August was a wonderful month at Kingsmead College, which brought incredible achievements from our Kingsmead girls in dancing, swimming, gymnastics and theatre!
We celebrated Women’s Day, which gave us the chance to really appreciate our future leaders here at Kingsmead, and reminded us of our biggest strength: courage.
Read our August highlights below.
On 1 August, Liyaana Carim, Tshiamo Mphambela, Megam MacNair, Mrs Lay and Mrs. van Lith had a wonderful time at Coronation’s Women’s Month Breakfast held at The Capital Empire in Sandton. The event was all about celebrating and empowering women in the financial industry, and it also aimed to inspire young minds to think about exciting careers in economics and finance. It was an inspiring and uplifting gathering.
We’re thrilled to share that two of our amazing students, Morgan and Phoenix, were chosen to be part of the children’s choir for Puccini’s Tosca, which ran from 21 July to 30 July 2023. We couldn’t be prouder of them. Well done, Morgan and Phoenix!
The grade 3s have been reading The BFG by Roald Dahl this term. In the book, the BFG and Sophie have breakfast with the queen at her palace. While having breakfast, they try the BFG’s famous ‘Frobscottle’. Our fourth-year intern, Miss Lerato Baloyi, planned a science lesson around this scene. The girls arrived at tables set for breakfast with the queen. At each table, there was a set of instructions for the girls to follow to see if they could make their own ‘Frobscottle’. The girls practised thinking interdependently while completing this activity and it was a huge success!
Our second annual inter-school volunteering event was held on the 15 July, hosted by Roedean School. The theme for the event was End Period Poverty. The event was attended by 130 volunteers from St John’s College, St David’s Marist Inanda, Holy Rosary School, De La Salle Holy Cross, Roedean School and Kingsmead College. Orate and Candice Chirwa – the “Minister of Menstruation” – facilitated a brilliant workshop on menstruation and period poverty. To experience young men and women talking so openly about periods and asking such important questions was phenomenal – we certainly have come a long way to removing stigma and shame. The Pad Princess organisation co-ordinated the packing of 50 000 sanitary towels, which were very generously donated by a Kingsmead parent, Holly Griffiths. It is of such importance for students to have the opportunity to engage with students from other schools in a safe space. Thank you to all volunteers!
We took a look back at Mandela Day, when we collaborated with Clothes To Good. The Clothes to Good Toy Making Workshop works to achieve multi-level impact and there are many beneficiaries to this program. Clothes to Good primarily employs people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, many people who otherwise would not be employed. The toys that were created in the workshop will go to underserved ECD Centres – with the first 1000 days of a child’s life being of critical importance, access to educational resources is key. Our biggest winners of the day were our volunteers – from those aged four right through to parents, staff and alumni. Everyone was engaged and had fun, and Mrs Wilkenson, accompanied by Joseph, delivered toys to two of the ECD Centres in Soweto. Our other beneficiaries are Thusanani – in support of children in children’s homes, and the Maletsatsi Foundation.
Our grade 3s took to the field for a day filled with joy, laughter and a whole lot of hockey at their inter-house hockey matches. Our little athletes showcased their incredible teamwork, hockey skills and enthusiasm, making it a day filled with fun.
We wrapped up an incredible second term with a burst of energy and excitement at the senior school inter-house athletics held at the Wanderers Stadium last Friday! Our fantastic students and teachers showcased their skills, turning the event into a day of fun and camaraderie. As we wrapped up the second term, we took a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every member of our incredible Kingsmead community. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and support truly made last term a special one.
Our senior school aquatics teams visited Barcelona and had the privilege of being coached by water polo legend and five-time olympian, Xavi Garcia. They also got to train with Consol Isaac, who is the technique coach at Barcelona’s leading swim club.
Our talented students took centre stage to showcase their musical and acting talents at the inter-house Arts Festival. We are so proud of our students who brought stories to life on stage, from those who directed to those who used their creativity to paint the props. Your hard work made it a week to remember!
