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.

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

Rescued! The Legend That Was Daisy

Former Michael Oak bursar Jane Johnston has written a heartwarming book about Daisy, a much loved local dog who was known for keeping fit by pulling her previous owner, Chuck, along on his skateboard. Rescued! celebrates the special place rescue animals hold in our lives, with a percentage of each sale donated to the animal charity of the buyer’s choice.

To purchase a copy, contact Jane on 760 484 8918.

Reclaiming Presence: A Nature Based Experience for Young Teens

A nature based afternoon for young people aged 12 to 15, offering space to slow down, reconnect with the natural world and develop mindful presence, emotional awareness and practical coping skills. Led by a clinical psychologist specialising in adolescent mental health, the experience includes gentle movement, nature connection, time away from screens and meaningful connection with others.

Kids Aerial Yoga Holiday School

Ananda Sanctuary’s much loved Kids Aerial Yoga Holiday School is back this October!

7, 8 and 9 October 2026
09h00 to 12h00
ages 5 – 12 years

Michelle and Lindy cannot wait to welcome you to this amazing holiday programme which brings delight and joy to so many and gives parents some free time.

Limited to 12 spaces. This much loved holiday activity sells out fast so make sure to book now to avoid disappointment. Payment secures your child’s spot.

We explore the themes:

⭐️Trust & Compassionate Communication

Trust exercises / Circles / Communication / Trusting self & the silk / Acro yoga / Trust a partner

⭐️Calm is the New Cool / Learning to Deal with Anxiety and Stress

⭐️Love the body I am in ⭐️Identity issues

We cover issues of emotional self-awareness, using vision boards, drawings, meditation, mindfulness, breath work, aerial yoga, singing bowls, movement + creativity.

Michelle Hendrikz will guide with care and expertise – she is trained with Yoga4Kids, Art Therapy, TRE Facilitation and Kids Aerial Yoga.

R490 per child per session.
Join one session, or more.
R1,290 for all 3 sessions.

Healthy snacks will be provided + art materials + yoga mat & hammock

Parents can drop-and-go, join a yoga class or work from Ananda Sanctuary

To book : info@anandasanctuary.co.za / WhatsApp 0827708626

High School Parent Forum

All High School parents Welcome! Be part of a dynamic group of parents who engage with the School and help shape school policies on topics such as AI use in the high school; navigating a phone-free school and issues such as bullying or vaping. Please add any items you would like to be discussed in the final meeting of the year at the High School Parent Forum by completing this quick form linked HERE. For enquiries contact the Forum Chair Cecile Blake Benadé. cecileblake@gmail.com.

The date of the final meeting is 17 November 2026

Looking For a Tutor

I am in Cape Town for a month with my 6 year old son, Jude. We have come over from Zimbabwe to have a baby here, and while we are here, I am looking for a tutor who could spend a little time with Jude a few times a week.

I would love some help with reading, handwriting and maths to keep him learning while we are away from home. I am trying my best, but I am definitely not a teacher and could use some help!

If you know of someone who might be interested, please get in touch.

Becky
073 533 3037
WhatsApp: 00263 772 234 349

Holiday Art Classes

Holiday Art Classes are happening at the Peter Clarke Art Centre on 29 and 30 September, with playful, creative activities for children aged 6 to 11. Spaces are limited, so book soon!

Looking for an Exchange Berlin-Capetown

From Jan 2027 for 3 months

Hello Everyone,

My name is Luiza, I am 16 years old and I was born on January 5th. I attend a Waldorf school in Berlin, Germany and I am currently in 10th grade.

I come from Berlin and live quite centrally with my mother, my brother (15), my little sister (7) and my stepfather. I would describe my family as open-minded, loving, warm and welcoming.

My favourite subjects are Art and Spanish, and I also enjoy Sports. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are
not really my favourite subjects.