Radhasthami Katha 2015 (by Vraja Kishor)!
→ The Enquirer

It starts with a brief explanation of Cc Adi.1.5, rādhā-kṛṣṇa-praṇaya vikṛti – explaining that Rādhā and Krishna are two facets of a singular reality, not just two people who happened to fall in love. Then Vraja addresses the following wonderful questions:

Is it ok to want a relationship with Krishna that isn’t centered on Rādhārānī and madhurya rasa / gopi bhava?

If Rādhārānī is so compassionate, why is it so hard to attain Vraja-prema?
What is advaya-jñāna? How does it relate to Krishna?
In the philosophy of oneness and difference, we almost always hear about the difference between us and god. When should we start to consider the oneness?
The more you make advancement, do the challenges of Māyā become more difficult?
Our Ashrama doesn’t want us to glorify Rādhā too openly…
The symbiotic relationship between the subject of consciousness (Krishna) and the object of consciousness (Rādhā)
How can there be separation between Rādhā and Krishna if they are one entity?
What is our relationship to Rādhārānī? Are we expansions of Rādhārānī? How does this affect our approach to Krishna?

Tagged: madhurya rasa, Radha, Radharani, Radhasthami

ISKCON Scarborough – Srimati Radharani’s Appearance day celebrations- Friday- 25th Sep 2015
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Srimati Radharani is the eternal consort of Lord Krishna.

This year the appearance day anniversary falls on 21st September 2015(Monday).
All Devotees fast until noon on this auspicious day
This special day is known as Radhashtami.

At ISKCON Scarborough, we will be celebrating Radhastami coming Friday 25th Sep 2015 starting at 6.45 pm.

We welcome you and your family to ISKCON Scarborough coming Friday to take part in the glorious celebrations.

Five thousand years ago, when Lord Krishna came to this planet to perform His pastimes, Srimati Radharani also appeared.

The following is adapted from a lecture by His Holiness Varshana Swami:
“On a half-moon night in the month of Bhadra, King Vrishabhanu came to the Jamuna to bathe and found himself engulfed in a golden aura, the golden aura of pure love. It was emanating from a lotus, which had a baby girl standing on its whorl. When the king returned to the palace with the baby, Queen Kirtida was delighted. She was also shocked that the girl was blind.
“Lord Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, heard that her best friend Kirtida had a baby, so she came to visit along with her husband and her son. Krishna crawled up to the cradle and pulled Himself up and looked in. At that moment, Srimati Radharani’s eyes fluttered and opened wide and blossomed like lotuses. It seems that she did not want to see anything of this world, only the form of Sri Krishna. Everyone was delighted.
“Srimati Radharani is the mother of the universe, the spiritual mother of all souls. And the concept of mother is the most sacred symbol—that of purity, selflessness, caring, sharing, nurturing, and love.

That is why our sacred mantra is the holy names. It is the holy names in the vocative. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

“‘Hare’ means ‘Radhe.’ It is a plaintive, desperate cry for the mother. ‘Radhe! Please wake us up from this nightmare of mortal life! Remind us of the father we have forgotten and take us home!’”

In the Krishna consciousness movement, devotees carefully worship Srimati Radharani as the bestower of devotional service to Krishna, by attentively chanting her name in the maha-mantra, by worshiping her deity form, and by following the instructions of the most merciful Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the combined form of Radha and Krishna.

“(Therefore) Radha is parama-devata, the supreme goddess, and She is worshipable for everyone. She is the protectress of all, and She is the mother of the entire universe.” — Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi 4.89

Jaladuta Re-enactment
→ Ramai Swami

imageimage

On the second day the Auckland temple celebrated Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America with the devotees going on a boat in the harbour.

This was a reenactment of Srila Prabhupada traveling on the Jaladuta to America.
A small deity of Prabhupada was taken on board and throughout the morning the devotees had kirtan, speeches and wonderful prasadam.
imageimage

It’s Our Sacred Time
→ Japa Group

One should lead one’s life in such a way that the mind is unagitated for chanting. It’s a whole art of living. A chanter is a person who has a peaceful mind and can go deep, savoring the mahamantra during his japa session. If we’re worried or disturbed by different agitations, we’re not with Radha and Krishna. Chanting is out of this world. You have to go there and leave the concerns of the material world, at least when we chant. It is our sacred time.

