Old Michaelian News

Welcoming Old Michaelian Lizzy Yarnold to Prize Giving

 

This year's Prep Prize Giving was a joyful celebration of pupils’ achievements across the school. We were especially pleased to welcome back Old Michaelian Lizzy Yarnold as our guest speaker. Lizzy shared thoughtful reflections on perseverance and embracing new challenges which the children listened to with real enthusiasm. Her visit added a wonderful sense of connection to the school’s history and the evening felt both uplifting and full of pride for all that our pupils have accomplished over the academic year.

 

Finlay interviews Lizzy Yarnold

On Tuesday afternoon, I had the chance to speak with Old Michaelian Lizzy Yarnold, a Double Olympic Skeleton Champion. She was lovely to talk to and a truly inspirational person.

Naturally, I asked her about her sporting career and how she got into skeleton. Lizzy explained that she had always enjoyed sport at school, was very ambitious and wanted to follow her own path. While at university, she signed up for a talent search programme which ultimately led her to become one of Team GB's greatest winter athletes.

Lizzy also spoke about the emotions she felt after Matt Weston won Olympic gold. She admitted that she found watching him compete more stressful than winning gold herself. She said, "I think the wonderful thing about sport is it has this power to bring people together. It's our goal as Great British athletes, or whichever nationality you are, to have that shared achievement."

Since retiring from competition, Lizzy has built a successful career as a sports commentator, using her skills, experience, and knowledge to help viewers appreciate sport even more. She is also an executive coach, helping businesses to "improve their game with their decision-making". Alongside her career, she is also a mother to three daughters.

Lizzy left me with one piece of advice that I will always remember: "You are your biggest cheerleader, and your drive and belief are more important than whatever anybody else says."

Finlay S, Year 8 pupil

Paul returns to St Michael's after 72 years

We were delighted to welcome Old Michaelian Mr Paul Hoddinott OBE CB last week, who attended St Michael's from 1950 to 1955.

Paul spent time with some of our Year 8 pupils, sharing fascinating memories of his school days and his extraordinary life. He recalled how as a young boy, he and his younger brother travelled from Singapore to England as unaccompanied minors. At the time, the journey took three days and the brothers enjoyed the adventure - although they very nearly missed a connecting flight along the way!

His stories of life at St Michael's brought the past vividly to life. Pupils heard about the deep winter snowfalls that made tobogganing down the slopes and from The Warren possible, as well as the legendary staff versus boys snowball fight - though Paul admitted it was hard to remember who claimed victory!

There were also tales of youthful ingenuity, including how a crystal radio and wire set was used to listen in to the Headmaster's telephone calls. Unfortunately, for the curious pupils involved, the conversations turned out to be rather uneventful.

Following his time at St Michael's, Paul went on to enjoy a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral. During his service, he was awarded both an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) and a CB (Companion of the Order of the Bath) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Paul continues to enjoy travelling and exploring the world. Having visited 88 countries, he still has Oman and Antarctica on his travel bucket list.

It was a privilege to welcome Paul back to St Michael's and we are grateful to him for inspiring our pupils with his wonderful stories and remarkable achievements.

Nathan completes work experience with the Sports Department

We were delighted to welcome back former pupil and Old Michaelian Nathan last week for a work experience placement with the Sports Department. 

The week was a wonderful opportunity for Nathan to reconnect with the school, sharing that it was “really great to see everyone again including some of my previous teachers.” During the week, Nathan supported a range of sporting activities including Prep Sports Day which he described as a particular highlight for him. He said: “It was brilliant to see the organisation of Sports Day from a different perspective. I now have a greater appreciation of how much the school cares about the pupils.” He added: “St Michael’s taught me to make the most of experiences which I have been able to do this week.” We were thrilled to welcome Nathan back and wish them every success in their future.

Lucy completes her work experience in Pre-School

It has been a joy to welcome Old Michaelian Lucy back to St Michael’s for her work experience in Pre‑School this week. Returning to familiar corridors and classrooms felt special for her, she shared: “St Michael’s is always a place I love coming back to and is somewhere I feel really safe, it is such an amazing environment.”

During her week, Lucy embraced every part of Pre‑Prep life. She loved supporting the children, observing how Pre-Prep functions and seeing how the team works together behind the scenes. Lucy commented: “It’s been so interesting learning how Pre-Prep runs and how all the teachers work. Being on the other side from being a pupil to now helping the staff, it is a real full circle moment.”

Lucy also reflected on how her time at St Michael’s prepared her for future life: “St Michael’s taught me really good values and morals and how to get along with everyone.”

Her enthusiasm, kindness and willingness to get involved made her a wonderful addition to the Pre‑School Team and it has been a delight to see her return to St Michael’s.

Liza's work experience in Pre-Prep!

Last week, we were delighted to welcome back Old Michaelian Liza B who did her work experience week with us in Pre-Prep. 

Over the five days, Liza helped out with one of our Year 1 classes and even went back to her old house Windsor to participate in the Pre-Prep House Song Contest.

When speaking about the highlights of her week, Liza commented: "My favourite part of my work experience here has to be meeting the children and really getting to know them. They were quite shy at first but it has been really sweet to see them open up. 

"I've loved learning how to talk to and connect with children. It has been lovely to be on the other side of the classroom and learn more about teaching and how to manage the classroom. 

"It has been so nostalgic being back at St Michael's and so lovely to see some of my old teachers, especially working with Mrs Farmer in her classroom as she was my Year 1 teacher."

 

Sam's sporting success!

Congratulations to Old Michaelian Sam Newton, who represented England for the U20 Decathlon last weekend in Fuerteventura. He won the competition with 7531 points which has made him eligible for selection for the U20 World Championships in Oregon in August! He currently sits at number one in the UK and number two in the world rankings for his age group.

Well done Sam, we are so proud of you!

 

A pupil interview with two Old Michaelians

One of our Year 8 pupils, Finlay S, recently had the pleasure of talking to two Old Michaelians about their time here at St Michael's.

Here is what Finlay said about the interview:

"Before half term, I was very fortunate to speak to two old Michaelians, Bruce and David, who are both 83 years old. They provided a useful primary source for my project on the history of St Michael's. They shared memories of staple desserts and funny boarding stories: there were some noticeable differences as well as similarities like how the school centred around the Chapel and playing cricket against Yardley Court. Bruce said that we ‘should work hard, study hard and enjoy life.’  - a great philosophy! I had a great time talking to them."

Fran is crowned WBC Silver Bantamweight Champion

After a standout performance, Old Michaelian Fran Hennessy was crowned WBC Silver Bantamweight Champion last month.

This was Fran's fourth title and at the age of 21 after just 8 professional fights, she has collected WBA Intercontinental, WBC International, Commonwealth and now WBC Silver Bantamweight. 

Well done Fran, we are so proud of you!

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