Oakhill Old Oaks

TRIBUTE TO MRS SHARON BROWN
(10 December 1960 - 18 August 2026)
It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss that we share the news of the passing of former Head of College, Sharon Brown. A much-loved, highly respected, and steadfast member of the Oakhill staff for over 30 years, Sharon’s impact on our community has been immeasurable. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Danie, Katheryne (Old Oak 2003), Jeanne (Old Oak 2005), Lara (Old Oak 2010), Sharon’s mother, Glenn and the entire family.

Sharon’s journey with Oakhill began after moving from Pretoria to Knysna. Even before her official appointment, she invested herself deeply in this community, serving on the PTA amongst other things. She formally joined the teaching staff in 1995 under founding Headmaster Mr Allan Graham, bringing her immense passion for the humanities to the classroom. Whether teaching Grade 8 Integrated Studies or senior FET classes, Sharon taught with energy, rigour, and relevance encouraging generations of students to question, think critically and care deeply.

Sharon’s influence extended far beyond Oakhill and Knysna. As an IEB Matric marker in 1997, Sharon rose to senior sub-examiner roles and served as IEB Cluster Leader for History and Geography. In 2010, she organized and led a 5-day Geography conference and field trip across Knysna, Plett, and the Little Karoo, an initiative that sparked the creation of The Southern African Geography Teachers Organisation. Outside of education, Sharon served the Knysna community through the running club and the church giving so much of herself in these and other causes.

Over three decades, Sharon served Oakhill with distinction, taking on numerous critical roles including the Deputy Head of Academics, College Academic Director before ultimately serving as Head of College until her retirement. Through every season of school transition, Sharon provided unshakeable stability, grace, wisdom and integrity.

Sharon’s classroom was a place of belonging where every student was known, respected, challenged and inspired. Her influence remains everywhere at Oakhill whether supporting students to overcome challenges or guiding them to outstanding achievements and academic excellence, countless lives have been enriched by her mentorship and guidance.

The more than 30 years of tireless effort and dedication to Oakhill is more than a measure of time, it is a remarkable and enduring legacy. Sharon will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Today Oakhill stands taller and prouder because of Sharon Brown.

MR JAMES CROSS (HEAD OF SCHOOL)

IT IS HERE... OLD OAKS EXCITED TO CONNECT IN CAPE TOWN - SATURDAY 1 AUGUST
Reconnect, reminisce and raise a glass with fellow Old Oaks in Cape Town.

Several Old Oaks, spanning the years have confirmed and we are excited to see you all.

Woodstock Brewery, Cape Town
Saturday, 1 August 2026
15h30-18h00.

Some year groups are definitely showing up in force, while others could use a little extra representation - so please pass this along to your Oakhill friends! Even if they haven't replied, encourage them to pop in, and reconnect with you!

Totally relaxed - no speeches or formalities - just good drinks and catching up and some perks... The first round of drinks is on Oakhill (cash bar thereafter), plus a Lucky Draw to win an amazing Old School Oakhill Supporter jersey just for being there!

If you want to keep the night going past 18h00, Woodstock Brewery is hosting a Battle of the Bands that evening.

We can't wait to see you there!

RSVP:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelccY9KbLVDbgdC8-psFkLHHKcuYRl8H9zDkJG8mTUhNLmFQ/viewform

JOIN OLD OAKS IN CAPE TOWN
Reconnect, reminisce and raise a glass with fellow Old Oaks in Cape Town.

All Oakhill Alumni across the years, are invited to join fellow Old Oaks at Woodstock Brewery in Cape Town on Saturday, 1 August from 15h30. Come through to catch up with old friends, familiar faces and former classmates. This is a completely relaxed afternoon with no formalities or speeches - just a great opportunity for Old Oaks to casually get together and share memories!

Venue: Woodstock Breweries
Date: Saturday, 1 August 2026
Time: 15h30-18h00

First round of drinks is complimentary (cash bar thereafter).
*Lucky Draw* Stand a chance to win on Old School, Oakhill Supporter jersey just by being there!

RSVP: Please reply using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSelccY9KbLVDbgdC8-psFkLHHKcuYRl8H9zDkJG8mTUhNLmFQ/viewform

Transport & After-Party
Stellenbosch Shuttle: Living out in Stellies? We will be arranging a shuttle from a central point in Stellies to the brewery and back. Let us know if you are interested so we can share the details with you.
Stick Around: If you want to keep the night going past 18h00, Woodstock Brewery is hosting a Battle of the Bands that evening.

We can't wait to see you there!

AWESOME SPIRIT OF OLD OAKS
It was absolutely awesome to welcome our Old Oakhillians back to the Sports Campus the last Saturday of term! There’s nothing quite like seeing familiar faces back on the turf with excellent representation over the past 10 years and more of Old Oak Alumni. It was also an enormous privilege to have Olympian and current SA player and vice-captain Sam Mvimbi (Matric 2017) back on home turf!

These past Oakhillian, Old Oaks Mens and Ladies took on the Oakhill 1st Teams in two highly competitive hockey games, all played with the incredible spirit and sportsmanship we’ve come to expect from our community. Whether you were on the field, the Padel court later in the afternoon, or cheering from the sidelines with a drink in hand - thank you for making it such a memorable afternoon.

We’re already looking forward to the next one!