From Bhajan #228
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Hare Krishna! The Cowgirls’ Song of Separation (9 min video) On…
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Hare Krishna! The Cowgirls’ Song of Separation (9 min video)
On the auspicious occasion of Radhastami, we are pleased to release a video rendition of Gopi Gita from Srimad Bhagavatam. These verses are found in the 31st Chapter of the 10th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. These famous prayers were sung by the Gopis when Krishna suddenly disappeared from their company and they were searching for Him everywhere. This is one of the finest poetry ever composed. Srimad Bhagavatam is ‘Grantharaja’, the king of all the scriptures and this poetry is one of its crest jewels.
Watch it here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19954

Hare Krishna! A wonderful story by His Holiness Radhanatha…
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Hare Krishna! A wonderful story by His Holiness Radhanatha Swami
In 1971 I was a devotee of Lord Siva, I was traveling from the area Pashupatinatha to Amarnatha for a pilgrimage in month of August. Very crowded third class train, didn’t sit down for about 40 hours. Finally the train stopped and I wanted to somehow or other to move, so I crawled over people’s heads, somehow I pulled myself out of the window, because I had these attachments. The train started moving and I tried to get back in and it was so very crowded, no window to fit a human being inside. So the train left and I was in this unknown place. I asked a sadhu on the railway platform – where is this. He said this is Mathura, today is Janmastami! So he took me to Janmasthaana where I spent the whole day.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=2388

Hare Krishna! NASN August 2015 – North American Sankirtan…
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Hare Krishna! NASN August 2015 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of August. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19949

Beautiful video of Jayadev das about Radha Krishna prana mora by…
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Beautiful video of Jayadev das about Radha Krishna prana mora by Narottama Dasa Thakur.
Translation: (1) The divine couple, Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, are my life and soul. In life or death I have no other refuge but Them. (2) In a forest of small kadamba trees on the bank of the Yamuna, I will seat the divine couple on a throne made of brilliant jewels. (3) I will anoint Their dark and fair forms with sandalwood paste scented with cuya, and I will fan Them with a camara whisk. Oh, when will I behold Their moonlike faces? (4) After stringing together garlands of malati flowers I will place them around Their necks, and I will offer tambula scented with camphor to Their lotus mouths. (5) With the permission of all the sakhis, headed by Lalita and Visakha, I will serve the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna. (6) Narottama dasa, the servant of the servant of Sri Krishna Caitanya Prabhu, longs for this service to the divine couple.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/EbAb0p

Preaching in Mongolia (Album with photos) Indradyumna Swami: Two…
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Preaching in Mongolia (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Two days ago we ventured 500 kilometers from the capital of Mongolia to Erdenet. The 9-hour drive on rough roads took us through some of the most breath taking scenery in the country. We are visiting all these towns and villages for the first time. Previously our movement didn’t have permission to do harinam and public programs. Now that we do, we find people spontaneously chant Hare Krsna and dance with little or no encouragement. For those who can tolerate austerity, Mongolia is a great adventure on behalf of the Lord.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nhxMy7

Harinama at Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.- 20…
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Harinama at Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.- 20 September 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: By chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, we gradually develop our eternal relationship with the Supreme Person and thus attain the perfection called svarupa-siddhi. We should take advantage of this benediction and go back home, back to Godhead. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.3.37 Purport )
Find them here: https://goo.gl/JQNSEI

Preaching in Mongolia (Album with photos) Indradyumna Swami: Two…
→ Dandavats.com



Preaching in Mongolia (Album with photos) Indradyumna Swami: Two days ago we ventured 500 kilometers from the capital of Mongolia to Erdenet. The 9 hour drive on rough roads took us through some of the most breath taking scenery in the country. We are visiting all these towns and villages for the first time. Previously our movement didn’t have permission to do harinam and public programs. Now that we do, we find people spontaneously chant Hare Krsna and dance with little or no encouragement. For those who can tolerate austerity, Mongolia is a great adventure on behalf of the Lord. Find them here: https://goo.gl/nhxMy7

Harinama at Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia – 20…
→ Dandavats.com



Harinama at Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - 20 September 2015 (Album with photos) Srila Prabhupada: By chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, we gradually develop our eternal relationship with the Supreme Person and thus attain the perfection called svarupa-siddhi. We should take advantage of this benediction and go back home, back to Godhead. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.3.37 Purport ) Find them here: https://goo.gl/JQNSEI

