Dear Staff, Parents and Students,
I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual Southern African Heads of Independent Schools Association (SAHISA) conference last week, and I found the trends and themes that ran across all the speakers during the five days to be fascinating. The theme of the conference was WILD, which stands for Wellness, Inspiration, Leadership, and Discovery. It was held in White River, a beautiful area of the country. The main theme running through the conference was the well-being of staff and students in our schools, which was covered through various presentations.
The main sentiment is that our staff and students are currently facing extraordinary stresses in schools and in our country and that we need to implement measures in schools to ensure the well-being of our communities.
This can be done by creating and building strong communities and focusing on creating positive education spaces. David Bott, from Australia, is the Co-Founder and Director of The Wellbeing Distillery, based in Melbourne. He spoke to us about how we can work towards a positive education space in our schools. He also spoke about flourishing and how we can help students to do this. He says that great teachers ensure that there is “invisible wellness” every day in their classrooms. They are able to elevate the students in their classrooms.
As a high school sector, we spoke about smartphone usage in our schools and what the various schools are doing about this in their spaces, about safeguarding in schools and about alcohol misuse and vaping among our teens.
I found the quality of our speakers to be very high and gained much from the conference. Our own Mandy Herold, who sits on the Kingsmead PTA Exco, spoke on Anti-fragility in schools and gave us some valuable tips and suggestions. I have gained some practical ideas that I would like to implement going forward in our school.
I hope that the start of the term has been a good one for you and your families
International Teachers’ Day – Saturday 5 October 2024:
This speaks to the versatility of our teachers and what we require them to do at school. They are indeed special people:
“We need a teacher who is sometimes the director, sometimes the set designer, sometimes the curtain and the backdrop, and sometimes the prompter. A teacher who is both sweet and stern, who is the electrician, who dispenses the paints, and who is even the audience who watches, sometimes claps, sometimes remains silent, full of emotion, who sometimes judges with skepticism, and at other times applauds with enthusiasm…”
Loris Malaguzzi – Founder of the Reggio Schools in Italy.
A recent McKinsey study suggests that the key to a good school starts with the right people enrolling to become teachers. Let us look after and cherish the teachers at Kingsmead. We are fortunate to have such superb teachers.
Staff News:
Welcome back to Ms Phogole after her maternity leave. We cannot wait to meet Kesaobaka.
Congratulations to Mr Pillay on the birth of his son, Matteo.
Congratulations to Mr Hird on becoming a Grandfather to Cole.
Ms Ntshinga, who was a locum in Term II (Business Studies and LO), will stay with us for Term III.
Unfortunately, Ms. Hillowitz (HOD English) has resigned and will leave us at the year’s end. We wish her happiness in her next chapter.
Welcome back to Mr Pullen, who has had knee surgery, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
It is with sadness that I let you know that Sister Yolanda (Medical Sister) lost her father. It is with deep regret that I let you know that Robyn Hillowitz’s father passed, and we also think of Ms Venter, whose brother passed in the holidays. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.
Fond regards,
Lisa Palmer
Executive Head: Kingsmead College
Academics
Grade 12 Business Studies
The Grade 12 Business Studies students from Kingsmead and St. Teresa’s were introduced to the dynamic world of Finance, Entrepreneurship, Business and Micro Economics by participating in a Banango Traders Entrepreneurs Simulation on Thursday, 5 September 2024.
Mr Meiring, a Johannesburg School of Finance presenter, facilitated the business simulation game. In each round, the teams made important pricing, marketing, and purchasing decisions.
Mrs L van Lith
Senior Business Studies
FNB Art Joburg
On Friday, 6 September, some of the Grade 11 art students, accompanied by Miss Wepener, Mrs Jonker and Mrs Pereira, visited the FNB Art Joburg at the Sandton Convention Centre. FNB Art Joburg is the continent’s leading and longest-running contemporary African art fair. It was an enriching afternoon filled with great art, laughs, and delicious food. The art on display ranged from paintings to sculptures to photography, textiles, and various other multimedia pieces and installations. Galleries from all over the world were exhibited, from the Goodman Gallery to the Gatelier le Grand Village. We were exposed to iconic artwork by artists such as Johannes Phokela, Mary Sibande, Penny Siopis, and Zanele Muholi, to name a few. The Grade 11 student’s favourites mainly were the brightly coloured paintings and the sculptures. Many other schools attended the fair, including St David’s Marist and King Edward School. Overall, it was a wonderful afternoon, and we cannot wait for more future excursions and outings in Visual Arts. Thank you so much to Miss Wepener and all the other teachers for organising the excursion and accompanying us.
