level qualifications.  Mrs Dee McOnie, who is instructing the children, is the ex-headmistress of Diocesan Junior School.  After two weeks working with our students, she expressed her enjoyment of what she is meeting.  She said the students are bright, inquisitive and a delight to work with.  She finds them confident and beautifully behaved.  If you know any prospective parents who would like their children to develop these qualities, then please invite them to our Open Morning tomorrow.

Thank you to all those members of the school community who attended the talk by Dr Craig Hassed last Saturday.  This was part of an ongoing speaker series, where we aim to offer relevant, high quality presentations for anyone who is interested. This one was outstanding with good numbers attending both sessions.  Dr Hassed spoke about the importance of simply paying attention and quoted Nobel Prize winning research that confirmed that we are most happy, not when we are thinking pleasant thoughts, but when we are giving our full attention to the task in hand.  This he called Mindfulness.  He went on to explain how research in this area is becoming widespread and the medical profession is introducing compulsory examined courses in Mindfulness to their students.  Recognition of its value has been acknowledged by the teaching profession in Australia, and many schools are beginning to run courses in Mindfulness for both staff and pupils.  The Pause and the emphasis on paying attention provide our students with excellent tools to take into adulthood which will help reduce the propensity in society for leading a stress-filled existence.

Peter Crompton

Notices
Open Morning –Saturday 16^th March – 9.30 – noon
Students who have registered to say they are coming to the Open Morning tomorrow should  arrive at school in their uniform, including their blazer, by 9.15am at the latest. They will need to be collected afterwards at noon.

Please be reminded that you and your families are welcome to attend the Open Morning to see the work your children are undertaking, and hear the performances of singing and speech which take place at 10.15am and 11.30am. There will also be an address by the Principal preceding the concerts at 10.00am and 11.15am, which will be of particular interest to new parents.

School Fair – Next Working Bee – Monday 18^th March – 7pm – 9.30pm
Thank you to everyone who came to the working bee last Monday – we were able to get a lot done.   Everyone is welcome to join in the next session on Monday 18^th March between 7pm and 9.30pm in the school hall.

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 Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15pm.

Message from the Principal

There have been a number of articles and editorials in the newspapers recently on the state of Mathematics education in New Zealand.   These followed a front page exposition of the fact that our Year 5 students came bottom out of all the OECD countries in an international maths test.  The debate has largely centred around memorization.  The disaffection our educational leaders seem to have with what they call rote learning has meant that its explicit emphasis in our national curriculum has diminished or been removed altogether.  This disaffection is not surprising.   When you look up the word rote in the dictionary, it means mechanical or habitual repetition.  What educator, or child for that matter, would be content with a curriculum based on the mechanical or habitual.

At Ficino, memorisation has always held a prominent place in our educational philosophy, particularly in the early years.   Rather than calling it rote learning and seeing it as a mechanical or habitual process, we call it learning by heart and consider it a conscious and enlightening process.   If you watch young children particularly around the age of five to seven years old, they love learning things by heart, whether it be their times tables, a poem or a piece of scripture, and what’s more these texts and facts become the foundations of their character and our society.   The author Niall Fergusson in his book Civilisation – the West and the Rest, suggests that the words we learn by heart at school form the very essence of our civilisation.

“What makes a civilization real to its inhabitants, in the end, is not just the splendid edifices at its centre, not even the smooth functioning of the institutions they house.   At its core a civilization is the texts that are taught in its schools, learned by its students and recollected in time of tribulation.   (These) bolster our belief in the almost boundless power of the free individual human being.”     Niall Fergusson

Peter Crompton

Notices

School Fair – Working Bee – Monday 11^th March – 7pm – 9.30pm
There are lots of jobs that we need help with – making up Fair packs, putting room numbers on desks, laminating etc.   There are 4 more scheduled evenings on Monday evenings and everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun!

The Power of Attention – Talk by Dr Craig Hassed – Saturday 9^th March
A limited number of door sales are still available for Dr Hassed’s talk tomorrow.    Sessions are at either 10.30am or 4.30pm.

Open Mornings – Thursday 14^th March & Saturday 16^th March – 9.30 – noon
Parents are welcome to attend our Open Mornings on Thursday and Saturday from 9.30 until noon.  This is an opportunity to visit the classrooms and see and hear the children at work.    Please bring friends and relatives and particularly any prospective parents who may wish to see the school in action.    There will be an address by the Principal ‘The Essence of a Ficino Education’ at 10am, followed by a concert, which will be repeated at 11.15am for late visitors.

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 Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.

Message from the Principal

It was great to see so many families at the Ficino School Annual picnic at Long Bay on Sunday.   We were again blessed with fine weather, in which to enjoy each other’s company.   This year was a little different with the picnic starting a little later and an opportunity for those that were able, to participate in a beach cleanup exercise.   Working with others in service of the community rarely fails to bring a sense of contentment and well being to those involved; and Sunday’s exercise was no exception.   One of the founding principles at Ficino School is the aim to provide the students with knowledge and experience of the underlying laws of the universe.   So what are they?   There are scientific laws such as the law of gravity, or simple mathematical laws relating to calculation.   These have an important place in education; however there are more subtle laws which children need to be made aware of, if they are to go on to lead a useful and fulfilling life.   One example of such a law could be that service leads to happiness, and Sunday was an ideal opportunity for us all to be reminded of it.   Thank you all for your company.

Peter Crompton

Notices

Parents Lunch – Classes 6, 7 & 8 – Friday 8^th March
A notice regarding the Parents lunch was emailed to families from these classes.   For catering purposes we would like to hear from parents who are intending to come.   Please email office@ficino.school.nz by Monday 4^th March if you are able to join us.

