Shaping the Future Together: A Shared Vision with Our Parent Community
On 13 April, our Director General, Antonello Barbaro, and our Head of School, Alessandra Chiovati, met with PTA members and Class Representatives for an open and meaningful conversation about the future of H-FARM International School Vicenza.
Moments like these are at the heart of our school community. They reflect our belief that education is strongest when built on trust, transparency, and a genuine partnership with families.
To ensure full transparency and to keep our wider community informed, below you can find a structured summary of the key points discussed during the meeting. These notes reflect the main updates, strategic priorities, and future developments shared with parents.
1. Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Warm welcome to PTA members and class representatives.
- Emphasis on the importance of transparency and strong parent-school partnership.
- School vision grounded in data, cognitive science, and student future readiness.
2. School Growth & Enrollment
- Current student population 314
- Re-enrollment rate: 87% → strong indicator of parent confidence.
- Projected growth: 320/330+ students in the coming months
- Long term plan: 350-500 students+ building expansion+potential small boarding
3. Academic Strategy & Vision
- Academic excellence continues to be the primary growth driver.
- Implementation of Continuous Improvement Management Process:
- Data-driven decision-making
- Personalized action plans for students and year groups
- Focus in the AI era:
- Not just graduating students, but developing character and judgment
- Use of “desirable difficulties” to deepen learning
- Preparing students to think critically beyond algorithm reliance
- Mission reaffirmed:
“Empowering students to transform innovation into human progress for a better society.”
4. Investment In “Space for Learning”
4.1 Expanding Academic Facilities
- Launch of Innovation Labs “Quantum Force”:
- Focus on IoT, Robotics & AI
- Dedicated AI Curriculum
4.2 Infrastructure, Safety & Wellbeing
- Outdoor upgrades:
- New playground
- Renovated volleyball facilities
- New green areas (gardens, hedge, relaxation zone)
- Safety improvements:
- Anti-trauma curbing (football pitch)
- High-security perimeter netting
- Secured Early Years play area
- Student wellbeing:
- New girls’ changing room in gym
- Social and relaxation spaces
- Commitment to continuous yearly improvements.
5. Investment in Faculty
- Maintain Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR): 7.1
- Plan to hire 2 additional high-quality teachers (AY26/27)
- Staff support includes:
- Professional development (MIT collaboration, leadership workshops, NAE Conference)
- Welfare & compensation alignment with NAE Europe
- Access to medical services and wellness programs
- Key message: investing in teachers directly benefits students.
6. Student Outcomes
- Academic improvement driven by data-based strategies
- Development of resilient, balanced individuals
- Strong social connections and friendships
- Graduates accessing top global universities
7. Parent Engagement
Parents encouraged to support the school by:
- Celebrate the whole child (academic, social, emotional, physical, language, cultural)
- Support and recognize teachers
- Act as critical friends (feedback & advocacy)
- Contribute philanthropically:
- € 1-15k → playground expansion
- € 3-15k → Quantum Lab equipment
- € 0,5-5k → Library development support
- Engage actively in the community as representatives