Friday Flyer                                                                                         24th January 2025

Happy Birthday Michael Hall School!

On Monday this week, we celebrated 100 years since the School first opened its doors, originally in Streatham in 1925; and finally moving to our current location at Kidbrooke Park in 1945. 

It was wonderful to start the year’s celebrations with a school festival for our current students and staff. As a whole school we shared memories of the past, gave gratitude for right now and made wishes for the future. There was a true sense of community throughout the day, as all areas of the School were able to come together.

The School started the day reflecting and gathering memories in Main Lesson. After break we participated in a spiral at our opening ceremony casting our wishes or gratitude to the Fire of Dreams. Following Ms Hawker’s welcome speech, we were led by Mr Rolton in song. Classes then shared the stage during assembly, showcasing comradery as Classes 1 and 12, for example, joined in a short Eurythmy performance; and Classes 6 & 7 displayed fashion throughout the decades. In between skits, guest speakers spoke of their time at Michael Hall and gave a glimpse into the history of the School. We all came together outside the Mansion, for a lunch of home-made organic golden vegetable soup, prepared by our in-house team, and bread from a local baker.

This was followed by a gathering in front field of the Mansion, where we enjoyed the visual representation of community as we stood hand-in-hand in an enormous circle and had many a giggle as we waved to each other. We then feasted on the generous offering of 600 cupcakes kindly donated by parents, which were set upon a 10-tier cake stand, each with a 10-pointed star. Finally finishing the day with a time capsule burial with contributions from every class, placed into the ground in front of the Mansion by our eldest pupil, Jessika Hulbert, Chair of Wealden District Council, and our dear Stephen Sheen; connecting the past, present and future generations of Michael Hall School.

Thank you to all that contributed to making the day so special. It was a lovely way to start our celebrations and are looking forward to celebrating with the wider community throughout the year. Keep an eye on our social media pages and our website over the coming weeks for photo updates of the day.

I would also like to give a huge thanks to all those, past and present, who have played a part in supporting Michael Hall School in reaching its centennial milestone. Without you all, we would not be here, thank you.

We will be continuing the celebrations throughout the year with further parties, workshops, open grounds, and special events, for more information see our page for updates https://www.michaelhall.co.uk/news-and-events/centenary .

Many thanks,
Tatiana Sowter
Head of Operations

The Practice-athon begins. The Music Department has decided to take on a challenge this half term and raise some funds in support of Music for All (https://www.musicforall.org.uk/), a charity that improves access to musical opportunities for those in disadvantaged communities across the UK. With access to music lessons and instruments a real challenge in many parts of the country, Music for All aims to help people 'experience the joy and far reaching benefits of making music'. 

We thought it would be fun to challenge our pupils and students to a practice-athon: a 4 week practice marathon with the double aim of helping them build good practice routines whilst raising a small amount for a worthy cause. 

The start date is up to each of our wonderful Visting Music Teachers, but if anyone learning an instrument outside of school would like to take part, do speak to the Music Department.

Candlemas Concert on 2nd February celebrating the music of 2 Alumni of Michael Hall.

Do come and hear the sublime tenor, James Gilchrist singing in Forest Row on 2^nd February. James is one of the finest singers around, and a chance to hear him locally is not one to be missed. Vaughan Williams' song cycle On Wenlock Edge is a timeless masterpiece and will sit beautifully alongside pieces by Benjamin Britten and 2 Michael Hall alumni, Gregers Brinch and Ncholas Korth. Mozart's Horn Quintet opens the programme.

Please do support this venture so close to home. It will certainly be one to treasure. For any further information email: [email protected]

Music Department