WEEKLY LEAFLET 35
Share This Leaflet:
As we send out this final leaflet on the last day of school, we would like to extend our warm wishes to all our families. For those who celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa, may these festivals bring blessings upon you and your families.
For primary school, reports can be collected at reception on Monday the 15th and Wednesday the 17th between 8:00am and 1:00pm. Please note that Tuesday is a public holiday. High school reports will be emailed.
Thank you for your support throughout the year and for all you contribute to our school community.
We are sad to announce that William Bond, Helen O’Hagan’s father, passed away this last week. He has a very long standing relationship with Michael Oak, as parent to Helen and her siblings and then grandparent. His wife, Winifred, was a dedicated teacher at Michael Oak for many years. We send the family deepest condolences and love.
We celebrate with joy that Marion Penfold, one of the very first teachers at Michael Oak, has turned ninety and is in Cape Town for her birthday. Marion has long been a guiding presence in our school, and many in our community were taught by her. A bring and share birthday gathering will be held on Sunday 14 December at Sophia House, 18 Firfield Road in Plumstead, from 15:00 to 17:30.
The Star Tree Festival was a celebration of light and togetherness. Parents’ voices opened the gathering like a gentle sunrise, and one by one the children entered, filling the space with song. A single candle in the centre became a beacon as a story unfolded, woven with songs and poems. When the Class 7 students shared their light with the parents, the hall transformed into a sky of twinkling stars, each candle a small spark of joy and connection.
A Class 1 parent, Lisa Van Aardenne, kindly donated two trees to the school. A few Class 1 children, with Clinton’s guidance, planted one of the trees, helping to grow something that will bring shade and beauty for years to come. A big thank you, we are truly grateful for this gift.
The Kindergarten children had their final day on Wednesday. As a gesture of love and support, the parents of the children who will be moving on to Class 1 next year formed an archway with their arms, creating a pathway for the children to walk through. Each child carried a box filled with the crafts and treasures they created throughout the term. It was a simple and cheerful way to mark the end of their kindergarten year.
The Class 1 children delighted their parents with a performance of The Golden Goose. With enthusiasm and charm, they brought the story to life on stage, sharing their joy, creativity, and hard work with everyone watching.
Below are photos from the play as well as a recorder performance of Au clair de la lune.
The Class 3 market day was wonderfully successful, the children sold various handmade gifts such as Christmas decorations and jewelry, Sweet treats, Stickers, Gift Tags, Cards . Together they raised R2500. The money that was raised will be donated to Paedspal Paedeatric Palliative Care. As the culminations of their money main lesson, the Class 3 market day was held on Monday.
Last week the Class 7 students performed Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, managing to put on a full two-hour play with only two weeks to prepare. Both students and teachers were nervous at first, unsure if they would be ready, but the performance went smoothly and was met with great feedback from parents. A big thank you to all the parents who helped put the set together and helped to arrange the costumes. It was a remarkable effort from everyone involved and a memorable highlight of the term.
What a magical evening we shared on the Oval recently! Parents, grandparents, and siblings joined us for a special occasion showcasing the talents of the Class 8 students. Despite the windy and cloudy conditions, the evening was warmed by a truly beautiful sunset, setting a dramatic stage for the performances.
The Class 8s delivered a powerful recitation of three classic poems, demonstrating the different facets of human experience: “Lochinvar” by Sir Walter Scott represented the Hands, “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe spoke to the Head, and “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe touched the Heart.
Following the performances, the mood shifted to warmth and camaraderie as we fired up the pizza oven for a delightful supper. It was a lovely opportunity for the school community to gather and enjoy time together.
Our sincere thanks go out to Coach Caleb for his assistance in preparing the Class 8s for their spectacular performance; Cindy Diedericks for her warm and expert guidance; Nicola Rijsdijk for masterfully coordinating the entire pizza supper; and Matthew Dowling and Andreas van Breda for expertly cooking our delicious pizzas! It was a truly memorable evening celebrating poetry, community, and delicious food!
In our Development Geography block, Class 9 learned about the primary, secondary, and tertiary economic sectors. To bring these ideas to life, students created their own economic trading cards representing different products and industries.
They then traded their cards with one another, experiencing how local, national, and global markets work through supply, demand, and interdependence. The activity brought plenty of energy and helped students clearly see how economies are connected.
To welcome our new Matrics into the adventure of Geography, we decided to explore Cape Town’s natural beauty by summiting Table Mountain! With an early start, we hiked up Skeleton Gorge and down Nursery Ravine – a challenging but unforgettable journey.
What an incredible adventure. Matric promises to be filled with geography action, learning, and fun!
All of our wonderful Michael Oak staff came together for a lunch to celebrate the last day of school. With plenty of delicious treats to enjoy, it was a joyful and relaxing time shared with colleagues, as we also said a warm and heartfelt goodbye to four beloved members of our staff who are retiring: Leueen Scharnick, Brenda Gunning, Sarah Monaheng, and Caroline Marquardt.
This week’s artwork showcases pieces from the Class 9 art main lesson ‘Aesthetics of Art’, where students explored how different artistic styles, elements, and design principles help us understand and interpret artworks. They studied various artists, examined the intentions behind their creations, and discovered how unique art styles develop. This showcase also features a striking interpretation of Starry Night by Sumita Magan and an evocative untitled piece by Gabriell Haefele, highlighting the individuality and creativity expressed throughout the lesson.
Starry Night
Sumita Magan – Class 10
Study Of Edvard Munch
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Pablo Picasso
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Edouard Manet
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Vincent Van Gogh
Amirah Abbas – Class 9
Study Of Edouard Manet
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
Study Of Frida Kahlo
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
Study Of Pablo Picasso
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
Untitled
Gabriell Haefele – Class 9
A selection of Class 9 creative responses to setwork, Buckingham Palace, District Six by Richard Rive.
The leaflet is continually changing, and your feedback plays an important role in helping us refine it. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this edition and help shape how the leaflet grows in future.
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.
