Raphaeli
started in 2009, primarily through the initiative of Gabbeh Wellens
who wanted Waldorf education for her children. She gathered a small
group of children and interested parents, and started homeschooling
at a studio in Wittedrift. Once the initiative had gained momentum,
Sue Gurney joined as a teacher in July 2009, Claire Randon started
the Kindergarten on a separate property in Wittedrift in January
2010 and Yvette Worrall joined Raphaeli in May 2010.
From the beginning, the goal of creating a Waldorf school was clear.
We formalised our application with the S.A. Federation of Waldorf
Schools and began working through the development process to gain
our status as a recognised Waldorf School.
The Primary School and Kindergarten moved as they outgrew each
premises. In 2013 we moved to our current premises on Leathem Farm,
Piesang Valley, and the school joined together for the first time.
Now in its seventh year our school numbers 100 children from
Kindergarten to Class 7.
In 2014 Raphaeli was granted Developing School Status by the S.A.
Federation of Waldorf Schools, making us the first Waldorf School on
the Garden Route.
The name of the school "Raphaeli" was chosen by the first parents.
It recalls the mission of the powerful, healing force and presence
of Raphael, an Archangel acknowledged in Hebrew, Mohammedan and
Christian texts, and whose "mercurial", healing nature is found
under many other names in many other cultures. It has been said that
in our times, all education is remedial. We all have special needs.
We strive to meet those needs through the inspired understandings of
the child that Waldorf education can give.
Raphaeli School is in the process of being registered as an
Independent School with the Department of Education and also a
Section 21 Non-Profit Organisation.
For school fees click here
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