Amelia Laburn
2025 Head of Visual Arts
Aardklop Outing
On Wednesday, 25 September, the Grade 10 Afrikaans students journeyed two hours to the North West province to experience a fun-filled day immersed in Afrikaans culture.
Firstly, we headed to North-West University and took a campus tour with a student named Neo. We explored the different areas of campus life, from the libraries and science block to the beautiful gardens and theatres, getting a feel of what life as a student would feel like on the campus.
After our enlightening visit to the University, we headed to our next destination: the Aardklop market festival! The market had so many interesting stalls selling everything from delicious food to fun, proudly South African merchandise, and it was a great opportunity for us to practice our Afrikaans with the local vendors.
Our final stop of the day was back at North-West University, where we watched and participated in an engaging and interactive Afrikaans play that kept us all alert. The play delved into the topic of Teenage Suicide, educating us all on the importance of being kind to others, as you never know what they are going through.
Overall, I’m sure none of us will ever forget the experience of Aardklop and North-West University. We made lasting memories and fully immersed ourselves in the rich and diverse Afrikaans culture. Thank you to the First Additional Language department for the fantastic opportunity to take our learning beyond the classroom!
Basha Mkhondo
ISoweto iyakubingelela
On 25 September, the IsiZulu and Sesotho departments believed there was no better way to showcase their heritage and culture than by visiting Soweto, the historic South Western Township of South Africa. As the largest township in South Africa, it is home to 3.5 million people from rich cultures and extreme diversity. Once known as a residence for labourers who worked in the gold mines, Soweto is now a place where millions from around the world visit, often wondering how two Nobel Prize winners lived on the same street.
Guided by the insightful Ms Bev, the group began at the iconic Soweto Towers, adorned with beautiful murals that highlight the incredible talent in South Africa. From the depiction of a female footballer to the artists outlining a new mural, it was breathtaking to witness the creativity on display. We were astonished to realise that these massive cooling towers, during apartheid, served not the local community but the white-only towns further away. The bumpy ride up the tower offered captivating views of Soweto, prompting many students to contemplate bungee jumping—most concluded they would never try it!
Next, we visited the Freedom Charter, a symbol of unity within the anti-apartheid movement. We learned how the ANC went door to door asking people what freedom meant to them, which formed the core principles of our democracy now recorded in the Freedom Charter. It felt like an honour to read the heartfelt wishes of many fellow South Africans, embodying their hopes and struggles.
We then made our way to the famous Hotel Soweto, which has hosted many notable figures, in Walter Sisulu Square, where we danced with local children and learned the gumboot dance. We may have felt unfit, but we laughed heartily and felt a deep connection to the community, embracing our identity as South Africans.
Our journey continued to Kliptown, a vibrant but poorer area, which highlighted the realities faced by many people and children in South Africa. It underscores our responsibility as today’s youth and reminds us of our shared humanity, urging us not to stereotype based on ignorance. We also visited the historic Regina Mundi Catholic Church, known for its significance, on June 16th, when many students sought refuge inside. The stunning stained-glass murals depicting Youth Day events, along with the visible bullet holes, were reminders of the past. The church’s striking architecture and peaceful interior stand as symbols of hope and resilience in Soweto today.
We then entered the most famous street in South Africa: Vilakazi Street. Students tasted the delicious local cuisine, such as the “kota,” izibiliboco, a hollowed-out bread filled with chips, sausages, and sauces, and found the food both flavoursome and comforting. We caught a glimpse of Bishop Desmond Tutu’s house from the outside before visiting Nelson Mandela’s home—a modest brick structure reflecting his humble beginnings. Now a museum, it preserves artefacts from uTata Rolihlahla Mandela’s life, offering visitors insight into his personal history and his fight for freedom.
