A gentle invitation to reconnect with yourself. Join this four day women’s retreat exploring Ayurveda, embodiment and women’s wisdom through a nurturing and restorative experience. No previous experience is needed, and all are welcome.
WEEKLY LEAFLET 31
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This week has been full of joy and movement as our classes have come alive with learning and discovery, and students of all ages have embraced the excitement of camp. It is a delight to share these moments of creativity, laughter, and connection with you in this edition.
As the season slowly shifts and the first warmth of summer begins to touch our days, we can feel the gentle call of longer afternoons, blossoming flowers, and the promise of new adventures both inside and outside the classroom.
Looking ahead, next week brings a wonderful series of gatherings that continue this spirit of connection — from class 5 language sharing and parent forums to Market Day and the enchanting Kindergarten Fairy Tea Garden Open Morning. Each event offers an opportunity to come together, celebrate our community, and enjoy the beauty of these closing weeks of term.
We hope you enjoy these glimpses into our days together and feel the rhythm of life and learning unfolding within our community.
Class 4 Parents Evening
17 November
HS Parent Forum
18 November
Fincom 2
19 November
Class 5 Language sharing
20 November
Market Day
21 November
KG Fairy Tea Garden
22 November
AGM
26 November | 18:30 to 20:30
Dear Kindergarten and Playgroup families,
You are warmly invited to a magical morning in our special garden where we are offering a chance for existing and prospective parents to experience the gentle rhythm of a Waldorf morning in Playgroup and Kindergarten.
Fairy Tea Garden Open Morning
Saturday, 22 November | 9:00–11:00 AM
at Michael Oak Waldorf School
Activities:
– Enjoy a butterfly craft
– Gather for story time
– Share tea and treats
– Watch the children play and explore in our beautiful garden
Our teachers will be available for questions and conversation about the wonders and benefits of a Waldorf kindergarten education. It’s a lovely opportunity to meet other families and get a true sense of our nurturing, creative space.
Come along, relax and see the magic unfold!
Booking essential. RSVP to marketing@michaeloak.org.za.
You may have noticed that our school leaflet has been evolving with many updates and changes recently. We are always looking for ways to make it more useful, engaging, and reflective of our school community. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and by taking a few moments to share your thoughts, you will help shape future editions of the leaflet so it better serves everyone.
This week we were grateful to welcome Emma Sadleir to Michael Oak for a series of insightful talks on children and social media. On Monday she spoke with Classes 5 to 8, followed by an evening session for parents, and on Tuesday she spent time with our high school students from Classes 9 to 12. The talks went exceptionally well, with thoughtful questions asked and answered, and students left with a clearer understanding of how to stay safe and responsible online. Our heartfelt thanks to Emma and her team for sharing their expertise and wisdom with our community.
The lower primary sports day was a morning full of joy. Our Class 1, 2 and 3 students threw themselves wholeheartedly into sack races, three-legged races, sprints and egg and spoon races, each event met with enthusiastic cheers from friends and parents alike. The tug of war at the end had everyone on the edge of their seats, before the children capped off the morning with a playful and refreshing water balloon fight that left everyone giggling and dripping.
Every child wore their bright blue Michael Oak shirts, and at the very start of the day their cheerful chant of “go everyone go, go everyone go” set the tone perfectly, reminding us all that it was not about winning but about taking part and having fun together. Parents were right there alongside them, cheering from the sidelines and even jumping into some exciting races themselves, adding to the energy and camaraderie of the day.
Healthy snacks like juicy watermelon, sweet orange slices and fluffy popcorn were shared between events, keeping little bodies fueled for all the activity. It was a morning that perfectly captured the spirit of our school, with smiles, laughter and a sense of community at the heart of every race and game.
On Tuesday, the Class 2 children performed their play, presenting it to some of the primary school classes in the morning and to parents in the afternoon. The play consisted of four fables: the tortoise and the hare, the dove and the ant, the hyena and the crane, and the fox and the crow. After the morning performance, they rolled up their sleeves and made dough, and later, after the afternoon show, they used the pizza oven to bake rolls from their creations and enjoyed them fresh and warm. The following day, the Class 2s celebrated their achievement by cooling off under sprinklers and savouring ice pops, which they had won from the September prize drive for the fair.
