It was amazing to witness our Beyond the Classroom assemblies in the last few weeks and to see the collaborative efforts from the Arts, Service and Sport spheres of the school. As the EC schedule comes to an end and academics take the forefront with the impending July Examinations, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff and students who persisted in these areas.
We are looking forward to having the Grade 6s in the Senior School to explore academics as well as immerse themselves in the spirit and ‘gees’ beyond the classroom through interhouse hockey and netball.
Gillian Wilkinson’s 50-year legacy celebration at Kingsmead College this week marks a milestone for this incredible and remarkably strong woman who has dedicated her youth and many years to this outstanding institution. Thank you, Gilly, for everything you do and for being our guardian!
I wish you a wonderful half term, and if you are travelling, please do so safely.
Courage Always,
Sharekha Banwa
Acting Senior School Head
Academics
Life Sciences
Our Grade 12 Life Sciences students recently explored the fascinating world of plant reproduction through a hands-on flower dissection practical in class. Using microscopes, they examined and identified key reproductive structures such as the stamen, pistil, ovules and pollen grains. This practical allowed students to deepen their understanding of plant anatomy and the intricate processes involved in the reproduction of flowering plants.
The Origins Centre
As a part of our current exploration of evolution in Grade 12 life sciences, the matric students went on an outing to the Origins Centre located on the Wits campus on Friday, 13 June. The experience was both educational as well as interactive as it allowed us to explore the topic of Hominid evolution in a hands-on and engaging way.
We began our day with a talk by Dr Tammy Hodgskiss. We learnt about the development of early hominids and the key discoveries made in South Africa. It was fascinating to see how scientists have pieced together evidence from Australopithecus to Homo sapiens and to see the many ways in which we have changed over million of years. Dr Hodgskiss clearly explained the complex ideas to us and had a variety of fossils to help with her explanation, all of which helped us to connect real-world research to what we had been studying in class, which came to be an immense help for our test the following Tuesday.
After the talk, we were split into two groups and were taken on a guided tour of the centre. The displays featured early human fossils and stone tools as well as ancient and current artworks completed by South African artists. These displays allowed us to better understand how early humans had lived, adapted and communicated, and it was incredible to know that even millions of years ago, humans were expressing themselves through artwork and storytelling.
A personal highlight of our day was the interactive art activity where we got the chance to create our own masterpieces using paint that we had created by shaving ochre. Although not everyone (especially me) had an incredible artistic ability, it allowed us to gain an appreciation for the way that our ancestors used natural resources to express themselves.
After our tour, we enjoyed lunch at the university food court. We had a chance to relax, chat and enjoy the variety of food options. Whilst eating, we found a sunny spot on the lawn. It was peaceful and allowed us to reflect on everything we had just seen and learnt.
A huge thank you to Miss Pillay and Miss Minnie for planning this amazing opportunity to learn in a fun and engaging environment. It was the perfect way to connect what we had learned in class to the real world.
Gemma Bouche
Grade 12
On Friday, 13 June, the Grade 10 Visual Art students and the Grade 12 Life Science students had the pleasure of going to the Origins Centre museum at the University of Witwatersrand. Overall, the experience was both awe-inspiring and incredibly enriching.
We began the outing with a fascinating talk from the head of the museum, Tammy Hodgskiss. She told us about the many species that had come before us, as part of the bigger story of our evolution. We learnt about the Cradle of Humankind and the Australopithecus, notably the Taung Child and Lucy.
We were then given a guided tour of the museum, where we learnt about the stories of the San and Khoi people. We also got to see the evolution of the use of stone tools, which was very interesting. The guided tour ended with getting to see the exhibition of San and Khoi art, which was beautiful and very engaging, particularly for the Art students, as it linked wonderfully with what they had learnt in Term 1.
To end the tour, we were taught how to draw/paint with ochre, which was really enjoyable! Ochre is a natural earth pigment that has been used throughout history (i.e., cave paintings) primarily for its reddish-yellow colour derived from iron oxide. We had to scrape the pigment off of ochre rocks and then subsequently mix the pigment with a mixture of honey and water to bind the material to our paper. It was truly amazing to see what the students came up with!
