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
WEEKLY LEAFLET 31
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This week has been full of joy and movement as our classes have come alive with learning and discovery, and students of all ages have embraced the excitement of camp. It is a delight to share these moments of creativity, laughter, and connection with you in this edition.
As the season slowly shifts and the first warmth of summer begins to touch our days, we can feel the gentle call of longer afternoons, blossoming flowers, and the promise of new adventures both inside and outside the classroom.
Looking ahead, next week brings a wonderful series of gatherings that continue this spirit of connection — from class 5 language sharing and parent forums to Market Day and the enchanting Kindergarten Fairy Tea Garden Open Morning. Each event offers an opportunity to come together, celebrate our community, and enjoy the beauty of these closing weeks of term.
We hope you enjoy these glimpses into our days together and feel the rhythm of life and learning unfolding within our community.
Class 4 Parents Evening
17 November
HS Parent Forum
18 November
Fincom 2
19 November
Class 5 Language sharing
20 November
Market Day
21 November
KG Fairy Tea Garden
22 November
AGM
26 November | 18:30 to 20:30
Dear Kindergarten and Playgroup families,
You are warmly invited to a magical morning in our special garden where we are offering a chance for existing and prospective parents to experience the gentle rhythm of a Waldorf morning in Playgroup and Kindergarten.
Fairy Tea Garden Open Morning
Saturday, 22 November | 9:00–11:00 AM
at Michael Oak Waldorf School
Activities:
– Enjoy a butterfly craft
– Gather for story time
– Share tea and treats
– Watch the children play and explore in our beautiful garden
Our teachers will be available for questions and conversation about the wonders and benefits of a Waldorf kindergarten education. It’s a lovely opportunity to meet other families and get a true sense of our nurturing, creative space.
Come along, relax and see the magic unfold!
Booking essential. RSVP to marketing@michaeloak.org.za.
You may have noticed that our school leaflet has been evolving with many updates and changes recently. We are always looking for ways to make it more useful, engaging, and reflective of our school community. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and by taking a few moments to share your thoughts, you will help shape future editions of the leaflet so it better serves everyone.
This week we were grateful to welcome Emma Sadleir to Michael Oak for a series of insightful talks on children and social media. On Monday she spoke with Classes 5 to 8, followed by an evening session for parents, and on Tuesday she spent time with our high school students from Classes 9 to 12. The talks went exceptionally well, with thoughtful questions asked and answered, and students left with a clearer understanding of how to stay safe and responsible online. Our heartfelt thanks to Emma and her team for sharing their expertise and wisdom with our community.
The lower primary sports day was a morning full of joy. Our Class 1, 2 and 3 students threw themselves wholeheartedly into sack races, three-legged races, sprints and egg and spoon races, each event met with enthusiastic cheers from friends and parents alike. The tug of war at the end had everyone on the edge of their seats, before the children capped off the morning with a playful and refreshing water balloon fight that left everyone giggling and dripping.
Every child wore their bright blue Michael Oak shirts, and at the very start of the day their cheerful chant of “go everyone go, go everyone go” set the tone perfectly, reminding us all that it was not about winning but about taking part and having fun together. Parents were right there alongside them, cheering from the sidelines and even jumping into some exciting races themselves, adding to the energy and camaraderie of the day.
Healthy snacks like juicy watermelon, sweet orange slices and fluffy popcorn were shared between events, keeping little bodies fueled for all the activity. It was a morning that perfectly captured the spirit of our school, with smiles, laughter and a sense of community at the heart of every race and game.
On Tuesday, the Class 2 children performed their play, presenting it to some of the primary school classes in the morning and to parents in the afternoon. The play consisted of four fables: the tortoise and the hare, the dove and the ant, the hyena and the crane, and the fox and the crow. After the morning performance, they rolled up their sleeves and made dough, and later, after the afternoon show, they used the pizza oven to bake rolls from their creations and enjoyed them fresh and warm. The following day, the Class 2s celebrated their achievement by cooling off under sprinklers and savouring ice pops, which they had won from the September prize drive for the fair.
Class 7 spent several days at High Africa for their camp, a time devoted to team building and shared fun. Through various activities, they learned that true success comes when each person’s strengths and weaknesses are recognised and supported, and that working together brings far greater reward than working alone. Watching the shift from “working for me” to “working for us” was something special to witness, as a strong sense of unity grew among them at the end of their primary journey.
After their camp, the class went on an outing to Bo Kaap as part of their history main lesson. There they explored the neighbourhood’s quieter stories—its centuries-old mosques tucked between homes, the way family recipes and traditions have been passed down through generations, and how the community’s resilience has shaped the character of the area. It was a glimpse into living history, seen not just in the buildings but in the spirit of the people who call Bo Kaap home.
Class 8 students went on their camp to Palmiet, surrounded by mountains, beaches, and a lagoon. The days were filled with adventure, from jumping off a bridge to playing volleyball near their camp and enjoying time on the beach. Swimming proved to be a favourite activity for many of the students, who spent hours in the water. The camp offered a mix of fun, challenge, and camaraderie, giving the class the chance to connect, explore, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Class 9 spent their camp at Hearth & Soul Eco Retreat, where they experienced life on a working farm and deepened their connection to the land. Their days were filled with activity, from clearing alien vegetation and caring for the farm to enjoying volleyball class matches, lively games of 30 Seconds, and swimming in the river. One of the highlights for many was the games with Coach Caleb—both the energetic sports sessions and the friendly board game competitions. The camp meals were all vegetarian, and to everyone’s delight, the food was truly delicious. It was a wholesome and memorable week of teamwork and fresh country air.
Last week, the Class 11 students stepped into their social practical, a four-day experience of service and human connection, followed by a day of reflection and feedback. During this time, the students leave the familiar routines of school to engage with communities where care, support, and presence are part of daily life.
In many ways, this practical echoes the journey of Parzival, the young knight whose quest from innocence toward understanding forms the heart of the Class 11 year. Like Parzival, the students are invited to meet the world with openness and courage — to look beyond appearances, to listen deeply, and to act out of compassion.
Through these brief but meaningful encounters, they begin to sense what it means to serve and to truly see another human being. The social practical may be only a few days long, but its lessons — of empathy, humility, and awakening — reach far beyond the week itself.
Progress on the High School staff room has been steady. The exterior of the building is now largely complete, and work has moved indoors, with insulation, plumbing, and electrical installations well underway. With the matric exams taking place nearby, the team has had to plan their work carefully to avoid disruption, but things are moving along smoothly and the space is beginning to take real shape.
If you are missing any of the glasses shown in the photos, please come to reception to collect them.
We're wishing 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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
What's the difference between spring rolls and summer rolls?
Their seasoning.
