Spring Collaboration: Art, Friendship, and Learning Across Grades
One of the most heartwarming projects this term has been our collaborative art initiative between our Mornington girls (Butterflies, Bumblebees, Buttercups and Bluebells) and the Grade 1s. What began as a simple idea to create a beautiful art piece for our upcoming exhibition blossomed into something far more meaningful: a celebration of creativity, connection, and growth.
The collaboration was inspired by spring, a season that naturally lends itself to themes of renewal and blossoming. With the Mornington classes exploring spring and flowers, it felt fitting that our little ones would create butterflies and flowers together with their “big girl” buddies in Grade 1. The Bumblebees and Butterflies worked on butterflies, while the Buttercups and Bluebells created flowers. Each younger child was paired with one or two Grade 1 girls, and together they embarked on a joyful, multi-step creative journey.
The first meeting was all about connection. The pairs spent time drawing on coffee filters, sharing things they loved and discovering common interests.
This simple activity sparked conversations and helped the girls get to know one another in a relaxed, playful way. During the second session, they brought their designs to life with vibrant food colouring, transforming the coffee filters into colourful canvases. In the final step, they used pipe cleaners and beads to craft their creations, butterflies with fluttering wings and flowers adorned with “stones” and delicate details.
The final installation, a collaborative hanging display, will be proudly showcased during our Art Exhibition on Goodwill Day, a symbol not just of artistic expression but of friendship and shared learning.
More than Art: The Social and Emotional Impact
Beyond the beauty of the finished pieces, this project has offered profound social and emotional learning opportunities for both our older and younger students.
For the Grade 1 girls, working with the younger children nurtured empathy, patience, and leadership. They stepped into the role of mentors, learning how to guide gently, listen attentively, and celebrate the efforts of their younger buddies. These are essential social skills that build confidence and emotional intelligence, qualities that extend far beyond the classroom.
For our little ones, the experience was just as significant. They look up to the Grade 1 girls with awe and admiration, and the partnership allowed them to feel seen, valued, and supported. It built their sense of belonging and boosted their confidence as they contributed meaningfully to a shared creative goal. The joy and pride on their faces as they worked alongside their “big sisters” spoke volumes.
Projects like this remind us that learning happens most deeply in relationships. Through art, conversation, and collaboration, our girls explored not only creativity but also the power of connection, compassion and community, values that lie at the heart of everything we do at Kingsmead.
We cannot wait for you to see these beautiful art installations on Goodwill Day, a vibrant testament to the magic that happens when we learn and create together.
Saadia Ebrahim
Deputy Head: Head of Junior Primary and Academics.
Beyond the Classroom
It is in the extra-curricular space, beyond the academic classroom, that many students feel seen and find their place. It is a safe space to develop resilience, persistence and lifelong good habits. I recently introduced the Japanese concept of ‘Ikigai’ to the girls, which means having a purpose or a reason for being. A purpose-driven life brings us joy and fulfilment. When we are happy, we have the resources to face challenges, show up every day, and maintain our grit, even when life throws us curveballs.
The first step in reimagining the Beyond the Classroom sphere involved introducing more options for fitness and healthy physical activity. We introduced Pilates, Yoga, Fitness, and conditioning, as well as Running and Walking clubs, in the senior school. These have been embraced with enthusiasm. I also invite our junior school parents to sign up for these activities, which will enable them to role model an active, healthy lifestyle to our girls.
I look forward to sharing more of our plans with you over the next few weeks and months.
Thank you for your continued support of all our girls do outside of the classroom.
Wellness at Kingsmead
Parents are invited to sign up for the new Wellness additions to our extra-curricular program:
PILATES is offered by Lethabo, the founder of ELTIAR WELLNESS.
Her contact details are: 081 406 5149 or email: lethabo@eltiarwellness.com
FITNESS is offered by Haydn Corke, an endurance, fitness, and triathlon coach, and founder of GRIND.
If you’re interested in joining a FITNESS session or signing up with Haydn as a coach, please reach out to him on 074 749 9709 or haydn@findyourgrind.co.za.
