Weekly Leaflet 5 – Michael Oak Leaflet

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WEEKLY LEAFLET 5

February 19, 2026

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Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends

It’s been a full and vibrant week at Michael Oak, with so much happening across the school community. From the Kindergarten work party and the High School Valentine’s fundraiser, to the Class 6 Greek Olympics and our recent career evening, the halls and classrooms have been buzzing with energy and activity.

Looking ahead, Photo Day is coming up on Monday, so make sure your children are ready. All grades will also be heading out for their Founders Day outings at the end of next week – Michael Oak’s traditional way to celebrate the birthday of Rudolf Steiner.

Happening Next Week

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

February

Photo Day

8:30pm to 1:00pm

Photos of each class on the oval – be sure your child looks their best.

February

High School Discovery Day

1:00pm to 3:00pm

A chance for prospective parents to learn more about our high school, taking place in the big hall.

February

Kindergarten Parents Evening

7:30pm to 9:00pm

Meeting for Kindergarten parents and teachers, taking place in the Kindergarten.

February

Dads, Dudes & Kids Camp Planning Meeting

7:00pm to 9:00pm

Meeting, in the big hall, for Dads, Dudes & Kids Camp organizers to discuss the logistics of the camp.

February

PS & HS Founder's Day Outing

8:30am to 1:00pm

Primary and high school classes go on outings to celebrate Steiner’s birthday (145 years)

February

Market Day

12:30pm to 3:00pm

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

Flame Of Togetherness

Dear Michael Oak Community,

This past weekend more than 150 Class 6 children from ten Waldorf schools across the Western Cape came together for the Greek Olympics at Constantia Waldorf School. This event is a true gift to our wider Waldorf community and was pioneered more than thirty years ago. The flame has been passed on, and for many years now Mornay Fortuin, currently a teacher at McGregor Waldorf School, has kept this tradition alive.

The camp marks the close of our Greek History Main Lesson and stands at a threshold in the life of the twelve-year-old child. It is a time when strong, well-balanced bodies awaken to a new, living capacity for thinking – much like the flowering of ancient Greek thought.

At Michael Oak Waldorf School, we are blessed to have Coach Koffi, who carefully guides each Class 6 class through the Olympic disciplines of javelin, shot put, discus, long jump, sprint, and various disciplines of wrestling. Thank you, Coach Koffi, for your dedication and steadfast commitment.

Our preparation focused not only on form, strength, and graceful movement, but also on courage, fairness, truth, order, and above all, the spirit of cooperation. It was deeply moving to witness children from ten different classes come together and, after just a day and a half, stand truly as one during the closing ceremony.

At the closing ceremony – each child receiving a medal, songs sung, and the oath to Zeus spoken once more – I felt how deeply this experience lived in the soul of each child. It is a flame of courage, calling each one to find one another as humanity and to stand as brothers and sisters, guarding the fire for the future.

In honour of Zeus be fully awake
With courage and fairness now strive
To balance within and balance without
We keep the great flame alive!
We keep the great flame alive!

Well done, Class 6 of Michael Oak 2026! Your many medals reflected great skill but above all your spirit of co-operation was noticed! You camped on the field, ran through the rain at night, slept on hard floors, guarded the fire, faced disappointment, took responsibility for your belongings, and cared for one another when it was needed. May the Olympic flame remain alive within you!

A heartfelt thank you to our sister schools for the commitment in creating this event together: Call of the Wild, Constantia Waldorf School, Gaia Waldorf School, Hermanus Waldorf School, Imhoff Waldorf School, McGregor Waldorf School, Star Seed Community School, Stellenbosch Waldorf School and Zenzeleni Waldorf School. Rafaeli Waldorf School and Khanyisa Waldorf School were with us in spirit.

Kristal Cox
Class 6 Teacher

Class 12 - Botany Main Lesson

What a wonderful opportunity to explore the plants that unfold with life around us. In this main lesson we follow the evolution of the plant world from chemosynthetic bacteria around the hot ocean vents through the first “photosynthesizers”, the cyanobacteria, which changed the earth’s atmosphere. We follow the amazing steps in evolution through the algae and the lungs of Gaia , out of the water via the lichens. Then through all the main divisions of the Plant Kingdom ending with the immense diversity of the flowering plants. The emphasis was on the increasing adaptation to a life out of water through structure and reproduction, as well as the importance of plants in their relationship with animal and humans.

Johan Wolfgang Goethe stated
“Each student was given a plant to work each morning to deepen their perception through a four step Goethean observation. This wonderful process takes the observer deeper than just surface observation, into relationship.”

A lesson on the Fynbos Biome culminated in a visit into our world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens where they got to see the main Fynbos plant families first hand, as well as the opportunity to explore the gardens and to do some simple sensory scent, sound and texture observation.

Lee Smit-Gardner
Life Sciences Teacher

Kindergarten Work Party

This past weekend our Kindergarten was enlivened by the warm of helping hands as parents gathered for the Kindergarten work party. With willing hands and generous hearts, many came together to tend and care for the spaces that hold our youngest children each day.

