Weekly Leaflet 11 – Michael Oak Leaflet

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WEEKLY LEAFLET 11

April 9, 2026

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Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends

Welcome back. I hope the holiday gave you rest and time with the people you love. Term 2 begins in autumn, which is my favourite season. The light changes, the mornings have a bite to them, leaves change and the school takes on a particular beauty.

The holiday was not quiet for the school itself. The Maintenance and Support Staff worked through the holiday on cleaning, fixing and beautifying the school, and a great deal has been accomplished across the site. We have some photographs to share.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in the community survey in March. The response was meaningful and we will share the findings with the community soon, along with dates for our listening and engaging conversations. Please watch this space.

We are also very excited to release our new Kindergarten video. See our launch letter and the video. It is a beautiful piece of work, capturing something of the calm and unhurried quality of our kindergarten that is sometimes hard to put into words. Please watch it, share it with family and friends, and let it speak for itself.

We already have much of what is happening in the classroom. Physics in action, Class 9 with their reductive still life drawings and the High School Art Showcase are among the offerings you will be hearing more about. We share Kathy Abbott’s editorial, “A Conversation About Childhood.” It is well worth your time. And we offer a warm and well-deserved congratulations to Tanya Karakashian, who has graduated with her PGCE. This is no small thing, and we are proud of her.

This term we mourn the passing of Casey, our aftercare teacher, colleague and friend. Casey was dear, kind, warm and gentle, and she was loved by the children and by all of us who had the privilege of working alongside her. We stand with Lindy Graham in this loss. We grieve together, and we also celebrate a life that brought real joy to so many. The birds of remembrance the children made and strung up outside the aftercare are a beautiful and right tribute. May she fly free.

We hold that, and we carry on.

There is still much to do and much to look forward to. Please take a look at the Sport offerings for the term, and we ask you to save the date for our Fair, with more details to come. There is news and there is work and there is a school full of children waiting to be taught, challenged, celebrated and cared for.

That is what we are here for. All of us, together.

Warmly,
Beulah Reeler
Acting School Coordinator

Extramural Timetable

We’re pleased to share the extramural timetable for Term 2, covering both Primary and High School activities. This term’s programme includes a wide range of sports, creative arts, and skills-based clubs, with offerings such as tag rugby, volleyball, basketball, chess, drama, marimba, and more.

Please see the attached timetable for full details on days, times, age groups, and contact information for sign-ups.

Happening Next Week

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

20 to 23

April

Speech & Hearing Screening

8:00am to 12:30pm

Mandatory speech and hearing tests for Kindergarten, Class 2, and Class 8 students.

April

Class 4 Parents Evening

6:00pm to 8:00pm

Meeting with the Class 4 parents and teacher in the class 4 classrooms.

April

Class 6 Parents Evening

6:30pm for 6:45pm

Meeting with the Class 6 parents and teacher in the class 6 classrooms.

April

World Book Day

All Day

a UNESCO-designated event promoting reading, publishing, and copyright. Learn More

April

Open Classroom Tours

8:00am to 9:30am

A introduction to Waldof eduction, a tour of the Primary School and an opportunity to see classes in action. For prospective and current parents. Register Here

April

Market Day

11:30pm to 2:00pm

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

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

Big Walk

9 May

Fairy Tea Garden

23 May

Family Fair

31 October

Celebrating The Life Of Casey Jacobs

By Lindy Graham, Aftercare Facilitator

Casey Jacobs 29/01/1991 – 5/4/2026

This morning the email from school informing everyone about Casey’s passing went out. As I try to deal with my own broken heart I am inundated with contact from parents telling me of their own and their children’s broken hearts, and I am so acutely aware that love doesn’t end. Physicality does. Casey embodied love. And the love has not left.

I had the privilege of working with Casey for two years. She was humble and gentle and kind. I never once heard her raise her voice or say a mean thing about anyone. She remained calm and unflustered no matter what chaos may be happening in aftercare. She never rushed the children she was with, and when she was listening to another person she was so fully present with them: I never asked if she was lip reading, but I was aware of her complete attention upon another. The children felt so heard by her. Casey really saw people – her colleagues and the parents, but most importantly the children. She was not a parent herself, but she had the energy of an earth mother: she was a natural. Casey had an intuitive understanding of children and great capacity to hold them. Many times I watched upset children gravitate into her arms and be soothed. When I close my eyes I can see her at the desk surrounded by children, chatting easily to them. She was so loved in aftercare. I have so few photos of Casey with the children. Suddenly they are so precious.

