Michael Hall Parent Portal - 15th March 2024

${item_alt_tag}$

15th March 2024

Dear Michael Hall Community,

As we approach the renaissance of the year in the form of Easter, I would like to talk briefly about a project I have been working on this year to refresh the Upper School Main lesson curriculum.

As part of this project we have gone right back to Steiner's original indications for the pedagogy of the Upper School and tracked how the curriculum has evolved over the last 100 years. We have had the privilege of poring through a selection of Main Lesson books from alumni to see visually what this important part of our education has looked like over the years.

I will be organising an evening for Waldorf alumni early in the Summer term, details of which I will share soon, to hear and see memories (the good and the bad!) and tease out the golden threads to take forward. If you have attended a Waldorf school in the past, please keep your eyes open for this event.

Finally, on INSET day, I ran a "Design Thinking" workshop with Upper School colleagues so we can look at tangible ways we can revitalise our offering. As it happens, our Upper School main lesson curriculum is, on the whole, just as pedagogically robust as it was when it was conceived, but by "reconsciousness-ing" it, we hope we can make it stronger and more relevant than ever for our 100^th year celebrations next year.

It looks like weatherwise we have a cold and wet snap coming up, so I hope you have a weekend filled with sunshine in your thoughts!

Emmeline Hawker
Director of Studies

${item_alt_tag}$

15 Mar 2024

Class 5a Ancient Greek Pottery

This week Class 5a looked at various types of Ancient Greek pottery and the children created their own designs based on real pots. The class will visit the British Museum in May to see other examples of Greek pottery.

14 Mar 2024

Class 3 Play 'Joseph'

Class 3 rose to the challenge of performing their 45-minute play Joseph, which involved learning a lot of fast-paced dialogue and a range of songs that transported the audience. They shone in their passion and their loud and clear voices as they related the ancient and moving tale from the...

12 Mar 2024

Class 5b play 'Into The Labyrinth'

Thesus, a young boy from Troizen, sets out on a journey to find his father and become a man. On the way, he comes across many obstacles, kills man-eating giants and outwits an evil Queen. But, at his father's palace, he is sacrificed to the Bull-dance, a dance created to honour Poseido...

${item_alt_tag}$

You are warmly invited to this year's Eurythmy Festival.

Classes 3 to 8 will be sharing work from their eurythmy lessons this year, on Thursday the 21st of March. 10.30 meeting outside reception for a 10.50 start. Finishing by 12.20.

UPPER SCHOOL SPRING FESTIVAL

Wednesday 20th March 2024 7pm in the Theatre

Next Wednesday, on the day of the spring equinox, we are presenting our annual Upper School Spring Festival. To date, the programme consists of speech, eurythmy, gymnastics, much music including the whole Upper School singing Libera Me from Faure's Requiem, Combustion Chemistry, Art, Craft and Photography displays, items from Main Lessons, recitations and solo performances. Many of these items have been offered by the students themselves and all we can say is, do whatever you can not to miss it!

The Festival is intended for people of Class 8 age and upwards. All the Upper School students are participating and are asked to arrive at the Dick Chester Studio by 6:30pm. Their dress code is any combination of black and white with a hint of green.

We look forward to seeing everyone there,

The Upper School Faculty.

New Clarinets and Flutes:

At the Advent Festival of Music, I shared our wish for a new clarinet and a new flute that our pupils could use as they begin their instrumental journeys. We are delighted to announce that we have both! Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many of you, we have purchased a fine flute and have been donated an excellent clarinet both of which are already being played. Both Emily Finnemore and Anna Thomas, our superb clarinet and flute teachers have space in their timetables for more pupils, so do consider signing your child up for lessons.

You can download the application form from our website (Music page) or you are very welcome to contact either Julian Rolton ([email protected]) or Rachel Masters ([email protected]) for a conversation.

The benefits of learning an instrument are profound, so do apply whilst space is available.

With warmest wishes,

The Music Department.

Association Meeting

On Saturday, 9^th of March the Trustees were delighted to welcome our Principal, Sarah Stokes and Fran Russell from Waldorf UK to address the school’s Association Members. Fran's talk on ‘Creating a Secure Future for Waldorf Education’ was inspiring, encouraging and was very well received by the Association. Sarah contextualised much of Fran's vision in terms of what it means for Michael Hall School. Michael Hall School and Waldorf UK will continue in their close collaboration and Fran is very happy to return and address the whole school community on this subject. Watch this space.

${item_alt_tag}$

Class 6a Trip to Natural History Museum

All Day

March

Class 8a Play - The Dark is Rising!

7:00pm – 9:00pm

March

Class 8a Play - The Dark is Rising!

Nowruz (Iranian/Persian New Year)

Upper School Spring Festival

7:00pm – 9:00pm

March

Lower School Eurythmy Festival

${item_alt_tag}$

Looking for a Pedal Harp

Hello! I am looking for a harp to rent.

I am currently renting a harp, but I have to return it at the end of the month, so I am looking for another one as I really want to continue playing. Please let me know if you or anyone you know has a pedal harp that is not in use. Thank you!
Lina (Class 12)

Please click here to get in touch.

Accomodation needed

Looking for a 1 or 2 bed property to rent in or around Forest Row. I'm a full-time Gardener at Emerson College, and I'm looking for a place to make my home. A garden would be wonderful. I can provide excellent references and will need to give 1 month's notice to where I am now. Please do get in touch if you know of anything. Thank you so much, Janine 07940 361607 or email [email protected]

${item_alt_tag}$