thumbnail image001 1 Kingsmead College

Our Connection: Issue 14

Nyeleti GoleleJunior School, Senior School Leave a Comment

Dear Kingsmead Community

Goodwill Day – I stood on the side and at a distance watching all the chatter at our recent service fun filled event and watched so many conversations and moments of chatter take place. This led to me wonder – what are ‘they’ ‘all’ saying …. So as we continue full steam ahead in this vibrant term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound power of words. Our language shapes not only our thoughts but also the environment in which our daughters grow and thrive.

Every day, the words we use, whether spoken in encouragement, shared in stories, or whispered in moments of care, create a tapestry of understanding and connection. What do we hear each other say? Are our words uplifting, compassionate, and empowering? It’s vital that our girls hear messages that inspire confidence and kindness.

To help build your daughter’s confidence and develop her assertive skills, consider these practical steps:

1. Model Positive Language: Use encouraging words in your conversations. Show her how to express her feelings and opinions clearly and respectfully.

2. Practice Together: Role-play different scenarios where she might need to assert herself. This could be speaking up in class or handling conflicts with friends.

3. Celebrate Her Voice: Praise her efforts when she expresses herself, whether in a school project or during family discussions. Let her know her voice matters.

4. Encourage Storytelling: Invite her to share her thoughts or experiences at the dinner table. This helps her practice articulating her ideas in a supportive environment.

The Habit of Mind – Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision reminds us that language and thinking are closely entwined. Like either side of a coin, they are inseparable. Your words represent your mind. When you use fuzzy language, it is a reflection of fuzzy thinking. Intelligent people strive to communicate precisely and accurately by defining terms, using correct names and universal labels and analogies.

Picture1 1 Kingsmead College

They strive to avoid overgeneralizations such as “everybody does it” or deletions such as “this cereal is better.”(Better than what?) Instead they voluntarily support their statements with explanations, comparisons, quantification, data and evidence. Interestingly, the reverse is also true: When you strive to use precise language, it has a corresponding effect on your thinking. Your mind and your internal thinking maps become more precise, organized and focused.

Encourage your daughter to embrace the beauty of language. Let her know that her voice matters and that she has the power to uplift others with her words. Together, we can foster a culture where every girl feels valued and heard.

My parting words – I am delighted to have us all be part of this incredible community, called Kingsmead College.

Mrs. Tarryn McLaren
Junior School Head

Parent Insert

South Africa is now part of a worldwide movement to shift societal norms around children’s access to smart devices and social media. SFC is a global grassroots initiative that connects and empowers parents to press pause on smartphones and social media for kids, recognising that it’s too big for one family to handle on their own. Thousands of Cape Town parents have joined!

Picture2 Kingsmead College

SFC is hosting two events with renowned speakers Emma Sadleir of the Digital Law Co, and Kate Farina of Be In Touch, it promises to be an informative and empowering event. You’ll leave feeling inspired, hopeful and equipped to make collective change with other parents in our community. Live streaming is on 17 October. You can find the full event details and book tickets here.

You can book your tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/277976-press-pause-go-play/.

We hope you find this event informative and helpful.

General Announcements

Aftercare / Club Engage – please note for any families that have become accustomed to using the Club Engage holiday club during the school holidays, that there will be NO holiday club offered this festive season, including December and January. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Christmas Carols – keep a watchful eye as our Christmas Carols annual celebration is going to be advertised soon. Remember to save the date for this very festive event taking place on Monday, 2 December at the Rosebank Union Church. More details to follow soon.

Nonhlanhla Latha (Grade 3 Class Teacher) has made the decision to take up an opportunity within another school environment teaching a much younger grade. We have benefitted from her care and expertise during her time with us. We wish Ms. Latha success and support as she follows this new path in her educational career.

Arts & Music

Junior School Debating

Our school recently took part in the National Debating League, a three-month-long tournament where our debaters showcased their dedication and skill. Congratulations to Aria Ramchander, Nikita Mulke, Nala Moletsane, Zazi Gaetsewe, Teyana Fynn, Mbali Shabane, Uthingo Nkosi, Saara Hassim, and Erin Jennings for their growth and achievements throughout the competition.

A special thank you to Mr. Mbonani, Mr. Bore, and Ms. Hoskins for their guidance and support during the debates. We also appreciate the parents who enthusiastically attended and supported the students. This encouraging environment played a key role in building the confidence of many debaters, especially those speaking for the first time.

