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WEEKLY LEAFLET 29

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Dear Parents & Friends of Michael Oak

Last week was a very big week. The planning, coordinating and putting together of the Fair was, quite simply, enormous! But the result was beyond what we imagined. We, as a community, were gifted with an experience that I know we will all remember forever.
 
We wish to say again, a huge thank you to all involved. Nikita and the parents in Class 6 did an outstanding job with such good humour, brilliant organisation and community spirit. It was humbling to watch Class 6, along with all the other volunteers, work together so beautifully and to see the dedication and care given by everyone to make the event a tremendous success.
 
We also thank all our staff, parents, the children, the entertainers, and all who helped to spread the word and attend on the day. The gifts that were donated were so generous and the atmosphere throughout the Fair reflected the heart and soul of our school community which felt absolutely joyful, creative and deeply connected.
 
Events like this remind us of the strength of our community when we come together with purpose and love. Thank you for giving your time, energy and collaborative spirit so freely.
 
On another topic, as we mentioned before, The Leaflet is currently ‘Under construction’. We would really like to hear your feedback about what you love, what you’d like more of and what you’d like less of. Please email us your ideas, suggestions and feedback to operations@michaeloak.org.za.
 
Wishing you a wonderful week to come.
 
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ginny – Operations Coordinator
 

Fair Photos

A big thank you to everyone who took photos and videos at the Fair. Your snapshots capture so much of the fun, creativity and amazingly special moments that made the day so very memorable. You can see the full photo gallery by clicking the button below. If you have any photos you would like to share with us, please send them to marketing@michaeloak.org.za. Please also remember to tag us in any of your social media posts about the Fair (or any other events even!).

Photos by Anesh Magan, Kyle Snapper & Luke Younge

Our Fabulously Dressed Prize-winners Name Announcements

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Tales from the Grand Medieval Fair of Marlow… On the fair morn of Saturday the 25th of October, the grounds of Marlow didst transform into a realm most wondrous, as young squires, maidens, knights, and nobles gathered for the Great Medieval Contests. With banners flying and spirits high, the air was thick with mirth, merriment and the sparkle of inspired pageantry! It was indeed a day of joy and community spirit. From the youngest page to the wisest elder, all did partake in the revelry.

A Huge Thank You To Our Fair Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous companies who donated prizes and beautiful decorations, helping to bring extra colour and life to our Fair. We are deeply grateful for your support.

Prize – R1500 Voucher for GOOD Clothing
Based on principles of intentional design and effortless style – with a nod to prevailing trends – GOOD offers women of all ages clothing that is easy-to-wear, comfy and flattering.

www.goodclothing.co.za

Prize – Voucher for 2 classes per week for a month
Stronger Together Cape Town is an NPC dedicated to fitness with a trauma-informed and human-centred approach. Whether you are a parent, student, or teacher, you will benefit from attending classes with Diane, the Founder of Stronger Together. Call her for more information! Stronger together, we can make a difference!

www.strongertogethercapetown.org

Prize – x3 R350 Vouchers for Menck Clothing
Clothing is the embodiment of our human interconnectedness – with each other and with our earth – by applying natural fibres and earth-conscious practices. We create real wearables that last and bring joy. With this clothing range, Menck Clothing’s commitment is to combine nature-inspired design with sustainable natural fibres, along with minimal garment processing or intervention, to provide you with ‘real wearables’ — garments that fit well, flatter, last, and are earth-conscious. Our planet needs alternatives to fast fashion, and Menck Clothing aims to provide such an alternative to the conscious consumer.

www.menck.co.za

Prize – R1500 Voucher for Hoi P’loy
Bespoke vintage-inspired lighting. They just don’t make ’em like they used to. Yeah, why don’t they? That’s the question that inspires us daily to elevate the quality of what we create. We are driven by a deep desire to challenge the current status quo by drawing on traditional approaches, using only high-quality authentic materials such as brass, embracing the latest technologies, and investing in meaningful experiences — from our production environment all the way through to the impact our products have on the lives of our supporters.

