An expression of gratitude to Sally Hall - 31st March 1946 - 5th January 2021
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An expression of gratitude
to Sally Hall
31 March 1946 –
st
5th January 2021
Sally truly touched so many people's lives: teachers, students, mothers and fathers and thousands of children. The loss of this special soul is enormous, but so are my wonderful memories. The many, many years of deep and dedicated work; the hilarity and laughter; too much wine around camp fires in the Kalahari; the travels, adventures and meals shared; the talking and philosophising; the tough lessons learned and meaningful lessons given. Sally was undoubtably my truest champion, her mentorship, guidance and gentle wisdom has steered me on my Montessori journey and her love and friendship has profoundly enriched my life. How blessed I am to have stood in her ranks for over 30 years. Auburn House School stands as a monument to Sally’s extraordinary life of selfless service and a symbol of faith in the spirit of the Child. “If we are among the people (men) of good will who yearn for peace, we must lay the founda:on for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child.” Maria Montessori, InternaLonal Montessori Congress, 1937 Our hearts are sore now, but soon we will think of her only with joy and contentment at how privileged we were to have known her while she lived. Jennifer Moore
6/1/2021 What a sad day yesterday for our Montessori community, to hear of Sally Hall’s death. Whilst her passing will be mourned for our loss, I would like to give sincere thanks to Sally’s vision and passion for Montessori education to the Cape Town community over the last 30 years or so. Her wisdom and insights will be continued to be valued and remembered. Much love and commiseration to all. Jacky Price Good morning That is sad, may her soul rest in peace and God strengthen her family. SAMA family please stay strong and take forward the good work of servicing a child. God Bless everyone. Kind regards Thandeka Mlaza I didn't know Sally Hall personally but heard she was a dedicated and inspiraLonal person who was respected by all who engaged with her. HearRelt Condolences to her family and friends RIP Sally Carole Ann BeaVe Protea Valley Montessori Pre-Schooll I will remember Sally with great fondness. She made working at Auburn House a really enjoyable and fun experience. Sally was so enthusias:c about so many things. Her ac:ons were always kind, thoughEul, generous and caring. She will most definitely have touched many hearts. Sharon Behrens I am what I am because of Sally Hall. Thandi Mvunge I trained many years ago at Auburn house with Sally, a true teacher and mentor though the years . I will always remember her saying , “it doesn’t ! matter how turbulent the waters are around you, just hold up ! your Montessori, that will put the child first” ! – a wise and wonderful woman that I looked up to and will be ! remembered with love and respect. Condolences to all those ! Close to her.! ! Bev Schneider and all at the Childrens’ Studio !
Sally was always available to
support, mentor and give
construcLve, carefully
considered advice.
Her passion and depth of
interest and ongoing learning of
Montessori and her service of
the child was an inspiraLon to
me. Thank you for your care,
spiritual presence and
consistent approach - always a
laugh to be shared.
Debi
I have an image of Sally peering down at us from her heavenly cloud and quietly (as was her
way) urging us on to do our best for the child. The thing I enjoyed most about Sally was her
wonderful sense of humour. I will cherish the long lunches we enjoyed together and the
many tears we shed in laughter.
Although Montessori brought us together, Sally shared so much about so many different
aspects of life, that I think I will feel her loss as the raconteur and the unsung maverick she
was as I will as a Montessori peer and mentor. Her love of life and her dedica:on and
passion to always help those who needed it was an example for all of us. For me, Sally has
leL behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, humility and humour. She will be so missed.
Heidi van Staden
A beautiful tribute to
Sally Hall from the
Philosophy School.
