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Friday Flyer                                                                                       14th February 2025

Dear Michael Hall Community,

In Early Childhood, from Candlemas onwards, we often share stories of the snowdrop. My colleagues hold many snowdrop stories in their hearts—tales that, in the powerful way stories do, speak of hope, generosity, the beauty of difference, and kindness. It feels fitting that our inset today carries a similar theme, as we come together as a teaching community to learn, grow our skills, and reflect on the children in our care with gratitude and reverence.

This deep care is shown in many ways-by the guardians and teachers who stand watch over Upper School students jumping and twirling to music at their recent ball late into the night, by teachers who leave the comforts of home to hike mountains or sleep on farms with their classes, and by our pastoral team, who hold the wellbeing of so many. It is present in our site team, who ensure our safety, our mansion staff (Admissions, Operations, HR, Catering, and Finance), who provide the foundation that allows us to serve our community so fully, and, of course, in you—our dear families.

Our school is built upon the very values we introduce to our youngest children, and we are grateful that you choose to be such an integral part of this community.

Wishing you a wonderful half-term on behalf of us all,

Rachel Ford Blanchard
Head of Early Childhood

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13 Feb 2025
Goodbye Miss Lane!
Class 5b said goodbye to Miss Lane this week, as she goes on maternity leave. The class and parents are so excited for her to start her journey as a mum, but also sad to lose her as their teacher after five wonderful years with them! As a thank you for her time with the class, the children pres...
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Mr. Caffrey will be running 42km in the Brighton Marathon on April 6th for Alzheimer's society charity.

You can donate to their JustGiving page by clicking here https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-caffrey-1724611377156?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM

JustGiving sends your donation straight to Alzheimer's Society and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.

Thank you for your support!

Class 12 Play - The Crucible

12 Feb 2025
Class 12 Play - The Crucible
Class 12 are hard at work rehearsing their play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. During half term they will be in the theatre working - something every class 12 has done since the mid 1980's - and possibly further back than that! They will build the set, help with costumes, and most importantly re...
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CONGRATULATIONS to all of our instrumentalists who, thus far, have taken part in the Practice-athon in aid of 'Music for All'. The challenge is to practise at least 5 times a week and to memorise and perform a set piece. There has been a lively buzz amongst our young musicians, practising, fundraising, comparing notes, and the instrumental teachers have noticed wonderful progress! As so many children have already completed their practice-athon, we had to split up the concluding performances over several lunchtime concerts these last two weeks. Almost every student played their piece from memory, in front of their friends, teachers and parents - a fantastic achievement. Mr. Casciano's piano students begin their Practice-athon after the half-term break as the pianists prepare for their end-of-term concert

We will know soon after the half-term break how much money has already been raised, but it looks to be a very generous amount. You have all been very supportive and we know that 'Music for All' will be delighted. In fact, the charity sent the following earlier this week:

It's fantastic to hear that so many of your music students have been taking part in a practice-athon, and raising money to support us! Fundraising events make a huge difference to us, and provide crucial funds to enable us to support music making opportunities for disadvantaged communities and individuals. 

The Music Department 

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Dear Alumni, Old Scholars, and Friends of Michael Hall,

Join us for High Tea at Kidbrooke Park Mansion on Saturday 5th April 2025, 1:30-pm- 5.30pm. Enjoy delicious refreshments, celebrate our shared history, reconnect with old friends over delightful conversations, reminisce, and take part in a special tree-planting ceremony to mark our shared achievements.

This free event is in appreciation of our community. Please spread the word and encourage fellow Alumni and Old Scholars to join us.

RSVP via this link
We can't wait to welcome you back!


Centenary Auction 💫

We’re inviting our wonderful community to contribute to our Michael Hall Centenary Auction which will go live on 22nd April! Whether it’s a handmade craft, a high-quality secondhand item or a voucher for your business, your donation will help us raise essential funds for our centenary projects.

How It Works:

💫Submit Your Donation – Add your item directly to our auction site or email here with questions.

💫 Administrator Approval – All submissions are reviewed before being listed to ensure they align with the auction guidelines.

💫 Auction Opens – Once approved, your donation will be showcased online for bidding.

💫 Winning Bids – When the auction closes on 24th May, winners will be notified, and we’ll coordinate collection or delivery of the items.

Your generosity makes a difference and thank you for helping us continue to celebrate 100 years of Michael Hall!

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The time for Winter infrastructure development in the garden is coming to an end. Now I'm in the process of preparing the polytunnels for late Feb and March sowing and transplanting.

The soil's clay composition can lead to compaction which reduces the ability of water, air, and roots to permeate and move through the soil which has a significant impact on plant growth and health.

I'm using a mixture of leaf mould, potting grit and sharp sand to promote a more open soil structure and this could also speed up the warming of the soil which is another important factor in early veg production.

If you'd like to receive regular lists of available biodynamic plants and produce from the walled garden, then please join the WhatsApp group through this invitation link-

https://chat.whatsapp.com/DtQWUb7h3ZB1HaIHvJ1FaR

Darshan Robson
School Market Gardner

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Dear Alumni and Old Scholars, 

We warmly invite you to our Alumni Tea & Talk session with Ingrid, on Saturday 22nd February, a special gathering to reconnect, reminisce, share ideas, hear your suggestions and celebrate our shared history. This year marks 100 years of our school's legacy, and we would love for you to be part of this milestone. Join us for a delightful morning of conversation over tea as we reflect on the past and look forward to the exciting Centenary celebrations and events ahead. We can't wait to welcome you back to celebrate together! 
RSVP: [email protected] 

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Parinirvana Day (Buddist)
All Day
15
February
Class 12 Play Rehearsal Week
All Day
From 17 Feb until 21 Feb
17
February
Half Term
All Day
From 17 Feb until 21 Feb
17
February
International Languages Day
All Day
21
February
Term begins
All Day
24
February
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Work experience wanted
Hello, My name is Rino, I’m 18 years old, and I’m Waldorf pupil from Italy.
I really would like to have a work experience over the summer (mid June to late July), and learn more about the place, the culture, people and improve my English. 
It would be great if I could have a room with a family in the village and/or close to the place of work. I’m happy to explore options. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your help! Rino
[email protected] 

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