Parents who wish to apply for fee assistance for the 2023 school year must email Pam Schneider, Bursar, at pschneider@michaeloak.org.za and request a form. The forms need to be completed in full and returned with supporting documentation by close of business on Monday 29 August 2022.
Please note that it is the expectation of the Board of Trustees that parents who receive assistance “give back” to the school by actively participating in a working group and/or other activities at Michael Oak. Participation in and around the school is taken very seriously when considering applications. It is our intention to have the selection process completed by the end of Term 3.
Michael Oak is looking for a new Sports & Extramural Coordinator.
Please see ad below under Job Openings.
CLASS 9 is proud to present:
Monday 29 August thru Saturday 3 September at 7:00 PM Saturday 3 September at 2:30 PM Sunday 4 September at 3:00 PM
This year’s production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona is highly entertaining – full of drama, romance, humour and slapstick. The Class 9s are putting in fantastic effort and commitment, ensuring a high quality piece of work. A performance not to be missed!
Refreshments and home-baked goods for sale during interval.
Delicious hot meals will also be for sale on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Tickets available at the door for only R30 each.
Please note: Parental Guidance for sensitive viewers (one violent scene)
Ons Suid –Afrikaners is veral baie bekend vir ons heerlike somers, bier, rugby en ons braais. Ons reël sommer gou ‘n braaitjie hier of daar vir enige aangeleenthede soos verjaarsdae, huweliksherdenkings, geboortes of wanneer gaste onverwags opdaag.
Om 'n braai te reël het ons hout of houtskool, vuurhoutjies, en blits nodig. Ons maak gebruik van ‘n rooster, ingeboude braai of enige braaibak soos 'n gasbraai, maar ek verkies 'n braai met heerlike rooihout of wingerdstokkies wat lank gloei van die warmte. Dit skep 'n gesellige atmosfeer.'
Sommige vand ons berei gewoonlik die vleis ‘n dag voor die tyd deur dit te marineer of in te lê in speserye of sous en plaas dit dan in die yskas om in te trek.
Wanneer die hout na 'n tyd kole word plaas ons tjops, biefstuk, hoender en wors op die kole en sorg dat dit nie brand nie. 'n Mens kan ook sosaties en vis braai. Roosterbrood met uie en tamatie is ook 'n wenner wanneer daar gebraai word. Tradisionele pap is met uiesous beslis 'n bonus.
Terwyl die vleis besig is om gaar te word geniet die mans hulself met verversings wat liefdevol voorberei word deur die vrouens. Daar is ook koeldrank en moet nie die xyz en rooiwyn vergeet nie. Sonder dit, is dit darem ook nie ‘n braai nie. Die gesegde: “hoe later , hoe kwater” word letterlik deur die mans uitgeleef. Wanneer die voggies begin trek, dan hoor jy net die oompies begin oor sport, godsdiens en politiek gesels, maar dit word opgevolg met singery van ou boereliedjies soos: Timjan , Delarey asook gunsteling liedjies van Brenda Fassie en die Beatles.
Die vrouens gebruik die tyd om op hoogte te kom met die jongste nuus uit die streek of familielede. Hulle berei die tafels voor deur dit oor te trek met kleurvolle tafeldoeke. Verversings soos skyfies, lekkers, sjokolade, southappies en self blomme word met sorg voorberei.
Terwyl die mans braai en almal hulself geniet, speel die kinders krieket of wegkruipertjie en ander speletjies. Die ouer kinders luister na musiek of is besig om op hul slimfone te whatsapp, Instagram, playstation speletjies te speel of om na een of ander video’s te kyk.
Daar is dus niks lekkerder as 'n heerlike opregte Suid –Afrikaanse stukkie vleis oor die kole nie, iets wat eie aan ons is. Soos die leuse van ouds: “Ons hou van braaivleis, rugby, sunnyskies en chevrolet.” Ko’ la tons braai! Mnr. L. Scharnick
6 August 2022 marked a memorable and auspicious event for the Qhayiso and Mashiloane families when friends and family gathered together to celebrate the coming of age of Lebogang (Lebo) Mashiloane. Lebo is the only son of Nosipho Qhayiso and Sam Mashiloane.
During the cold winter season in June 2022, Lebo (19) undertook what seemed like the longest journey to the Mpumalanga province in Kwaggafontein for ulwaluko (Initiation School). Ulwaluko is a traditional practice by the black community where boys between the ages of 16 to 23 are initiated into manhood. For three months, they live in temporary houses made of grass and plastic in the mountains, where they are groomed into becoming men.
