It is with great excitement that we introduce the entire school community to a project that has been five months in the making, brought to life with immense love and support from our community. Last academic year, Jenny Robertson (Kindergarten teacher), Ian Howard (Estates Manager), and I stood before a bramble-filled patch of land at the back of the Early Childhood site. What began as a shared vision has now blossomed into the Oak Tree Forest Kindergarten. 

One of the most inspiring aspects of this transformation is the sense of purpose and care that greets you the moment you walk through the hand-carved gate—beautifully crafted by Ben Crawshaw from an ash tree that once stood on the site. It radiates the same thoughtful energy that defines Michael Hall’s Early Childhood spaces. 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible site team—Ian, Matt, Pete, Mark, Seb, Cliff, and Jake—who have worked, and continue to work, tirelessly to create safe and beautiful spaces for our children and staff. To our business team (Rowan, Tatiana, Colin and Maria) who helped make the dream a reality. A special thanks to Juhana and his team at Saimaa Construction for designing the stunning shelter that sits at the heart of the Oak Tree Kindergarten, and to Zu from Truroots for providing the woodchip, benches, and tree care, ensuring the space remains both beautiful and safe for children's play. 

We look forward to sharing this wonderful new addition to our school in the coming year.