Weekly Leaflet 25 – Michael Oak Leaflet

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WEEKLY LEAFLET 25

August 13, 2026

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Dear Michael Oak Community

In this week’s Leaflet, we hear from Declan, our Sports Coordinator, who shares an insight into the coaches, activities and sporting opportunities at Michael Oak. We also meet Phumza, our new isiXhosa teacher, and get a first look at this year’s Family Fair poster.

Alongside this, we take a glimpse into the Kindergarten’s activities this week, follow Class 7 on their Geography outing up Table Mountain, showcase some of the wonderful artwork created by our High School students, and hear a parent’s reflection on the Class 9 Shakespeare play.

There are still 3 upcoming performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, don’t miss out. See details

Kyle Snapper
Marketing

Growing Through Sport, Creativity and Confidence

By Declan Griebelaar

Our school has continued to make wonderful progress in developing a vibrant and diverse programme of sport, physical education and creative activities for our learners. With a dedicated team of coaches bringing their passion, knowledge and enthusiasm to the school, our children are being given exciting opportunities to discover new talents, build confidence and develop important life skills.

Leading the volleyball programme is Coach Tapiwa, whose commitment to the sport is helping our learners develop both individually and as a team. Volleyball provides an excellent platform for pupils to build coordination, communication, discipline and perseverance, while also learning the importance of supporting one another. The growth and enthusiasm surrounding volleyball has been particularly encouraging.

Coach Koffi has been driving the basketball programme, introducing learners to the fundamentals of the game while creating an environment that encourages teamwork, movement and confidence. Basketball challenges pupils to think quickly, communicate effectively and work together towards a common goal. The progress being made is a wonderful reflection of the energy and dedication being invested into the programme.

For our younger learners, Coach Anne has been doing fantastic work through Ball Skills and her involvement with the lower primary learners. By focusing on fundamental movement, coordination and ball skills, she is helping to establish a strong foundation for future sporting development. More importantly, these activities allow our younger children to learn through play while developing confidence, balance and physical awareness.

The creative arts are also flourishing at Michael Oak Waldorf. Coach Alizwa has brought enthusiasm and imagination to Drama Games and the Drama Club, giving learners the opportunity to express themselves, explore their creativity and develop confidence in front of others. Drama encourages communication, cooperation and self-expression, while providing a space where children can feel comfortable being themselves.

Finally, Coach Cecil has been nurturing the minds of our learners through chess. Chess is more than just a game; it encourages strategic thinking, concentration, patience and problem-solving. It is wonderful to see learners engaging with the challenge of the chessboard and developing skills that extend far beyond the game itself.

At Michael Oak, we pride ourselves on the growth of the students, using sports, cultural activities and games as the tool. Our Debating team has shown excellent growth in winning all but one of their debates in their first-ever season in the district debating league. Their final debate takes place on 13 August, which will determine if they progress into the Quarter Finals in the NDL (The Cape Town Schools Debating League). Despite the outcome, we are exceptionally proud of our students for pushing themselves and excelling in the code of debating, which challenges their public speaking.

Together, these programmes represent the wonderful progress being made at Michael Oak. Through the dedication of our coaches and the enthusiasm of our learners, we are creating opportunities for children to grow as athletes and performers, while cultivating skills that build them into confident, creative, resilient and well-rounded young people.

We look forward to seeing our learners participate in their upcoming Sports Day, Derby Day’s and Gees Week.

Happening Next Week

Below is an overview of the meetings, events, and activities happening around the school next week.

August

Class 5 parents Evening

TBA

Meeting with the Class 5 parents and teacher in the class 5 classrooms.

August

Parzival Presentations

5:30pm to 8:00pm

Class 11 present their Parzival main lesson projects in the big hall.

August

HS Parent Forum

6:00pm to 7:30pm

A meeting with the members of the High School Parent Forum taking place in the upstairs meeting room.

August

PS Parent Forum Working Group

TBA

Primary school parent forum members meeting in the big meeting room.

August

KG Parents Evening

7:30pm to 9:00pm

A meeting with the kindergarten parents and teachers taking place in the kindergarten building.

August

Market Day

12:30pm to 3:00pm

Our weekly market takes place every Friday at the school entrance.

August

Craft Day

10:00am to 2:00pm

An opportunity to connect, get creative, and build a sense of community in the small hall.

Reflections of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

By Alison Tobler, Class 9 Parent

In a Waldorf school, the Class 9 Shakespeare play is a highlight – a milestone and integral to the curriculum. It is not a sideshow, icing on the top, a ‘nice to have’. It lies at the heart of the Class 9 year. The Shakespeare play forms a beautiful conduit for the 14/15-year-olds growth and internal development.

The Class 9 year centres around themes of polarity, transformation and empathy. What does this mean? It is not my area of expertise to explain. But as the parent of a 15-year-old in the midst of this process, and an older child who has been through this already, I have some ideas.

