WEEKLY LEAFLET 35
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As we send out this final leaflet on the last day of school, we would like to extend our warm wishes to all our families. For those who celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, may these festivals bring blessings upon you and your families.
For primary school, reports can be collected at reception on Monday the 15th and Wednesday the 17th between 8:00am and 1:00pm. Please note that Tuesday is a public holiday. High school reports will be emailed.
Thank you for your support throughout the year and for all you contribute to our school community.
We are sad to announce that William Bond, Helen O’Hagan’s father, passed away this last week. He has a very long standing relationship with Michael Oak, as parent to Helen and her siblings and then grandparent. His wife, Winifred, was a dedicated teacher at Michael Oak for many years. We send the family deepest condolences and love.
We celebrate with joy that Marion Penfold, one of the very first teachers at Michael Oak, has turned ninety and is in Cape Town for her birthday. Marion has long been a guiding presence in our school, and many in our community were taught by her. A bring and share birthday gathering will be held on Sunday 14 December at Sophia House, 18 Firfield Road in Plumstead, from 15:00 to 17:30.
The Star Tree Festival was a celebration of light and togetherness. Parents’ voices opened the gathering like a gentle sunrise, and one by one the children entered, filling the space with song. A single candle in the centre became a beacon as a story unfolded, woven with songs and poems. When the Class 7 students shared their light with the parents, the hall transformed into a sky of twinkling stars, each candle a small spark of joy and connection.
A Class 1 parent, Lisa Van Aardenne, kindly donated two trees to the school. A few Class 1 children, with Clinton’s guidance, planted one of the trees, helping to grow something that will bring shade and beauty for years to come. A big thank you, we are truly grateful for this gift.
The Kindergarten children had their final day on Wednesday. As a gesture of love and support, the parents of the children who will be moving on to Class 1 next year formed an archway with their arms, creating a pathway for the children to walk through. Each child carried a box filled with the crafts and treasures they created throughout the term. It was a simple and cheerful way to mark the end of their kindergarten year.
The Class 1 children delighted their parents with a performance of The Golden Goose. With enthusiasm and charm, they brought the story to life on stage, sharing their joy, creativity, and hard work with everyone watching.
Below are photos from the play as well as a recorder performance of Au clair de la lune.
The Class 3 market day was wonderfully successful, the children sold various handmade gifts such as Christmas decorations and jewelry, Sweet treats, Stickers, Gift Tags, Cards . Together they raised R2500. The money that was raised will be donated to Paedspal Paedeatric Palliative Care. As the culminations of their money main lesson, the Class 3 market day was held on Monday.
Last week the Class 7 students performed Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, managing to put on a full two-hour play with only two weeks to prepare. Both students and teachers were nervous at first, unsure if they would be ready, but the performance went smoothly and was met with great feedback from parents. A big thank you to all the parents who helped put the set together and helped to arrange the costumes. It was a remarkable effort from everyone involved and a memorable highlight of the term.
What a magical evening we shared on the Oval recently! Parents, grandparents, and siblings joined us for a special occasion showcasing the talents of the Class 8 students. Despite the windy and cloudy conditions, the evening was warmed by a truly beautiful sunset, setting a dramatic stage for the performances.
The Class 8s delivered a powerful recitation of three classic poems, demonstrating the different facets of human experience: “Lochinvar” by Sir Walter Scott represented the Hands, “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe spoke to the Head, and “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe touched the Heart.
Following the performances, the mood shifted to warmth and camaraderie as we fired up the pizza oven for a delightful supper. It was a lovely opportunity for the school community to gather and enjoy time together.
Our sincere thanks go out to Coach Caleb for his assistance in preparing the Class 8s for their spectacular performance; Cindy Diedericks for her warm and expert guidance; Nicola Rijsdijk for masterfully coordinating the entire pizza supper; and Matthew Dowling and Andreas van Breda for expertly cooking our delicious pizzas! It was a truly memorable evening celebrating poetry, community, and delicious food!
In our Development Geography block, Class 9 learned about the primary, secondary, and tertiary economic sectors. To bring these ideas to life, students created their own economic trading cards representing different products and industries.
They then traded their cards with one another, experiencing how local, national, and global markets work through supply, demand, and interdependence. The activity brought plenty of energy and helped students clearly see how economies are connected.
To welcome our new Matrics into the adventure of Geography, we decided to explore Cape Town’s natural beauty by summiting Table Mountain! With an early start, we hiked up Skeleton Gorge and down Nursery Ravine – a challenging but unforgettable journey.
What an incredible adventure. Matric promises to be filled with geography action, learning, and fun!
All of our wonderful Michael Oak staff came together for a lunch to celebrate the last day of school. With plenty of delicious treats to enjoy, it was a joyful and relaxing time shared with colleagues, as we also said a warm and heartfelt goodbye to four beloved members of our staff who are retiring: Leueen Scharnick, Brenda Gunning, Sarah Monaheng, and Caroline Marquardt.
This week’s artwork showcases pieces from the Class 9 art main lesson ‘Aesthetics of Art’, where students explored how different artistic styles, elements, and design principles help us understand and interpret artworks. They studied various artists, examined the intentions behind their creations, and discovered how unique art styles develop. This showcase also features a striking interpretation of Starry Night by Sumita Magan and an evocative untitled piece by Gabriell Haefele, highlighting the individuality and creativity expressed throughout the lesson.
Starry Night
Sumita Magan – Class 10
Study Of Edvard Munch
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Pablo Picasso
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Edouard Manet
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Vincent Van Gogh
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Edouard Manet
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
Study Of Frida Kahlo
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
Study Of Pablo Picasso
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
Untitled
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
A selection of Class 9 creative responses to setwork, Buckingham Palace, District Six by Richard Rive.
The leaflet is continually changing, and your feedback plays an important role in helping us refine it. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this edition and help shape how the leaflet grows in future.
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!