www.hoiploy.com

Prize – 2 Tickets to the next public GroundSpring Theatre show
GroundSpring Theatre is an improvisatory theatre show where audience members’ real-life stories provide the material for actors to instantly transform into a theatrical event. South African stories are a powerful resource — they bring people together to create a healing dialogue, allowing us to deeply experience our common humanity. This is GroundSpring’s commitment: to challenge familiar perspectives through storytelling, so that future possibilities can be imagined and personal and social narratives can start to transform.

www.facebook.com/groundspringtheatreco

Prize – A Guide to the Tidal Pools of the Western Cape (signed by the author) — Value R395
Serai Dowling is a Michael Oak mum of two, writer and researcher whose primary love is the ocean — and sharing ways in which we can find each other’s humanity in “third spaces” like tidal pools. Her bestselling book, A Guide to the Tidal Pools of the Western Cape, explores the history, ecology, and quiet magic of these saltwater sanctuaries, with full-colour photos throughout. Her new book, A Guide to Wild Swimming in the Western Cape — co-authored with her husband, Michael Oak high school teacher Matthew Dowling — is due out in November and features 101 of the most beautiful swim spots in the Cape.

Amazon link

Prize – R900 Voucher for The Apothecary
Wholesome, gentle and effective natural body and home care, handmade
by our tiny team in Cape Town since 2010. Pure, unprocessed and harmless in the environment, our range pampers you while respecting the world we live in. We weigh up the impact of every process and ingredient, so as to ensure that we are always working to MAKE IT BETTER, for all.

buy.theapothecary.co.za

Prize – EnvirOKid hamper
At Envirokid we take pride in making high quality, modern, beautifully designed baby and children’s toys that encourage creative and outdoor play. We like to include a fun educational factor in all our products to make learning about nature, skills and new traditions exciting from a young age. Envirokid is Proudly South African, all our products are locally manufactured in Cape Town. We try our best to use raw environmentally conscious materials as far as possible, combining woods, leathers and steels together to create durable products that are made to last. 

www.envirokid.co.za

Prize – x2 Tickets for Cave Golf Waterfront
Cave Golf is a fun, family-friendly indoor mini-golf experience located beneath the iconic V&A Waterfront. Built within the Mineral World Scratch Patch, it offers a nature-inspired adventure surrounded by displays of colourful gemstones and crystals. The course is designed to connect visitors with the earth’s natural beauty, encouraging curiosity about geology and minerals while promoting relaxation and mindful recreation — perfect for families seeking an eco-conscious, low-tech day out.

www.scratchpatch.co.za

Prize – x10 R50 Vouchers for Kristen’s Kickass Ice-Cream
Kristen’s Kickass Ice Cream is an artisanal ice cream company born in the Cape Winelands. Every scoop is handmade using locally sourced, organic ingredients wherever possible — free from artificial flavours, preservatives, and colourants. Their philosophy is simple: real food, made with love. With creative flavours inspired by nature, community, and the seasons, Kristen’s brings a refreshingly honest, feel-good indulgence that supports sustainable farming and mindful living.

www.kristenskickass.co.za

Prize – 30 Pop Box from POPCO (value R795, valid until the end of the year)
POPCO crafts guilt-free ice pops made with real fruit, natural ingredients and zero artificial colourants or flavourings. POPCO ice cream and sorbet popsicles are all-natural, bold and delicious. We use fresh, natural ingredients with no artificial flavourants or preservatives. Choose from 14+ flavours, with vegan and no-added sugar options. Order online or find us in one of our delis or SPARs.

www.ilovepopco.com

Prize – x2 Return tickets for the Table Mountain cable car (valid for 3 months)
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway offers one of the world’s most breathtaking eco-tourism experiences, carrying visitors to the summit of Cape Town’s most iconic natural landmark. With panoramic views of the ocean, city, and fynbos-covered slopes, the journey promotes connection with nature and appreciation for South Africa’s unique biodiversity. The Cableway operates with a strong environmental ethos — powered by renewable energy and committed to sustainable tourism that preserves the health of the mountain and surrounding ecosystem for generations to come.