Lastly, enjoyed lunch on the library lawn, which was a nice reprieve after a busy day of learning. It was lovely to lie in the warm winter sun on the grass.
Our trip to the Origin Centre museum was essential to our learning process as students and was a very pleasant experience- the students had a fantastic time.
Isabella Cadman
Grade 10
Consumer Studies
Rollin’ with the Best: My Surprise Hospitality Adventure
You know those days where you think it’s going to be business as usual—and then suddenly, you’re elbow-deep in pastry, helping teenagers fix their meat mixtures and trying not to eat all the ingredients before they make it to the oven?
Yep. This was my day.
One of our teachers was off sick, so the Consumer Studies teacher, Mrs Phumzile Masetlwa, needed an extra set of hands in the Hospitality kitchen. I thought, “Sure, why not?”
Fast-forward, and I was living my best sausage roll life. Not watching from the sidelines, but apron on, dough in hand and laughing my way through the lesson with a bunch of brilliant students. I even got to make my own sausage roll.
But honestly, the highlight wasn’t just the food (although yum). It was the vibe. There was no clock-watching. No phones out. No, “Is this for marks?” Just students and teachers cooking, chatting, creating and having a ridiculously good time.
It reminded me why I love what we do at Kingsmead. Our electives are next-level cool, especially for our Grade 8 and 9 students. From DIY to Hospitality, Coding to Verbal Art, Dance and Sound and Engineering—we’ve got a bit of everything. These classes give students the chance to step out of the regular academic hustle and into the real, delicious, messy, joyful stuff of life. These are the moments where students shine in ways we don’t always see in the classroom—rolling out dough like pros, solving pastry crises, and showing off skills that would make their grandparents proud.
So here’s to the unexpected lessons. The ones with flour in your hair, laughter echoing off the walls, and sausage rolls that warm your heart (and your stomach). Thank you to all those fabulous teachers who teach beyond the classroom.
Best. Lesson. Ever.
Bianca Meyer
Sustainability
Solar Power
We recently had a representative of Nesa Power, the company that installed Kingsmead’s solar PV power, deliver an engaging and informative presentation on the current state of solar power in South Africa and its use at Kingsmead College. The presentation provided valuable insights into our daily solar power usage and general information on how solar PV panels work and the amount of electricity they generate.
We were also informed about the mostly untapped potential of using solar power to provide energy to South Africa and the world. Overall, it was a very enlightening and captivating talk that allowed everyone to learn something new.
Anna Miller
Grade 8
Beyond The Classroom
Arts & Music
Two Marvellous Months of MUSIC!
May and June must be the busiest and most exciting in the Music department! In May, we hosted our 20th Senior Schools Ensemble Festival, where all our marimba bands played, as well as our Drum Gym, Jazz band, and Orchestra. This festival is always a reminder of the joy of making music together, and it was an absolute delight to witness the musicians’ excitement on stage. This event started in 2005, and thousands of young musicians from schools all over Gauteng and even KZN have participated over the past 20 years.
Masicule Sonke Choir Festival
At the beginning of June, we hosted our 5th annual Masicule Sonke Choir Festival. Choir singing is part of our fibre as South Africans, and these festivals are always a reminder of the power of our voices and the profound impact music can have in a community. It is wonderful to see that choral singing remains vibrant in our school communities.
Senior School Marimba Festival
After hosting the Junior Primary, Senior Primary and Senior School Choir festivals, as well as Junior School and Senior School Ensemble festivals, we concluded our festival series with the Senior School Marimba Festival. Our six Kingsmead marimba bands did us proud, with their energetic and entertaining performances.
Thank you to our parents for their continued support of our Music department. We love having you in the audience to cheer us on!