Casey was an artist. I don’t know how many people at school knew this about her. She told me that she particularly like painting women. She showed me her work. It is exquisite. She studied photography before she came to Waldorf. Maybe that’s why she saw people so clearly. She loved nature, to see beauty and to create beauty. She loved cooking and was a “food artist” too. She was generous: sometimes she would bring me food that she had cooked, even food that her sister-in-law had cooked. (She knew that I like to eat but am a lazy cook myself.) Casey also had a way with words. The cards she made me I will treasure. The messages reflect her sensitivity and insight. When my son came to visit me in Scotland last year Casey coordinated the children to make cards for me (- already an achievement in aftercare when all they want to do is play!) She had to track my son down to hand them over. He was on the coming of age camp in the week when she was looking for him, so she got my husband’s number from the office and messaged him to organize the pick up. Casey really went the extra mile to send love. When I asked if she wanted to take my position while I was on sabbatical, she was hoping to get a job overseas and instead connected me to Jenna. She was so happy to be able to support Jenna and the children with the transition. In this world where the ethos is “Compete, climb the ladder, get on top” Casey was a server and helper, most especially of those who are so vulnerable: our children. She spoke often with obvious pride about her niece and nephew. Her values and priorities were so clear. Casey was brave too. She didn’t let delicate health hold her back at all. Before my mother underwent a medical procedure that Casey had had, she spoke my mom through the whole thing bringing comfort and reassurance.

She was my colleague and my friend. I will miss her cheerful countenance, her easy laughter, her tenderness. In the light of her passing I can see things that I didn’t see before: we are so very connected in the web of life, and the people we have soul connections and contracts with we cannot miss. Casey loved the children so much, the parents, her colleagues – the Michael Oak community. Her mom told that me that this was a happy place for her. She has so many friends outside of the school who are also grieving her loss. We are never prepared for death when it comes unexpectedly like this to one so young and vibrant and full of life. As I think about the children and their grief, I remember that their incarnation into the physical world was more recent than mine. That connection will help them process their pain more easily if we can help them to express what they are feeling. Let them paint or draw for Casey or her parents. If they want to, encourage them to talk about Casey, check if they want you to write down their Casey stories to remember her by. If they need to talk to Casey pray with them. I have made a small altar to Casey with fresh flowers, her photo and a verse. If they need a focal point for their grief that can help. I am in touch with her mother and will pass on to her anything that the children want her parents to receive. It will be part of their healing to. Casey comes from a big family and she loved family celebrations. She spent Easter Sunday with her family and they tell me she was happy and relaxed before her passing. I have taken comfort from that.

Grief is the soul’s way of expanding its boundaries to include what it cannot touch. Casey’s light is bright. It will continue to shine.

8 April 2026

A Tribute To Casey Jacobs

On the first morning of the term, the primary school children took part in a shared act of remembrance. Each child made a paper bird and by the end of the morning, a flock had been created.

The birds were hung on the patio outside the aftercare, where Casey would often sit and greet those who passed by. The space took on a new meaning. As they moved in the breeze, they reflected the children’s thoughts and appreciation.

For many children, Casey was a constant presence in the afternoons. She spent time with them and became part of their daily aftercare experience.

Our New Kindergarten Video

We are so excited to share something special with you which is the launch of our brand new Kindergarten promotional video!

We feel this video beautifully captures the warmth, wonder and nurturing environment that make our Kindergarten such a magical place for young children to grow, play and thrive. We hope that you enjoy watching it as much as we did creating it. It has been such a pleasure to bring this vision to life.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Luke Young, a parent in our school community, for his creativity, talent and care in making this video.

We would love your support in helping us share this with a wider community. If you feel inspired, please:

Share the video with friends and family who may be interested in joining our Kindergarten
Like and share the video on our social media pages
Help us spread the word about the beauty and uniqueness of the Michael Oak Kindergarten

Thank you for being part of this special community and for helping us carry the spirit of our Kindergarten out into the world.

A Conversation About Childhood

By Kathy Abbott

During the holidays a dear friend, an artist and art teacher, visiting from overseas popped in for a cup of tea. We got chatting about our work and what we enjoyed most about it.

I am passionate about my work with young children, but now I had to put into words what my heart sings wordlessly to me every morning and every evening. A good exercise.