www.tablemountain.net

Donation – Flowers For The Fair
Oak Valley Estate is a historic family-owned farm in South Africa’s Elgin Valley, renowned for its cool-climate wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as apples, pears, cut flowers, and free-range livestock. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, dine at The Table restaurant, explore mountain biking trails, and experience the beauty of the Groenlandberg Mountains.

www.oakvalley.co.za

Donation – Flowers For The Fair
Cape Mountain Flora is a family-owned business in the Banhoek Valley near Stellenbosch, specialising in cultivating and exporting premium South African flowers, including the famous Protea Venus hybrid. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, they supply a wide range of Proteas, Leucospermums, Leucadendrons, and complementary blooms and greens
to clients around the world.

www.capeflora.co.za

Discounted pies and quiches
Coimbra Bakery is a beloved Cape Town institution known for its warm, old-world charm and authentic Portuguese delights. Established decades ago, Coimbra Bakery continues to draw loyal customers with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread, buttery pastries, and traditional favourites like pasteis de nata. The counters are always filled with a tempting selection of sweet and savoury treats, each made with care and time-honoured recipes. Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, a loaf of pão caseiro, or a box of pastries to share, Coimbra offers a taste of Portuguese heritage right in the heart of Cape Town.

www.coimbrabakery.co.za

corn dogs and spring rolls sold
Korea Market in Observatory, Cape Town, is a specialty store offering a wide range of authentic Korean groceries, snacks, and ingredients. From fresh produce and sauces to popular treats and pantry staples, it’s the go-to destination for Korean cooking and culinary favourites.

www.instagram.com/cpt_koreamarket

Prize – x4 R500 restaurant vouchers
NoName Hospitality Group is a premier hospitality collective in Cape Town, dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences across its diverse portfolio of restaurants, bars, rooftops, and hotels. Known for top-tier service and high-quality offerings, each venue is designed to delight guests, whether they are enjoying a casual meal with family or a vibrant night out with friends.

www.nonamehg.com

Donation – Boxes of Kombucha
Happy Culture offers probiotic brews crafted from organic tea, mineral-rich spring water, and the finest natural ingredients. Free from added sugar and rich in live cultures, each sip supports gut health and overall wellbeing. A nourishing, organic choice for those seeking a happier, healthier lifestyle.

www.happyculture.co.za

Happening This Week

It’s a busy week ahead at Michael Oak, with lots of camps happening across the grades. From Class 5 right through to High School, many students will be heading out for a few days of outdoor learning and adventure. Back on campus, we’ve also got Sports Day, Market Day, and the Kindergarten Camp Out to look forward to.

Class 5 & 6 Camp

3 to 5 November

Class 11 Social Practical

3 to 6 November

HS Camp Week

3 to 7 November

Class 7 Camp

4 to 7 November

Matric Geography Outing

4 November - 8am to 1pm

Sports Day Class 1-3

7 November - 8am to 12pm

Market Day

7 November - 12:30pm to 3pm

KG Camp Out

7 November - 6pm to 8pm

Lower Primary Sports Day

Our Lower Primary Sports Day (class 1 to 3) is just around the corner. In true Michael Oak
spirit, the focus is not on competition but on participation, effort and the
joy of being in our bodies and having lots of fun. We look forward to sharing this special day with our Lower Primary families and to witnessing the children’s bright spirits in
motion. 

Reminders for the day:

  • Children to arrive with hat, water bottle, and sunscreen

  • Date: Friday 07 November 2025

  • Time: 08:00 – 12:00

  • Venue: Michael Oak Waldorf (The Oval)

  • Attire: Blue extra murals T-shirt

Looking forward to a morning filled with fun, movement, and joyful activities!

Parent Talk By Emma Sadleir

We are extremely excited to be welcoming the well renowned Emma Sadleir to Michael Oak in November to give our students, teachers and parents a series of talks on children and social media. Emma will speak during two school days to our children and then offer a special parent session on the evening of 10th November.