A great deal was accomplished. The chicken coop was cleaned out, jungle gyms were varnished, seeds were planted in the garden, and cloths were sewn for classroom use. It was a focused and practical morning, with everyone pitching in where needed.

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to everyone who offered their time and energy. Your contributions are deeply appreciated.

High School Valentines

The High School Valentine’s Party was a lively and well supported evening, held as a fundraiser for the Class 10 camps and outings. The event was arranged by the class together with their parents and guardians, and it was clear how much thought and effort had gone into every detail.

With a 2000s throwback theme, the oval and small hall were transformed for the occasion. There was plenty on offer including pizza sticks, a chocolate fountain with strawberries and marshmallows, mocktails, and other treats. The event was very well attended, and there was a vibrant and energetic atmosphere throughout the evening.

Class 10 took the lead in making the night a success. They managed the music, created the decorations, offered henna tattoos, ran a photobooth, and set up games such as table tennis and bean bag toss. Their initiative and teamwork were evident in every aspect of the event.

Well done to Class 10 and all the parents and guardians who helped make the event such a success.

Career Evening

On Thursday, 12 February, the Class 10s to Matrics, together with their parents, had the opportunity to attend our annual Careers Evening.
A heartfelt thank you to our inspirational guest speakers who generously shared their time, insights, and experiences. Your guidance made a meaningful impact on our students.
The evening was a great success, and our students left feeling inspired, motivated, and with greater clarity about their future pathways. We truly appreciate everyone who contributed to making the event such a memorable and valuable experience.

The Library's Awakening

In Michael Oak there is a wonderful little room. You have to cross a busy play court to get there. It is tucked away in a small corner, on the edge of a magical garden. It is a higgledy-piggledy room filled with books and shelves, wooden benches and an odd assortment of chairs and desks. To the outsider, it may look like a forgotten kingdom, but for the children it is a sanctuary, a place filled with wonderful stories and a wealth of knowledge. It is our little library, loved by children over many decades.

For years, the children sat on its wooden benches with their favourite stories. Their busy hands turned pages, their eager feet pattered across its carpets, and warm hearts were touched by the stories filling the shelves. All this love left its mark: the benches worn smooth as river stones, the carpets threadbare, the books dog-eared and weary.

And now the library sleeps, dreaming of all the adventures it has held within its walls.

But every sleeping kingdom needs someone with magic in their heart to wake it. Mary Gibbs, a Michael Oak parent with a wonderful wand (and perhaps a paintbrush or two), has a big dream and a golden heart. As our Library Fairy, she can see what the library longs to become again: bright, welcoming, alive with possibility.

And already, Mary is gathering more fairies around her, mothers just as keen to help bring the library back to life. So if you see some smiling mums with baskets of books, a golden bag of fairy dust and a wand peeping out of their woven bags, then be sure to know that they are the Library Fairies, working their magic.

The refurbishment will begin with funds from the George Ellis Trust, which he generously gifted to the library. Wilfried Bohm and the Maintenance Team are already preparing the groundwork: replacing doors and window frames, and attending to electrical and other essential repairs.

Would you like to help to sprinkle some the magic dust, paint a shelf or reapir some books? Then….
Join us for a magical work party
Saturday 7th March 2026
10am – 2pm
*Bring some snacks and drinks to share. We’ll provide the tea.

Beulah Reeler
Acting School Coordinator

Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free: Supporting healthy development

Since the end of January, Michael Oak Waldorf School has been implementing a bell-to-bell cell phone-free environment for all children up to and including Class 12. We are continuing to refine our approach to find the best way of managing this important initiative, and wanted to share with you the thinking behind this decision.

Why we’re taking this step
This decision is rooted in our understanding of child development and our commitment to creating an environment where children can grow, learn and connect in healthy ways.

We are increasingly aware of how mobile phones affect the developing brain, particularly in childhood and adolescence when crucial neural pathways are being formed. The constant availability of digital stimulation impacts children’s capacity for sustained attention, deep thinking and genuine presence with others. We have observed what many schools worldwide are noticing: classroom disruption, declining focus and, perhaps most concerningly, reduced face-to-face interaction among pupils.

During break times, we want to see children talking, playing, arguing, making up, imagining and simply being together. These direct human interactions are not merely pleasant additions to school life – they are essential experiences through which students learn to navigate relationships, develop empathy and build the social skills they will need throughout their lives. When they retreat into earphones and screens during these precious unstructured moments, they miss opportunities for the kind of social learning that cannot happen any other way.

How it works
In the high school, phones are collected each morning and returned at the end of the school day. Class 13 (Matric) students are not part of this initiative at present.

We strongly encourage parents to ask their children to leave mobile phones at home unless absolutely essential for commuting or transport arrangements. The simplest solution is often no phone at all during the school day. Please be aware that if phones are brought to school, they remain the responsibility of families, and we ask that students take care with their belongings.

