Michael Hall Parent Portal - 22nd October 2026

Friday Flyer - 22nd October 2026

Dear Michael Hall Community,

I hope that everyone is well and adapting to the noticeably darker mornings, shorter days and a slight drop in temperatures more in keeping with autumn.

I wrote last week about engagement with the wider world and not living an insular life as part of our responsibility as the responsible adult around the children so that we are guiding them towards a world of now and not in any way held back by the shackles of our own past, our (perhaps) outdated and narrow readings, and our own sense of nostalgia – lovely though that is.

This week has been very much one of living in the now as I have been updating policy, ensuring compliance and making sure that we are inspection ready. This is not the most fun aspect of the role, but it is essential in modern schooling to keep the rigging tight at all times; and then to be able to say how you did it, why you do it, show it and show why it all works the way you intended.

Going through this has made me wonder what we would be like if we were completely unshackled to build and run a school. What would we look like? What would we keep that we currently have? What would we change, if anything, in our journey? What would we change in our curriculum content? What would help our pupils feel and be more ready to go out and meet (and hopefully lead) society and the world?

I love the ability to think freely, to be able to consider what could be and not just what is - As my Colleagues know, I like to challenge things.

With my free thinking and being led by my own values, one of the things that would be non-negotiable in an imaginary school, is community and connectedness. Perhaps this is fuelled by one of my latest Ted Talk viewings (which I do not always like as often they present the simple as deeply profound). The talk is given by Johann Hari – Chasing the Scream. From this presentation there is a phrase which sat with me "the opposite of addiction is connection".

As we have seen rising use of screen time, a deterioration of mental health in young people, an increase in misogyny and toxic masculinity, an increase in far left and far right interest from young people, and a polarisation in views in recent times it is clear that young people are looking for a place or people to connect to. What they are not finding is that there are healthy human connections in their daily lives, whereas here at Michael Hall, we do; and it is brilliant!

So, with half term upon us, please enjoy the opportunity to stay connected, make memories, have fun as this will set us all up for a fabulous second half term.

I look forward to greeting you on the gates on the first day back, and to seeing as many of you as possible at the advent events which we will collectively organise and host.

Warm wishes,

Stuart

Stuart McWilliams
Principal