People never forget being in a band. People never forget being in a choir. People never forget being in an orchestra. You never forget the music, friendships, feelings, concerts, laughter, emotion or the sense of belonging. There’s nothing like making music with other people.
~ Vaughan Fleischfresser
Congratulations!
Cadence Mac Gregor achieved two provincial full colours awards in Provincial tap and Contemporary dancing, as well as a trophy for the group dance and a medal for placing first in her Tap Dance solo. She performed at the Dance International Awards where she achieved Gold in both her Contemporary and Tap dances. Cadence also completed her Intermediate Tap Dance examination and passed with a silver. Well done, Cadence, that is fantastic!
Ines Bregman had a bumper musical month, competing in the Roedean Music competition where she placed 3rd in the Woodwind Category, as well as the Yamaha Music competition where she was a finalist, and the SASMT Music Eisteddfod where she won 3 trophies! We are so proud of these brilliant achievements, Inés!
Elsabé Fourie
Director of Arts & Music
efourie@kingsmead.co.za
Sports
ISSF
Kingsmead participated in the Annual Independent Schools Sports Festival held at Durban Girls College. The festival brings nine schools from Gauteng and nine from KZN to play at 1st teams in hockey, netball, tennis and squash.
All our teams performed well with netball, tennis and squash winning most of their matches.
Next year the festival will be held at St Andrews Girls in Bedfordview.
Netball
The netball season has finally come to an end.
Kingsmead 1st and U16 teams performed exceptionally well and both qualified for the play-off matches.
In our league, we are proud of the netball teams that achieved great results:
U14A – 4th in the league
U14B – 2nd
U16A – 2nd
U16B – 2nd
U19A – 1sts
U19B – 2nd
Hockey
The hockey season has come to an end and the 1st and U16 teams will now prepare to take part in the Pullen/Howell trophy in July.
We would like to wish our provincial players the best of luck at their respective IPT’s.
Kylie Dugmore
Neo Mkwanazi
Nozipho Magondo
Charlie Dalling
Des Golach – manager
Equestrian
Our team have performed well over the 4 equestrian qualifiers. Well done to the following students who competed at the 4th equestrian qualifier:
Isobel Stuart 1st in Prix Caprilli
Mila Hozack 1st in Equitation
Cayla Brink 2nd in Prix Caprilli and jumping
Lucy Berry 1st in Equitation
Emma Berry 2nd in Working riding
Onthatile Malakalaka 5th in Equitation
Lily Yorke-Smith 1st in Prix Caprilli
Allegra Manchia 6th in Prix Caprilli
Pippa Pascoe 1st in Equitation
Hannah Cooke 1st in Dressage and Dressage Freestyle.
Squash
Squash
Well done to the squash 1st team that competed at the Top School Tournament and finished 5th overall.
Amy Falcon
Charlie Dalling
Kara Smith
Emelie Thompson
Olivia Thompson
Priyanka Geness
Tennis
Congratulations to Sophia Taylor who was selected as a reserve for the Gauteng U15 tennis team.
Go-Karting
We also congratulate Georgia Lenaerts who has finished fourth overall in her recent competition in the Senior MAX class.
Rob Pullen
Director of Sports
rpullen@kingsmead.co.za
Service
“Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven,” and by this sentiment, we can truly say: you are the angels in these people’s lives.
– Celebration Retirement Estate
The generosity of the Kingsmead community continues to make a profound impact. Each act of giving touches a life and reminds us just how fortunate we are.
Annual Book Drive Success
Our annual Book Fair drive was an overwhelming success. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, books were carefully sorted into categories: children’s books, reference materials, adult fiction, and non-fiction. These were then donated to:
• Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital
• Celebrations Retirement Village
• San Salvador
• Park Care
• Rainbows and Smiles
• The Reea Foundation
Transforming Spaces: Rosebank Police Station
The Kingsmead Service Department, in collaboration with the Senior School Art Club, undertook a transformative project at the Rosebank Police Station. In partnership with the Rosebank Management District and aligned with the 2025 Child Protection Week theme, “Working together to end violence against children,” we upgraded the Kid’s Corner and Victim Support Room.
