8th November 2024

Dear Michael Hall Community,

As we edge into the darkness of the year, the importance of carrying a light for ourselves and for others seems more relevant than ever. Also known as the Festival of Compassion, Martinmas is a time of reflection on how we give to others while still remaining strong ourselves. Like St Martin, giving half his cloak to someone in need, but keeping half himself, we seek to find connection and give resources that will support our community while at the same time, maintaining the ability to carry our own light in the metaphorical darkness that we all experience.   

We work closely with this festival in Early Childhood and the first few class years. The richness of holding a delicate flame through the cold and dark of the night, being brave, being resourceful, singing with reverence and sharing beauty together all result in a weaving of empathy towards all.   

From all of us carrying our lanterns into the night, holding hope for all,  

Rachel Ford Blanchard 
Head of Early Childhood 

Origami Paper:

If any of you have a forgotten or not needed pack, a half pack or even a few sheets of unused origami paper, the Pastoral Room would love to have them! Please leave any donations in reception or hand them to me at the school gate by the Gym in the mornings.

Many thanks, Maria

David Smith Memorial Service: 16^th November, 2pm, Long Room, Michael Hall School  

Our dear friend and teacher David Smith passed earlier this year, his funeral was held in the summer, it was attended by his family, friends, and also former pupils from across all the schools that David had taught in.

We are hosting a memorial service for David at the School, to remember and celebrate David's life. An afternoon of sharing our memories of David, favourite music and songs of his, and a look at David's sculptural works.

The service will be in the Long Room at 2pm on Saturday 16^th November and will be followed by a bring and share supper, where further sharing of David's life can be held in a more informal setting amongst friends and family. 

Michael Hall Garden Produce whatsapp group

This group is designed to sell produce and plants from Michael Hall's biodynamic Walled Garden. 

Twice a week Darshan, the Market Gardener, will post a message on the group, explaining what is available that week.

An example of an order might be:

French Beans x 2
Cabbage
Basil
Peppers x 2
Aubergine
Lettuce

All orders are collected from the shop next to the School's main entrance on Wednesdays and Fridays.

We hope you enjoy some delicious local biodynamic produce!

Click the link below to join the WhatsApp group.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DtQWUb7h3ZB1HaIHvJ1FaR

Toy Donations Needed
The Advent Fair Team is now welcoming second-hand toy donations made from natural materials. Examples include wooden toys, musical instruments, stationary such as wax crayons and colouring pencils, wool or cotton dolls and teddies, steel kitchenware, card packs, puzzles and more. 
Please ensure that toys are in good, usable condition. 
Donations can be placed in the collection box at reception. 
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Advent Fair Crafting Workshops
Open to all Early Childhood parents, including Parent & Child, Saplings and Kindergarten groups. 
Mondays after drop off, starting next week! Join us on the following dates: 11th, 18th Nov. For location details please email: [email protected] or check your WhatsApp groups.
Alternatively, join us in the canteen on Thursdays after drop off, until 9:45 am. Dates are: 17th and 21st Nov.
Learn to make beautiful window stars, star lanterns and more for the Advent Fair.
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Advent fair decoration team
We need keen volunteers to join our work force! There are 3 teams that need participation- would you like to join one or more of the teams?

• Creation - would you like to be involved in making decorations for the 100th advent fair?
• Set up - are you good at making things look beautiful?
• Take down - do you have stamina after eating all those many waffles 🤣

If you are interested and would like to know what it entails, please contact Laeony at the advent fair team: [email protected] We really need you!

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Advent Wreath Making
If you are keen to learn to make a wreath or are already a whizz, 
do join us in creating wreaths to sell at the Advent Fair. 

• Wednesday, 13th November (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) 
  Workshop creating moss and evergreen bases. 
  Please bring gardening gloves and secateurs. 
  Location: Canteen
   
• Sunday, 17th November (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) 
  Do bring lunch if you can stay the whole day! 
  This will be our main day of making the wreaths. If you can just do the morning, afternoon or an hour or so, that would be great too. 
  Please bring gardening gloves and secateurs. 
  Location: Canteen
   
• Wednesday, 20th November (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
  We’ll decorate and make decorations for the wreaths.
  Please bring gardening gloves, secateurs and a glue gun if you have one.
  Location: Canteen

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Candle Dipping Tickets
Candle dipping tickets will be on sale on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th Nov at reception between 8-8.30am, cash and card accepted. Tickets are limited to 4 per transaction. All under 10s must be accompanied by an adult.

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Prizes Needed
Hi everyone, The Advent Fair is drawing near and we are looking for any items or services that you can donate as prizes, please contact James on [email protected]…

Anything from an unwanted painting to a free holiday rental and everything in between will be gladly accepted. Thanks so much, James

Melissa Matthews
Attendance Officer & Safeguarding Support

Hi, I'm Melissa. Bertie (my 5-year-old son) and I relocated in the summer to be able to join Michael Hall. I am Waldorf Early Childhood trained and I have a welfare/pastoral background in education, the Prison Service and with the military. 

We love everything relating to nature, the seasons and the sea! We decided to live in Hove and commute the stunningly beautiful drive to school.

Bertie and I do everything together; we particularly enjoy beach combing, cooking, stargazing and dancing!

Accomodation available

Ground floor, self-contained Annex suitable for one person or couple has become vacant and is available for immediate rent. It is situated very close to Michael Hall School; has own entrance, use of a wonderful garden,1 bedroom, 1 living room, 1 bathroom, and kitchen. Very reasonable monthly rent. For more details, please contact Susan Masters for viewing on 01342 822758.

ASHDOWN FOREST MINDFULNESS NATURE BATHING – 7B Fundraiser

Join nature-lover and mindfulness instructor, Tansy on a peaceful stroll thorough our beautiful local forests, followed by tea, snacks and  a gratitude practice.

This mindfulness-based practice of Forest Bathing, by walking slowly and attentively in nature to connect to the environment through all of your senses, started in Japan in the early 1980s.

Today the practice has been scientifically proven to be an effective support for mental health illness and emotional wellbeing.

When: 30 November 9:30am or 1:00pm (2 sessions of small groups of max 12 people) Where: Ashdown Forest

What to expect: General walking, mindfulness, ending with tea, nourishing snacks and a time to share experiences.

Tickets are 28.00 per person. Proceeds go to funding school trips for class 7B in 2025. Please click here to book. 

To book click here. Half price tickets for all Michael Hall parents.
Please use the code Elephantclassroom"