Emma Sadleir is a leading authority and author on social media law for children and will offer practical guidance for children and families on navigating the digital world safely and wisely. Following Emma’s success speaking to schools, parents and children all over the country, we believe this is an essential talk for every parent at our school. Don’t miss it!

Date: 10th November
Time: 6-7.30pm

Seats are limited, Booking essential.
Free for Michael Oak parents using the booking form below.
R100 for Non-Michael Oak parents bookable via this Quicket link.

This form is for one attendee only; each person must submit their own form.

Michael Oak parents please secure your spot by completing the form below:

Class 4 Explores The Peninsula

On Wednesday, Class 4 went on an outing to explore the Cape Peninsula during their main lesson on local geography and history. In Class 4, the children begin to awaken to a deeper sense of the world around them, their place in the landscape and the stories that shape it. For their class outing the children traveled by bus to the lighthouse at Mouille Point and then on to Hout Bay. Unfortunately, Chapman’s Peak was closed and the planned round trip to Cape Point had to be abandoned. Instead, they settled for a swim at Boulders Beach. The day after the trip, the children created a topographical map out of clay, surrounded by water. “The mountain just carries on and on and on,” the children were heard commenting while creating the spine of the peninsula! 

Class 1 Maths On The Oval

Class 1 took their maths lesson out onto the Oval this week to experience numbers through play and collaboration as the lesson came alive with joy and meaning. Each child had a little blackboard and a pair of dice. They rolled the dice and added up the numbers that appeared, turning simple sums into collective fun and learning.

Western Cape Team Star

Benjamin McKinney, in Class 4, has been selected for the Level 4 Western Cape Team for Mens Agility Gymnastics. Earlier this month, he proudly represented the Western Cape at the National Championships in Centurion, competing with skill, determination, and great sportsmanship. Benjamin trains with Gordon’s Gymnastics, where his hard work and dedication continue to shine, inspiring both his peers and coaches alike.

Well done Benjamin! We are very proud of your hard work and achievements.

Community Notices

Extramural Art Classes

Extramural art classes continue at Michael Oak this term, offering a space for children to explore a wide range of creative projects, from drawing and painting to clay and mixed media. Classes take place on Friday afternoons at the school, with additional sessions available in Constantia. Open to various age groups, the programme encourages creativity, confidence and enjoyment of art. Contact Sue for more information or to enrol.

The Makery Weekly Lessons

Join The Makery for a fun opportunity to dive into hands-on crafts this term. These weekly hour-long lessons are perfect for ages 6 and up, hosted at Michael Oak Waldorf School. Come make, create, and explore.

Healing In Motion

Join Dr. Leah Murray and Coach Diane Schallert for Healing in Motion, a transformative event hosted by Stronger Together Cape Town.
🗓️ Date: 10 May
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
💰 price: R400

Au pair available

Hi, everyone! My name is Ruben, I’m 25 and I’m an ex-Michael Oak student hoping to Au Pair for a family at this School. I am great with kids, responsible, and can also tutor most subjects. I am planning on studying again in June and I’m hoping to Au Pair during my studies. Please contact me if you’re interested so we can talk further!
 
Contact:
Phone – 072 861 7631

The timeless power of Shakespeare

A series of Eurythmy classes exploring the timeless emotional themes found in Shakespeare’s works, including sorrow, grief, loss, and friendship. Through movement and expression, participants will engage with Shakespeare’s poetry in a reflective and artistic way while developing greater awareness, connection, and creativity in a supportive group setting.

 
 

Experienced Childminder Available

Our trusted household helper has been part of our family for over 20 years and helped raise my two daughters, both of whom attended Michael Oak. She is a wonderful childminder, familiar with the Waldorf ethos, and prepares delicious meals, including vegetarian options.

With the children now grown, she is looking for one additional day of work. As we have lived across the road from the school for many years, she is well known within the community.

For more information, please contact Dudu – 083 595 3242, or Catherine – 076 932 9957 for a reference.

