The 2025 Chronicle

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

SPORTS FACILITIES

Written by Mrs Joni Warburton

• THE HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTRE was equipped with new fitness equipment. • CRICKET acquired a new bowling machine, and water polo benefited from new lanes. • OUTDOOR COURTS - Owing to basketball’s growing popu larity, the outdoor courts were completely refurbished. • MEADOWS - Following the unusually wet rugby season, the grounds team tackled the drainage problems on Meadows, and took the opportunity to level the field and its surrounds. STAFF AND COMMUNITY SPACES Beyond pupil-focused initiatives, Michaelhouse continued to invest in the people who make the community thrive. Staff housing refurbishments improved comfort and sustainabil ity, whereas guest facilities were modernised to align with the school’s hospitality standards. Ablution upgrades across high-use facilities – including the gym and astro – reflect our attention to every detail that enhances daily life for staff and visitors alike. Our commitment to environmental responsibility and opera tional excellence extended across the estate. • A NEW WEATHER SYSTEM was installed to assist with estate management and nature reserve maintenance. • THE LAUNDRY AND ESTATES DEPARTMENT received major equipment upgrades. • REFURBISHMENTS TO THE PENNINGTON QUAD WIN DOWS and the Indoor Centre maintained the aesthetic and functional integrity of our historic spaces. • Carports, a new macerator, and water meters for leak detection furthered our sustainability goals. • SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS included biometric access points and expanded CCTV coverage, reinforcing the safe ty of all who live, work and learn at Michaelhouse. GRATITUDE AND OUTLOOK These highlights represent only a fraction of the dedication and hard work carried out by the buildings and grounds teams in 2025. We extend our deepest gratitude to our operations leadership, staff across all departments, and the unwavering support of parents, Old Boys and donors. Together we have made 2025 a year of consolidation, growth and progress. As we look toward 2026, Michaelhouse remains steadfast in its mission – to nurture a living estate where tradi tion, innovation and excellence meet. GROUNDS AND SECURITY

THE RHYTHM OF PROGRESS: MICHAELHOUSE IN 2025

Michaelhouse has maintained a steady pace of development throughout 2025 – a year marked by careful stewardship of re sources and a continued commitment to develop ing our estate. Each project reflects a balance between modernization and the nurturing of academic and community life within an environ ment rich in culture and heritage. THE CHAPEL The expansion of the Chapel was one of the most significant undertakings of 2025, reaffirming its role as the spiritual heart of Michaelhouse. As an Anglican school, the Chapel embodies the Christian ethos that underpins every aspect of campus life. With increased capacity, enhanced acoustics and a sensitive preservation of its historic character, the Chapel now offers an even more welcoming space for worship, reflection and commu nity gatherings. Its renewed presence reminds us that although our buildings evolve, faith remains the enduring foundation of our shared journey. BOARDING HOUSE DEVELOPMENTS The transformation of Farfield was the flagship boarding house project of the year. Its refurbished common areas, lighter cor ridors and modernised rooms have already begun to foster stronger bonds and a more productive living and learning en vironment. With West next in line for refurbishment, our board ing modernisation programme continues to ensure that every House reflects the high standards and warmth of the Michael house community. ACADEMIC FACILITIES AND LEARNING SPACES Investment in academic facilities delivered meaningful en hancements across departments. • THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT received state-of-the-art robotic apparatuses for advanced practical learning. • THE CLASSROOMS AT FARFIELD underwent upgrades that revitalised the teaching environment and refreshed the Mathematics Department. • THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT added new pianos and ma rimbas, further supporting the achievements of our renowned Competition Marimba Band. • THE DIGITAL OFFICE ensured laptops were refreshed on schedule, while upgrades to the Makan Centre introduced 3D printers, a recording studio and extensive AV technolo gy across campus – enriching both teaching and creative exploration.

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