Goodwill Day
Dear Kingsmead College Community
We are excited about Goodwill Day this year and invite the entire community to come and enjoy the day with us on Saturday, 5 October, from 08h00-13h30. The programme is packed with many exciting activities to gather the Kingsmead community, to engage with our community partners and celebrate the school’s birthday.
Delicious food and handmade goods will be on sale. Engage with our partner organisations on the day by donating hair for A Few Grey Hairs, feeding a bunny from The Bunny Hop Haven, boxing with Fight with Insight, supporting the SANBS blood drive and enjoying the Courage arts exhibition, to name but a few. A detailed programme has been published on Facebook and the Kingsmead College app.
BRUNCH GARDEN
In an attempt to make Goodwill Day more family friendly and to provide a place for parents to relax, the PTA will host a Brunch Garden on the Music Lawn. Join us for a glass of champagne, gin or beer, enjoy delicious food on the lawn, while watching rugby and listening to live music.
CLOTHES TO GOOD
The entrance fee is a donation of gently worn clothes and shoes in support of Clothes To Good. Due to the overwhelming response in the past, collection points for clothing donations have been set up. Donation bags have been provided and donations can be dropped off on campus.
GOODWILL DAY WALK IN COLOUR
The Walk in Colour will start at 8h30 from the Tyrwhitt gate (ending at the Tottenham gate). Coffee will be sold from 08h00. Children under 4 walk for free. Green wristbands will be issued for all walkers. Walk in Colour funds are raised in aid of the Kingsmead Trust and there will be a prize for the class who raises the most funds.
GOODWILL DAY GAMES
The Games Area at Goodwill Day will include a variety of bigger games, in addition to the many carnival games organised by the Grade 8 and 9 students. The Games Area will be open from 09h00 until 13h30 and will include age appropriate games for children from 2 to 17 years. Children under 6 must be under strict parental supervision. Please note that all games are played at the child’s own risk and parents are encouraged to monitor their own child’s welfare regularly.
Black wristbands will be sold for R150 and will be available from Wednesday, 18 September, from the Music Reception. This wristband will give children unlimited access to all the games (this excludes the Haunted House). Alternatively, black wristbands can be charged to your Kingsmead school account with the following form (this form will be active until Wednesday 2 October):
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=RoUozhKgx0ek_jvUEmqu7mvwrkS4LQlGt5T_UtKmMsNUNFA0WjVJTDRMWktQV04wMlM3RTk0N0RSRS4u
(letter and link available on Kingsmead College app).
Jenny Venter
Director of Service
Arts News
INTER-HOUSE ARTS COMPETITION
The Arts department ended the 2nd term on a huge ‘high’ with the phenomenal Inter-house Arts Competition. Congratulations to all our students and a special well done to the Grade 11s who lead the process, for the impressive productions they staged after only a few days of practice. It is always mind-blowing to see what the students accomplish in such a short time.
SENIOR SCHOOL JAZZ BAND
The Senior School Jazz band performed successfully at the OKA Lunch and St Peter’s Cultural Festival. Well done to our musicians for performing a whole set so early in the term.
SENIOR SCHOOL CHOIR AND GLEE
Well done to our Senior School Choir and Glee who performed spectacularly at the recent Inter-schools Choir Festival ‘Choir is Alive’. Have a look at the Kingsmead Facebook page for some videos and visit the Kingsmead Arts & Music department YouTube channel and like our posts.
DEBATING
Over the past two weekends both the seniors and junior debating teams have competed in the Gauteng provincial tournament. While it is an amazing achievement just to be able to compete in this prestigious competition getting through six rounds after a long (and hopefully very relaxing) holiday is a formidable thing. The juniors debated in 6 rounds over two days and the seniors won 3/6 debates and managed to make it to the plate rounds. Unfortunately, the seniors were knocked out in the quarter final but getting it that far gave us all the motivation to work harder in the next tournament and filled us with an immense sense of pride.
Adiya Pillay
Grade 11 Student
DRAMA FUNDRAISER
Please support the Drama department fundraiser event towards the new Drama Theatre. Tickets will be on sale from the Arts & Music department reception, from Senior School Drama students and in the carpark before school every day starting next week.
Elsabé Fourie
Director of Arts & Music
Sport News
POLO
Kennedy Davis played in the Ladies Polo Open where their team finished 1st in their section.
WATER POLO
The u15 polo team played in the Annual Collegiate festival and finished 11th overall.
The 1st team played in the St Anne’s festival, where they finished 7th out of 20 teams.
GYMNASTICS
Katherine Jones has been selected for Gymnastics to attend Nationals.
Robert Pullen
Director of Sport
Academic News
CONSUMER STUDIES
The Grade 12 Consumer Studies students had their final practical exam. They had to design, create, plan and make a two course meals for the elderly. They had to perform constructive planning and intense research on the nutritional needs of the elderly using their grade 11 knowledge.