We are excited to announce that Kingsmead College will be hosting the quarter and semi-finals of the league on the 22nd of October. We look forward to seeing these students continue to develop their debating skills in future competitions.

Grade 4-7 Marimba Jan Celliers Eisteddfod

On Friday, 4 October, our Grade 4-7 Marimba students participated in the Jan Celliers Eisteddfod, and the excitement was palpable. In true Kingsmead spirit, they performed with passion and vibrancy, earning Gold (A+) certificates for all their performances. The adjudicator was thoroughly impressed by the energy and joy that our students radiated.

We are so grateful for the incredible support from our community, who came in full force not only to cheer for their own children but to encourage all the groups. It was a joyful afternoon that truly demonstrated how music brings people together.

International Dance Open

This past weekend, several of our students participated in the final IDO (International Dance Open) South African qualifier, where they performed exceptionally well. Congratulations to the following students: Aaliyah Minty, Asmaa Maasdorp, Astrid Snyman-Primm, Aziza Madlala, Emma Sloley, Imani Meulenburg, Joy Ajaere, Amelie Perera, Anaya Musi, Ava Beck, Ava Wild, Laura Van Zuydam, Lesedi Thabethe, Olive Griffiths, Sienna Ackerman, Skylar Chirindja, Giulia-Emma Allan, Lisakhanya Kunene, Neo Mosome, Ziyan Salie, Refiloe Montsioa, Scarlet Ralph, Sienna Ackermann, Stevie Smith, Amy Page, Boleng Leepile, Lisakhanya Kula, Musiiwa Tsatsawane, Sebabatso Kumalo, Sophie Vickers, Zara Mosupa, Zoe Chimhandamba, Azande Mkhwanazi, Kyra Pillay, Lerato Lengana, Mishka Duncan-Chundra, Mosa Chakane, Nala Modiselle, Zara Maharaj, Amari Africa, Alayna Mohamed, Anaya Mutloane, Chengeto Munyaradzi, Clara Scheuermaier, Ella Cornfield, Fallon Grundlingh, Iysla Perera, Jagger Wellsted, Juliet Ackermann, Lusanda Kobus, Owethu Sibisi, Ratanang Leepile, Sankhya Ramiah, Sophie von Helden, Bokang Phiri, Gabriella Mthembu, Luthando Kobus, Mpho Chakane, Nandi Brown, Simphiwe Ncemane, Zoe Schloss, Aimee Schloss, Lwandile Mashinini, Nalayethu Mkhize, Teyana Fynn, Scarlett Larsen, Taylor Simpson, Isabella Cattich and Yusairah Hoosen.

We are proud of their hard work and dedication, and look forward to witnessing their continued success in future competitions.

Kingsmead Music Department
Elsabé Fourie & Mia Loock
Director of Arts & Music/ Head of Junior School Music
efourie@kingsmead.co.za /mloock@kingsmead.co.za 

Kingsmead Arts & Music

Sports

Athletics
On Friday, 11 October, our Kingsmead athletes competed in an athletics fixture at St Stithians, alongside St Stithians, St Peter’s, St Mary’s, and St Teresa’s. The energy was high, and the performance of our girls was nothing short of exceptional, despite missing our Grade 4 students who were away on camp.

Kylie Dugmore, our dedicated athletics captain, led the team with an inspiring warm-up and showcased her skills across multiple events, excelling in hurdles, high jump, long jump, 100m and 200m sprints as well as the relay. Her leadership and athletic prowess set a great example for the team.

It was a fantastic day filled with fun and action, a testament to our students’ hard work in their training. As we look ahead to the Inter Schools event on Saturday, 19 October 2024, also at St Stithians, we are eager to close off the athletics season on a high note. A heartfelt thank you to all our athletes for their hard work and dedication—we are incredibly proud of each one of you!

