WEEKLY LEAFLET 24
Share This Leaflet:
In this week’s leaflet, Nettie from our Playgroup shares her personal journey at Michael Oak and reflects on the experiences that have shaped her time at the school. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make our Open Day such a wonderful success, with a short highlight video to relive the day. You’ll also find a glimpse into Kindergarten drawing, see how Class 3 has been caring for and improving their vegetable garden, and discover how Class 4 has begun practising their Maypole dance in preparation for the Michaelmas Festival.
We hope you enjoy reading.
Kyle Snapper
Marketing
Below is an overview of the meetings, events, and activities happening around the school next week.
10
August
Women's Day Public Holiday
Full day
A time to honour the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in our communities and beyond.
11 to 15
August
Shakespeare Play Evening Performance
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Evening performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Class 9 students
12
August
Trustees Meeting
6:00pm to 9:30pm
A meeting of the Trustees, taking place in the upstairs meeting room.
14
August
Market Day
12:30pm to 3:00pm
Our weekly market takes place every Friday at the school entrance.
15
August
Craft Day
10:00am to 2:00pm
An opportunity to connect, get creative, and build a sense of community in the small hall.
15
August
Shakespeare Matinee Performance
3:00pm to 5:00pm
An afternoon performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the Class 9 students
Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for what’s coming up at Michael Oak.
Upcoming Crafting Days
See poster for dates
Class 9
Shakespeare Play
11 to 15 August
Family Fair
31 October
By Nopinki Lynette Ngxumsa
My name is Nopinki Lynette Ngxumsa, and my journey at Michael Oak began in 1998 when I joined the Kindergarten as a general cleaner. In 2003, I was given the opportunity to become a Playgroup teacher assistant. Looking back, I could never have imagined where that first step would lead.
Over the past 23 years, Michael Oak has become much more than a place of work. It has been a place of learning, belonging and growth. It has given me the opportunity to build lasting relationships with so many children and families, and through them I have learnt just as much about myself.
My own childhood was very different from the one I see the children in our care enjoying today. I grew up with my aunt, who was very strict and protective. I wasn’t allowed to visit friends after school or have friends come to my home. Watching our children play freely, explore, imagine and simply enjoy being children has been a gift to me. It reminds me every day how important those early years are.
Working with young children has taught me to love deeply, to listen carefully and to hold each child with patience, care and respect. Every child is different, and each one needs the space to grow in their own way, through thinking, feeling and willing.
One of the greatest joys of my work comes years later. When children I cared for in Kindergarten are now in the Upper School, or have even left Michael Oak, they still recognise me. They come running over with a smile, a hug and a cheerful, “Nettie!” Those moments remind me that even the smallest acts of care can stay with a child for many years.
My hope is that every child leaves Playgroup remembering the love and care they received here, and the freedom to play, imagine and be themselves. I hope that sense of excitement, creativity and joy stays with them long after they leave our Kindergarten.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities Michael Oak has given me, and for the many children, families and colleagues who have been part of this journey. It is a privilege to be part of this community, and I hope to continue walking this path with Michael Oak for many years to come.
One of the many activities in Kindergarten was a time for drawing, where the children were free to create whatever they imagined. Without a set theme, each child could explore their own ideas and express them on paper.
This kind of open ended activity encourages imagination, supports the development of fine motor skills and hand control, and gives children the confidence to make their own creative choices. Every drawing is a unique reflection of the child’s own ideas and experiences.
This week, the Class 3 children have been hard at work caring for their class garden, spending time planting new plants and refreshing the space. Among the many additions were fennel, lettuce, radishes, strawberries, kale, a young lime tree and daisies. We look forward to watching the garden flourish in the months ahead as the children continue to care for it and witness the fruits of their efforts.
Each morning, the Class 4 children gather to practise their Maypole dance in preparation for the Michaelmas Festival. It takes patience, concentration and teamwork to master the intricate patterns, as every movement must be carefully timed. Even a single mistake can affect the entire dance, making each practice an opportunity to learn, support one another and grow in confidence.
A few pieces of jewellery and a colourful watch have been handed in to Lost Property this week. If any of these items belong to you or someone you know, please collect them from Reception.
A heartfelt thank you to Dough Boys for their support of our Open Day with a generous discount on pizza bases and toppings, making the Open Day even more memorable.
We are constantly striving to make the Leaflet a more vibrant and meaningful way for our community to connect, share, and celebrate the life of our school. Your thoughts, stories, and contributions help us shape each edition, ensuring it reflects the creativity, warmth, and spirit of everyone involved. Whether you have feedback to share or an article to submit, your voice is an important part of making the Leaflet a true reflection of our community.
We wish you a wonderful week ahead!
Our beautiful wooden cottage will be available to rent from 1st October.
It has 2 bedrooms, a mezzanine with a double bed, 2 bathrooms, secure parking for 1 car, lovely fynbos garden, and stunning views of False Bay.
R18,500/month.
If interested, please contact Rita on 0766825574 or Whatsapp 003519 1172 3669
Creative extramural art classes return for the third term, offering children the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic techniques and media in a supportive, inspiring environment. With projects including mixed media, painting, sculpture, and nature inspired artworks, these classes nurture creativity, confidence, and a love of artistic expression.
Contact Sue: 021‑794‑6609 | WhatsApp 083‑237‑7242 | sue.nepgen@gmail.com.
Village Waldorf School is currently seeking to welcome two new members to its community. Vacancies are available for a Primary School Teacher and a School Secretary. If you or someone you know may be interested, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity.
Click below to view the full job descriptions.
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.
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.
Would you like to learn more about the developmental stages in your your young children? Dr. Joy Levin is a Waldorf kindergarten teacher of 12 years and teacher trainer of 10 years. Completing her doctorate in 2023, she used her own classroom to study the relationship between storytelling and play. Joy is teaching a 7 week online course in Early Childhood Development, based on an open source manual prepared for CCE students by Peter van Alphen. She also brings in her own experience as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher, as well as neuroscience, Vygotsky, and attachment theory. The course allows for the reflection of one’s own childhood, which is also expressed through journaling and discussions. Through lectures with slides we cover the period of 0-7 years from an anthroposophical and academic perspective. This next course starts Tuesday 11 August, 8-9:30pm online. Contact Joy Levin on joylevin22@gmail.com or 0824988182. In person courses will also be given in the future, as well as morning ones, so please contact me to be put on the database if this course is not feasable. Class materials are put onto a google classroom, and all classes are recorded. R1750 for 7 weeks. Suitable for parents, grandparents, carers or teachers.
Constantia Waldorf School is seeking a qualified and passionate Class 1 Teacher to join their team from January 2027. Applications are open to experienced Waldorf trained primary school teachers who are committed to nurturing children and building a strong class community. Applications close on 14 August 2026.
What type of magic does a condiment wizard do?
Saucery.
