11th October 2024

Dear Michael Hall Community,

I hope this message finds you well on this fresh and sunny Friday!

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the beautiful weather continues for the Mansion Market tomorrow. Our students have been hard at work preparing their stalls. Class 3 has picked apples, dehydrated the slices, and made apple juice for you to enjoy, while Class 7 will be running a clothing stall. There will be a wide variety of items for sale, and if you happen to pick up a jar of honey, the proceeds will go towards the Children’s Forest Project. 

We are very excited to be welcoming Yael Hamieri-Sansaux into our school over the next two weeks, who will be teaching the History of Architecture Main Lesson to Class 12. Yael is an eminent architect and has delivered the History of Architecture Main Lesson in New York for a number of years. She will also be doing a talk for parents and Emmeline Hawker will be writing to you all about that shortly.

We are excited to announce that our long-awaited communication platform, Firefly, is now live. You can use it to access information such as homework and attendance.

Lastly, as Head of Inclusion, I wish to extend huge gratitude to my team, and the teachers they work alongside, who are all working incredibly hard to ensure that our school is inclusive for all children. There is much work that goes on behind the scenes, to ensure that all of our students are not only engaging in learning in ways that suit their learning styles but are also happy and comfortable. Expansion of the Inclusion team is also underway, to ensure we can continue to provide the best support possible for our students. Alongside the general curriculum, a range of additional support is also ongoing. Our Eurythmy therapist is working with students in the Lower and Middle School to support their retained reflexes and self-development. Additionally, we continue to offer counselling and art counselling. If you think your child could benefit from these services, or if you’d like more information, please feel free to contact either me or our pastoral lead, Maria.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Chloe Martin
Head of Inclusion

Toy Donations Needed
The Advent Fair Team is now welcoming second-hand toy donations made from natural materials. Examples include wooden toys, musical instruments, stationary such as wax crayons and colouring pencils, wool or cotton dolls and teddies, steel kitchenware, card packs, puzzles and more. 
Please ensure that toys are in good, usable condition. 
Donations can be placed in the collection box at reception. 
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Advent Fair Crafting Workshops
Open to all Early Childhood parents, including Parent & Child, Saplings and Kindergarten groups. 
Mondays after drop off, starting next week! Join us on the following dates: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Oct, 11th, 18th Nov. For location details please email: [email protected] or check your WhatsApp groups.
Alternatively, join us in the canteen on Thursdays after drop off, until 9:45 am. Dates are: 10th, 17th, 24th Oct & 7th, 17th and 21st Nov.
Learn to make beautiful window stars, star lanterns and more for the Advent Fair.
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Advent fair decoration team
We need keen volunteers to join our work force, there are 3 teams that need participation, would you like to join one or more of the teams?

• creation - would you like to be involved in making decorations for the 100th advent fair?
• set up - are you good at making things look beautiful?
• take down - do you have stamina after eating all those many waffles 🤣

If you are interested and would like to know what it entails, please contact Laeony at the advent fair team, we really need you [email protected]

Work started this week on one of our centenary projects, with the maintenance team preparing the tunnel between the Lower and Middle School, ready for Class 7a to start their mural painting next week. Over the course of the year, we are planning for each class to create something beautiful around the school, to mark this special year. Keep an eye out around the grounds, as things start popping up!

Joe Sharp- Brass Teacher

Joe Sharp is a London-based performer and educator who plays with the London Symphony Orchestra and London Concert Orchestra, and in West End shows like *Matilda* and *Mrs. Doubtfire*. He’s appeared on soundtracks such as *The Hobbit* and holds a first-class honours degree from the Royal College of Music. Joe teaches brass and music theory privately, coaches county ensembles for West Sussex Music, and was Head of Music at Moira House Girls School. He also records original music, playing trumpet, bass, guitar, and singing on several of his own albums.

Kidbrooke Park Music Festival News:

Saturday November 2nd 
11 am - Enjoy a brilliant piano recital by the virtuoso pianist Nikita Burzanitsa. Coffee served pre concert. 
3 - 4.30 pm - Painting to Music, a workshop with acclaimed artist James Mayhew. Limited spaces, book soon!
7.30 pm - Palisander, the spectacular recorder quartet, don't miss! 

Sunday November 3rd 
3 pm - Festival Chamber Orchestra with our own KP Youth Orchestra. 

A wonderful afternoon of French music, live painting and youthful enthusiasm!

Be transported by the impressionistic sounds of Debussy and Ravel, performed by a group of outstanding musicians from London's major orchestras. Our horn player is an ex MH pupil, who will also perform one of his own compositions! 

Tickets to all events can be brought online at kpmusicfestival.org, or on the door, cash only. Book soon!

Shoana Taylor Qualified Breathwork and well-being coach works from Anderida practise Forest Row. Breathwork is highly beneficial for self-regulation, emotional release, stress, anxiety, stuck patterns and excellent for health and vitality.

www.7pathswellbeing.com - 07850168898