Michael Hall Parent Portal

Friday Flyer - 5th June 2026

Dear Michael Hall Community,

“Into each life some rain must fall” and it seems our sunny Monday welcome back after the half term was followed by our time to experience a bit of persistent precipitation. Flash flooding can be a problem in those conditions, so I hope that no one was impacted by the dramatic weather shift this week – I only saw one mop and bucket over the last few days, so that suggests the old mansion is just about watertight!
I have been reading some articles over the last week or so on legacy, curriculum, schools and teachers which have put forth some provoking ideas.
As a teacher myself I would like to think that I have had a positive impact on the lives of the pupils who I have taught: The connections made, the content/skills/techniques taught and learned, the exams passed, the events shared, and the bringing out of the pupil the very best individual they can be. Teaching is never just a job, but far more a vocation or a calling which good teachers feel drawn towards - those Colleagues who are working at Michael Hall will undoubtedly agree that we have found ourselves here as this is where we should be at this time.
The legacy of a teacher, that impression they leave on pupils is important and lives in the children. However, I have never worked in any school where colleagues are permanent fixtures. I am now working in my 8th school as a permanent member of staff (I have worked in more in short term/fixed/advisory contracts) in 27 years. Michael Hall is now well into its 101st year and in this time it has seen numerous teachers and colleagues pass through the doors. One of the considerations in the articles I read was the idea of a more institutional legacy. The words suggested that it is a continuity in curriculum and philosophy that underpins the ability for teachers to maximise their input into a child's life.
I wrestled with this as a proud teacher. I was approaching this slightly heavy on the ego side, thinking that perhaps my influence was ‘the’ influence. What the articles were suggesting in fact was that, yes I had an influence, but I could only do so because of the philosophy and personality long embedded into the school. And that is one of the beautiful things about working in a school like Michael Hall – an old oak with deep roots. It is the curriculum and underpinning approach which allows each of us to teach, learn, connect, and to leave our moments in the lives of the pupils in their memories. I see the institutional and curriculum legacy having that deep impact on the pupils – I see it also in Old Scholars and in Old Scholar Parents as well.
I am aware that in my writing, I am reflecting on both my journey as a teacher and educator, but also with the knowledge that colleagues who will leave us at the end of this year. Please note that I am not imposing my journey and thoughts on to colleagues who are leaving as this is a personal journey, they may have very different reflections than I do on mine.
Staff change is a challenge which all schools face. It is a challenge which parents face with us. It is a new course which our children need our joint support in navigating. Where I now take comfort in managing change is in the deeply rooted curriculum and institutional approach to learning that Michael Hall has. From this institutional strength any new colleagues who arrive will join a school with proud traditions, a pedagogically committed collegiate staff body and an environment which allows them to bring the very best out of each individual child in their academics, in their creativity and in themselves.
I hope that with the return of sunshine and blue skies, that everyone has a lovely and restful weekend.

Warm wishes,

Stuart

Stuart McWilliams
Principal