WEEKLY LEAFLET 14
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The Big Walk is taking place this weekend and we are very excited to gather as a community for this much loved Michael Oak tradition! Looking ahead to the week ahead, there are many opportunities to connect and participate, from the Introductory Talk and Community Engagement Sessions to our weekly Market Day and a creative Craft Day in the small hall. We look forward to another vibrant week together.
Kyle Snapper
Marketing
Below is an overview of the meetings, events, and activities happening around the school next week.
12
May
HS Parent Forum Meeting
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Parents and faculty meet in the meeting room to share ideas and support the smooth running of the High School.
12
May
Community Engagement Session
6:00pm to 8:00pm
an opportunity for the community to share input on the Renewal Process.
13
May
Trustee Meeting
6:30pm to 8:00pm
A meeting of the Trustees, taking place in the upstairs meeting room.
15
May
Market Day
11:30pm to 2:00pm
16
May
Introductory Talk
8:45am to 10:00am
An opportunity to learn about Michael Oak Waldorf School and its holistic, values-based approach to education.
16
May
Community Engagement Session
10:00am to 12:00pm
an opportunity for the community to share input on the Renewal Process.
6
May
Craft Day
10:00am to 2:00pm
An opportunity to connect, get creative, and build a sense of community in the small hall.
Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for what’s coming up at Michael Oak.
Upcoming Crafting Days
See poster for dates
Introductory Talk
16 May
Family Fair
31 October
By Keith Klaasen
At Michael Oak Waldorf School, our days are filled and accompanied by jubilant love and joy. Here, our educators embrace every opportunity to share that love and joy as they strive for excellence in each learner’s education. The love we share overflows into the lives of our parents, learners and wider community.
The educators are positive and lead with humility, advancing unity and strength. This love for education creates a profound sense of harmony. We proudly lift the banner of love and joy to build bridges and give hope to the generations to come.
Years from now, the memories of real joy will remain in the hearts of the learners as they grow. Here, learners are given the opportunity to think clearly and to discover purpose for their lives, exploring the world with love and joy.
The festivals made a real impact on my life. Seeing learners and educators working hand in hand, united in love, reminds us that everyone belongs and can rejoice in the outcome of these events. Learners are constantly involved sharing this love, lighting a candle of hope for those in need.
I am proud to see how learners take part in music, playing instruments and participate in cheerful singing. This is shared from their hearts with pure love and joy.
Let us continue to nurture love and joy and move forward with great courage into the future.
Keith Klaasen
Afrikaans Teacher
Safety and Security: A Progress Report
One of the quiet but important threads running through this year’s work has been the
steady improvement of our safety and security infrastructure across all three
campuses. As part of our school maintenance programme, we have been working with
Rubics Solutions to repair and replace outdated and dysfunctional camera
equipment.
We now have 22 cameras installed across the Primary School, the Kindergarten, and
the High School. Three cameras at the Kindergarten still need to be reinstated, and we
are investigating the circumstances of their disconnection with the estate
management team. The remaining Kindergarten cameras, positioned along Gibson
Road, are active and monitored by both Princeton Security and the Kenilworth
Improvement District security centre.
Footage from all three systems is stored electronically, and a limited number of staff are authorised to access these records. For obvious reasons, we are not in a position to publish a full technical description of our systems in an open letter.
Rob Howe, our Maintenace Supervisor and one of our Safety Officers, holds direct responsibility for day-to-day on-site safety during this interim period and checks each
of the three camera systems twice a week.
Jo Mostert from Waterstone Governance has been our Safety and Security consultant for more than nine years. She works with us on compliance, conducts safety checks and evacuation drills, and meets with the committee each term to review health and safety matters.
All incidents reported by parents, staff, visitors and learners are included in these meetings, recorded by position rather than by name.
Every day our team goes through what is needed to keep our children and our
school safe. We take this task seriously. We value your input and support in helping to keep us accountable and supporting us in our endeavours.
Warmly,
Beulah Reeler
Acting School Coordinator
Robin Lonhurst
School Volunteer
Robin joins us as a volunteer this year, having arrived in South Africa last December, from Haarlem in the Netherlands, with his family in search of a new experience.
Since the start of the year, Robin has been a steady presence across several classes, supporting form drawing in Class 5 and assisting in Classes 3 and 6.
His connection to Michael Oak has a personal thread. He was drawn to the school through its Waldorf approach, and through a link with the Class 6 teacher, Kristal Cox, who attended the same school in the Netherlands as his children. He describes Michael Oak as open and welcoming, with an atmosphere that reminds him of Hogwarts, quite different from the more contained school environments he knows from home.
Outside of school, Robin enjoys hiking through the mountains, playing tennis and basketball, and travelling. We are glad to have Robin with us this year and grateful for the time and care he brings to our classrooms.
Outdoor play is a vital part of childhood, offering children the space to grow in confidence, creativity, and physical strength. In unstructured time outside, children naturally explore, imagine, solve problems, and learn to work with others in ways that feel free and meaningful.
Being outdoors also supports a child’s overall wellbeing. It helps restore balance, reduces stress, and encourages a deeper connection to the natural world. In a time when screens and busy routines are ever present, regular outdoor play gives children something simple but essential: room to move, breathe, and fully be in their childhood.
Michael Oak actively encourages outdoor play as an essential part of childhood, where time spent outside is valued as deeply as time in the classroom.