5 lakh Radha bhakts to visit Barsana on Sept 21 Barsana (Mathura…
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5 lakh Radha bhakts to visit Barsana on Sept 21
Barsana (Mathura district): On September 21, Radha, lord Krishna’s divine consort, devotees from across the world will celebrate her birthday as Radhastmi.
Over five lakh pilgrims, both Indian and foreign national, are expected to visit to Barsana, famous for its Lathmar Holi.
Even though people flock to the temple in Barsana, Radha was born 30km away in Raval, the village which has been adopted by Mathura MP Hema Malini for development under the MPs adopt-a-village scheme.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/DPfePZ

Addressing The Nation (6 min video) Indradyumna Swami: When…
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Addressing The Nation (6 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: When Mongolia’s main television channel, Mongolian National Broadcaster, learned about our historic tour through the country, they invited me to speak on their news program. They said, “You will have the opportunity to address the entire nation.” I eagerly accepted their invitation and yesterday spoke on the evening news at prime time about our philosophy, way of life and how Krsna consciousness can contribute to Mongolian culture. After the program the lady who interviewed me smiled and said, “Don’t be surprised now if everywhere you go in Mongolia people recognise you.“
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/JQgj25

Hare Krishna! Forever Grateful to Srila Prabhupada Padmapani…
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Hare Krishna! Forever Grateful to Srila Prabhupada
Padmapani das: Thus we can understand that the essence of Krishna consciousness is love — love for the Supreme Lord and all His parts and parcels. So Prabhupada arrived on the shores of America with a most appealing message at a remarkably appropriate time in the history of the world. Young people everywhere were screaming and clamoring for love, and Prabhupada distributed the highest form of love without charge. “Please chant Hare Krishna and be happy” he would tell us again and again. It’s no wonder that Lord Siva proclaims the following: “My dear Parvati, there are different methods of worship, and out of all such methods the worship of the Supreme Person is considered to be the highest. But even higher than the worship of the Lord is the worship of the Lord’s devotees.” (Lord Siva, Padma Purana)
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19943

Basic Truths of Gaudiya Philosophy – How to Ascertain Truth
→ The Enquirer

Vraja reads from and briefly explains his overview of Tattva Sandarbha, just recently published as the introduction to Basic Truths of Gaudiya Philosophy – available at http://vrajakishor.com

This installment talks about the goal of life, and the means and result of attaining it. Then it focuses on how to evaluate truth or falsity, reality or fantasy – explaining how observation, logic and revelation WORK TOGETHER, and establishing the importance of the Veda and, especially, the Purāṇa.


Tagged: Tattva Sandarbha

Basic Truths of Gaudiya Philosophy – How to Ascertain Truth
→ The Enquirer

Vraja reads from and briefly explains his overview of Tattva Sandarbha, just recently published as the introduction to Basic Truths of Gaudiya Philosophy – available at http://vrajakishor.com

This installment talks about the goal of life, and the means and result of attaining it. Then it focuses on how to evaluate truth or falsity, reality or fantasy – explaining how observation, logic and revelation WORK TOGETHER, and establishing the importance of the Veda and, especially, the Purāṇa.


Tagged: Tattva Sandarbha

Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in America, September 19, Boston
Giriraj Swami

12039247_905424632880652_1161431853968794366_nMany senior devotees including: Trivikrama Swami, Jagat Purusa Dasa, Jayadvaita Swami, Romapada Swami, Radhanatha Swami, Guru Gauranga Dasa, Niranjana Swami, Anuttama Dasa, Visaka Dasi, Nava Yogendra Dasa, Cintamani Dasi, Maha Visnu Swami, Anuttama Dasa, Ambarisha Dasa, Gopasvami Dasa, Sumati Dasi, Rukmini Devi Dasi, Rangavati Dasi, Sarva Siddhi Dasa, Svayam Prabha Devi Dasi and Giriraj Swami shared their accounts of how they were personally effected by Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA.

“I was standing out front on the steps of the church when Srila Prabhupada walked out and started talking to me. He told me important it was to understand that we are not the body. I had so many conceptions and misconceptions that I thought, ‘The guru is not supposed to go to the disciple —  the disciple is supposed to go to the guru.’ But that is what Srila Prabhupada has been doing at every stage, with all of us: He has been coming to us. He came to Boston, he came to Brandeis, and he came into our hearts.”

