7th July 2023

Dear Michael Hall community,

I had the privilege of attending my first Olympics at Michael Hall last weekend. Yet another incredible event, steeped in history and rooted firmly within the Movement itself. Students from across Europe, as well as the UK, attended and it was quite the spectacle to witness the Opening Ceremony and watch the Games as they unfolded. Even the short, sharp downpour did nothing to dampen spirits and the students conducted themselves with great dignity and sportsmanship throughout. 

While there is a tangible difference around the school this week, with so many of our Upper School students engaged in exciting projects and activities elsewhere, I am still warmed by the sights and sounds that greet me around every corner. From recorder playing in the Lower School building, through the squeals of delight from a group of children hunting through the grass for grasshoppers, to the enthusiasm for an outdoor maths investigation, these are the things that excite and inspire me as I continue along my own personal journey through the school.

Class 8 have their Ball this evening, and their afternoon tea tomorrow. I have no doubt that these will form the basis for some lifelong memories to be formed, in true Steiner fashion. Class 10 are also holding their leavers' events next week and, along with our Sports Day and whole school Leavers' assembly, I think it may be an emotional few days ahead for us all before the summer break arrives.

With best wishes for a restorative weekend,

Sarah Stokes
Principal

Instrumental Lessons at Michael Hall:

Learning to play an acoustic musical instrument is considered the world over to be of fundamental significance to the development of every child. The educational and developmental benefits have been extensively confirmed through scientific research.  You can read about these benefits in this beautiful piece of writing by our Upper School student, Katya in class 9.  

Michael Hall - Upper School Spring Festival

Learning a musical instrument at Michael Hall can be applied for from class 3 upwards. First, though, a choice needs to be made concerning which instrument to learn. Many children have a wish to play a particular instrument which should always be respected. As a general guide, for children in Class 2 or 3, the string instruments (Violin, Viola and ‘Cello) are ideal. The warmth of the melodic sound resonating against the player can be very beneficial for the child and the regular practice develops their dexterity and aural awareness in a wonderfully creative and enlivening way. Wind and brass instruments are more suited to children in Class 4 and above due to the physical demands of playing such instruments. Learning to play the Piano is a wonderful adventure, but it is difficult for younger players to be able to engage with others in a musical experience as considerable skill is needed in order to be able to accompany others on the piano.  As a parent, arranging music lessons for your child is an expensive commitment and yet the skills acquired are eminently transferable. Many of our teachers become aware of which children learn an instrument through observing the children’s work habits in their respective subject lessons, but more importantly, the holistic benefits are profound. 

If you would like your child to begin learning to play an instrument at school from September, please submit an application form by Friday 14th July. Please send them directly to our Instrumental Tuition Coordinator, Rachel Masters: [email protected]. Applications submitted after this date may need to be processed for lessons beginning later in the school year.

Julian Rolton and Rachel Masters

The place to share news of old scholars and what they have been up to since leaving Michael Hall, whether it was last summer or many years ago. 

One of our students from the class of 2010 took an Art Degree at Falmouth University and went on to win the Midas Award in 2014. They then gained an MA in Sculpture at The Royal College of Art in 2017 and are now working as an artist, based in Scotland. 

Take a peek here every Friday to get a picture of where Steiner education takes our children in life. If you have news of an old scholar that you’d be happy to share, please let us know here: [email protected]

Denis Devaris dipl Arch - RIBA was the school architect with his wife Barbara Maria Devaris - Manteuffel dipl Arch - RIBA from 1974-1979. Together they designed and built the Kindergarten, the Middle School and the Theatre. Their Masterplan for the School which included an art and craft block, more classrooms and an outdoor amphitheatre was not realised. His three children Danae, Magda and Soujâtâ attended Michael Hall between 1965 and 1980. 

He married Michaela  Devaris-Halla in 1985 and their three children Ioannis, Iakob and Lucia are all ex scholars of Michael Hall. Several of his grandchildren have also attended Michael Hall, one of whom is currently enjoying their Kindergarten, built 50 years ago. (Click the link to see how it looked back then in this old image from The Courtauld Gallery)

Denis lived In Tenerife in the last 48 years of his life where he continued creating beautiful natural environmental architecture. He died peacefully on 22nd June 2023 in Tenerife age 93 on the night of the summer solstice surrounded by his children.

No Season but the Summer is an ancient myth retold for a world in crisis 

Spring and summer are my mother’s time, autumn and winter are my husband’s. What is left for me?

Long ago a deal was struck: Persephone was shared between her husband and her mother so that the earth could flourish. For nine thousand years she has done what she is told, but this year, when she climbs to earth, bringing spring, she is growing hungry for a life of her own, her mother is growing frail and now her husband wants her only for himself…..

Go here for more info or to order your copy;

https://matildaleyser.co.uk