The children look forward to this for many years. Some with excitement and some with trepidation. When it comes to the process it can be a tumultuous time. Parts are assigned, lines learned, sets created, costumes found and then of course, the voice preparation and actual acting.

It takes hard work and commitment. Each student is faced with their own personal challenges, as well as those of being part of a community. They learn to support one another, and comfort one another when things are hard or go wrong. They are challenged to put their voice out into the space before them. They are challenged to look beyond the person they are tentatively becoming, and try on something different. Transform.

They see that there are a multitude of shades between black and white. That light and dark both have place.

Having been an incredibly introverted 15-year-old and terrified of the stage myself, I have watched my own children with absolute awe. Both quieter during their Primary years I have been witness to this marvellous transformation that had me dazzled. Both took on lead roles and not only did they handle it, they brought character, presence, passion to their roles. The confidence I have seen develop has been precious and valued.

The Shakespeare play, if held well and with love and empathy by the teachers, truly is a deeply meaningful point in a child’s time at a Waldorf school. In life in fact. What it offers the child in courage, discipline, patience, acceptance, passion, responsibility is of far greater value than a curriculum based only on academics. They are lessons for life.

This year’s Class 9 had perhaps more challenges to overcome than usual, but they have created a beautiful play and I am grateful to those who have guided them through this process.

Please come and see them and give them the enthusiastic audience and applause they deserve!

There are just two days left to see this fun production. Come and join us for a wonderfully chaotic evening of young lovers, mischievous fairies, mistaken affections and plenty of Shakespearean fun.

Friday 14th | 19h00 – 21h00
Saturday Matinee | 15h00 – 17h00
Saturday 15th | 19h00 – 21h00

Tickets: R50 adults | R30 children & learners

Refreshments are on sale from 6pm.

See you there!

Welcoming Our IsiXhosa Teacher

We warmly welcome Phumza Mboniswa, our new isiXhosa teacher at Michael Oak Waldorf School.

Originally from Cape Town, Phumza brings experience from both social work and education, having taught isiXhosa at Cedar House and Wynberg Girls’ Junior School.

Phumza is passionate about seeing the whole child, and creating a safe, supportive environment where children can learn and discover for themselves. She was particularly drawn to Waldorf education’s emphasis on allowing children to discover the world for themselves, away from the constant influence of technology and the digital world.

For Phumza, language is about much more than academics. It is a way for children to understand culture, connect with others and broaden their understanding of the world.

Outside of teaching, Phumza enjoys cooking, reading and exploring, and is passionate about child advocacy and supporting children through her involvement with NGOs.

We are delighted to welcome Phumza to the Michael Oak community!

The Fair Notice Board

Rise, Atlantis!
United, we treasure the flame!
Saturday 31 October 2026

Great Ancient City, once bustling in glory
Was lost in the dark, deep below
Ember of the ocean, Flame of the waves
Rise up from the depths, Let it glow
Come one, come all
Our torches are lit
Rise, Atlantis, Arise!
Together we stand, proud and tall
In truth and beauty
We unite!
Rise, Atlantis!
United, we treasure the flame!

Written by Class 6 2026

Dear Michael Oak Community

Inspired by the poem and drawings of Class 6, it is our great pleasure to share with you the 2026 Michael Oak Fair poster that Bianca De Klerk, Class 4 parent, created for us.

Thank you, Bianca, for your magical touch of including all these special elements that we gathered in preparation.

There is so much to see. To us, three gifts stand out: the water and its ever connecting movement; the gift of fire and its awakening flame; and lastly the beauty and sparkle of the heavens and the earth on which we are so lucky to tread!

May this be an image of inspiration as we continue to look forward to our
Rise, Atlantis Fair!

Calling all Michael Oak Creative’s Past & Present

If you are an artist, photographer, ceramicist, felt artists, sewer, knitter, jewellery designer, creative of any kind, we would LOVE to showcase your work at our 2026 Family Fair on 31 October. We are looking for donations for our Art Wall which is a wildly popular raffle with tickets sold at the fair as well as online. The Art Wall generates huge interest and is a perfect space to display your creative talent on the day of the fair. It can be a small item or a large item – whatever you are happy to part with and contribute towards this amazing community project. We will feature your biography and provide publicity in the leaflet in the run-up to the fair.

Visitors come from far and wide to view our Art Wall. Please consider gifting one of your creations for the Fair – a gift that goes on giving as it generates revenue for the school and much pleasure and joy to the raffle winners.

If you are willing to participate, please get in touch with
Firdous on 071 613 6835 (WhatsApp), or,

Genevieve (glangenhoven@michaeloak.org.za)

Dear Parents,
we would welcome your donations of books to our much loved book stall. Donations can be dropped off at the office. Thank you!