— Giriraj Swami

50th Anniversary Introductions, Boston

Merciful Srimati Radharani
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 23 September 2012, Durban, South Africa, Radhastami Lecture)

Radha_Madhava

If we want some deeper understanding of the aim of life, it is possible by the mercy of Srimati Radharani, who is most compassionate. She is more compassionate than Krsna. We can easily attract her mercy by doing some service. That is the key and we should think of how she did so much service; she did everything for Krsna’s pleasure and what are we going to do today for Krsna’s pleasure? Maybe someone will put a lakh in the box… or ten or more! Maybe someone will really try and really do something extraordinary today. Maybe one fortunate soul… ‘Out of so many, hardly one endeavours for perfection! And out of those who endeavour for perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.’ (Bhagavad-gita 7.3)

Radhastami is for us a day of soul searching, a day that we ourselves are realizing, ‘I have to come up. It’s time that I make a real sacrifice for Krsna’s pleasure.’ That is the inner meaning of Radhastami.

Hare Krishna! Rupees 10 Crore ($1.5 million) was gifted during…
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Hare Krishna! Rupees 10 Crore ($1.5 million) was gifted during Vyasapuja of HH Bhakti Charu Swami
The devotees in Surat, India celebrated 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in USA, along with the Vyasapuja of HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj. However the main theme of this convention was to encourage devotees to participate in construction of the TOVP. With folded hands HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj gave a presentation on the TOVP project in front of thousands of his disciples whom had come from all over India and different parts of the world. He explained that the desire of Srila Prabhupada was to build a wonderful temple for Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and for the satisfaction of our Vaishnava acharyas. Radha Jivan Prabhu also made presentations for two consecutive days to more than one thousand assembled devotees. The TOVP fundraising team received more than four hundred pledges for contributions, reaching a total of 1.5 million dollars or ten crore in Rupees.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19938

Rupees 10 Crore ($1.5 million) was gifted during Vyasapuja of HH Bhakti Charu Swami
- TOVP.org

The devotees in Surat, India celebrated 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in USA, along with the Vyasapuja of HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj. However the main theme of this convention was to encourage devotees to participate in construction of the TOVP.

With folded hands HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj gave a presentation on the TOVP project in front of thousands of his disciples whom had come from all over India and different parts of the world. He explained that the desire of Srila Prabhupada was to build a wonderful temple for Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and for the satisfaction of our Vaishnava acharayas.

Radha Jivan Prabhu also made presentations for two consecutive days to more than one thousand assembled devotees. The TOVP fundraising team received more than four hundred pledges for contributions, reaching a total of 1.5 million dollars or ten crore in Rupees.

We give our congratulations to H.H.Bhakti Charu Maharaj, and all his disciples, for their great performance and commitment to Sridham Mayapur.

The post Rupees 10 Crore ($1.5 million) was gifted during Vyasapuja of HH Bhakti Charu Swami appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Grand Celebration — Radhashtami — Sep 21st 2015 — 7:00pm to 9:30pm
→ ISKCON Brampton

About Radhastami (Fasting till Noon):
 
ISKCON Brampton is pleased to invite you, your family & your friends for the celebration of Radhastami. Radhastami is the celebration of the advent of Shrimati Radharani in this world who appeared over five thousand years ago. Lord Krishna is the male aspect of God, the energetic source of the supreme energy, and Shrimati Radharani is the female aspect, of the energy. So when Krishna descends, Shrimati Radharani also descends.
On this day in particular, we appreciate the mercy of Radha in order to get Krishna’s mercy. Radharani is simultaneously the personification of devotion, gratitude and topmost humility for Krishna, as well as the ideal example of what being a devotee means. The word “Radha” comes from the word aradhana (worship), and so Her name indicates that She possesses the topmost method of worship and devotion to Krishna. Devotees keep fast till noon on Radhastami.
 Srila Prabhupada on Radhashtami in London in 1973:
“Anyone who comes before Radharani to serve Krishna, she becomes so pleased, “Oh, here is a devotee of Krishna,” She immediately recommends that person, “Krishna, here is a devotee. He is better than me”.
This is Radharani. I may not be a devotee. I may be the most fallen rascal. But if I try to reach Krishna through Radharani, then my business is successful… [On this day], we should offer pushpanjali [flowers] and pray, “Radharani, kindly be merciful and tell about me to Krishna. Krishna is yours.” Krishna is not independent. Krishna is Radharani’s property. So you have to approach Krishna through Radharani. Today is an auspicious day. Worship Radharani very nicely and be happy.

tapta-kancana-gaurangi radhe vrndavanesvari
vrsabhanu-sute devi pranamami hari-priye

I offer my respects to Radharani whose bodily complexion is like molten gold and who is the Queen of Vrndavana. You are the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, and You are very dear to Lord Krsna.
 