The book is now
available on the website
https://
philosophyschool.com/
Tribute-to-Sally-Hall
25/01/2021 Sally dying has left an unfillable hole in my heart. Sally and I have been Montessori colleagues since the early 1980’s when we became founding members of the Montessori Society of Southern Africa. Sally was the Cape Town representative. In her quiet, unassuming and very practical way, she served the South African Montessori community for over 40 years. Countless children and parents have been touched by her and had their lives changed by attending Auburn House School which Sally started in 1984. I will miss Sally’s quiet strength and her unwavering knowledge of Montessori philosophy. Sally was always there to share her wisdom and to give support. She quietly ‘got on with’ so many different ways of serving the children of South Africa. It is hard to pin down how much she has influenced and impacted the South African Montessori community – be it through her tireless support of SAMA, her work for the Montessori schools through IQAA, the Montessori training at Auburn House, the outreach programmes under First for Children in the Eastern Cape where she organized feeding schemes and reading programmes during the difficult times of Covid when schools were forced to close. During the last year, I have had the chance to get to know another side of Sally as we met regularly for enjoyable leisurely lunches where we purposely decided to talk about anything other than Montessori. Sally kept me enthralled with her stories of boarding a cargo vessel in Europe and travelling to Argentina with her dog and a 1956 Mercedes. I could not wait to hear the next installment of her life driving on her own in the early 1970’s, where the Argentinean authorities were convinced she was either a spy or trafficking drugs! So many adventures and narrow escapes. Sally – thank you for all you have done for Montessori in this country, thank you for your serving heart and for the unwavering example of walk the Montessori talk, you have been for over 40 years. Your legacy will live on in the many many places you have made your mark. We miss you so. Pru Ramsey SAMA Honorary member
When I think of someone who embodies dignity, kindness, respect, commitment and service Sally Hall is the person I think of. Sally was an example of a true Montessorian - something she demonstrated through her absolute commitment to The Child. Sally had a wicked sense of humor too, making such honest and astute observa:ons but always respecEul in her observa:ons. One of the things I count amongst my greatest achievements was convincing Sally to accept nomina:on to serve on the SAMA ExCo. It took several phone calls, and a serious grilling by Sally but in the end, she agreed. And succeeded in securing the vote of SAMA members. I also count among my greatest honors the ability to serve on the SAMA ExCo with Sally. Sally was a true anchor, never represen:ng anyone’s interests except the child. The last :me I saw Sally was when she aSended an ExCo face to face mee:ng hosted at my school in Port Elizabeth. Sally walked around the school and looked in all the classrooms , remained mostly quiet making me a liSle anxious! However at the end of the tour, she simply touched my arm and said, “Well done Sam. Beau:ful, simply beau:ful.” To receive that kind of valida:on from someone like Sally was and is deeply meaningful because Sally was not someone to say something she did not mean. During that visit, Sally and I had the opportunity for a short conversa:on alone under the trees in the centre of the school property. It was a private moment during which Sally gave me advice on a difficult decision I was facing. I will never forget what she shared with me and remember her words oLen when I walk beneath those trees. Sally was that kind of person - what she said was oLen profound, oLen exactly right, always perfectly :med. I miss Sally enormously because of this - not because we spoke oLen or saw each other oLen. But because when we did, it included moments of inspira:on not easily found in this world. At SAMA, and in the Montessori world in general, we have an obliga:on to Sally’s memory and to her service to the Child, to con:nue her great work. With the same humility and aSen:veness. It is my own personal aim to do this, and I hope others will join me. Rest in the greatest of Peace Sally Sam Streak, together with Ben, my son, who was truly enchanted by youJ
Sally Hall with the SAMA ExCo at our face to face meeLng in December 2020
A most formidable pair – Jennifer Moore and Sally
Sally was my introduction to Montessori and not through any lecture but in the way I observed her interact with young children (my daughter being one of them). She showed me a whole new world that resonated with me and so began a new journey as a parent and student. How Sally engaged in her work in sharing her passion for Montessori teachings and the way she set about creating beautiful environments in her school, demonstrated her drive to nourish the young minds moving through Auburn House and beyond. I remember the traveling bus filled with natural objects and whilst the Victorian and Alfred Waterfront was in construction, how she ran outdoor classrooms there. Her legacy of beautiful minds is how I will remember her, her humour and generosity in creating spaces that never stopped changing and adapting. There are so many memories over so many years as our paths continued to meet through the small Montessori community we are in. I miss her as a mentor. Thank you, Sally. Much love Jacquelyn Price
