Manasvini was bright, fun loving, smiley, and beautiful 12 year old. She was a member of 8V and had many friends, some very close friends, who she shared a lot of laughter and joy with in her life. Manasvini loved her school and her mother told me how happy she was every day at Kendrick. At age 11, Manasvini had a choice of three secondary schools to go to but she told her parents, quite clearly and confidently, that Kendrick was the choice for her and both they and she were very happy with how she settled, made friends and progressed in her school life. Manasvini loved the friends she had in her form and they loved her. They made each other happy with their dancing and playing during break times and Manasvini’s general optimistic and happy outlook on life. In everything she did Manasvini seemed to enjoy life and brought joy and happiness to those around her; she was always a source of great pride to her family.

On this day, the anniversary of Manasvini’s death, I would like all of us in our Kendrick community, those who knew Manasvini well, those who knew her a little and those who didn’t know her at all, to spend a few moments of reflection. I have included two poems below which you may or may not choose to read to support your reflection. Miss Swaine will be in touch with Year 9, her year group and will be sending them messages, as well as some fun activities to do on this day. Manasvini loved the colour blue so as a loving gesture to her memory, perhaps we could all wear some blue today.

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
it will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

Christina Rossetti

Hope is the Thing with Feathers

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -

I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.

Emily Dickenson

Today as we remember Manasvini, let us also think of her family, her mum and dad, Maitri and Vish, her friends in Year 9 and with them and all of us, let us reflect/pray for peace in our hearts.

Best wishes

Ms Kattirtzi