Special Program
7:00 - 7:15 PM – Guru Aarti 7:15 - 7:45 PM – Gaura Aarti 7:45 - 7:50 PM – Nrsingadeva Prayer
7.50 - 8:00 PM – Welcome Announcements 8:00 - 8:40 PM – Glories of Srimati Radha Rani - HG Srinath Prabhu8:40 - 9:10 PM – Sunday School9:10 - 9:20 PM – PUSHPA ABHISHEKAM 9:20 - 9:30 PM – Song dedication to Srimati Radha Rani & Closing kirtan
             9:30 PM – Radhashtami Grand Feast
How can I serve on Radhastami
Everybody — from our children to our respected elders, serious practitioners to first time visitors — can be part of this festival and use the opportunity to render direct service to Srimati Radharani on this day. We have organized to following activities for you:
Bhoga offerings:
You can bake or prepare some nice preparations for Srimati Radharani. Minimum requirement is all preparations are home made, not tasted and offered in NEW alluminium containers.
Flower Offerings:
Srimati Radharani loves flowers. You can get a bouquet or fresh flowers for Srimati Radharani. You an also sponsor the flowers for that day at the front desk.
New Outfits:
Sri Sri Radha Giridhari would be giving darshan on this special day in Their new outfits. You can sponsor their new outfits at the front desk.
Written Messages to Radharani:
Everyone is encouraged to write a a poem, prayer, or letter to Srimati Radharani. Birthday cards/letters/messages will be offered to Her lotus feet. You can send Her your birthday card to the temple.
Gift Offerings:
Just as we take a gift when attending a birthday celebration, you can also bring gift for Srimati Radharani. You may consult the Deity department heads for what gifts could be brought.
Radharani's kitchen: 
Radharani's kitchen is always in use and is always in need of new appliances and new cuttleries. You may contact the kitchen department to see how you can help.
For Volunteering:
please contact Radha Gopinath Dasa
For Sponsoring the event:Radhashtami Grand Feast....$251
Maha Arati..........................      $108
Maha Pushpabhisekam........ $201
Exquisite sringara...............    $351
Please contact front desk/Amogha Lila Das alokearora@hotmail.com

Building Strong Krishna Conscious Families seminar at ISKCON Brampton by Grhastha Vision Team
→ ISKCON Brampton

we are pleased to announce that ISKCON Brampton will be hosting a seminar on "Building Strong Krishna Conscious Families". This seminar is designed to help you take your relationship to a higher level. This is a 3-days seminar, please mark your calendar for the following dates:

Friday October 16th,  6:30pm - 9:30pm
Saturday October 17th,  9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday October 18th, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

This seminar will be facilitated by members of the Grihasta Vision Team - His Grace Partha Das and Her Grace Uttama Dasi (disciples of Srila Prabhupada). They have been successfully conducting such retreats and seminars for many years all around the world.

The seminar will cover:
  • Strengthening the Bonds that Free us -It deals with many aspects of grhastha life.
  • Communication and overcoming challenges
  • Exercises for couples
  • Parenting lessons.

For registration click here. 




Hare Krishna! Maha Harinaam in Krishnanagar with 300 devotees A…
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Hare Krishna! Maha Harinaam in Krishnanagar with 300 devotees
A Maha Harinam Sankirtan was held in Krishnanagar city on 8th Sep, 2015. This was the second Maha Harinaam held in Krishnanagar. The sankirtan was inaugurated by Rajkumar Malakar, inspector in charge, Kotwali P.S., Krishnanagar. The procession started from Rajbari Maidan at 4:30 PM and it covered city’s important areas like Kshanish Park, Sadar Hospital, Post Office, Kitowali police station and returned back to Rajbari Maidan. The procession was colourful and there were many flags, festoons, Abhiram patik etc. About 800 devotees participated including more than 300 Mayapur community devotees. Local devotees (Bhakti Vriksha, Namhatta, Chatra Samaj and others) also took part in Nagar Sankirtan Party.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19934

Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna school achieves top marks in…
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Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna school achieves top marks in NAPLAN
Hare Krishna devotees established the Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula school in 1980 at Eungella on the outskirts of Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales, Australia. The introduction of new teaching programs has resulted in students outperforming others across the nation in this year’s tests. Students performed above the national average in all categories in the compulsory literacy and numeracy exams. The school also performed above the average achieved by other Australian independent schools, with an 84 per cent increase in average score growth.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=19930