About Raphaeli Waldorf School

“The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility—these three forces are the very nerve of education.” ― Rudolf Steiner

Raphaeli Waldorf School is a Primary School in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, South Africa which provides creative education for children from Playgroup to Class 7 (ages 2 to 13). Set on the beautiful Olive Hill Estate which overlooks the Tsitisikamma mountains and the ocean our Waldorf registered school inspires children to learn.

Our Vision

Our goal is to develop strong and healthy individuals who have a will to work; who are inspired to learn, explore, understand and create; and who have a strongly anchored sense of responsibility for themselves and others.

As a Waldorf School we are committed...

To work out of Anthroposophy
To provide Waldorf education for children of all ages;
To enable children to develop their full potential and meet their destiny as creative, free and responsible individuals, who stand strong in themselves;
To put special emphasis on quality in all our activities and provide a natural, enlivening and enriching learning experience for all involved;
To infuse academic work with life through the incorporation and development of all the arts into curriculum themes;
To foster reverence, respect and responsibility for the whole Community and Nature;
To encourage and facilitate conscious relationship to one’s self and others;
To establish a strong, self-sustaining School and strive to be affordable to those requesting our education;
To play an active role in the ongoing research and development of Waldorf Education in South Africa, preparing children and adults for the economic, ecological and social changes of our time;
To research and implement ways to make Waldorf education accessible to rural communities in South Africa and Africa;
To increase environmental awareness and the preservation of all natural resources;
To provide ongoing teacher training in Waldorf methodology;
To enable cultural exchange programs with schools of other nations;
To be surrounded by children learning to love learning.

Our History

Our Waldorf roots run deep...

Prior to 2009, a parent, Gabbeh Wellens, with a group of enthusiastic friends, formed a steering committee which conceived and discussed the possibility of starting a true Waldorf School, to be named Raphaeli Waldorf School.

So it was that Gabbeh went ahead and began the initiative with a home school in her lounge where she taught her daughter, Kiani.

In 2009 she managed to house a small group of seven pupils in a Wittedrift artist’s studio. It was then that Sue Gurney was persuaded to be the first Waldorf teacher and to continue the journey towards becoming a fully recognised Waldorf School.

The Kindergarten started later with Claire Randon and Maria Shearer in Rose Shearer’s house.

In 2010 Yvette Worrall joined the team. Sadly, soon after that, Gabbeh had to leave for Germany, and Gill Wells joined the team.

Since then, the school has grown and been joined by skilled teachers, staff, and supportive parents.

The school has moved seven times in its lifetime, and it was only in July 2012 that the primary school and Kindergarten were housed on the same property at Leathem Farm.

In the early 20th century Rudolf Steiner was consulted by numerous individuals looking for healthier, more responsible ways of practicing – agriculture, medicine, architecture, the Arts, social governance and – in 1919 – education.

The name ‘Raphaeli’ was chosen by the founders. It identifies with the mission of healing by Raphael, an archangel acknowledged in Hebrew, Mohammedan and Christian texts and whose mercurial healing nature is found under many names in other cultures. It has been said that in our times all education is remedial and we all have special needs. We strive to meet these needs through the inspired understandings of the child that Waldorf Education offers.

Waldorf Education is based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and his understanding of the Human Being. He helped start the first school in Stuttgart over 100 years ago. This was in response to Emil Molt, who wished that the children of the workers in his factory, could have a wholistic, child centred education. They wanted children to grow healthy in mind, body, and spirit; in their heads, hearts and will.

In this spirit, the school was given the name Raphaeli, derived from the Archangel Raphael, who brings his powerful, healing force to the world. The school is non-denominational and open to all cultures thus truly reflecting humanity.

In 2016 after having jumped through many hoops, Raphaeli was awarded full Waldorf School status by the Federation Council of Waldorf Schools in South Africa and is a member of the Independent Schools Association.

In 2019 we were given a wonderful gift from a generous private donor. This made the purchase of Olive Hill possible. The grounds and buildings needed considerable repairs. Teachers, staff, parents, friends, and children have worked tirelessly to transform the site and, in this manner, have built a vibrant community.

We offer two Kindergartens and a Primary School. However, the vision is by no means complete and there is so much work to do.