Old Michaelian News

Double Olympian Lizzy joins BBC Punditry team

Old Michaelian and double Olympic skeleton champion Lizzy Yarnold has been in Milano Cortina for the Winter Olympics this month as part of BBC's Expert Punditry Team covering the event. 

Lizzy won a gold medal in skeleton in Sochi in 2024 and defended her title in PyeongChang in 2018, making her Britain's most successful Winter Olympian. 

We are so proud of Lizzy and her role in the global event!

Pro-netballer Jess inspires pupils

We have been so lucky to welcome Jess Haynes, Old Michaelian and professional netball player to St Michael's this past week to lead netball sessions with the girls. Jess has played for Leeds Rhinos in the Netball Superleague and is currently in Melbourne, Australia playing for Casey Demons.

The girls loved the sessions and threw themselves into every drill with real enthusiasm, leaving the courts buzzing with energy and inspiration. Her visit not only sharpened their skills but also gave them a glimpse of what dedication and passion can lead to, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

Nicky Denton, Head of Girls' Games

A musical week with Alex!

Last week, we were delighted to welcome back former St Michael’s pupil Alex as part of his work experience placement from King's School Rochester. Alex, a former Music Scholar at St Michael's and current Music Scholar at King's, immersed himself fully in the Music Department across Pre‑Prep and Prep, spending much of his time supporting pupils in classroom lessons.

A particular highlight of his visit was the inspirational assembly he delivered to Pre‑Prep. The children were captivated as Alex shared video clips from his earliest musical ventures - including footage of him learning the clarinet in Year 1 and performing a solo in a concert. He spoke to the children about the need for perseverance and passion, as well as good practice routines to make progress as a musician.

Alex performed a selection of jazz pieces on a variety of saxophones and taught the children about woodwind instruments and the people who had inspired him on his journey. Prep pupils also benefited from his expertise through several woodwind workshop activities, where Alex taught classes how to use a mouthpiece correctly, handle reeds and create their first sounds.

We thank him for inspiring our young musicians and look forward to seeing where his talent and enthusiasm take him next.

Alex said: “I have loved my week of work experience which has been really varied and provided a great insight into life in the Music Department. Particular highlights have been taking part in a Pre-Prep assembly and helping in Music classes which is where I began my own musical journey 12 years ago. I also enjoyed assisting with the first rehearsal of the newly formed Orchestra in Prep.”

Gordon Baird, Director of Music