Michael Hall Parent Portal - 24th April 2026

Friday Flyer - 24th April 2026

Dear Michael Hall Community,

I hope that everyone had a lovely Easter break and that the temptation to consume ones bodyweight in chocolate eggs was either well resisted or offset with some long walks or other exercise activities!

It has been straight down to business in the first week back with tests being sat, impressively built shelters being displayed, projects in the lower school presented and the not so small matter of the class 8 project presentations.

These events in the school calendar have had me reflecting on my own education journey, and what would I have been ready for at those age points. The sad truth is that I would not have been ready, especially to present to a near 300 strong audience from a stage. My reflection has steered me to considering the idea of being courageous in school and as a developing child, considering how we develop this at Michael Hall.

Courage is often imagined as something dramatic heroic acts, bold decisions, or moments of great risk. Yet in our school, courage is understood more quietly and perhaps more deeply. It is not simply the absence of fear, but the steady development of confidence, resilience, and that inner strength across the years of a child’s growth.

At each stage of development, courage takes on a different form. As educators, our task is to recognise, nurture, and honour these evolving expressions.

In the Early Years children step into the world through imitation, play, and rhythm. The courage in early childhood may be seen in something as simple as separating from a parent with growing confidence, trying something new in play, or finding their voice in a group. Through the warm relationships, daily rhythms, and a nurturing environment, we help children feel that the world is good; a beautiful platform for courage and confidence to develop.

In the Lower School, courage becomes the willingness to engage. As children enter the class teacher years, they meet challenges that call them to stretch, learning to read, to write, to master numbers, to perform in a play, or to stand up and speak in front of their peers. Here, courage is not about perfection but about participation. It is the child who tries again after making a mistake, who raises their hand despite uncertainty, or who perseveres through difficulty. Our rich, and creative curriculum is peppered with courageous characters from the bible, myth and legend which inspire to overcome a challenge with courage.

In the Middle Years, courage becomes more inward. As pupils approach adolescence, they begin to question, to test boundaries, and to seek truth (which is becoming increasingly hard to find). This is a time when social courage, standing by one’s values, forming and navigating friendships, and developing a sense of justice comes to the fore. One of the thresholds to pass through in our school is that of the Class 8 project. What we ask is not something small. We ask young teenagers to step into the adult world and work with a mentor. We ask them to choose something of their own to focus on (often the first time for complete freedom of choice). We then ask them to evaluate this through bookwork and then to stand on stage as themselves, no costume, no character, no lines from a playwright, and share their journey. This can only happen through a courageous act from them. I was beyond impressed with the Class 8s and thank all those who supported them on their journey. Well done and thank you to Mr Friedman and Ms Romeo for preparing and supporting the pupils so well for the event.

In the Upper School, courage matures into authenticity and responsibility. Young people are increasingly called upon to think independently, to take initiative, and to engage with the complexities of the world. Whether through artistic performances, scientific investigations, community service, or leadership opportunities, students are invited to step forward as individuals. Courage here is the capacity to stand by one’s convictions, to take intellectual risks, and to meet the future with both realism and hope.

The courage which we develop in our pupils is not taught as a single lesson but cultivated through experiences. It is found in the small, everyday moments in persistence, in kindness, in honesty, and in the willingness to try.

I had many wonderful conversations at the Class 8 event this week, but there was a common theme amongst the adults; when was the last time you tried to learn something new? As adults we tend to spend most of our time doing things we are already good at (when not working!). I am inspired by the courage our pupils show and will commit to learning a new skill or developing knowledge where I currently have none. I hope that we can all model the passion and joy of learning for our children.

Warm wishes,

Stuart

Stuart McWilliams
Principal