15th November 2024

Dear Michael Hall Community,

This week I was talking with a child and they said to me, "Mrs Courtenay, that means that every day I learn something.”

“Well that’s wonderful,” I replied. “I will now let you into a secret; every day I learn something too!”

Michael Hall School is a remarkable place and lessons are not always learnt in the classroom as one might at first think. 'Every day is a learning day' has become a bit of a cliché, but if it’s true then that’s ok.

Then yesterday at the Open Morning I looked out of the Long Room window, up the south lawn and beyond into the valley field, to be reminded that we are surrounded by stunning nature and the turning of time. How grateful I am for our school, the community and the gentle impact of nature. Right now it is the flaming radiant colours of autumn and the leaves which fly around and are often caught by children in the playground. A reminder of how to live in the moment, be present and with nature.

Behind the scenes, there is a lot going on by way of preparation for Advent, the Advent Fair, Eurythmy performances from class 12 and 3, carols and the Advent Festival of Music, the Shepherds play and all manner of other activities.

Wishing you a productive weekend and thank you to everyone in advance for all your hard work!

Jacqueline Courtenay
Head of Lower and Middle School 

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

The Advent Fair team and Michael Hall School would like to invite retired teachers of Michael Hall School for the opening ceremony of our Centenary Advent Fair this year. The children of class 4 will be joyfully singing to celebrate the opening and we would like to share this and celebrate teachers who have taught generations of children in the past at Michael Hall. If you would like to join us in this capacity please gather with us at 11:30am on the 23rd at Michael Hall in the area between the theatre and the Dick Chester.

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. 
__________________________________________________________

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: 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.
__________________________________________________________

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!

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. 

• 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

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.

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

Calling all parents who run businesses!
We invite you to promote your business to a wide local audience whilst supporting Michael Hall’s 100th Anniversary Advent Fair!

Make a raffle prize donation and in return your business will be featured in our special commemorative Advent Fair programme, shared with all attendees.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business and connect with the community.

We have 5 spaces left so don’t miss out - contact us by tomorrow, Sat 16th November, to secure your spot!

Call Tatiana on 07341 413912 or email [email protected]

Calling all musicians!

Do you sing or play an instrument? Are you keen to perform? We're looking for buskers to perform at the advent fair on 23rd November for slots 11am - 4 pm. That's children and parents! Get in touch with us on [email protected]

We are busily planning behind the scenes for our grand Centenary Day in January, and would love to invite past teachers and staff who have been a part of Michael Halls rich history to join us. Would you like to be join us in our celebrations? Please email [email protected] if you are interested.

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.

Accomodation wanted

We are relocating from stunning Western Australia and Yallingup Steiner school where our daughter has attended, to join Michael Hall from January 2025. Currently looking for accommodation to help us settle in Forest Row or the surrounding areas. We are arriving in London from Australia on 16 December. We have great references from previous rentals both in Australia and in the UK. Please contact Kasia [email protected] or Martin [email protected] if you may have a one or two bedroom, temporary or more permanent accommodation. Thank you. 

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. 

Festive Wreaths – A Creative Workshop

This will be a relaxed and inspiring few hours where you will be shown creative ways of seeing and arranging, working with carefully curated selection of natural forms. Concessions are available so please do get in touch via email or txt. 

Warmest wishes Janine