We continue to observe and adjust our approach to ensure it works effectively for our community.

We recognise that parents may have concerns about emergencies. Please be assured that our school reception remains available throughout the day. If you need to reach your child urgently, you can phone the school office and we will ensure the message is delivered promptly. Similarly, if your child needs to contact you, staff are available to facilitate this.

Moving forward together
This decision reflects our role as educators: to create the conditions in which children can develop their full potential. International research increasingly supports what we observe in our classrooms – that removing smartphones from schools improves both academic performance and social climate.

We appreciate your support and patience as we continue to refine this approach. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Claire Walter: High School Secretary: cwalter@michaeloak.org.za

Beulah Reeler
Acting School Coordinator

Upcoming Craft Day Dates

Our crafting gatherings are a time for hands, hearts, and imagination to come together. Each session is an opportunity to create beautiful, handmade treasures that will find their place at our school fair. Whether you are painting, sewing, weaving, or shaping clay, your work contributes to the joy and warmth of our community.

Donation Request From Aftercare

Dear Parents

The favorite activity in the upstairs play area is house or fort building. The children love to create a corner or contained area for themselves and play inside it. If anyone should have old puppet show ‘screens’ available that they would like to donate to primary aftercare please chat to Lindy.

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

Christian Community Family Fiar

Join the Christian Community Family Fair this Saturday, 29 August, from 10am–3pm at Timour Hall Road, Plumstead. Come along for a fun-filled community day for the whole family!

Awaken Your Inner Artist

Awaken your Inner Artist with this new five week art course, inspired by the work of five modern and contemporary artists. Through art, reflective writing, music and poetry, participants will explore their inner creativity and expression. No previous art experience is required.

An Evening of Song & Celebration

The Cape Town Children’s Choir (Juniors & Seniors) invites you to join us for an evening of song, spirit, and celebration at our Annual Celebration Concert. We are excited about filling NG Gemeente Church in Rondebosch with the voices of our young choristers – it’s a concert not to be missed!

Sunday, 13 September 2026
2 Derry Road, Rondebosch
17:30 (Doors open at 17:00, unreserved seating)

Tickets at the door & Queries: info@ctcchoir.co.za
Adults: R120 | Children (under 18) & Pensioners: R70

Come share in the joy, the harmony, and the music that makes our choir community so special.

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

Cultivating Presence: Eurythmy & Listening

A series of 6 sessions to experience how the eurythmy music curriculum meet the young person in adolescence and young adulthood.

Discover the ways of open mind, open heart, and open will listening and how they can become an orientation in dialogue and conversation.

IndigoBlu Reusable Menstrual Cloth Pads

IndigoBlu Menstrual Cloth Pads, also known as Moon Cloths, are made from natural cotton, linen and hemp. Reusable, soft against the skin and environmentally friendly, they offer a sustainable alternative to disposable menstrual products.

Each set can last 3 to 5+ years, making them a cost effective choice while supporting a more mindful connection with your body and cycles.

To order, contact Eva at Indigobluemooncloths@gmail.com or call 062 357 2211 to chat about the cloth pads best suited to your needs.

How to Love Course

Discover a 12 lesson course exploring practical ways to build deeper, healthier relationships with yourself and others. Available in person in Cape Town or online from September 2026.

Mommy and Me Expo

Don’t miss out! Remember to book your space at the Mommy & Me Expo on 3-4 October 2026 at Venue D’Aria!

Please contact Elzette at admin@donatoevents.co.za for more info and rates.

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

Imhoff Waldorf Spring Fair

Save the date for Imhoff Waldorf School’s Spring Fair on Saturday, 12 September! Come along for a wonderful day of craft activities, games, delicious food, music and family fun. Bring the whole family and enjoy a vibrant community celebration as we welcome the arrival of spring.

An Ayurveda Retreat for Women

A gentle invitation to reconnect with yourself. Join this four day women’s retreat exploring Ayurveda, embodiment and women’s wisdom through a nurturing and restorative experience. No previous experience is needed, and all are welcome.

Helios Spring Raffle

Support Helios, a Waldorf inspired community learning group in Marina da Gama, while standing a chance to win an amazing selection of prizes. Tickets are R40 each or 3 for R100, with prizes including a weekend stay, artwork, vouchers, workshops and more.

Tickets are available directly from the children or by contacting elinordriver@gmail.com.

The draw will take place on September 20th.

Holistic Education and the Three Fold Human Being

Explore a more creative and holistic approach to education with the CCE SACE accredited course, Holistic Education and the Three Fold Human Being. Taking place from 11 to 13 September at the Centre for Creative Education in Plumstead, the course explores practical ways to engage thinking, feeling and will through storytelling, movement, art and meaningful classroom experiences.

Vacancies at Village Waldorf School

Village Waldorf School is currently seeking to welcome two new members to its community. Vacancies are available for a Primary School Teacher and a School Secretary. If you or someone you know may be interested, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity.

Click below to view the full job descriptions.