Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,
The winter half-term is upon us and I am sure you are looking forward to the week ahead. Our students move into their exam sessions shortly after half term and I wish them well as they prepare for the upcoming exams.
The school has been cheering South Africa on in its Soccer World Cup and Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup endeavours and this has created such energy around the school.
We welcomed the Kingsmead Grade 6 students into the Senior School today and hosted their parents to an information evening. In preparing for the evening, I was again struck by what makes the Senior School so special.
Our Growth curriculum definitely sets us apart from all other schools and our pastoral care system ensures that every girl feels seen, heard and supported and that she is nurtured throughout her high school journey.
Our carefully structured system of grade co-ordinators, matric form leaders, form teachers and buddy systems safeguards every student as she has someone walking alongside her, helping her to thrive while navigating the challenges that come with growing up.
The Beyond the Classroom programme has been carefully curated to provide activities for each and every student’s physical wellbeing. There is something for everyone from all the team sports to running and walking club, pilates, yoga and strength and conditioning.
Our role as educators is to guide our students with care and age-appropriate expectations, within a nurturing, safe and inspiring space. We need to make sure that they leave our care as confident, capable and courageous adults. It is sometimes good to be reminded of our mission and vision at this wonderful school.
I wish you a wonderful half-term break ahead.
Fond regards,
Lisa Palmer
Executive Head: Kingsmead College
Academics
CAT & IT
Five Grade 11 IT and CAT students were selected to attend the Investec Tech Day, an exciting opportunity that provided us with valuable insight into the world of technology and innovation. Throughout the day, we participated in interactive workshops, engaged in hands-on activities, and listened to inspiring presentations from professionals working in the technology industry. These sessions gave us a deeper understanding of how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future and the wide range of career opportunities available within the sector.
One of the highlights of the day was getting to build and program a mini robot, as well as using an AI tool to make a song and build a music video for
our robots. We also had the chance to connect with other students who share a passion for technology and gain advice from experts about pursuing careers in the field. The experience was both educational and inspiring, broadening our perspective on the role technology plays in our
everyday lives.
Isra Salie
Grade 11 IT
Life Sciences
As part of our Grade 12 Life Sciences study of evolution, the matric class had the opportunity to visit the Origins Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand on Friday, 19 June. The outing offered an exciting chance to move beyond the classroom and experience the story of human evolution in a far more tangible and meaningful way.
Our day began with an insightful presentation by a master’s student who guided us through the fascinating journey of early hominid development. He unpacked the major fossil discoveries made in South Africa and explained how scientists piece together evidence to understand the progression from Australopithecus to Homo sapiens. What made the talk especially valuable was how clearly he connected these discoveries to the work we have been covering in class, making complex scientific concepts easier to grasp.
One of the most memorable parts of the morning was being able to view fossils up close. Seeing real evidence of our ancient ancestors gave a completely different perspective on what we usually only see in textbooks. It reminded us that evolution is not just a theory, but a story built on real discoveries.
Following the talk, we were divided into smaller groups for a guided tour of the centre. The exhibitions showcased a remarkable collection of fossils, ancient stone tools, and artwork, each telling its own story about human development and adaptation. The displays highlighted not only the physical evolution of humans but also the growth of culture, creativity and communication over time.
A standout moment for many students was the rock art section, which brought the day to a fitting close. The visual impact of the artwork was both engaging and thought-provoking, showing how early humans used creativity to communicate long before written language existed.
The outing was not only educational but also gave us the chance to appreciate the depth of South Africa’s contribution to understanding human origins. It brought our Life Sciences curriculum to life in a way that textbooks simply cannot.
Visual Arts
Recently, the Visual Art students had the opportunity to visit the Everard Read Gallery and the Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg. It was an insightful experience that allowed us to engage with contemporary South African art beyond the classroom
Our first stop was the Everard Read Gallery, where we explored a wide variety of artworks by different artists. One of the highlights for the matric students was seeing the work of Mary Sibande, whose art we are studying in our Visual Arts theory this year. It was exciting to experience her work in person and being able to appreciate the immense scale and detail she puts into her artworks and sculptures.
When we visited the Goodman Gallery, we were fortunate to have a guided tour led by Grace O’Malley, a Kingsmead College alumna. During the tour, we viewed works by Kate Gottgens, whose layered paintings and processes encouraged us and provided creative ideas and inspiration for our own practical artworks currently in development.
Overall, both gallery visits were educational and highly impactful. They gave us the opportunity to see a wide array of different artworks, ask questions, and experience art in a professional setting. It was a memorable day that inspired us as young artists. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
Maxine Johnston
Head of Visual Arts
Music
This term has been a vibrant celebration of music, with Kingsmead hosting a range of outstanding musical events, including the Kingsmead Senior School Ensemble Festival and the Kingsmead Masicule Sonke Choir Festival, both of which showcased the enthusiasm and commitment of young musicians from across Johannesburg.
