Michaelmas -  happily identified as " Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness" by John Keats in his ode to Autumn.

The mornings are getting colder and crisper, celebrations for Michaelmas here at Michael Hall School are behind us.

 The mist rises and hangs quietly over the grass, fields and in the dip of the small valley at the start of some of the day. The leaves are turning into the beautiful Autumn hugs of golds, reds, vermillion, browns, yellows. oranges and greens. The ground if covered with conkers, acorns and chestnuts as leaves are gathered for leaf art and drawings in the younger years.

We are reminded to harness the courage, strength and fortitude so needed to go into winter, reaping the harvests of summer. 

Jacqueline Courtenay
Head of Lower and Middle School

Michaelmas 2025

Last Friday, our whole school came together to celebrate Michaelmas. After gathering in the theatre for songs, a poem, and a wonderful play performed by Classes 3 & 11, we headed out into the grounds to work on the land — blessed with the beautiful weather.

Each class contributed in their own way: Class 1 planted in the raised beds of the Lower School playground, while Class 2 tidied the orchard, collecting wood and windfall apples. Class 3 built their compost dragon, and Classes 4 cooked soup for the Lower School children. Classes 5 cleared the path beside the waterfall next to the Valley Field and Class 6 worked in the Centenary Garden and Kindergarten area. Classes 7 created a path through the woodland near the fairy mountain. Meanwhile, Classes 8 and 9 repaired fences, cleared bracken, and opened pathways through the woods. Class 10 worked on the A22 fence line and nearby glade, Class 11 cooking soup, as well as clearing the lower lake. Each class group was supported by two students from Class 12.

The Lower and Middle School children then gathered for lunch of soup and bread on the terrace before returning to work for the rest of the school day.

The Upper School also shared a well-earned lunch together and the spirit of Michaelmas spirit shone through in every corner of our school!

Early Childhood Michaelmas was celebrated on Monday and photos will be up next week.