Michael Hall Parent Portal - Friday Flyer 12th January

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12th January 2024

Dear Michael Hall Community,

It has been wonderful to welcome everyone back this week, although perhaps not initially as smoothly as we might have wished. Thank you so much to all parents in Lower School classes for your patience and understanding on Monday when our building was unable to be reopened. Thankfully, the issue was resolved and, within 24 hours, we had everyone back on site. The flurry of snow that then followed caused suitable excitement among children, young and old, and for some staff members who shall remain nameless! Suffice it to say, many in our community would have welcomed a heavier snowfall so that real fun could have been had.

We have also welcomed the Principal from the Island Waldorf School in Cyprus to Michael Hall this week. It was humbling to be able to show her around our wonderful school with such pride, while learning more from her about how her school runs in sunnier climes. I am delighted to think that this will be the start of a strong working partnership between our two communities, with all of the potentially exciting opportunities that this connection across the seas could create for our students.

By now, you may be aware that three schools within the Waldorf UK movement are closing, which came as devastating news within our own school community when I shared it yesterday. Our thoughts are with those staff members, children and families in all three schools who are being directly affected by these dramatic changes in their circumstances.

This news has offered us the opportunity to pause whilst we think of our sister schools and communities. We feel ourselves to be extremely fortunate that with the ongoing support and dedication of staff and the wider community, we continue to be able to navigate our way through challenges that come our way. Our school along with many other schools within Waldorf UK, continues to grow in pupil numbers and in all aspects of confidence and practice.

With my warmest wishes for a very happy and prosperous 2024,

Sarah Stokes
Principal

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12 Jan 2024

Class 5a Poems

As part of their year-long 'tree journal projects', over the holidays, Class 5a have written poems and created artwork about their chosen trees.

12 Jan 2024

Class 8a Fundraising Event

Come and enjoy a Film Night in our School Theatre. It's a fundraiser for Class 8a as well as for the Theatre itself. Friday 26th January, 7pm. Hosted by Class 8a, there will be popcorn, snacks, and drinks available, which you can bring into the theatre with you! You can pay for...

08 Jan 2024

Talent Show

Tickets for the Talent Show are now available online and in Reception. Click here to buy online. Please note that this event is for Classes 6 and above only.

A Warm Welcome from Your Inclusion Coordinator (INCo)

Dear Michael Hall Community,

Just a brief message from myself this week. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to the staff and students for the kind and enthusiastic welcome to the school community. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming term and beyond.

Secondly, I would like to share a resource that I believe will be of interest and relevance. The East Sussex Local Offer is your go-to hub for all things related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the local area. Explore https://localoffer.eastsussex.gov.uk/ for a wealth of information, services, resources, and upcoming events. In particular, the 'Activities and Events' section, featuring the SEND Connect East Sussex newsletter, Class+ sessions, and the Amaze support service, may be of interest to parents and guardians. These platforms are a great way to foster connections within our community and join supportive networks to share similar experiences.

I look forward to fostering strong relationships and working with you all. Let’s embark on this new journey together, united in our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Respectfully,

Chloe Martin, INCo

Parent Movement Sessions

Dear Parents,

We would like to invite you to join us for some playful games and conscious movement sessions on Wednesday mornings. You will get a chance to meet other parents in a fun and interactive way, ask questions about the Waldorf movement curriculum and learn a series of Bothmer exercises to help bring a drop of balance and harmony to the week.

The sessions are drop-in, free and all are welcome. All you need is a pair of indoor trainers and a willingness to move and play. We meet and register at 8.20am in reception.

Please email Arthur on [email protected] if you have any questions.

The Gym Team

Advent Festival of Music

It was a joy to see the Theatre packed out for our Advent Festival of Music at the end of last term. To be able to present our pupils' and students' musical achievements to such a warm-hearted audience was a blessing, and for the young people to receive such a fulsome standing ovation at the end was uplifting. So, it was decidedly humbling to discover that over £720 had been given in donations to Music at Michael Hall by you, the audience. Thank you.

Where do we direct such generosity? All monies donated following this event are directed towards helping our young children begin the wonderful journey of making music through the adventure of learning a musical instrument. Each year the donations fund both the Class 2 String Experience and the repair or purchase of instruments. Investing in our music provision is an ongoing necessity and this year, we are looking to purchase both a clarinet and a flute to lend out to budding young musicians following the recent demonstrations given by our wonderful Visiting Instrumental Teachers.