In one of Oprah Winfrey’s many conversations with Maya Angelou I received valuable advice which had a profound impact on my life, Maya said: ‘every woman should seek and have in her life, a (or if you lucky many) ‘woman with wisdom’ (WWW).. Sally was one of my woman with wisdom! ! ! I was blessed without measure to having had the privilege of Sally’s path meandering with mine over the last 8 years. ! ! Reminding me always to look for the moon, I now hold a comforting memory every time at full moon with Sally’s reminder ringing in my ears: “be in awe of the experience!” ! I aspire to always live in the moments of my experience and embrace my satisfaction, thank you Sally!! ! I am grateful for our instant and special connection and will hold dear all our conversations and memories. ! ! Her life was the very love of the Creator.! Irmgard Pringle! Our family is saddened by the loss of our dear Sally. Sally Hall has influenced my path as an educator and mother in more ways than one. She guided and introduced me to the Montessori Centre InternaLonal in London, where I later went to study, and when returning to South Africa, she was the principal over many years to my three children. We will remember her for her gentleness and the calm devoLon she had for the child in our world. I will surely miss her warm and modest embrace at all the Montessori gatherings. She will forever remain in our memories and hearts. Aisha I have thought long and hard about what I could possibly say to honour Sally, and although there is so much to say about such a kind, humble human, which I know many will say, I have brought it back down to this. May our love for Sally and each other bind us even in this sorrow and may her memory sustain us and carry us forward through the pain of loss. Rest well dear Sally unLl we meet again Yours Sincerely Jane Cope
Of all the Montessorians I’ve ever met, it is as if Sally was the one with a direct connecLon into the flow of Dr Montessori’s extraordinary contribuLon to educaLon. Sally had an intuiLve sense that found the very heart of children. The heart of what flow feels like. Her first pioneering work in Cape Town saw the peninsula as the children’s canvas. Following their interest, enthusiasm and joy became Sally’s lifelong work. She could summon Dr Montessori’s 1936 lectures at a flash, quote with insight and wonderful intelligence while simultaneously observing exactly where each child was in their unfolding process of becoming. Humble, in deep respect and working as serving life - Sally’s contribuLon over decades became a spine of Montessori in South Africa. Her legacy will surely lie in the twinkle of a child’s eye, a kind of freedom from convenLon in what are now adults who knew her as children, and a way of being that celebrates a reverence for all life. Go well, dearest Sally. May you truly rest in peace. Eve Annecke Bertha Fellow www.eveannecke.net I had always known about Sally’s unwavering work and support of the child and greatly admired her dedicaLon and commitment. Since knowing Sally in a more personal and professional capacity as serving members on the SAMA ExCo, I came to appreciate her level-headed approach to maders, her humility, wisdom and great sense of humour. During our last Face to Face meeLng in Port Elizabeth in December, I will fondly remember the good conversaLons and debates whilst sharing in experiences and anecdotes over breakfast and dinner. I was truly saddened to hear of her passing, she will be dearly missed. I extend my sincere condolences to her family and friends. Sonia Heaton
Sally was my lecturer, mentor and my first employer. If it
was not for Sally and Auburn house, I would not be where
I am today.
When I first walked into Auburn house as a young naive
girl, and I saw the wonderful land and water forms, I was
instantly hooked to the Montessori pedagogy.
Sally was always a call away, she always gave the most
amazing advice and support. Thank you so much Sally for
all that you have done for the Montessori community. I
will miss you dearly!
Kind Regards
Sally and I at the Cradle of
Bronwyn Steenkamp (Principal) Alex Blaikie Montessori
Humankind in 2010.
Sally was an ambassador for humanity, not just for the child. She exuded respect. She was a
role model and mentor. Sally was grace and courtesy personified!
When I needed inspiraLon, I would think of Sally Hall and will conLnue to do so. Sally has
always given so much of herself and taught us commidment, integrity and sharing whether
it was at the awesome Auburn House, at Conferences, planning conferences...
Thank you Saĺly for being such an inspiraLon. May you rest in peace.
Kind regards
Emma Medell
A hearRelt tribute to a wise, graceful and
beauLful soul. Sally has been a mentor and
inspiraLon through my enLre Montessori journey.
I will cherish her life lessons, wisdom shared and
deep inner knowledge of the child and life.
I have many fond memories which will be
cherished forever.
May her soul Rest In Peace.
Bhavna BhagadjeeI have adached a drawing done by Annede
Thomson of Renilde Montessori, Maria
Montessori’s granddaughter.
I will always remember how honoured I felt to be
given the opportunity to hear Renilde Montessori
speak.
This opportunity was given to us all in Cape Town
by Sally as she organised for Renilde Montessori
to come out to Cape Town. I know this took a lot
of effort and I have no idea of what it may have
cost Sally but it was one of those once in a lifeLme
opportuniLes that I will always treasure.
I hope your move has gone well!
Best wishes, Hilary
Growing up in Cape Town in the late '70s and 80's, Sally was amongst the most important
adults in my life even long after I had left Montessori.!
!
As early as I can remember she treated you like an adult, always fair and with a great sense
of humour, including an infectious laugh - it was a wonderful feeling up know you always
had her in your corner.!
!
She imbued me with a lifelong devotion to learning and teaching. It was one of the happiest
days as an adult when I got the chance to help out at an Auburn House sports day on a
return trip to SA: two decades on, I could see how she's had the same profound effect on
many more generations of students and teachers.!
!
Wherever she has gone next, I hope they realise how lucky they are to have her.!
!
Kindest regards!
Peter!