Our Senior School Choir represented Kingsmead beautifully at the Choral Celebration Network Choir Festival at the Linder Auditorium, while the Jazz Band had a successful outing at the Jazz Festival hosted by St David’s, performing with confidence and flair.
Many of our students participated in the SASMT and Trinity Eisteddfods, achieving excellent results and demonstrating their dedication, hard work, and musical growth.
Sports
The Senior School Internal Netball Challenge was a fantastic celebration of competition, teamwork, and a shared love for the sport. Teams competed with enthusiasm and determination, creating exciting matches and positive rivalry between grades and friends.
More importantly, the challenge was about building connections, strengthening our netball community, and creating an environment where players could develop their skills while enjoying the game. It was wonderful to see such passion, sportsmanship, and support both on and off the court.
Thank you to all the players, coaches, and staff who made the Internal Netball Challenge such a successful and enjoyable event. We look forward to seeing this passion for netball continue to grow.
Debating
Over the April holidays, Kingsmead debaters have been hard at work representing their school with pride.
From 3–5 April, Zahreen Moosajee took part in Jozi Rumble at the University of the Witwatersrand. It is one of the largest British Parliamentary debating competitions on the continent, featuring university teams from Kenya, Zimbabwe, and across South Africa. Her team placed 8th overall and reached the quarter-finals, and Zahreen finished as the 5th-best novice debater – a fantastic achievement.
Our Grade 10 debaters also shone at Cub Grill, a round-robin tournament run by the Wits Debating Union to introduce high school students to British Parliamentary debating. Well done to Kristen Benjamin, Chloe Pon, Adiva Tickoo, and Josephine Less on their participation. Special congratulations to Chloe, who ranked 10th-best speaker, and Josephine, who ranked 9th-best speaker at the tournament.
We are incredibly proud of all our Kingsmead debaters.
The Kingsmead Debating Society continued to shine in the Atheneum Debating League. The Kingsmead Crusaders team, comprising Kristen Benjamin, Ren Clement, Adiva Tickoo, and Valentina Whitcutt, showcased exceptional skill and determination, advancing to the highly competitive Open Division. Equally impressive, the Kingsmead Emerald Dragons team — Isabella Cadman, Almaz Huyberechts, Zahreen Moosajee, Nina Schoeman, and Thato Makhalemele — made a remarkable run to the Plate Division.
This past weekend’s knockout rounds were filled with excitement and high-level debate. The Crusaders fought valiantly, narrowly missing the quarterfinals, while the Emerald Dragons delivered an inspiring performance to reach the semifinals before being edged out by Jeppe.
Both teams demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and excellence throughout the competition. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the passion they bring to debating at Kingsmead. The future of the Debate Club is bright, and we aim to build on this success.
Service
Book Drive
We extend sincere gratitude to our incredible school community for the overwhelming support shown during this year’s Book Drive and outreach initiatives. Thanks to the generosity of students, parents, and staff, we were able to collect and distribute a significant number of books to organisations that will benefit greatly from these donations.
The recipients of the donated books include:
• Celebration Retirement Village
• CHOC
• Joseph Gerard Foundation
• Kids Haven
• The Little Artist School
• Park Care
• Rosebank Police Station
• Rainbows and Smiles
• REEA Foundation
• San Salvador Home
• Victoria Yards Children’s Home
• Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (Prisons)
Each of these organizations plays a unique and important role in our broader community, and we are confident that the donated books will support education, comfort, creativity, and connection for those who receive them. Your contributions have not only provided resources but also shared hope and care.
Blood Drive
On 12 June, the Peer Promoters hosted a successful blood drive, with students, staff members, and parents coming together in support of this important cause. Their willingness to donate and contribute their time reflected the strong sense of compassion and community within our school.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated, especially the parents who took the time to donate. Their support was instrumental in making the event a success.
The Peer Promoters are grateful for the positive response and hope to continue raising awareness about the importance of blood donation and encouraging others to become regular donors.
Pearl Sithole
Peer Promoter
Interschool Volunteering
On 16 June, South Africa commemorated Youth Day and reflected on the legacy of the young people of 1976. On this significant day, a group of Kingsmead students had the privilege of visiting Little Eden Society, a residential home for people with intellectual disabilities. The occasion served as a reminder that, as young people, we have the ability to make a meaningful difference in our communities. Service remains one of the most powerful ways to use that influence.
Through a variety of crafts and activities, students spent meaningful time with the residents, gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of human connection.
