Friday Flyer - 17th October 2025
Dear Michael Hall Families,
October in the UK is the month in which black history is celebrated. Across schools, colleges, universities and in galleries and squares there will be celebration and recognition of the contribution which people from black communities have made historically, and in the present day. As the husband of a British black woman and the father of a dual heritage son, it is a month which has meaning to me personally with many fond memories created over the years.
This month, across the UK events will be shining a light, celebrating black voices, stories, and contributions, past and present, that have shaped our collective history. There will be opportunities to learn and enjoy traditional African folktales, presentations on ancient kingdoms such as Mali and Kush, explorations of the Harlem Renaissance, or opportunities to learn about contemporary figures in science, the arts, and social justice. Black history month aim is aligned to our values at Michael Hall, to help every student recognise the universal threads of courage, creativity, and humanity that unite us all.
With this particular month in mind, I began questioning how we recognise and celebrate different cultures here at Michael Hall, and in Waldorf education, challenging some lingering and lazy stereotypes which sadly, stubbornly remain in wider society. Whether this is phrased as valuing diversity, being inclusive, creating equity, or being globally minded we must continuously promote the idea that whilst the world is made up of people with physical, cultural, linguistic and historical differences from ourselves, this does not need to create division. No other human is ‘less than’ another because they do not look like, sound like, or dress like me; unfortunately, this is something humans have struggled with throughout history and has left a legacy we must address. Meeting anyone with a difference is an opportunity to learn something new.
My reading and conversations about what we do have shown that from the earliest years, our curriculum invites children to see the world as an interconnected whole a living tapestry of human creativity and experience. Through stories, art, music, and movement, we explore the wisdom and beauty of many cultures, helping students to develop empathy, reverence, and curiosity about the wider world. This is a beautiful and engaging way to bring the understanding of how wonderful our shared planet is. Of course, this develops into dialogue and discourse as pupils move through the school, with opportunities to discuss origins, why we are where we are and why we are the way we are in cultural and society.
As we move through October and Black History Month, may we be reminded that globality and inerconnectedness begins right here, in how we listen to one another, learn from one another, and recognise the light of humanity in every face.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Warmly,
Stuart McWilliams
Principal
Ways to Contribute
Message from Jessika Hulbert
Kidbrooke Park Music Festival 1st & 2nd November 2025
Recently I was contacted by someone who was interested in buying one of my Hungarian squash, she felt that it was bring her closer to her heritage and connect her to her Hungarian grandmother. Wherever there is food there is a human story. Annual vegetables varieties have been saved by farmers, gardeners and enthusiasts year after year, generation after generation. This is a practice which goes back into our ancient history. 
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