Our goal: To create comforting, welcoming spaces where healing could truly begin.
Amelia Laburn, Head of Visual Arts, passionately led this initiative, with design support from Danielle Wepener. Alongside Service Head Haaniya Sarang and Social Service Head Olivia Thompson, student volunteers brought the vision to life through painting and decorating.
As Phopi Mnguni, Social Crime Prevention Officer, shared:
“We really, really appreciate what you’ve done. The office was such a mess—people couldn’t begin their healing or feel comfortable. Now, they feel welcomed and supported the moment they walk in. You’ve done big, big things. I never thought it could look like this.”
We completed the transformation during Youth Month and remain committed to its sustainability. Our team will visit monthly to restock books, donate toiletry packs, stationery kits, and activity packs. All of this was made possible through the Service @ School programme.
A Challenge to Other Schools
We believe in collective impact. Every school has a clinic, police station, court, or library nearby. We’re calling on all schools to adopt and upgrade a Kid’s Corner or Victim Support Room in their area. Imagine the change we could create together!
Gratitude for Our Sponsors
This project was made possible through the generosity of:
• Angie Chapman
• CS2 Building Projects
• GE Electrical Contractors
• Il Pennello Painting Contractors
• Pentafloor
• Rich Products
• Spitfire
• The Sensory Space
• Tutor Doctor
• And the incredible Kingsmead community, who donated funds, toys, books and therapy tools.
Upcoming Events
Mandela Day
We’re counting down to Mandela Day, and invite the Kingsmead community to participate.
Toy Workshop
Friday, 18 July 2025
In partnership with The Sensory Space
Booking essential: mreesgibbs@kingsmead.co.za
Winter Warmer Collection
Starts Monday, 7 July 2025
We’re collecting all things warm—jackets, jerseys, blankets, beanies, gloves—to be sorted and packed on Mandela Day. Adult clothing will go to the Immaculate Shelter and Rosebank Police Station, while children’s clothing will support children at the Rosebank Police Station.
Service at Kingsmead
At Kingsmead, Service is a core value. We strive to make every day a Mandela Day, living by the words of St Francis of Assisi:
“For it is in giving that we receive.”
Thank you for living a life of service.
Karen Landi
Director of Service
klandi@kingsmead.co.za
Student Christian Association
SCA Youth Encounter at Rosebank Union Church
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Psalm 119:105
This verse emphasises the guidance and direction that God’s word provides, which is crucial for young believers finding their way.
Twice each term, the Student Christian Association (SCA) hosts vibrant youth worship events. These gatherings are a time of fellowship where students engage in games, sing and dance to worship music, reflect on scripture and discuss topics relevant to both Christianity and the challenges faced by today’s youth.
On 30 May, the SCA took a refreshing new direction by visiting the youth group at Rosebank Union Church. This visit was filled with inspiration and connection. To the students’ delight, they discovered that many of their fellow Kingsmead peers also attend this youth service regularly.
The structure of the Rosebank Union youth service mirrored that of the SCA’s events, yet the opportunity to engage with other young Christians made it a particularly meaningful experience. The students enjoyed the fun and energy of the games, but it was the small-group discussions that left the deepest impact. Divided by age, the groups explored what it means to live as a follower of Christ in today’s society — a path that can be both rewarding and challenging.
SCA members are deeply passionate about their faith, often sharing personal testimonies of miracles, signs and the powerful presence of God in their lives. One of the central themes of the Rosebank Union gathering was the strength and purpose found in being a young believer. The message emphasised how developing a Christ-centred life from an early age fosters resilience, equips youth to manage stress and anxiety, and instils habits that are harder to adopt later in life. Importantly, it also empowers them to influence future generations by living out and sharing their values.
This visit was a powerful reminder that faith flourishes in community — and that young hearts, grounded in Christ, carry the potential to transform not only their own lives but the world around them.
Samentha Fisher
Student Christian Association