YOGA4KIDS offers yoga to all age groups, adults included. If you are interested, please get in touch with Suzie, the founder of Yoga4Kids, on:
083 299 6555 suzie@yoga4kids.co.za
Find out more on https://www.yoga4kids.co.za
Acknowledgement of Achievements
We enjoy hearing about our students’ accomplishments outside of school and recognize them during assemblies and on our social media platforms.
o To streamline the process, instead of reaching out to the marketing department, class teachers, grade coordinators, or TICs, parents or guardians should fill out this form: Student Achievements for Acknowledgement
o Only achievements submitted through this form will be acknowledged.
o Achievements will be acknowledged in appropriate assemblies, newsletters, and social media.
o We will no longer hand out medals/trophies or certificates from outside organizations; instead, students will be called to the stage for a handshake and applause.
o For all social media posts and newsletters, official school photos will be used, so parents/ guardians do not need to share images with us any longer.
Arts & Music
Well done to our Grade 4-7 Choir and Marimba bands who played exceptionally well at the Jan Celliers Eisteddfod over the last two weeks. We are so proud of their excellent results!
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming events in the next few weeks.
Tuesday, 14 October: St Mary’s Junior Schools Ensemble Evening
Wednesday, 15 October: The Ridge Combined Choir Festival (Grade 4-7 Choir)
All information regarding events will be posted on the relevant WhatsApp Groups as well as the live calendar.
Individual Music Lessons at Kingsmead
Learning to play an instrument is the most wonderful gift and a lifelong, enriching experience. Kingsmead is fortunate to have a team of exceptional, expert music teachers offering a wide variety of instruments. Apply for lessons by completing the application form in the Arts & Music folder. Contact Elsabé Fourie at efourie@kingsmead.co.za if you need more information.
Kingsmead Students Shine at the Malcom Gooding Speech Competition
On Thursday, 18 September, three Kingsmead Junior School students made us exceptionally proud as they represented the school at the prestigious Malcolm Gooding Speech Competition. This event brings together top speakers from top private schools in Johannesburg, each delivering a well-researched, four-minute talk on a thought-provoking topic.
• Grade 5: Katie Lawlor presented on “To Fail is to Secretly Succeed: Is it important to learn how to fail?”
• Grade 6: Morgan Chen-Heyneke explored “Whispers of the Past, Secrets of the Future: Should museums be considered important cultural artefacts?”
• Grade 7: Thakgalo Semenya tackled “History vs Popular Culture: Are video game/television characters more influential than historical figures?”
Each of these students demonstrated eloquence, courage, and dedication, engaging the audience with both their research and delivery. We congratulate Katie, Morgan, and Thakgalo for representing Kingsmead with such excellence and spirit.
Elsabé Fourie
Deputy Head: Beyond the Classroom
Sports
We have had a strong finish to the soccer season and are proud to celebrate the achievements, growth, and enthusiasm shown by our young soccer players. Our Grade 6s played in the Kingsmead festival, while the Grade 7s represented the school at the St Stithians festival. Both occasions highlighted the skills, teamwork and determination developed over the season.
Our Grade 3s also had the opportunity to play in a few matches this term. For many, it was their first taste of competitive soccer, and the girls absolutely loved the experience. Their excitement and energy have been infectious, and it has been wonderful to witness their confidence grow on the field. Across Grades 4 to 7, the girls enjoyed matches against schools such as Roedean and APPS, where they continued to build their confidence on the field and demonstrate the spirit of fair play.
From strong defensive efforts to exciting goals, the players embraced the joy of the game. Although soccer had a short season, it has become a vibrant and growing sport within our school community. The passion, energy, and commitment shown by the girls this term have been inspiring, and we are excited to see the sport continue to flourish in the years ahead.
We congratulate all our players on a fantastic season and thank the coaches, staff, and parents for their support along the way.
Khuselwa Somlayi
TIC of Soccer
Diving: A Fantastic Start to the Season!
Our diving team kicked off the season on Saturday, 4 October, with an exciting first fixture. It was a particularly special day for our Grade 3s, who took part in their very first competition! Despite some nerves and the chilly change in weather, they showed great courage and enthusiasm, performing exceptionally well.
Across all grades, our divers achieved outstanding results:
• Grade 4: Rachel Lawson – 1st place
• Grade 5 Novice: Jaime Kinnear – 1st place
• Grade 5 Elite: Ishvara Skhosana – 1st place, and Amahle Mbele – 2nd place
• Grade 6: Ndalo Ndebele – 2nd place
• Grade 7 Elite: Thoriso Motshegoa – 3rd place
These are fantastic results for all our divers, many more of whom achieved strong rankings in their respective age groups. It was a wonderful start to what promises to be an exciting diving season ahead!
