School News

Some of our parents and children attended the Brighton Springwatch Festival to join in with the parade all in aid of the earth's biodiversity. The parade was headed up by none other than Professor David Bellamy who was dressed as Noah (representing the first time humanity tried to save earth's biodiversity). Before the parade the children had a chance to speak to Professor Bellamy and have our photo taken with him. Here is the photo and the write up from our local paper The Argus. Please click on the image for the larger version:

Families campaigning for a state funded Montessori Primary School for Brighton & Hove met with Caroline Lucas on Friday (28th May). The Green MP also chatted with children and staff of the current Montessori School, located in the Fiveways area of Brighton.

The children welcomed Dr Lucas to the school with a tour of the gardens, where they were busy preparing raised beds to plant, before offering green-iced cupcakes they had especially made for her visit. The children explained that they had visited a city centre bakery the previous day for inspiration with their creations. Dr Lucas enthused "I really enjoyed my visit to the Montessori school and soaked up the calm atmosphere and the enthusiasm and pride the children and staff expressed for their school and community."

The parent-led campaign is gaining the support of families from across the city who would welcome a state funded Montessori Primary school. Parent Campaign Coordinator, Kristin Magnuson, commented, “We have already seen the success of Montessori projects in state schools in such diverse areas as Manchester, Essex and Blackpool and would welcome one to Brighton”

A well-respected teaching philosophy, the Montessori method of education places the child at the centre of their own learning, equipping them to learn how to care for themselves, others and the environment and to have a positive attitude for learning and problem solving.

There are interesting times ahead with regards to our campaign for a new state Montessori school for Brighton and Hove. See the following sections from the Guardian's report - 'Queen's speech 2010: Coalition announces school, welfare and budget reforms' :

Michael Gove, the education secretary, will transform the education system in England and Wales with an academies bill to weaken the role of local authorities. The government states simply that the bill will "remove the requirement to consult the local authority before opening an academy, thus simplifying and accelerating the process".

The government adds that the bill will "make the process of applying to become an academy as simple as possible without a requirement for local authorities to be consulted". It also provide a fast-track route for the best-performing institutions.

Update: See here http://programmeforgovernment.hmg.gov.uk/schools/ for a full list of information relating to schools.

Brighton and Hove Montessori Fundraiser

Do you know your Semillon from your Sangoivese?

Sample a selection of award winning wines, test your taste buds and maybe win a prize.

Friday 26th March at 8pm

14 Railway Street, Brighton, BN1 3PF

Email : ruth at gardenasylum dot com

£15 donation which includes wine and nibbles.

Advanced tickets only - Places go fast so please contact us soon

We're participating in Sainsbury's Active Kids 2010 and Tesco’s for Schools and Clubs. This presents a fantastic opportunity to collect vouchers for a range of additional equipment and experiences that gives our children the opportunity to learn new skills.

This year, we want to take full advantage of these schemes and hope we can count on your support!

You can collect Active Kids vouchers from Sainsbury's until 8 June and collect Tesco for schools and clubs vouchers until 9 May. You'll receive one voucher for every £10 spent.

The teachers have created a wish list and we are collecting for gardening and outdoor play equipment for the children.

So please remember to collect your vouchers and donate them to us and help spread the word to friends, colleagues and neighbours that we're collecting! Every voucher is greatly appreciated, and with your help we're looking forward to a great year.