They started their planning in February and their final practical was in September. This is a huge project for Consumer Studies students where they explore products in the market and sourcing their own recipes and modifying them to ensure that their product fits the scenario sent by IEB. Their products had to be packaged, marketed and transported to the elderly, this is where their Grade 10 knowledge of marketing and labeling came in. They produced delicious nutritional meals, their packaging and marketing skills were phenomenal.
I wish them all the best in their final examinations.
Phumi Masetlwa
Senior School Consumer Studies Teacher
KINGFISHER WORKSHOP
The Kingfisher awards, a module which aims to mirror the advertising depth of the Loerie Awards, is an annual English department initiative. This year the term long project is already reaping the rewards of the enrichment of the Grade 9 Growth Curriculum. Supplemented by the subjects of Visual Arts, Computer literacy and Economic Management and Sciences, the module has taken off with a bang.
Students were treated to two workshops featuring a freelance audio and sound engineer, as well as the dynamic duo of an art director and copywriter from ‘TBWA’ The Disruption Company. This year’s Kingfisher theme will ask the students to advertise the Grade 10 – 12 subjects in teams. The process will see students: design and animate a logo; interview subject specific teachers; pitch their idea as a proposal; write and conceptualise a story board and shot list; create a jingle; as well as film and edit their own advertisement. Their final products will be judged externally, and students are able to receive awards in a number of categories at the Kingfisher Awards evening held on 31 October 2019.
Danielle Wepener
Senior School Art and English Teacher
GRADE 9 GROWTH CURRICULUM
Apartheid Museum Visit
On Thursday the 19th of September the Grade 9s went on an outing to visit the Apartheid Museum. When we arrived, we were all in awe of the beautiful architecture and what immediately caught our attention were the seven tall pillars, each with a word that represents the core values of our South African Constitution. These are Democracy, Equality, Reconciliation, Diversity, Responsibility, Respect and Freedom and looking at these words really made us proud of our new South Africa and how far we have come since the Apartheid era.
The museum interacts with its visitors by having two entrances, one for Europeans and one for non-Europeans, in order for us to experience the discrimination of those dark days. This was poignant as it enhanced the experience for us on an emotional level. We were able to watch enlightening and enriching interviews and videos taken at that dreadful time and this gave us first-hand information and experiences of Apartheid. What we noticed and what was most prominent for us was how powerful hope can be and how positivity and peace are always the best option. I was moved by the manner in which Apartheid victims sang songs of protest, using their most powerful weapon, their voices, to communicate their message and to spread their hope for a future of freedom and equality.
The visit to the Apartheid Museum had an impact on each one of us and although this harsh part of our history will always be sewn into our South African tapestry, we can be proud of how far we have come and the fact that today every culture and race group has been woven into the new landscape of this beautiful land we call our home.
Nazrana Jhavary & Nooriyah Cassim
Grade 9 Students
World Challenge
WORLD CHALLENGE EXPEDITION TO MOROCCO
Over the holidays, the World Challenge team set off to Morocco for a nineteen day expedition. World Challenge expeditions consist of three phases: a community project, trekking, and rest and relaxation. All cellphones and other forms of technology were to be left behind, other than a camera, and we had to do all budgeting and bookings ourselves. We visited many amazing places, including Marrakech, Tinejdad, the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate and Essaouira.
Every part of the expedition was an adventure but the community project in Tinejdad was definitely my favourite. Our task was to build a wall around one of the local schools. This included making the metal structures, mixing the cement, carrying and laying bricks and painting fun and educational images on the walls. By doing this we were able to make the school a safer place for all of the children who attend the school. The amount of kindness and generosity shown by all the people we met, especially from our host family, was extremely heartwarming. They made us the most incredible meals, showed us around their town and welcomed us into their home as though we were part of their family.
After the project we traveled to the Atlas Mountains for our trek. The night before we left for the hike everyone was very nervous about what was expected of us over the four days. The hike ended up being extremely tough but overall it was an amazing experience. The views, people and food were all unforgettable. The team never complained, supported each other and everyone pushed themselves out of their comfort zones both physically and mentally.
Lastly we spent a few days in Essaouira and in Marrakech for some well deserved rest and relaxation. We were able to shop in the markets, ride camels on the beach and enjoy tasty tagines and crepes.
World Challenge was a life changing experience that I know I will never forget. I am very thankful that I was lucky enough to complete such an incredible journey surrounded by so many wonderful people.
Alice Behr
Grade 9 Student
The President’s Award
OUTENIQUA ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY
The next adventurous journeys are scheduled from 4-8 December 2019 and 6-9 January 2020 in the George/Wilderness area of the Garden Route. This journey will satisfy the requirements for both the Silver and Gold level of The President’s Award and the December and January journeys will have the same itinerary.
Participants will fly to George and will be staying at the Fairy Know Backpackers in Wilderness for the first night. Activities will include paddling up the Touw River to view spectacular waterfalls and wonderful birdlife and hiking the first three days of the Outeniqua trail. We will start at the Beervlei hut 20km from George and finish at the Millpark hut, in Millpark (near Rheedenda), just outside Knysna. This magnificent trail leads through indigenous forests and montane fynbos, majestic mountain scenery, views of the coastal plateau, relics of the gold rush near Millwood, bird and animal life of the forest and fynbos, mountain streams and pools.