School Fair – Working Bee – Monday 4^th March – 7pm
The second working bee will be held in the school hall from 7pm on Monday.   The raffle baskets with the donated deli items will be made up.

Ficino Ski Club
Skiing will be on offer again at Snowplanet in Term 2 on Sundays.  The programme this year will run for 8 – 9 weeks and will provide 1.5 hour lessons for all levels of skiing and snowboarding.  There will also be specific race training.   If your child is interested or you would like further information please contact Andrea Alston 021 187 1765 or email alstons@xtra.co.nz

Ficino Hockey and Netball Registration

All Hockey and Netball registrations are due back at school on Monday 4^th March.

The Power of Attention – Talk by Dr Craig Hassed – Saturday 9^th March
Places are still available for Dr Hassed’s talk next Saturday 9^th March.    Sessions are at either 10.30am or 4.30pm.    Please email Marija on admin@ficino.school.nz to book your places.

Children’s Day at MOTAT – Sunday 3^rd March
To celebrate Children’s Day, MOTAT is offering all children 16 years of age and under, free entry on Sunday 3^rd March.    There will also be some extra activities for the children and their families to enjoy including face painting, petting zoo, blacksmith, horse and carriage and little flick the fire engine.

Sustainable Coastlines Seaweek at Silo Park – 4^th to 7^th March
From 2^nd to 10^th March New Zealanders will be celebrating Seaweek.    To mark this occasion, Sustainable Coastlines invites our students and families to attend their special free after school workshops each day from Monday 4^th to Thursday 7^th March from 4pm to 5.30pm.  These workshops are aimed at 5 to 12 year olds.   Ryley Webster from Sustainable Coastlines talked to the children during an assembly last week about their work.  Sustainable Coastlines supplied us with the bags and gloves for the rubbish cleanup before the picnic last Sunday.     For more information about the workshops click on the hyperlink  www.sustainablecoastlines.org and go to the events page.

Open Morning – Saturday 16^th March – 9.30 – noon
The return slips for the Open Morning on Saturday are due back at school.    Could we please have any outstanding forms returned on Monday 4^th March.    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 Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.

Message from the Principal
In Philosophy classes this term, our senior students are examining the power of speech. The girls this week were introduced to the idea of speech as a gift, and they had an exercise of using words to bestow the gift of speech on someone.    This is a collection of some of their offerings.

I give you the power of speech ………….
-       You must use it honourably for the power of good, for the preservation of peace
-       Nourish yourself with the beauty of it
-       Speak the truth
-       You can now touch people’s hearts, give hope and share love.
-       You can change people’s lives with your speech
-       Use speech as a gift, give it, receive it, let no evil or darkness stand in your way; peace will guide you, joy will fuel you, care will give you power
-       Make your words meaningful to yourself and for the benefit of others
-       You will be able to do anything with it.   It is your choice whether you choose to do good or bad.   Take great care, it is easy to use it the wrong way
-       Speech is a gift, not to be taken advantage of, but it is also a curse if not used rightly
-       Speak the truth, educate others and be yourself

We have had two visitors in the school this week, one from Ryley Webster from the charity Sustainable Coastlines.   He reminded the children of the detrimental effect accumulated rubbish on our shoreline has on wildlife.  This was in preparation for the opportunity this weekend for the school community to participate in a rubbish cleanup at Long Bay before our annual School Picnic.   I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at either or both events.  The second visit was from Deirdre McOnie, ex Headmistress of Diocesan Junior School, who is offering an opportunity for Ficino students to extend their speech and communication skills, and work towards achieving graded qualifications with Trinity College examinations.   Information on these classes has been sent home to parents of children in Classes 4 – 8.

Peter Crompton

Notices
Health Profiles
The Health Profile forms are due back at school.    Please return any outstanding forms to class teachers or the school office on Monday 25^th February.   Thank you.

School Picnic – Sunday 24^th February – Long Bay – 11 – 2pm (Rubbish Cleanup from 10 – 11am)
We look forward to seeing families at the picnic on Sunday.

School Fair – Working Bee – Monday 25^th February – 7pm
The first working bee will be held in the school hall from 7pm on Monday.   Please let your class coordinator know if you can attend.

Fundraising Cake Sales – Yr 8 – Friday 1^st March
A letter with further details will be sent home with the children next week.    The dates for this term are detailed on the Events Calendar at the bottom of this letter.

Sustainable Coastlines Seaweek at Silo Park – 4^th to 7^th March
From 2^nd to 10^th March New Zealanders will be celebrating Seaweek.    To mark this occasion, Sustainable Coastlines invites our students and families to attend their special free after school workshops each day from Monday 4^th to Thursday 7^th March from 4pm to 5.30pm.  These workshops are aimed at 5 to 12 year olds.   Ryley Webster from Sustainable Coastlines talked to the children during an assembly this week about the work Sustainable Coastlines are involved in and has supplied us with the bags and gloves for the rubbish cleanup before the picnic on Sunday.     For more information about the workshops click on their hyperlink  www.sustainablecoastlines.org and go to the events page.

Open Morning – Saturday 16^th March – 9.30 – noon
Please note we are having two Open Mornings this year, with the second one being on a Saturday.   As many students as possible will be required to attend school on this day.   Details to follow.

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 Good Works and Commendations assemblies.

Uniform Shop – Open on Tuesdays
The School Uniform shop will be open on Tuesdays from 2.30 until 3.15.