August was Women’s Month, and we dedicated Women’s Day to all incredible women out there, who inspire us with their strength, grace, and determination. We celebrated not just the amazing women of today, but also the girls who will become the empowered leaders of tomorrow. Let’s uplift and support them as they chase their dreams and make a difference in the world.
Our senior school aquatics teams dived into adventure on their tour, balancing intense training with exploring and enjoying the breathtaking sights of Croatia.
Play It Forward received a large donation of sports balls, which were delivered with the help of some wonderful teens. The donation was delivered to a community on the Wild Coast, where they’ll be put to good use for the benefit of others. This is a wonderful example of Kingsmead College embodying our value of service – to give without expecting reward.
We are so proud of Mohale Mlobela who was invited to open for feature artist, James Deacon, at the Parktown Centenary Family Funday on Saturday 12 August. Mohale wrote and produced the song and performed brilliantly for an appreciative audience. Well done, Mohale!
Back in May, four of our Kingsmead dancers competed in the International Dance Open competition at the Joburg Theatre on the Mandela Stage where they achieved outstanding results!
Our youngest dancer, Amari Africa won three gold and one silver medal. She placed first for her ballet solo, lyrical duet and contemporary group, and placed second for her contemporary solo. Jagger Jo Wellsted and Fallon Grundlingh were placed second for their lyrical duet, and Fallon was placed fourth for her lyrical solo. Meera Luksmidas was placed sixth and fifth respectively in the toughest categories at the competition, for her lyrical and acro-dance solos.
Many of our dancers qualified for The World Lyrical Dance Federation Dancer of The Year Competition. Melokuhle Zungu and Riley Vance were both awarded Gold in their respective age categories. And Meera Luksmidas, Amari Africa, Taylor Simpson, Scarlett Madeleine Larson, Jagger Jo Wellsted and Fallon Grundlingh also qualified for this prestigious event.
Two of our dancers also competed in the EuroDance International qualifiers to represent South Africa in Serbia. Both Amari Africa and Meera Luksmidas qualified with gold medals for their lyrical solos. Meera was one of the lead dancers in both of the award winning JOZIDANCE contemporary group dances that won the Eurodance Cash Prize and Best Choreography Award. Amari Africa and Meera Luksmidas were also selected for the cast as lead roles in this year’s Jozi Youth Dance Company’s Production “10”, hand-picked by award winning, internationally renowned choreographers including Phume Sikhakhane, Kingsley Beukes and Jayd Swart.
Four of our teachers, Almar Kanda, Carissa Churms, Faiz Delman and Lisa Smith, were included in the cast in lead roles in Joburg Ballet’s Production of Romeo and Juliet with Almar as The Prince Of Verona, and Carissa as Lady Montague. Twelve of our JOZIDANCE alumni, including Meera Luksmidas, were placed in various roles in the ‘Corps De Ballet’.
Congratulations to our exceptional Kingsmead dancers – you make us proud!
Congratulations to Milisuthando Mabusela on her recent achievements in gymnastics. Milisuthando placed first in the Level 4 Gymnastics District Competition and in turn earned her full Gauteng Colours. On her path to victory, she recorded the highest score on bar and the second highest on vault. Milisuthando’s training continues as she has been selected to compete in the SA Gym Games to be held on the 4th of October 2023 in Pretoria. We wish her all the best!
Congratulations to Isolam Sithebe on her recent achievements in gymnastics. Isolam was selected to represent Wanderers Gymnastics Club in the level one to three Johannesburg District Championships hosted by Central Gauteng Gymnastics Association (CGGA) at the Matsport Centre, Eldoraigne on 12 August 2023. Isolam was awarded a silver medal for her great performance. Isolam has also qualified to compete at the Junior Central Zone Festival in September 2023. We wish Isolam the very best in her next competition!