Dr P R Bannister MEng DPhil CEng FIET!I met Sally at the 6th Educateurs sans Frontiers Assembly in Stellenbosch in 2018. She impressed me as being one of what one might call South Africa's 'Montessori Elders' with her years of experience and knowledge, and passion for Montessori education. ! ! She struck me as a woman of integrity with a voice and heart for social justice. She was indeed a champion for children. I seem to remember her enjoying a good laugh too in the company of others! ! ! Thank you, Sally, for your example to us of a true Montessorian.! Kind regards,! Heather Napier! Sally epitomised Montessori in every way. How blessed were we all to have time with her, and how blessed were the children who passed through her hands. I trained abroad as there was not yet any place of training in South Africa, and on my return to South Africa, I contacted Sally, and asked to visit her school. She was so warm and enthusiastic, and such a welcoming and encouraging person to be with, observe and talk to. I loved catching up with her at our SAMA conferences. The Legend of Sally Hall will be remembered in the History of Montessori in South Africa. She ranks up high with Maria Montessori herself! Condolences to family and loved ones. Rest in deserved peace Sally. Much love and light Nicole Taylor Sally Hall will always remain a strong support in my memory. Dear, wonderful Sally. Her open-ness, and readiness to engage in a quick chat, always with such spark! Her deep enthusiasm for knowledge and beauLful literature and art. Her gik of imparLng a joie de vivre each Lme I spoke with her. Her great love for the child, and her life-work of dedicaLon to Montessori in South Africa. Grateful for that inner sense I hold of her, in remembering conversaLons and the lessons she taught. Thank you Sally. Rest peacefully. Janis Caplen Noordhoek Montessori
The Montessori community and the South African child have lost a dear friend, mentor and remarkable pioneer and guide. Sally Hall has played a remarkably inspiring role with the establishment of quality as a hallmark of the Montessori method’s history in South Africa. Sally established Auburn House in the 1980’s and it has remained a jewel of a school ever since. Sally was a true servant-leader in her quiet, selfless, and humble way. Her deep knowledge and understanding of the child and Maria Montessori’s legacy allowed all who knew her to know more and understand just how important her work was. Sally always was ready to offer insights and constructive support and responded with warmth and energy when Newberry House called on Sally’s support with our growing Elementary program. Sally’s gentle laugh and quick wit were infectious, and her vast knowledge and deep passion for education powerfully inspiring. The Newberry House family would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Sally’s family, friends and all those who were touched by her legacy. The Montessori family in South Africa has lost one of its most cherished members. Andre Shearer, Chairman of Newberry House Montessori School "Life is a giL, and I try to respond with grace and courtesy" - Maya Angelou Truer words could not be said of how Sally chose to live her life. She sought a life of simplicity and was deeply connected to the earth and sustainability. These quali:es permeated through Auburn House School. She impacted the Montessori community in a most profound manner - never imposing, but always gently guiding. Her deep respect and love for the children was shown in the simplest of details, from examining a :ny caterpillar to telling exci:ng stories of the universe. Every adult and child felt listened to, valued and encouraged in her presence. Sally - teacher, mentor, colleague, friend, and who was dearly loved by many. Thank you for the las:ng legacy that you have given so generously. From everyone at Auburn House
Sally Hall joined our MCSA team in 2012 and was in our first cohort of trainers to train with us and Barbara Isaacs from Montessori Centre Interna:onal. She was s:ll the principal at Auburn House at this :me and strove to work alongside us at all :mes, staunchly suppor:ng our training courses within their school community. Sally’s ini:al role in introducing our students to the Montessori philosophy at their very first lectures, always set the tone for the year ahead. The inspira:on that she was able to offer our fledgling Montessorians was oLen drawn from through their course of study. We are sure that the many Montessorian’s who had the privilege of aSending a lecture with Sally will remember it fondly. Sally was also one of MCSA’s first assessors and was instrumental in guiding many students through their course work. Later, together with Jennifer Moore, Sally supported our work in the Eastern Cape with the ladies at Ikhaya Labantwana. This was indeed ‘great work’, as together they strove to really understand the needs of the ladies and children in that community. They worked with such dedica:on between those students and ourselves to create the best materials and deliver the best possible Montessori training. The con:nued success of the school and the commitment of the teachers there remain a testament to their efforts. Sally’s quiet resilience during the past few years, caring for her elderly mum and managing her own health issues demonstrate just what a tenacious and steadfast lady she was. Her happy countenance and ability to always bring a smile to our faces when she popped into our office will be sorely missed. Susanne van Niekerk and Heidi van Staden MCSA
SONG FOR SALLY
I wanted to send this for Sally.
The first Lme I heard Sally's voice I was seventeen and queuing to start my first Montessori
training at Auburn House. I can remember hearing intriguing stories of Sally's life - how all
her original Montessori files had been lost dramaLcally at sea en route from England, and
how she had started a school in a car in apartheid Lmes.
As the years grew onwards and I began to live a Montessori life of my own, I would
someLmes encounter Sally at workshops, conferences and other such Montessori
occasions. Unlike some of the others I've known in my life, she never forgot who I was -
even if I hadn't seen her for a couple of in-between years. I would want her to know that
this simple sincerity was appreciated by me.
An alarming number of years later, and starLng the AMI training, I suddenly heard, and
immediately idenLfied, a very familiar and comforLng voice, and although I couldn't see her
anywhere (she was some distance away and obscured by foliage) I was struck in
that moment by how true it is that there are certain voices that will always remain with us.
Thank you
Kate Tolsen
Umphefumlo wakho ulale ngokuthula noxolo
Rest in Great Peace SallyYou can also read
