School Leaders Conference 2025

The leaders of all the overseas Schools meet every six years for a conference at Waterperry. This year the meeting was one week, from August 23-31st.

The Schools are joined together, not by any contract or legal bond, but by goodwill and freewill. So it’s good to gather everyone together periodically, to strengthen the unity and friendships that hold everything and everyone together. Mr Donald Lambie, leader of the School, invited 37 people. In order to manage the smooth running of the event there was also a service team of 33 international volunteers.

Preparations

Preparations for such a major event start 18 months in advance. The ladies in Colchester had the impulse to make ‘welcome gift bags’ for the service team. And welcome cards were written in calligraphy for everyone attending the week.

The gift bags variously contained a selection of Waterperry tea towel, socks, a scented candle, a bar of scented soap, fridge magnet, key rings, notebook etc.

One member of the team wrote: “I remember being pleasantly surprised by the gift bag, I felt appreciated before even starting, so I captured the moment.”

Several of the international Schools also brought gifts for the other Schools: publications that had been finished, translations (London, Cyprus), calligraphy (Melbourne), a photo (Sydney), a 2026 calendar (Brisbane) etc. So on the first evening all these gifts were exchanged to everyone’s delight. This photo captured some of the items, each of which is the product of careful work.

School Leaders Conference: Daily programme

We had meetings in the elegant Waterperry ballroom in the mornings and evenings.

Each day included an extended period for reflection and study.

Lovely gardens at Waterperry – a beautiful place to experience calm. Sometimes you don’t really stop until you take off your shoes!

Study of the Māndūkya Upanishad was conducted in three separate groups

The daily programme also included periods of work; cleaning, catering, logging, gardening, sewing, polishing etc. Gathering for work assignments.

Mealtimes were very convivial – we had weather good enough to eat outdoors one evening

Felicia Zarai, Israel, Barry Steingard, NY: daughter and father!

And it wouldn’t be an event in England if we didn’t have plenty of time for tea! Eva Adams, Hungary, Pat Leong, San Francisco, Angela Sapienza, Malta

On 30th August, we were treated to a wonderful concert which included pieces composed by musicians in the School.

Two of the School leaders wrote after the event: “We fondly think back of the Satsanga week 2025 at Waterperry and would like to thank you for your love and effort to make it all possible. It’s a wonderful feeling to be united with people all over the world. And we feel encouraged to continue the beautiful work of the School with enthusiasm. Many thanks”, (Belgium)

Sarah, Sydney and Jo Howard, Brisbane. ‘I caught a fish and it was THIS big!’

Kathy Dubiansky, Georgia, USA and Felicia Zarai, Israel

School Leaders Conference: the Amazing Service Team

The magnificent service team; they came from all over the world!

Their meeting place was a tent in the garden

Even rain didn’t dampen enthusiasm in the tent.

The kitchen, aka the engine room. But it became more like a temple, people were working so quietly and purposefully.

Who knew catering could be this much fun? Allison Thorpe, Canada, Julian (the baker) and Jaya (the chef)

Capturing lived experience from the team

We hired in a cameraman to film some statements from the team about their experience of service on the week.

Others wrote about their experience: “I am very grateful … for all the blessings we all received from this beautiful and well-organized event. The gifts I received were many and precious! It was a most profound experience in my spiritual journey …I am delighted meeting you and Mrs Lambie and all the Leaders and the people in the service group. The greatest spirits and human beings. I appreciate every single moment. This week is written in the heart of my heart. Always grateful!”