‘A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.’
– George RR Martin

Kindergarten Sewing

The Kindergarten children have been busy with a lovely sewing activity, adding colourful decorative patches to their little gnomes. Through sewing, the children develop fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, concentration and patience, while also enjoying the satisfaction of creating something with their own hands. The colourful patches give each gnome its own character and make this simple craft a special expression of the children’s creativity.

Kindergarten Baking Bread

The Kindergarten children enjoyed baking raisin bread, helping to mix and knead the dough before shaping their own little creations. Each child was free to make their bread into any shape they wished, allowing their imagination to guide them. Baking together is a wonderful practical activity that encourages independence, creativity and cooperation, while giving the children a chance to experience the simple process of turning ingredients into something delicious to share.

Class 7 - Geography Outing

As part of their Geography main lesson, Class 7 took their learning beyond the classroom with an outing up Table Mountain. They travelled by cable car and had the opportunity to experience the landscape from a different perspective, bringing their studies of geography to life through direct observation and exploration.

Traffic Around The School

The informal arrangement to use Marlow Road as a one-way system has proven to be successful. It serves parents dropping off and collecting students and reduces blockages, which suits our neighbours too.

Can we please show similar consideration to our neighbours on Bolus Avenue, the road leading up towards the school, ending opposite the Kindergarten. Please only ever park on the one side (the left side going uphill), leaving the right side free for traffic. It is safe to drop your child there too, as we control the traffic at the zebra crossing.

Wilfried Bohm
Acting Estate Manager

High School Art Showcase

This artwork showcase features creative work from Class 10 and 11. The Class 11 students explored South African landscapes through their ‘My Landscape’ art main lesson, capturing the character, atmosphere and stories of places through their own artistic perspectives.

We also feature the Class 10 students’ Surrealist Collages, where they experimented with unexpected combinations of images and ideas to create imaginative and thought provoking compositions.

My Landscape
Jerusha Young – Class 11

Surrealist Collage
Milla Skerbinek – Class 10

Surrealist Collage
Grace Molver – Class 10

My Landscape
Tara Younge – Class 11

Surrealist Collage
Gabriella Haefele – Class 10

Surrealist Collage
Isabella-Rose Kannemeyer – Class 10

Trustee nominations

Kindergarten Teacher Position Available

Save The Dates

Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for what’s coming up at Michael Oak.

Upcoming Crafting Days

See poster for dates

Family Fair

31 October

Follow Our Socials

Follow us on social media to stay connected with life at Michael Oak. Every follow, like, share, and comment helps us reach more families and grow our community. Thank you for your support.

We wish you a wonderful week ahead!

Community Notices

How to Love Course

Discover a 12 lesson course exploring practical ways to build deeper, healthier relationships with yourself and others. Available in person in Cape Town or online from September 2026.

IndigoBlu Reusable Menstrual Cloth Pads

IndigoBlu Menstrual Cloth Pads, also known as Moon Cloths, are made from natural cotton, linen and hemp. Reusable, soft against the skin and environmentally friendly, they offer a sustainable alternative to disposable menstrual products.

Each set can last 3 to 5+ years, making them a cost effective choice while supporting a more mindful connection with your body and cycles.

To order, contact Eva at Indigobluemooncloths@gmail.com or call 062 357 2211 to chat about the cloth pads best suited to your needs.

Vacancies at Village Waldorf School

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.

Mommy and Me Expo

Don’t miss out! Remember to book your space at the Mommy & Me Expo on 3-4 October 2026 at Venue D’Aria!

Please contact Elzette at admin@donatoevents.co.za for more info and rates.

Imhoff Waldorf Spring Fair

Save the date for Imhoff Waldorf School’s Spring Fair on Saturday, 12 September! Come along for a wonderful day of craft activities, games, delicious food, music and family fun. Bring the whole family and enjoy a vibrant community celebration as we welcome the arrival of spring.

An Ayurveda Retreat for Women

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.

Understanding Early Childhood Development

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.

The Slow HeARTS Club

If you are yearning for connection but don’t know how to meet people. Or you want to go out but don’t really want to socialise, or buy drinks, or even talk…If you want to practice your solitary art – whatever that is – and still be around people, come and join us.

We have created a warm, welcoming, offline space to gather, read, write, draw, journal, knit, paint, collage, crochet, or just be…alone or together. Bring your book or your arty, crafty supplies. Friends, conversations and connections welcome.

Ts & Cs:

1. No phones, tablets, laptops

2. Regrettably, no children. Mature teens welcome

3. Email for booking details

Holistic Education and the Three Fold Human Being

Explore a more creative and holistic approach to education with the CCE SACE accredited course, Holistic Education and the Three Fold Human Being. Taking place from 11 to 13 September at the Centre for Creative Education in Plumstead, the course explores practical ways to engage thinking, feeling and will through storytelling, movement, art and meaningful classroom experiences.