This practice varies from tribe to tribe. The details of the tradition are considered sacred and shared only with males. For example, in the Xhosa culture, one or two boys can share a house called ibhuma while in the Hlubi, Sesotho and Ndebele cultures, the number is determined by the number of boys who are ready and available for Initiation. This can take between three weeks and three months in the mountain. In Lebo's case, he was one of 50 boys that undertook the process of ulwaluko and spent three months in the mountain under the care of elderly men.
The entire community, families and friends join in the celebration and welcome the young men back into the community. Cows are slaughtered as a way of welcoming the "new" young men. The group of men parade the streets full of spectators in Kwaggafontein, chanting songs of victory and showcasing various dances learned during the Initiation school. The community reciprocates in great joy and ululating as it celebrates these young men.
The young men, escorted by their mentors, are then presented to the Chief of the Sotho tribe and a group of men. The Chief and his entourage conduct a thorough inspection to see if the young men have passed their initiation and have now officially come of age. Each boy showcases to the Chief what he learned in the mountain, in praises and phrases that are linked to their clan name. Once the Chief and his entourage are satisfied, the cows are then slaughtered and a feast is prepared and shared between the new initiates and the community.
Lebo was confirmed as a man together with his fellow initiates on 6 August. This ceremony is called ‘Ingoma’ in the Sotho and Ndebele culture as it is characterised by songs and dances learnt at the initiation school. During the ceremony, Lebo was adorned by a beautiful brand new blanket of many colours made and decorated with mirrors and sweets especially for him.
Although we were not allowed to touch or talk to them, it was an exciting moment for all the parents to see their child again after more than three months away.
During this event, elders, women and men alike share words of wisdom and give blessings to each young man and offer them gifts in a huge celebratory event. The initiates are allowed to spend the last night together as a group, sharing meals prepared for them before being reunited with their families.
“Yhooo it was amazing. It was my first time attending umgidi from a different tribe, that cultural diversity. What I realised was that those people like their culture. For me it was a nice experience. Kuthiwa hamba uzobona.” – Sheila Peter
“Yhoo mna ndothuswa kukohluka kwamasiko, the attire, and their "umgidi" it's not about alcohol, it’s about their dancing and the respect they show when doing it.”- Ntlanu Sonqishe
The love we received from the Mashiloane family is so amazing, we felt like we were at home in Gogo Agnes Mashiloane's house. We thank the Mashiloane's where all this happened, (enkosini) for putting this whole thing on your shoulders (our 50 kids for the whole three months), the gentlemen they were looking after these young men Mshangani, Tebogo, Musa, Shane Mashiloane and Thaphelo siyabonga barhugi. Bra-Jackie Mashiloane thank you so much for playing the father role while the parents were in a different province. People that cooked yummy food for us 'siyabulela'. I learnt to bake amakhekhe, thank you Tshepiso, Itumeleng and Julie Mashiloane. My friends and family that spent money on tickets and booked BnB's thank you so much for your support. Lebogang's daddy David Sam Mashiloane must be tired for weeks as he was up and down making sure everything was in place. Thank you tata.
As Lebo was born and bred in Cape Town, we still need to introduce him to Cape Town people as a man at the end of September.
Movement and play are the happiest and most important means of realising healthy development and growth for the child under seven.
Steiner spoke of 12 senses, all of which are developed through and integrated into the Waldorf curriculum, and all of which are essential to help children to come into themselves and to form the capacity to engage with the world in their most true and conscious selves as adults.
In the Playgroup and Kindergarten years, we work with the four lower senses, namely, touch, balance, movement and sense of well-being. Through the seemingly simple act of using their bodies on any given Playgroup day, these children are achieving tremendous moments of growth on their journey into life. This growth is not only about building a strong and well-balanced bodily home, but about laying a foundation for a wealth of emotional and intellectual blossoming to come, as they grow into strong adults who can live their lives with purpose.
Due to the weather, Class 6 had a late Mandela Day outing. We visited the Sivuyile residential facility at Stikland Hospital. The children spent their time beautifying the garden for the residents. They dug up grass and planted beautiful plants. It was hard but satisfying work that was well appreciated by the residents who worked with us. We hope that as our garden grows it will continue to bring beauty and joy to those who see it. Kate Dingle
The next garden work party will be on the morning of Saturday, 3 September starting at 9:30. Our focus will be on the High School area (outside the library and around the sidecourt). The work party is a wonderful way to help beautify our school grounds while also getting to know new parents. Come get your hands dirty. Please bring gardening tools, snacks and something to drink.
If you are able to donate any of the following plants from your garden we would welcome them on the garden day!