Concluding our journey in Soweto, we explored the Hector Pieterson Memorial, a solemn yet inspiring tribute to the young lives lost during the 1976 Soweto uprising. This site deeply moved both students and teachers, particularly the iconic photograph of Hector being carried away. While the history is painful, positive developments have emerged, including the world-renowned Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the largest hospital in Africa, located in Soweto.
Ms Bev emphasised how the Rainbow Nation, filled with Ubuntu, love, and freedom, has a long and painful history. She reminded us that you are never too young to make a difference, and the key to making significant change is to start, even if that means beginning small. Every little impact counts. Amandla awethu!
As the students reflect on this trip to Soweto, many agree that it is a place where life is painted in vibrant colours and rich traditions. A strong sense of community permeates the township, filled with music, the laughter of children, and the aroma of sizzling street food in the air. There’s always a celebration of life just around the corner, whether it’s a local football match or a spontaneous dance in the streets. This experience brought the history we learn in our textbooks to life before our eyes.
IsiZulu article
By Melokuhle Zungu and Zaara Banwa
Kingfisher Advertising workshop
On 10 September 2024, the Growth Curriculum organized an advertising workshop for all of the Grade 9s to help us with the Kingfisher Advertising Awards module. This workshop was presented by a company called X Facta under the guidance of Alison Tresling, our new Head of Marketing. It was a highly insightful experience that excited all of us!
The presenters explained various advertising techniques, from selecting the right platforms (TV, social media, print) to crafting messages that resonate with the target audience and client. One of the standout concepts for me was learning about the psychology behind ads—how colours, fonts, music, and wording can influence how people perceive a product and the brand. They also taught us about all the various opportunities and career paths available to those who are interested in studying Advertising in university and what that entails.
The presenters were very funny and passionate about their jobs in advertisement, making the presentation interesting, fun and engaging. These are some powerful role-models, and we felt very grateful to learn from their experiences. It has bettered my understanding of what it is like to work in advertisement. This workshop was inspiring, and it has definitely helped my team think differently about how to make a better Kingfisher advert. Not only that, but it shows us the importance of creative thinking in a world faced with AI. A huge “thank you” to Mrs Alison Tresling, Ms Wepener and Mr Allen for organising this workshop.
Katherine Papadopoulos
Grade 9 student
Arts & Music
September is always busy with the final big events of the year before the Grade 12s leave to start their final examinations.
DEBATING
This month, our Debating Club hosted the now annual “Kingsmead Think Uhuru” Debating Festival and competed in the Gauteng Provincials.
The Gauteng Provincial competition brings schools from all over Gauteng to participate and be selected for the provincial team. The Kingsmead teams performed admirably throughout the competition, displaying impressive critical thinking skills and crafting excellent arguments. The following grade 10 students are commended for representing Kingsmead at the Senior Debating event: Ariana Akoodie, Shihaam Bux, Carla Führi, Grace Gilfillan, Almaz Huyberechts, Hanaan Kana, Zahra Mayet and Nubia Nelson.
We are proud of our Debate coach, Tumelo Bore, who the Gauteng Schools Debating Board has selected as a provincial debating coach. Tumelo will be involved in selecting and coaching the team that will represent Gauteng at the South African Schools National Debating Championship. Tumelo has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in the province, and we are lucky to have him at Kingsmead.
MUSIC
The Grade 12 music students had their final school concert in the 1st week of the term. It was a wonderful evening with exceptional performances showcasing the Grade 12’s determined efforts this year to prepare for their final examinations the following week. We are incredibly proud of the superb musicians our Grade 12s have become; their many years of hard work and persistence certainly paid off.
The Choir participated in the annual ‘Choir is Alive’ Choir festival at the Linder Auditorium and absolutely shot the lights out. Their energetic, confident performance blew the audience away. Well done to the Choir for this spectacular performance!