I thought how young children so often solve their differences and disagreements in the most novel and imaginative ways if left to their own devices. Obviously there are times when this is not possible and some adult intervention is needed. A job of work is found, another game is suggested, a therapeutic story is quickly invented. Once peace is restored an apology is offered and accepted (not an easy step for many children). But most often difficulties are sorted out without my help.

I recalled how the children were digging in the sandpit. They were intent on making the longest river in Africa, “even longer than the river Nile”, I was informed. All of a sudden the digging stopped and one of the older children claimed that he was the boss of the game, as it had been his idea to build the river. Some others claimed that they too were the bosses because they had done all the work. Some others also wanted to be bosses. I observed this argument and was just about to intervene as tempers were starting to flare, when someone said to the child wanting to be the boss: “You can be first boss and I will be second boss and every one else can be bosses of the work that they are doing.” Problem solved, and the game continued happily. A solution I would probably not have come up with, or if I had, it would not have been so readily accepted.

That moment filled me with such joy and hope for the future of humankind – there are ways of solving difficult situations amicably with a little imagination and lateral thinking.

My friend said that the young children where she teaches have very little time to play freely and so have few opportunities to solve their differences on their own. They have special lessons in their kindergarten classes where problem solving is taught, through role playing and other games. We both agreed that children learn through doing, engaging the will and she felt sad for the children of her home country where this important lesson is taught rather than really experienced.

Then I remembered how a few days before the children decided that they wanted all the logs to be put on top of the jungle gym. In very little time a crane was fashioned with a rope and a crate. This system worked well for the smaller logs, but not so successfully for the larger ones. So the slide was used to stabilise the crate, and up the larger logs went. There was one very big log that also had to be manoeuvred onto the jungle gym. This one was too big and heavy for the children to pick up so they dragged it to the slide pushing and rolling it, all working together to achieve their goal. Once it was there they had a conundrum to solve. This log was too big to fit in a crate no matter how hard they tried. They realised it was too heavy to hoist up with rope after a few attempts. All sorts of plans were discussed and tried, some fantastical, “We could build a helicopter”, others more practical. Some children ran inside to draw a plan that might work. But eventually they all put their heads together and a plan was devised. A rope was tied around the log by the child everyone agreed was the best knot maker. The children who had been the log pullers climbed onto the jungle gym with the rope and pulled and the rest of the children pushed. After hard work they achieved their goal. They were so proud of themselves. They had managed with their strength, initiative and imaginations united, with absolutely no adult intervention at all.

I went home that day with my heart filled with delight and a feeling of wonder and privilege that I had observed such connectedness and inventiveness, and it too gave me a sense of hopefulness for humanity.

My friend listened in silence as I recalled this game. Once I had finished she said sadly that the children where she lives would never be allowed to play with ropes and logs – they would be considered far too dangerous. We were both of the same opinion that although of course it is our duty as adults to keep the children in our care safe, but perhaps a little danger is good for children to experience and too much safety can get in the way of true learning.

After our tea, my friend left and I was left with the knowledge that although our dear country may have many problems, for the moment, our children are some of the luckiest in the world – to have the freedom to play and solve their own difficulties and use ropes, climb trees and move logs, bigger than they are.

I wish you all a happy term. May the golden autumn light fill you with peace as you go about your work and play.

– Kathy Abbott, Kindergarten Teacher

Save The Date For The Family Fair

Inspired by the imagination, inspiration and courageous action of the Medieval Fair organized by Class 6 of 2025 – which was a great joy to us all –

Class 6 of 2026 invites you to save the date for the:

Michael Oak Family Fair: Rise, Atlantis!

Saturday 31 October 2026
From 10:30am to 3:30pm
Opening ceremony by Class 6 at 10:30am.

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!

Class 8 - Physics In Action

The Class 8 students are currently in a Physics main lesson exploring fundamental principles of the natural world through experiment and observation.

In one of a series of experiments, a bottle filled with water was heated with a balloon placed over the opening. As the water warmed, the air inside expanded and caused the balloon to inflate. The students observed how heating affects air particles, increasing their movement and volume.

Through simple demonstrations like this, they are developing a clearer understanding of how physical laws can be seen and tested in everyday materials.

Class 9 - Treasures of the Soul

The Class 9 students are completing a project that began last term called “Treasures of the Soul”, a still life exploration using charcoal on paper.

They started by collecting six to seven personal treasured objects with varying textures, shapes, and significance. After arranging these objects in a balanced composition, students created a contour drawing focused on accurate shapes and proportions.

