Admission to Raphaeli Waldorf School
“There is little value in knowing plants, animals & minerals unless one can find the star working in every one of them” ― Rudolf Steiner
Admission Procedure for Raphaeli
Outline of the application process:
1. Fill out the preliminary application form which we send you (contact us to enquire).
2. You’ll be notified that we have received your application, invited to visit the school and meet Raphaeli’s Developmental Director.
3. All parents are required to attend an introductory meeting to discuss Waldorf Education and Raphaeli in particular – the office will arrange this.
4. A three day trial period for your child will be set up in their prospective class.
5. Before the three day trial you will need to submit the following:
- Child’s birth certificate or passport
- Last school report
- Relevant reports such as OT report/ recommendations
- Information about any prescription medication
- Copy of parent’s ID’s
- Completed Student Questionnaire (provided by the office)
- Transfer cards will be requested from previous school by our office
- Proof of payment for the non-refundable R480 application fee
6. After the three day trial you’ll be required to sign the following forms:
- Confidential financial form
- Declaration to be signed by parents
7. All children moving into Class One from Kindergarten or Grade R, will undergo the School Readiness Evaluation. This assessment gently assesses physical, emotional and academic readiness for Class One.
8. We will let you know if your application for enrolment has been successful.
9. Following a successful application, you’ll be advised when your child may start school and Raphaeli Administration will provide you with an admissions pack including the Parents’ Handbook.
Info on Joining Raphaeli Waldorf School
From Kindergarten to Class 1
The age at which children start Class One may influence their academic confidence and future success. It is important to us, to give each child the opportunity to thrive at school. We believe that for children to flourish in the educational environment they need to be ready to engage with their classmates and teachers as well as have the physical and emotional stamina to persevere with academic learning.
At the end of the Kindergarten year, a comprehensive, creative and fun Class 1 readiness assessment takes place for each child that is wanting to embark on their academic journey.
Waldorf schools work with the concept of age appropriate learning and the transition to Class 1 is taken seriously. All children must have turned six by the 1st of November of the final KG year to enter Class One the following year.
- Example: A child turning six in December 2020 will only go to Class One in 2022.
For children who turn six in October, admission to Class One will depend on the outcome of our School Readiness Evaluation, input from the KG teacher and the parents. The final decision rests with the College of Teachers.
Joining Raphaeli in Primary School
As a school, Raphaeli accepts children from the global community. Not all children at our school started with us in Kindergarten, we have gladly received students from other countries, schooling systems and cultures.
All families are welcome and we do our best to ensure that the transition into our school community is swift and seamless. We often enjoy the interaction with of International families, who travel to our beautiful country, enjoy the splendor of Plettenberg Bay and experience the unique community warmth and educational experiences available at Raphaeli Waldorf School for a term or two.
The three day trial period before children are accepted into Raphaeli, allows the teacher and child to get to know each other a little and form a well-rounded idea of whether children will adapt to the dynamic of that particular class.
Children will also have an opportunity to participate in the daily rhythm at the school. We find that this strategy provides the best opportunity for a successful, happy transition.