Over the long weekend, our Jazz band and three Marimba bands participated in the annual St Peter’s Cultural and Sports Festival. The other three Marimba bands performed on Friday at the St Peter’s Marimba Festival, an extension of their Cultural festival. Our Marimba and Jazz bands showed up with their usual energy and passion and stole the hearts of the audiences. When the musicians have fun on stage, the audience can’t help but enjoy the show!
We offer heartfelt thanks to our dedicated musicians, exceptional music staff, and the support of the executive team, academic staff, and parents at all our Arts and music events.
YALE FEEDBACK
Spending two weeks as a Yale student was nothing short of incredible. From the grand, intricate architecture to the rich diversity of the Yale Young Global Scholars program, I was constantly amazed by how much I could experience in such a short time. It truly felt like the world was within my grasp as I met people from countries I had never even considered before every day.
I had the incredible opportunity to explore Yale’s vast resources and witness some of its rarest treasures. The museums were filled with masterpieces from some of the world’s most legendary artists—Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Basquiat, Katsushika Hokusai, and Vincent van Gogh. Each piece felt like a window into their genius.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments was exploring the book archives, where I saw original copies of the three Abrahamic religions side by side. It was a powerful experience that profoundly connected history, faith, and knowledge.
The knowledge I gained was captivating. I learned things that surprised me—like how not all trees are beneficial, the flaws in how historical stories are recorded, and the exciting future of hydrogen-powered cars. The experience was more than just informative—it was innovative, engaging, and fun.
Yale made sure it wasn’t all about severe lectures and projects. They gave us moments of joy and connection, with treasure hunts, social events, and even outdoor Just Dance sessions—one of the highlights of my time there.
Overall, I’m deeply honoured to have been chosen by Yale to experience everything it offers. I wish every Kingsmead student could have the same opportunity.
Elizabeth Hakizimana
Timlin
Grade 12C
Elsabé Fourie,
Director of Arts & Music
Sports
EQUESTRIAN
We would like to wish the following riders, who are representing Gauteng at the National Championships this week, well: Mila Hozack, Emma Berry, Hannah Cooke, and Allegra Manchia.
BIATHLE
Marguerita Cockeran placed 15th at the SA Biathle Championships and was selected to represent SA Modern Pentathlon’s Biathle team, which is being held in Egypt next month.
Her sister Isabella, class of 2022, placed 1st in the Junior Women’s event and has qualified for Junior Protea colours. She will represent South Africa at the same SA National event.
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS
Rorisang Mamathuba competed in rhythmic gymnastics at level 7 and was the Regional Overall Winner.
At Provincials, she finished 3rd and achieved a Bronze Medal.
This past week, Rorisang competed at the Nationals in Cape Town, winning a Bronze medal in both the Free Dance and Hoop Dance categories.
WATER POLO
Well done to our first team, the water polo team, which participated in the St Anne’s water polo tournament in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Our first team made Kingsmead proud and put their all into each fixture, even though the results did not go their way. Well done to Coach Masi and the First team on an eventful St Anne’s tour.
Our U15 water polo and Junior tennis teams travelled to Gqeberha for the Collegiate 150-year Spring Water Polo and Tennis tournaments. Our teams performed well and finished in the middle of the table. Both teams improved from match to match, even with the strong opposition. Well done to all our coaches and players.
Congratulations to Lucy Davis, who was selected for the Elevate Water polo U19 team participating in the Next Generation Cup 2024 in Spain. The tournament included top water polo teams from all over the world.
The tournament’s highlight was Lucy’s selection as player of the match in the team’s win over CN Sabadell, who took part in the final.
Well done, Lucy.
SWIMMING
We wish Kirstin Brady all the best, who will swim at the SA National Short Course Championship in Durban this week.
SQUASH
We are very proud of our squash coach, Linda Shannon, who recently represented South Africa in the World Masters Squash Tournament, where she narrowly lost in the Final and finished second.
We are very proud of our u14 and u19 teams that won their leagues and the u15 that finished 2nd.
DIVING CLINIC
We are excited to share the highlights from the diving clinic led by Olympian Julia Vincent and two exceptional South African divers and coaches. The clinic was designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced divers, offering customised sessions that emphasised technique and diving board skills.