At the colouring station, residents and students worked alongside one another. Some helped with drawings while others admired the residence’s artworks. These small actions demonstrated that service is often found in acts of kindness and care rather than grand gestures.
The morning also included soccer and other games with some of the residents. For many students, this meant stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing activities they would not normally choose. However, in these moments, barriers quickly disappeared, and friendships were formed. Residents enthusiastically taught students new games and warmly welcomed them into their community.
A tour of the facility further highlighted the care and intentionality with which Little Eden serves its residents. We visited the peaceful wetlands, designed to encourage relaxation and provide a calming outdoor space. We also saw the walnut orchard, which contributes to the home’s financial sustainability. Every aspect of the society reflected Little Eden’s commitment to dignity and service.
Experiencing this on Youth Day made the visit particularly meaningful. It was a reminder that the legacy of June 16 is not only one of remembrance but also of responsibility. As young people, we possess the capacity to create positive change through our actions, however small they may seem.
Bethany Sinclaire
Head of Service
Mac & Cheese Initiative
The Mac & Cheese Making Initiative was also a wonderful success. A group of dedicated students prepared meals for Kids Haven, which supports and cares for more than 160 children. Their efforts and commitment ensured that many children received a warm, nourishing meal. This initiative highlights how even a small group can make a significant impact through compassion and action.
Clothes for Good
We are incredibly proud of the spirit shown by our Kingsmead community. Your willingness to give of your time, effort, and resources continues to have a lasting impact on others. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our initiatives. We currently have our Clothes to Good drive taking place.
We will also be announcing our Mandela Day initiatives soon, and we look forward to your continued support in making a meaningful difference in our community.
Nene Golele
Service and Marketing Coordinator
Spirit
Baker’s Birthday: International Games Day
Baker’s birthday began with a prayer and a message centred on service, inspired by Dr Max Goodwin from the Netflix series New Amsterdam. His catchphrase, “How can I help?” shaped the message for the day.
Rather than focusing on what we can receive from others, we were encouraged to consider what we can give. This linked perfectly to International Games Day, which focuses on teamwork, service, and the importance of supporting one another. As Henry Ford said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
After enjoying delicious yellow cupcakes and taking photos with our form classes, Baker gathered in the gym for a series of games. Each activity was designed to be fun while also reminding them that success is not achieved alone.
The first game was a life-sized version of Snakes and Ladders. Teams had to follow a winding path through the gym, collecting members along the way. The challenge was that each person had to keep a balloon between themselves and the person next to them without using their hands. This required preparation, communication and patience. It reminded us that every journey is easier when people work together and that no one has to reach the finish line alone.
The second game, Pass the Ball, involved completing a course while continuously adding teammates. Each player had to pass the ball backwards to the person behind them before running to the front of the line. The game required timing, planning and trust. It showed us that the people behind us are there to support us, while those ahead of us are willing to lead and help us move forward.
For the final game, each team had to keep a balloon in the air. A player would run forward, bump the balloon before it touched the ground and return to the line so that the next person could take their turn. It quickly became clear that one person could not do it alone: every contribution mattered. The game reflected the idea that when a team shares the responsibility, the weight becomes lighter for everyone.
The morning was filled with laughter, noise, a very mild sugar rush and most importantly, plenty of Baker spirit. It gave us the opportunity to bond across different grades and celebrate the strength of our Baker community. We left reminded that teamwork is not only about winning a game; it is about showing up for one another, offering help and knowing that together, Baker is stronger. As Head of Baker, it was my last birthday and I cannot think of any other way I would have liked to spend it. It was a gathering well spent.
Melokuhle Zungu
Head of Baker House
Gillian Wilkinson Archives
We are always pleased to receive memorabilia from pupils or staff so when these two photographs were handed in by our own Sipho (Hotstix) Malatjie, we were thrilled.
Sipho says they were taken in about 2003 and he was about 30 year old at the time.
Making hot chocolate drinks outside the JS Medi Centre
L-R: Titus Ramakadi, Patricia Ndibi, Sipho Malatjie (Hotstix) and Elias Mojela.
At the workshop (old men’s compound) at Lunch Time
L-R rear: Joshua Sekgoela, Isaac Pale, Alfred Modau, Phineas Nkosi, Oupa Nkoana, Elias Pale, Samson Sikhosana, Obanius Suke and Jack Rammala.
L-R front: Titus Ramakadi, Sipho Malatjie, Jonathan Mohlala (Driver), John Malatjie, Abie Mathibela, Sophonia Sekgoela, Albert Simata, Johannes Matjokotja, Jimmy Segwale and Elias Mojela.
Looking forward to receiving more photographs of the service staff.
Natalie da Silva
Archives