Click here to read more about the importance of independent outdoor play.
Last Thursday, Class 11 travelled by train into Cape Town for a day of artistic exploration and observation. Walking through the streets of the city together, the students visited the Iziko Old Town House, where they encountered beautiful works from the Dutch Baroque period juxtaposed next to contemporary South African artworks. The experience offered a rich opportunity to reflect on how landscapes, histories and identities are expressed through art across different times and cultures.
From there, the class continued to the Company’s Garden, where they spent time outdoors making their own charcoal. The outing forms part of the Iziko “My Landscape” project, in which students are invited to respond artistically to their own landscape through drawing. Through observing the city, engaging with artworks, and working directly with natural materials, the day offered inspiration for the creative process while deepening each student’s relationship to place.
We would like to congratulate Juliet, Jamie, Julian and Fynn who have qualified for the second round of the South African Mathematics Olympiad which will be taking place on the 14th of May 2026. This is an excellent achievement, and we are proud of your hard work and dedication.
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
A behavioural/developmental visual screening will be done at Michael Oak on 25 – 26 May by optometrist Wayne Hodgkinson. Behavioural optometrists are regular optometrists who specialised in testing how the eyes function in all classroom-related activities and make recommendations for visual therapy to correct any problems. Visual screening is a highly specialised area and the teacher, academic support teacher or therapist may not necessarily be aware that there is a problem. The screening is mandatory for Kindergarten children entering Class 1 in 2027, Classes 2,5 and 8 and optional for all other classes.
The functioning of the visual system is constantly changing, affected by shocks, traumas, stress and illness. Children who have been tested “clear” by a regular optometrist as not requiring glasses may nevertheless be struggling with visual systems that are hampering them. Some of the symptoms that can alert us to a visual system under strain are: tiring easily with tasks, frequent blinking and rubbing of eyes, headaches and stomach aches while reading, visual memory problems, poor speed in copying from the board, and not holding the picture of words learned for spelling. All school work is greatly strengthened if the visual system is functioning well.
For this reason, we highly encourage any parents of Primary or High School children experiencing difficulties with their schoolwork, challenges with reading or copying from the board, slow work pace, lack of motivation, or behavioural issues to consider arranging a visual screening.
The cost for this screening is R100.00 and will be added to your school fees account. To complete the permission form, please click on or copy and paste the following link into your browser. (Permission forms must be completed by Wednesday 15 May)
KG Older Children: https://forms.gle/
Class 2: https://forms.gle/
Class 5: https://forms.gle/
Class 8: https://forms.gle/
OTHER Classes: https://forms.gle/
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your child’s Class Teacher/Guardian, the Academic Support Teacher Ann Kantey, or Eurythmy Therapist Julia O’Leary.
Best wishes,
The College of Teachers
We are looking for a School Coordinator (Senior Leadership Role) – a strategic executive integrator who serves as the registered principal and ensures alignment across pedagogy, operations, finance, compliance, and community engagement.
This full‑time, permanent position works in partnership with the College of Teachers and reports to the Board of Trustees. You will lead operational implementation, hold the interface between governance and daily school life, and ensure the school’s Waldorf ethos is expressed coherently and sustainably.
Key requirements include:
5–7 years’ senior leadership experience in education or a complex organisation
Strong people leadership, financial literacy, and governance understanding
Expertise in compliance, accreditation, and statutory requirements for South African schooling
A professional teaching qualification and current SACE registration
Preferred: Principal/Deputy Principal experience, postgraduate qualification in leadership/management, Waldorf knowledge or strong interest.
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!!
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.
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.
Hosted by Constantia Waldorf School, this vibrant community event celebrates books, storytelling, and a love of reading for all ages.
When: Saturday, 23 May 2026, 11am to 7pm
Entry: R100 Adults, R50 Students, Free for children under 5 (cashless event)
Activities include: Author talks, workshops, panel discussions, book sales, food vendors, and an open mic for sharing your own writing
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
The How to Love course developed by Dr Tessabella Lovemore is now available in Afrikaans for the first time. It is an online course of 12 lessons over 12 months. “These 12 lessons have made a significant change in the way I relate to people, loved ones, colleagues, and strangers.”
Cobie Roelvert
A series of 6 eurythmy sessions covering the child’s development from three to thirteen as a musical journey. Understand the child (or look back on your own childhood) through dance and song and experience how children’s needs change.
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.
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).
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
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 workshop for parents, educators, and anyone working with teens.
Presented by Professor Jackie Hoare (Neuropsychiatrist, UCT Neuroscience Institute).
Hosted by Helen Malgas, Counselling Psychologist and former Michael Oak parent.
🗓️ Tuesday 28 April | 19h00 – 20h30
📍 St George’s Grammar School
💰 Free to attend (donations welcome for Better Together Youth Programme)
Questions? Contact Helen on 073 250 3416 or helen@helenmalgas.co.za.
Imhoff Waldorf School is seeking a passionate, creative Afrikaans teacher for Grades 1–7. If you’re SACE registered, have teaching experience, and are interested in Waldorf education, we’d love to hear from you.
📅 Closing date: 15 May 2026
📧 Send your CV and cover letter to: cot@imhoffwaldorf.org
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
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.
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
What do you call a bee that can't make up its mind?
A Maybe.