Participants refined their diving abilities and received invaluable insights from Julia and her team. Each session was packed with learning experiences and unforgettable moments, nurturing a lifelong passion for the sport.
Thank you to Julia Vincent, Kate Shepherd, and Micaela Bouter for dedicating their time to coaching our students. We also appreciate our diving coach, Nicole Gillis, and former pupil, Sarah Benning, for contributing to this clinic’s resounding success. Thank you to everyone who participated in this fantastic experience!
We look forward to more exciting events in the future.
Inter-House Athletics
What a start to the term! On our first day back, we saw fierce House pride and athleticism! Throughout the day, there was a vibrant energy of sportsmanship, teamwork, and house pride. This was an exciting environment where teachers, coaches and students came together for a day of friendly competition. The participants had to volunteer to run for their houses and were not disappointed. Races included people who have been on paKingsmead’smead’s Athletics team since Junior School to students who cl “can’t can “t run” but made the decision to step up when no one else wanted to take on the dreaded… 1500m race.
The spirit from every House was phenomenal and kept the athletes motivated. Regardless of our House allegiances, the best display of spirit was evident when the Houses joined together to cheer on the Grade 12s during the Staff vs Grade 12s relay. This relay was even more humorous, as pool noodles were used instead of buttons. This fantastic first day back at school would not have come together without the students’ willingness to participate. A “huge” thank you” to the House Parents and Captains for the planning behind the scenes and the teachers’ support throughout the day. In his absence, a special thanks goes to Mr Padayachy and Mr Pullen because this day would not have been made possible without their tireless planning and organisation. These Inter-House events form core memories for the students and we appreciate the time and effort from everyone that makes them possible.
Sange Sibiya
Timlin House Captain 2024
Service
In an inspiring display of service, students from five schools, including Kingsmead College, came together to paint and rejuvenate the perimeter wall of Lourdes Primary School in Soweto. The inter-school initiative, which also involved De La Salle Holy Cross, Marist Brother’s Linmeyer, St David’s Marist Inanda, and Roedean School, saw 100 students unite to give back to a school in need.
We were led by our Director of Service and Projects, Ms. Karen Landi; this initiative reflects Kingsmead College’s commitment to community service. It ensures that our students excel academically and learn the value of giving back. The project, completed on 14 September 2024, brightened up the school’s exterior and lifted the spirits of students and staff alike.
Kingsmead College is proud to be part of the Interschool Volunteering Collaboration, which runs various impactful projects across Johannesburg. From river cleanups to feeding campaigns, these initiatives allow our students to engage in meaningful work, build friendships, and positively impact communities.
For more details, read the feature on Good Things Guy [Here]
Congratulations
Mr Mathew Hains was selected again as an MIEE (Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert).
“MIEEs are visionary educators who are always learning, growing, and collaborating with others to create positive change in education. They use Microsoft technologies and innovative teaching practices to enhance student engagement, creativity, and collaboration. They also share their expertise and insights with other educators through various platforms, such as local training events, conferences, blogs, social media, etc.” https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/educator-center/programs/microsoft-educator/expert
What is the role of an MIE Expert?
Regional Microsoft representatives select MIEEs based on the quality of their responses to the self-nomination form, the level of innovation and use of Microsoft tools described in the learning activity, and the level of detail in how participating in the program impact teaching and student learning.
MIEEs are leaders in integrating AI into their work to support their work and inclusive learning environments.
They adopt 21st-century teaching and learning, take risks, and strive to improve their pedagogy by integrating technology tools that will enhance student outcomes.
They model that failure is an opportunity to reflect, learn, and be resilient.
They’re seen as leaders in their school and school system. They provide coaching/mentoring to other teachers and support their growth. They partner with principals and school leaders in whole-school/system transformation.
They’re comfortable. They’re in front of other educators/leaders and sharing their stories of growth and learning.
They see the MIEE community as a valuable Professional Learning Community that helps them improve their practice and give back to the teaching profession (MIE Experts get back what they put into the program).