Position Available - Assistant Kindergarten Teacher

Join our nurturing Waldorf kindergarten community part-time! We’re looking for a warm, reliable Assistant Teacher to work alongside our lead teacher on Thursdays and Fridays. If you bring a genuine love for young children, a rhythmic, calm presence, and flexibility for occasional relief and school events, you’ll feel right at home. Become part of a supportive, nature-inspired team at Imhoff Waldorf School.

Public Talk By Emma Sadleir

Parenting in the Digital Age
The DSK looks forward to hosting another public talk with The Digital Law Company and Emma Sadleir on 21 April 2026 at 18h00:

Parenting in the Digital Age – advice, guidance and education in all aspects of social media and the law.

Everything you need to know to survive about raising children in an online world – the laws, the apps, the issues.

Volunteer for the Michael Oak RHWA!

For more than 20 years the Young Men & Women in Michael Oak’s Class 10 have stepped out of their usual world and into a week of adventure. A time where they can look back to see where they’ve come from (roots), inside to see who they are (heart) and ahead to imagine possibilities (wings).

This experience comes at a point in the curriculum where they have already started looking for answers which many of us are still searching for. The Roots, Hearts & Wings Adventure (RHWA) is an opportunity to take a courageous step into an understanding of ourselves and those around us.

Through all these years a constantly refreshed and trained team of volunteers from the school community (parents, teachers and alumni) has welcomed them into this safe space for growth and friendship. The magic lies in that the answers do not sit in any one of us, rather they are assembled out of all of our stories.

If you are interested in contributing to or being part of the RHWA team, then please contact the Class 10 Guardians (Caleb Gallant & Victoria Sigalas), or Roy Davids, to find out more and put yourself forward.

Caleb – cgallant@michaeloak.org.za
Victoria – vsigalas@michaeloak.org.za
Roy – rdavids@michaeloak.org.za

Reconnect With Your Voice

Safe, supportive morning vocal sessions for women. No singing experience needed. Build confidence, express yourself freely, and feel truly heard. See attached poster for details and contact Cindy at 072 210 9269.

A Listening Practitioner’s Circle

An intensive course over 7 weeks where participants immerse themselves in the Theory U Four Levels of Listening. Learn to hold space for empathic and generative listening through awareness-based practices, conversation, embodying, and journaling to enhance the quality of relationship in life and work.

How To Love

Learn the art of unconditional love – for yourself and others. Join Brian Grimley in a year-long journey of heart, healing, and connection. Blossom begins 14 April 2026.

Gardener Available

Thomas Yohane (nephew of Chatama, a former Michael Oak gardener), a Malawian gardener, is fit, hardworking and available for work on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For a reference, please speak with Jean Cohen, piano teacher at Michael Oak, or WhatsApp her on 072 348 1860.

Lecture on Eurythmy and Healing Movement

SCETT will host a lecture on Eurythmy Therapy with therapists Norman Kingeter and Rob Schapink. The talk explores the origins of this healing movement practice developed at the Ita Wegman Clinic in Switzerland. For workshop enquiries or registration contact:
Julia O’Leary ( juliaoleary021@gmail.com)
or Liz Smith (liz@quella.co.za).

Finding Meaning, Facing Death

A gentle yet powerful retreat for anyone willing to explore life’s big questions around meaning, mortality, and healing. Through creative processes, meditation, and group work, you’ll be supported to turn toward what we often avoid – and discover unexpected depth, spaciousness, and aliveness.

  • Dates: 30 & 31 May 2026, 9am–5.30pm

  • Location: Castle Rock, Simon’s Town

  • Cost: R2500 (early bird extended to 13 April)

  • Payment options: subsidised spaces, exchanges, or payment plan (R1000/month for March–May)

  • Contact to book or request support: groups@presenceinaction.co.za

Music Theory Lessons

Dharma is Michael Warldorf Alumni and studied at Centre for Creative Education, graduating as an Early Childhood Development teacher.

She offers music theory lessons to compliment the students that are already learning an instrument at MO.

Call: 071 776 0612

What's the difference between spring rolls and summer rolls?

Their seasoning.

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