From there, they applied a subtractive drawing technique. Each student covered an entire page fully in charcoal. From this dark surface, the drawings were made by using an eraser to remove charcoal, revealing the forms of the chosen objects. Rather than only adding marks, the work is built by taking them away.

This subtractive process asks students to observe carefully and consider how light falls across each surface. Through this, they work with light and depth, developing a clearer sense of form and contrast while also reflecting on the personal symbolism of their objects.

High School Art Showcase

A glimpse into the vibrant creativity of our high school students, featuring works from the projects Portrait, Colour and Fragility.

Portrait
Isabella Cupido – Class 12

Fragility
Dayle Gibbs – Matric

Fragility
Isabella Cowley – Matric

Fragility
Gabriel Lemoine – Matric

Colour
Jerusha Young – Class 11

Portrait
Skye Daames – Class 12

Portrait
Sarah Galvaan – Class 12

Improvements To The School Grounds

During the holidays, various areas of the school grounds were renewed and tended to. Our heartfelt thanks go to Wilfred, our acting estate manager, and to the devoted grounds team for their care, dedication, and quiet, steady work.

Chipped Bricks Replaced

Aftercare Was Refreshed

Repointing Outside Computer Lab

Stair Grip Redone In Upper Primary

Chipped Playgroup Tiles Fixed

Congratulations Tanya!

Tanya Karakashian, our arts and crafts teacher, graduated from UCT on 28 March, completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

We celebrate this milestone with her and honour the dedication she brings to her teaching at Michael Oak.

Last Call For Speech and Hearing Screening

20 – 23 April 2026

Dear Parents, Guardians & Caregivers

Speech and Hearing screening will be done at school by Patsy Gevisser, an experienced Speech Therapist & Audiologist on the above dates. These screenings are mandatory for children progressing from Kindergarten to Class 1 in 2027 as well as for children currently in Classes 2 and 8, unless they are currently attending speech therapy or have been tested privately. Should you opt not to have your child/ren screened, please provide us with a written explanation.

We strongly encourage learners from other grades, where there are concerns, including those facing behavioral or academic difficulties, to participate in the screening. Young children can be quite prone to ear infections, often having a middle ear infection without even realizing it. You might notice some signs like difficulty in your child following directions, behavioral changes, or having trouble distinguishing different sounds. It’s crucial to detect any speech or hearing issues early, so that the right support and interventions can be put in place.

While screening is mandatory for the classes listed below, we do require your consent to proceed with the assessments for your child(ren).

Click the consent link below that corresponds with your child’s class

– KG Biggies: https://forms.gle/1LZFbBmXjm1Cf9ez8
– Class 2: https://forms.gle/36xxaGerzmJoZSwv7
– Class 8: https://forms.gle/1rj8duxU1ezEqpkA8
– Non-Mandatory screening for all other grades: https://forms.gle/LhTif1kMSseZz1r67

Please be aware that language skills will not be evaluated during this screening, and it is not an auditory processing evaluation. Relevant referrals will be recommended after the screening and results will be shared with you after Patsy consults with the teacher.

The fee for the screening is R150.00 and will be added to your school fees account.

NB If your child is absent on the day of the test, you will need to have him/her tested privately and provide the teacher with the results for record-keeping purposes.

Warm wishes,
The College of Teachers

Thank You From Future Factory

It is with a heart filled with gratitude that we write to thank the Michael Oak School Community for your generosity in choosing The Future Factory NPO 022/711 to donate your collection of the Harvest Festival foods.

We serve various communities and projects as well as families especially the elderly who plays a vital role in also serving and assisting in the feeding programs themselves. When you called, we were so touched as we knew your generosity will touch so many hearts, and even more warm meals would be possible. The essence of seeing so much light and smiles on faces of the young as well as not so young and how it brought people together in their needs is more than a human touch, it is life itself.

May your school grow from strength to strength.

Kind regards,
Anne Siroky

Swing Raffle

The swing raffle from the fair is still underway, with entries at R50 each. You can secure your number with Zelda in Playgroup, either with cash or via SnapScan. A winner will be drawn as soon as all 100 numbers have been taken, so don’t miss your chance to be the lucky recipient of this wonderful prize!

The swing was generously donated by a family, but it’s too big to fit in the Kindergarten, so we’re raffling it off to raise funds for a smaller swing that will be just right for the children to enjoy safely.

Contribute & Share

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 All A Wonderful Week Ahead!!

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

Email – jaypegproductions1@gmail.com

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