After learning about trees and the art of Hedgelaying last Autumn, the children of Bhaktivedanta Manor school embarked on a project to further enhance the wildlife at Bhaktivedanta Manor and the beauty of the hedgerow along the main drive.  In consultation with Donato Cinicolo, our professional hedgelayer and with the help and support of Uddhava, the head gardener, the children planted over hundred trees of  crabapple, wild plum, wild cherry and spindle.  Over the next few months the children will be carefully observing the hedgerow for changes and monitoring the wildlife.  They will be entering into a National green competition based on their learning, both theoretical and practical throughout this activity.

Highlights this Year so far . . .

• Willow weaving workshop with professional hedge layer and learning about hedgerows and nature
• Dance workshop (whole school) with dance teacher
• Lantern Festival
• 4 after school clubs running: art, dance, environmental and Spanish…soon chess and sports.
• Participated in interfaith event at Allum Hall with Hertsmere Forum of Faiths
• Visited a Buddhist temple (KS2) and Cathedral Received children from St. Christopher’s school whom the children pen pal with
• Govardhan festival in the prasadam room with preschool
• Year 5 visited a Diwali event at a Junior school in Enfield and took part in a question/answer session
• Celebration assemblies every month headed by one classroom  Next one is the Jagannath class
• Children will be visiting Sunrise Retirement Homes to sing and perform as well as Delrow House
• Successful fundraising event at Diwali (raised £600)
• Parent consultations held which will be followed by a short written report
• Will be soon ordering our first projector and visualiser for the classroom
• Cookie/book marathon last week of school with KS2
• New Governing Body formed for the school.  Governor training held at Krishna Avanti Leicester.
• End of term event on 14^th December evening

This past February Bhaktivedanta Manor was inspected by OFSTED and we are very pleased to report that in most areas we achieved good with outstanding features for Spiritual, Moral, Cultural and Social development of the pupils.

“The spiritual, moral social and cultural development of pupils is outstanding.  The beliefs and values of the school permeate all aspects of its life.”

“Self-reflection is encouraged through the spiritual dimension of the faith community, through devlotional music, art, dance and theatre.

“The safeguarding of pupils is given a high priority, including excellent arrangement for the supervision of pupils at all times in the buildings and grounds of the school.”

“The school provides a good quality of education and continues to meet its aims effectively.  The quality of relationships and the focus on individuals within a strong community ensure pupils’outstanding spirituial, moral, social and cultural development and behaviour. “

Last February Bhaktivedanta Manor School submitted an application for a free school to be opened nearby the Manor which will be open to all students from within the community and the greater community.  The school will join the I-Foundation family of schools and would open in September 2013.   We have now been invited to interview which is the next stage of the process to determine whether or not we are successful.

If you have a child who is will be turning 5 in the academic year 2013-2014 and would like further information please contact Padma dasi, Headteacher on 01923851000 ext 241 or bvmanorschool@gmail.com.