Diving
On Saturday, October 12, St. Andrew’s hosted an exciting diving competition where Kingsmead divers showcased their skills and determination. The divers gave it their all, displaying impressive talent and sportsmanship throughout the event. Final positions for the grade 4 – 7’s were as follows:

Grade 4A
Ishvara Skosana 4th
Amahle Mbele 11th

Grade 4B
Musawenkosi Khumalo 1st

Grade 5A
Georgia Matthews 3rd

Grade 5B
Mosa Maboya 1st
Isolam Sithebe 2nd

Grade 6A
Madison Crozier 4th

Grade 6B

Sarah Jensen 1st
Caitlyn Jewel 2nd

Grade 7A
Olona Mbele 2nd
Kylie Dugmore 3rd

Grade 7B
Mikayla Rono 1st

Gauteng Trials
Congratulations to the following students for being selected to participate in the Gauteng Diving trials which take place on Saturday 19 October:

Georgia Matthews – 11 years novice
Madison Crozier – 12 years novice
Thoriso Motshegoa – 12 years novice
Sarah Jensen – 12 years novice
Kylie Dugmore – 13 years novice
Olona Mbele – 13 years novice
Mikayla Rono – 13 years novice

We wish these students the very best for Saturday!

Water Polo

Friendly vs Steyn City
Congratulations to our Grade 6/7 Water Polo students on their recent win! On Wednesday, October 10, our Grade 6/7 Water Polo team faced Steyn City in a friendly match and triumphed with a score of 10-7. We are incredibly proud of this team and eagerly anticipate the upcoming St Stithians tournament.

St Mary’s Tournament
Well done to Georgie Dalling, Lucy Berry, Madison Botha, and Jemma Cederwall for securing first place at the recent St Mary’s tournament! Our students represented the Water Warriors team and emerged as overall winners, with Lucy Berry and Georgie Dalling being recognised as Players of the Match.

Equestrian
Congratulations to Lucy Berry and Isabel Munro on receiving their official Gauteng colours and to Anvita Nunna for receiving Gauteng half colours at the SANESA prize-giving held on Monday, October 7. We are incredibly proud of you!

Squash
On Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, Vuyo Mkwanazi and Isabel Munro participated in the Joburg Junior Squash tournament. Vuyo secured 2nd place in her age group, while Isabel finished in 3rd place. Congratulations to both girls!

Squash Kingsmead College

Outside Sport

Archery
Congratulations to Mahdiya Cassim for winning a gold medal at her first archery championship! Mahdiya participated in the Archers of the Zoo Lake Club Championship and secured 1st place. Well done, Mahdiya!

Archery Mahdiya scaled Kingsmead College

Rugby
Congratulations to Logan Hodgson for earning a certificate in recognition of her exceptional dedication, team spirit, and passion during the 2024 rugby season at Pirates Junior Rugby Club. Keep it up, Logan!

Cricket
Anvita Nunna recently participated in the Gauteng Cricket trials and has been selected to represent her province

Anvita Cricket scaled Kingsmead College

Upcoming Events

17 October: Grade 4 – 7 Tennis Matches vs St Katharine’s (Venue: A/B –Country Club Johannesburg, C/D – Kingsmead)
17 October: Grade 3 – 7 Diving Fixture @ Kingsmead
18 October: Grade 4 – 7 Soccer Clinic @ Kingsmead
13:00 – 14:30 – Grade 4 & 5, 14:30 – 16:00 – Grade 6 & 7 (All students are welcome)
18 October – 20 October: Grade 6/7 St Stithians Water Polo Tournament @ St Stithians.
19 October: Grade 3 – 7 Inter-Schools Athletics @ St Stithians

Please note that there will be no bus for this fixture.

All athletes are expected to stay and support until the end when scores are announced. (Register will be taken at the end)

19 October: Grade 3 – 7 Gauteng Schools Diving Trials (Selected Divers) @ Roedean.

Please note that there will be no bus for this fixture. Selected divers must please meet at Roedean.

A few reminders for parents & guardians:
1. Please send any sports achievements (school & non-school) to Mrs Hanekom.
2. A reminder to please download the Kingsmead app as this will be the direct method of communication to parents on sports fixture days.
3. All team lists will be published on the app by no later than Tuesday for a Thursday fixture and the Wednesday before the Friday/Saturday fixture. Please make sure to inform the coaches in advance if your daughter is unable to attend a fixture.

Yours in sport
Shavaun Hanekom
Head of Junior School Sport

14172 KM Sports Logo RGB 02 HS 20220919 01 Kingsmead College
Picture3 Kingsmead College

A Thunk is a simple question about everyday things designed to stop you in your tracks and to help you to look at the world in a completely different way. Thunks help individuals to develop philosophical thinking, confidence in their own opinions and the ability to listen to others, through open-ended questions where there are no right or wrong answers.

This week’s THUNK: If you paint over a window, is it still a window?
Give a reason for your answer.

Picture4 Kingsmead College

Leave a Reply