OLD OAKS NEWS - HANNAH MORRIS (Matric 2025)
Oakhill is immensely proud of Oakhill Alumni, Hannah Morris (Matric 2025), who has spread her wings and taken flight to advance her music career in London. Well done Hannah and wishing you everything of the best in this next chapter. We are aware that you have several gigs lined up in London already. We are also excited to hear that you are collaborating and recording with music producer and Old Oak, Owen Poluta (Matric 2019). We look forward to sharing more soon.

A beautiful feature, on Hannah Morris (Matric 2025), in the gorgeous glossy magazine Autumn issue of

Pick up your free copy at Plettenberg Bay Tourism, Visit Knysna, and selected spots around town or read the article online here:
Read it online here on page 32 & 33: https://www.macpublishing.co.za/times-plett-knysna/

OAKHILL OLD OAKS - HOCKEY & PADEL
SATURDAY, 28 MARCH 2026
Oakhill Alumni can look forward to an active day to connect with other Oakhill Old Oaks in Knysna on Saturday, 28 March. For Old Oaks and families in and near Knysna and Plett over this time, please join us for some Hockey and/or Padel - come socialise and join in the fun!

Dust off your hockey kit for the Old Oaks Hockey game vs Oakhill's 1st teams or challenge the other Old Oaks in a round robin of Padel in the afternoon. Spaces are limited, so connect and book yours soon.

There will be plenty of opportunity to socialise too over drinks and informal Boulle games. If staying on for dinner, be sure to reserve a table at the Social restaurant at Knysna Hollow. This event was a great success previously and we hope to attract recent Alumni and their families too.

Don't miss out and book using this link:
https://forms.gle/fnbMoj2SwDuy47Bm9

Come join in the action and fun - whether to play or cheer your old friends on!

To keep connected please join AlumNet - our network of Old Oaks. If you haven't already joined, please register and also share the following link with your personal Old Oak contacts as we build the network across the world.
https://oakhill.alumnet.co.za/Register

OAKHILL TURNS 34 - WITH A SPECIAL RETURN!
Oakhill School celebrates our 34th birthday! While the "official" date is 28 February (29 February for the sticklers!), we kicked off the festivities early on Friday with our favorite tradition: delicious ice cream treats for all to mark this special occasion.

But the highlight of the celebration? A very special homecoming...

We are thrilled to announce the surprise return of our beloved mascot, "Allan"! After our original mascot was lost in the 2017 Knysna Fires, our Grade 7 and Matric groups of 2025 stepped up to fund his revival.

Originally named in honor of our founding Head, Mr Allan Graham, our energetic squirrel is officially back where he belongs - spreading school spirit and smiles. You can look forward to seeing much more of Allan going forward.

A heartfelt thank you to our loyal families, past and present, and our dedicated staff and wonderful students who keep the Oakhill dream alive every single day. Here’s to many more years of excellence, growth and joy!

Happy Birthday, Oakhill! 💙

BACK-A-BUDDY – MRS SHARON BROWN
Last year Oakhill honoured Mrs Sharon Brown (formerly Meter) for her 30+ years of dedicated service to Oakhill School as she prepared for retirement.

Since then, her daughters Kat, Jeanne and Lara have shared the heartbreaking news that Sharon has been diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer.

Sharon now requires ongoing immunotherapy treatment. While this offers hope, the costs are overwhelming and not fully covered by medical aid - especially following her recent retirement.

Sharon's family is humbly reaching out to the community she has given so much to in dedicated service over the years. If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it will mean the world to them. Every donation goes directly toward helping Sharon access the treatment she needs to continue this fight with strength and dignity.

If you are not in a position to give financially, sharing this page or keeping Sharon in your thoughts and prayers is just as appreciated. Support in any form helps carry the family through this time. Every bit of support makes a meaningful difference. Sincere thanks for standing with Sharon and her family during this time.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/support-for-sharon

''Your kindness, prayers and generosity mean more than words can say as we walk this road together." With gratitude, Kat, Jeanne & Lara

SUPPORT AS PROUD OAKS IN FRANSCHHOEK - BRIDGE HOUSE DERBY - 15 & 16 AUGUST 2025
Open to All Old Oaks, Oakhill families and friends ~ come share a moment to be proud and merry after the Bridge House Derby on 15 & 16 August, 2025. Support us alongside the astro, fields and courts and stage. There is a full programme of Sport, Culture and connection.

The weekend will close with a celebratory drink and wine tasting at Leopards Leap Winery in Franschhoek.
Open to all Old Oaks and Oakhill families and friends ~ come share a moment to be proud and merry!

Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
Time: From 14h00
Venue: Leopards Leap Winery, Franschhoek

Come join Oakhill families and friends for a complimentary wine tasting on arrival.

RSVP using this Google Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJaBm7oJ-gnZhCDgTFqQ22OE46Sk2hyoHOvuAwIXKhLgj_fg/viewform

We look forward to hearing from you and connecting soon!

JOIN OLD OAKS AND OAKHILL IN CAPE TOWN AND FRANSCHHOEK
Over the month of August, there are fabulous opportunities to join fellow Old Oaks and Oakhill in:
* Cape Town - Woodstock Breweries (Thursday, 14 August 2025)
* Franschhoek - Leopards Leap (Saturday, 16 August 2025)
* Knysna - Knysna Golf Course (Sunday, 31 August 2025)

We look forward to hearing from you and connecting soon!

UPDATE your Old Oak details on our website.
https://oakhill.co.za/alumni/old-oaks-information-update/

FOLLOW Old Oaks on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/OakhillOldOaks/

FOLLOW Oakhill on Facebook and Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/OakhillSchoolKnysna/
https://www.instagram.com/oakhillschoolknysna/

We are excited to reconnect!