High School Outreach Team
We would like to extend a warm thank you for the work you have started with your outreach program. It brings us joy to see such enthusiasm, generosity of spirit and commitment to a project so in need of support. We acknowledge the care and the initiative you have used and wish that your efforts result in an abundance of giving from our school community to better the lives of children in need. Good luck!
With warmest wishes The College of Teachers
60th Birthday Letter from Urlandshöhe in Stuttgart
There is a Waldorf School in Urlandshöhe, Germany, which over the years has had a caring role towards Michael Oak and whom we consider as our Mother school. They regularly have a special fundraising event for the benefit of Michael Oak. This money is always gratefully received and goes towards the Bursary Fund.
When Michael Oak turned 50, two teachers, Sophia Hanel and Kyra Karastogiou, came to visit, bearing gifts and good wishes. One special gift was the beautiful, tall beeswax candle that we use for special occasions.
With Michael Oak turning 60, they have again sent good wishes. Sadly due to the postal service in SA, the card has not arrived. However, please see a copy below of the card, the good wishes and the signatures of the teachers from the Urlandshòhe Waldorf School. It is wonderful to know that on the other side of the world there is another school that is carrying us in their thoughts.
At this time we also thank Marion Penfold who has kept the flame of friendship glowing brightly.
The school Fair committee is looking for prizes. Please take this opportunity to clean out your cupboards, garage, drawers and toy boxes. Donate your gently used, non-plastic items. (see instructions below) Fill your class box in reception (Primary School) or classroom (High School) and your class could win the prize for September!
I am available most days and times to AUPAIR, lift, joyfully accompany homework, cook and prepare healthy meals, play, bake and laugh with your children. Including and not limited to home and pet management in your absence....or presence. Please phone me if you wish to arrange a meeting, EASTLYNNE 082 830 1758
After the sudden resignation of our gym teacher and sports coordinator, Michael Oak is now looking for someone to take over the role of Sports & Extramural Coordinator in an interim position while we search for a permanent replacement. This is a part-time position, primarily in the afternoons, during the school terms. Skills required: administration, responsibility, enthusiasm and strong communication skills. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please contact George Gabriel on ggabriel@michaeloak.org.za.
INSTRUCTIONS
Adverts will be published a maximum of 3 times per school term.
Posters should be 560px wide with text large enough to read on a mobile device.
Please send community notices and display adverts to: leaflet@michaeloak.org.za
COST
All advertisers are expected to make a contribution to our Bursary Fund.
Minimum donation of R50 for community notices and R100 for display adverts.
Please use these bank details for EFT transfers:
Standard Bank / Branch: 02510900 / Acc. No.: 071885382
Acc Name: Michael Oak School Fundraising / Ref: ‘Leaflet-Ad’
Ons Suid –Afrikaners is veral baie bekend vir ons heerlike somers, bier, rugby en ons braais. Ons reël sommer gou ‘n braaitjie hier of daar vir enige aangeleenthede soos verjaarsdae, huweliksherdenkings, geboortes of wanneer gaste onverwags opdaag.
6 August 2022 marked a memorable and auspicious event for the Qhayiso and Mashiloane families when friends and family gathered together to celebrate the coming of age of Lebogang (Lebo) Mashiloane. Lebo is the only son of Nosipho Qhayiso and Sam Mashiloane. 
The entire community, families and friends join in the celebration and welcome the young men back into the community. Cows are slaughtered as a way of welcoming the "new" young men. The group of men parade the streets full of spectators in Kwaggafontein, chanting songs of victory and showcasing various dances learned during the Initiation school. The community reciprocates in great joy and ululating as it celebrates these young men. 
The love we received from the Mashiloane family is so amazing, we felt like we were at home in Gogo Agnes Mashiloane's house. We thank the Mashiloane's where all this happened, (enkosini) for putting this whole thing on your shoulders (our 50 kids for the whole three months), the gentlemen they were looking after these young men Mshangani, Tebogo, Musa, Shane Mashiloane and Thaphelo siyabonga barhugi. Bra-Jackie Mashiloane thank you so much for playing the father role while the parents were in a different province. People that cooked yummy food for us 'siyabulela'. I learnt to bake amakhekhe, thank you Tshepiso, Itumeleng and Julie Mashiloane. My friends and family that spent money on tickets and booked BnB's thank you so much for your support. Lebogang's daddy David Sam Mashiloane must be tired for weeks as he was up and down making sure everything was in place. Thank you tata.
There is a Waldorf School in Urlandshöhe, Germany, which over the years has had a caring role towards Michael Oak and whom we consider as our Mother school. They regularly have a special fundraising event for the benefit of Michael Oak. This money is always gratefully received and goes towards the Bursary Fund. 
