Rector’s eNews 22: 22 July 2026

May I begin this term’s correspondence with a heartfelt thank you to the whole Michaelhouse community for the warmth of the welcome Lara and I have received since our arrival just a week or so ago. We are thoroughly enjoying the first few days of our return to Michaelhouse. There is a lot that is familiar whilst at the same time there are so many things that are quite significantly different. On Monday evening, at the beginning of term Chapel Service, the boys sang Stars of the Morning with such enthusiasm and passion, and I had a moment where I felt quite overwhelmed with the privilege of being back at Michaelhouse.

I am tremendously grateful to Mrs Win de Wet for her stewardship of the school over these past two terms since Rector Clark’s retirement, and I am very appreciative of the guidance she has and will continue to give me as we progress into this term. I have invited Mrs de Wet to become the Senior Deputy Rector, a small but significant change from the previous position she held as Deputy Rector: Academic. In her new capacity she will take on some more responsibilities that will ensure the momentum from her interim Rectorship will be sustained and she will also act as my clearly defined deputy.

Just 19 days ago I was addressing Blundell’s School at their end of year Speech Day. I had been at Blundell’s for 14 years, first as Second Master and then as Head, and Lara and I look back with great fondness on our time in Devon. Our two boys both passed through the school, and we made many wonderful friends over that time too. It has been a wrench to leave England, but the opportunity to lead Michaelhouse was never one I would turn down. Leading this school is a tremendous honour and I very much look forward to understanding the school and getting to know the people. In the weeks and months ahead, I hope to get to meet many of you on the side of the sports fields and at the numerous school events that are in the calendar.

In the weeks ahead I intend to share with you some of the messages that I will be delivering to the boys so that you have an idea of what they are hearing from me, but in the meantime, I wish you all the best as you celebrate a drop in your grocery bill and a fuller fridge now that your boys are back at school!

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