3rd May 2024
Dear Michael Hall Community,
This week has been significant in that it has marked the first exams taking place (with Art and Photography GCSEs and A-level) and the 1st of May, May Day (not to be confused with the distress call "m'aider").
I have been regularly checking in with our exam students and have been extremely impressed and moved by the emotions and observations they have been artistically expressing in some very imaginative ways. I wish them all the very best of luck.
May Day is one of the cheeriest festivals of the year with colourful flowers, joyful music and dancing around the Maypole to celebrate the beginning of summer. Interestingly, there are many different kinds of Maypole found around the world; some with colourful ribbons, and others with no ribbons but garlands or decorated rings hanging from them. The origin of the Maypole has been lost in time but the earliest written record in England referring to one was from the 14th Century.
The beginning of the summer also marks out the turning out of the cows, which is always a joy to watch and I love to visit Plaw Hatch each year on the turning out of the cows day. Unfortunately this year, they had to make an on the day decision to turn them out yesterday but I'm really glad they're out enjoying the grass now and managed to watch a few of their hops and skips which Plaw Hatch kindly published on their social media accounts.
Wishing you a lush-grass-enjoying Bank Holiday weekend,
With warm regards,
Emmeline Hawker
Director of Studies
Many of you will have heard of, remember or know of Simon Shirley, a parent, grandparent and colleague at Michael Hall over many years. A vibrant man bringing education to many across the world and with a strong connection to Kenya. Sadly and unexpectedly, but peacefully, he passed away on Tuesday afternoon in Kilifi, Kenya. Plans are being made for an opportunity to come together to celebrate his life and share memories. This is likely to be towards the end of May and will be shared. Holding his family in our hearts at this time.
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