We will be guided by Mindscape Adventures with a fully qualified Advanced Mountain Walking Leader as guide and facilitator. During this expedition the participants will be hiking across moderately technical terrain and swimming proficiency is an essential requirement.
For more information, please contact Jenny Venter at jventer@kingsmead.co.za
Jenny Venter
Head of The President’s Award
Green News
SA RECYCLING DAY
For the past few months, Kingsmead students have been working with determination on their Eco Bricks. Their hard work finally paid off on Friday when the Green Team received dozens of Eco Bricks and plastic packets. The Eco Bricks will hopefully be made into a useful structure at school or donated, and the plastic packets will be used for the on-going Love Mats project, run by Sister Monica.
The collection took place in recognition of South African Recycling Day. We would like to commend every student who contributed to this incredible effort. Thanks to their commitment, non-recyclable plastics will now be put to better use instead of ending up in our precious oceans or in our beautiful environment. We encourage all Kingsmead students to make Eco Bricks on a continuous basis.
ARBOR MONTH
In recognition of National Arbor Month, the Green Team has made a visual display around the school to spread awareness on the importance of trees. This display involves five trees, which look like they are holding placards, each with an impactful quote. The aim is to unlock a deep compassion within each person who sees it, especially after the tragic fires in the Amazon rainforest. Let us help each other to be well informed on the state of our planet and our precious trees.
We also hosted a guest speaker in assembly, Anton Moller, who is a tree-expert. His message was about educating our students on the impact of PSHB (Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer) which is wreaking havoc on our trees. Hopefully a workable solution and cure can be found to save our local trees.
Charlotte Stockenström
Head of Green Team and Grade 12 Student
Medical News
BREAD TAGS AND BOTTLE TOPS FOR WHEELCHAIRS
The schools bread tags were delivered to the Zibo factory in Olifantsfontein during the August holidays as arranged with the Polystyrene association of South Africa. The bread tags weighed in at 69.6 kg.
The total amount of bread tags collected by Kingsmead College since the start of the project in 2014 comes to 84,9kg.
Bread tags are manufactured from high density polystyrene( number 6) which have a high recycling value compared to bottle tops, usually manufactured from polyethylene terepthalate (PET) ( number 1) or polypropylene, (number 5).
The recycling application for the materials differs, therefore separate recycling companies are involved in collecting the Kingsmead Bottle tops and bread tags. It would be appreciated if the bread tags and bottle tops could be separated before dropping them off at the medical centre.
An article about Kingsmead College’s 10th wheelchair donation appeared in the Polystyrene association of South Africa newsletter.
Monica Loubser
Kingsmead Medical Centre
PTA News
The third term of our school year is always filled with an intense mixture of happiness and sadness tinged with an over-riding sense of mania. The PTA has had an incredibly busy and fulfilling two terms and is now looking forward to an exciting term 3.
We are currently consulting with the School Executive on their wish list for 2020.The PTA strives to positively impact as broad a spectrum of our whole community as is possible and to build a sense of belonging while doing this.
Wellness Centre
Our big project for 2018/2019 – the construction of a mezzanine floor in the Gym – was completed in the August holidays. This has transformed the Gym into an incredible space that lends itself to wonderful multi-purpose use.
It is the School’s intention that this space now becomes used as a Wellness Centre for our whole school community.
Further details on this offering will be communicated in due course.
School Shop
The School Shop has undergone a massive refurb and facelift. We have a bigger and better offering of items available.
Pop in and have a look.
Second-Hand Textbook Sales
The PTA is looking to establish a second-hand textbook shop – within our School Shop.
To this end we would like to ask that should you have unused textbooks that you donate them to the PTA for resale.
Please look out for boxes marked for this purpose in the Music Reception commencing the week of October 20 2019.
Goodwill Day and the Walk in Colour – for Dignity, Respect and Hope
Goodwill Day – our School’s stand out annual event – is upon us.
This marks the day that our school was founded and is celebrated in the spirit of Goodwill – giving back to our broader community.
Our Annual Walk in Colour will take place at 8.30 am. ALL proceeds from the Walk are put towards the Kingsmead Trust to support students in need within our Kingsmead community.
We look forward to seeing ALL our Junior School students walking in the colours allocated to their respective grades.
This year, our Walk will provide our Senior School students with a platform to stand up and walk for a cause in which they believe. We look forward to walking with all our students in support.
The PTA will this year host a brunch garden on the music lawns. A cash bar and delicious harvest table will be on offer.
Christmas at Kingsmead
Plans are underway for Annual Christmas Market which is scheduled to take place on November the 21st.
We promise to make it better and more festive than last year’s.
We look forward to engaging with our students, parents and teachers this term.
Thank you all for all that you do to make what we do possible.
Rizwana Bawa
PTA Chair