Class 7 spent several days at High Africa for their camp, a time devoted to team building and shared fun. Through various activities, they learned that true success comes when each person’s strengths and weaknesses are recognised and supported, and that working together brings far greater reward than working alone. Watching the shift from “working for me” to “working for us” was something special to witness, as a strong sense of unity grew among them at the end of their primary journey.
After their camp, the class went on an outing to Bo Kaap as part of their history main lesson. There they explored the neighbourhood’s quieter stories—its centuries-old mosques tucked between homes, the way family recipes and traditions have been passed down through generations, and how the community’s resilience has shaped the character of the area. It was a glimpse into living history, seen not just in the buildings but in the spirit of the people who call Bo Kaap home.
Class 8 students went on their camp to Palmiet, surrounded by mountains, beaches, and a lagoon. The days were filled with adventure, from jumping off a bridge to playing volleyball near their camp and enjoying time on the beach. Swimming proved to be a favourite activity for many of the students, who spent hours in the water. The camp offered a mix of fun, challenge, and camaraderie, giving the class the chance to connect, explore, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Class 9 spent their camp at Hearth & Soul Eco Retreat, where they experienced life on a working farm and deepened their connection to the land. Their days were filled with activity, from clearing alien vegetation and caring for the farm to enjoying volleyball class matches, lively games of 30 Seconds, and swimming in the river. One of the highlights for many was the games with Coach Caleb—both the energetic sports sessions and the friendly board game competitions. The camp meals were all vegetarian, and to everyone’s delight, the food was truly delicious. It was a wholesome and memorable week of teamwork and fresh country air.
Last week, the Class 11 students stepped into their social practical, a four-day experience of service and human connection, followed by a day of reflection and feedback. During this time, the students leave the familiar routines of school to engage with communities where care, support, and presence are part of daily life.
In many ways, this practical echoes the journey of Parzival, the young knight whose quest from innocence toward understanding forms the heart of the Class 11 year. Like Parzival, the students are invited to meet the world with openness and courage — to look beyond appearances, to listen deeply, and to act out of compassion.
Through these brief but meaningful encounters, they begin to sense what it means to serve and to truly see another human being. The social practical may be only a few days long, but its lessons — of empathy, humility, and awakening — reach far beyond the week itself.
Progress on the High School staff room has been steady. The exterior of the building is now largely complete, and work has moved indoors, with insulation, plumbing, and electrical installations well underway. With the matric exams taking place nearby, the team has had to plan their work carefully to avoid disruption, but things are moving along smoothly and the space is beginning to take real shape.
If you are missing any of the glasses shown in the photos, please come to reception to collect them.
We're wishing you a wonderful week ahead!
Join our beloved weekly art classes in a peaceful garden-facing studio (opposite the library). Pupils can arrive straight after school or other activities and settle in under supervision before class. We nurture creativity, self-esteem, and skill through diverse projects—from clay and paper mâché to pastels, ink, collage, and canvas prep—inspired by nature, South African artists, and current exhibitions.
3rd Term starts 31 July.
Fridays: 12:50–1:45 (KG–Gr 2), 1:45–2:45 (KG–Gr 4), 2:45–3:45 (Gr 5+)
Also Thursdays & Saturdays in Constantia.
Fees: R1 290/term (materials included). Try-out R170/lesson. Pro-rata for late joiners.
Contact Sue: 021‑794‑6609 | WhatsApp 083‑237‑7242 | sue.nepgen@gmail.com.
A gentle invitation to reconnect with yourself. Join this four day women’s retreat exploring Ayurveda, embodiment and women’s wisdom through a nurturing and restorative experience. No previous experience is needed, and all are welcome.
Gaia Waldorf School in Pinelands is seeking a suitably qualified Class 1 Waldorf Teacher to join their team from January 2027. They are looking for a creative, enthusiastic educator with appropriate Waldorf qualifications, SACE registration, and a genuine commitment to the growth and development of children within a collaborative Waldorf community.
Applications, including a covering letter and CV, should be sent to admin@gaiawaldorf.co.za by Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
Join a day of community, connection, and family fun at the Christian Community Family Fair. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with activities, entertainment, food, and opportunities to gather with friends and neighbours. All are welcome.
I decided to sell my vacuum cleaner...
Because it was just gathering dust!