Friday Night Lights Water Polo
Friday Night Lights kicked off on Friday, 26 September, with an exciting evening of fixtures. Our Kingsmead 2 team took on St Mary’s and put on a strong performance in their very first match, while our Kingsmead 1 team faced Parktown Girls and celebrated a well-deserved win.
On Friday, 3 October, our Grade 4 Water Polo players played their first internal match, showing great spirit and having plenty of fun in the pool. Our Grade 5 team also played their second match against Rivonia Raptors, gaining valuable experience and enjoying the contest.
We look forward to the weeks ahead, filled with more thrilling water polo action!
St Dominic’s U14 Water Polo Festival – 4-5 October 2025
Our U12 and U13 water polo players had an excellent opportunity to test themselves at the St Dominic’s U14 Festival this past weekend. It was an invaluable experience in the water ahead of the upcoming Saints Tournament, and our girls rose to the challenge, finishing 2nd overall.
The team showed fantastic growth and determination, with their only loss coming against a strong U14 club side.
Results:
• Kingsmead vs NTS – won 7-4
• Kingsmead vs St Dominic’s U13 – won 6-5
• Kingsmead vs Roedean U13 – won 10-2
• Kingsmead vs St Peter’s U14 – won 6-1
• Kingsmead vs St Dunstan’s U14 – won 8-0
• Kingsmead vs Parktown Girls U14 – won 18-1
• Kingsmead vs JHB Dolphins U14 – lost 6-8
• Kingsmead vs Easterns Invitation U14 – won 12-7
• Kingsmead vs St Dominic’s U14 – won 8-2
A brilliant effort all round – well done to the team on a well-deserved 2nd place finish!
Service
GOODWILL DAY 2025
We are excited to welcome you to our beautiful campus for a fun-filled day on Saturday 11 October 2025 in celebration of Goodwill Day and the School’s birthday. At Goodwill Day we celebrate our Service partners, engage in acts of Service, and enjoy a day of activities. The day starts with the Walk for Courage from our Trywhitt Avenue gates.
We have a jam-packed programme: enjoy beautiful art and delicious food, get your adrenaline rushing in the Inflatable Park, donate blood, or relax in the Champagne Garden and Gin Bar – there is something for the whole family.
Please gather at the Gates of Welcome and Belonging (Trywhitt Avenue) from 07h30. The Walk for Courage begins promptly at 08h00.
The Programme of Events is included for easy reference.
Please do remember that this is a compulsory school day.
ROAD CLOSURES AND PARKING
Please note that there will be road closures (Tyrwhitt Avenue, Cecil Avenue, Melrose Street and Tottenham Avenue) from 07h00 until 09h00. There is no parking on campus and limited parking available around the campus.
CASH-FREE ZONE
Goodwill Day is a cash-free zone. Debit and credit card will be accepted for payment. Some vendors may also use SnapScan or Zapper.
WALK FOR COURAGE
The Goodwill Day programme starts with the ever-popular Walk for Courage in aid of the Kingsmead College bursaries for children with financial need. The Walk for Courage is R75 per person and tickets are available on the Kari App. The walk starts promptly at 08h00, no late comers will be permitted to join the walk and there is strictly no running.
INFLATABLE PARK – INFLATABLES & GRADE 9 GOODWILL DAY GAMES
This area, located on Cecil Field, promises hours of fun in the Inflatable Park and Grade 9 Goodwill Day Games. There are a number of water activities and it is recommended that children bring a change of clothes, towels and wear sunscreen. Children may not be left unattended and must be supervised at all times. Tickets for the Inflatable Park and Grade 9 Goodwill Day Games are R175 per person and are available on the Kari App.
The Inflatable Park is sponsored by Freeway Toyota and Nedbank.
COST TO PARTICIPATE
There is no entrance fee for Goodwill Day. Please do engage with and support our Service partners.
Walk for Courage R75
Inflatable Park entry – includes the Grade 9 Goodwill Day Games R175
Walk for Courage entry and entry to the Fun Park R200
Tickets are available on the Kari App. It is important to note that no tickets will be available on the day. Ticket sales close on Thursday 9 October at 16h00.
THANK YOU
We are so grateful to our sponsors – Freeway Toyota and Nedbank. Thanks to their generosity we are able to bolster our fund raising efforts in support of our Service partners. For more information on our Sponsors, please click on the Goodwill Day widget on the Kingsmead App.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IS ON THE KINGSMEAD APP – PLEASE CLICK ON THE GOODWILL DAY WIDGET
We look forward to a memorable Goodwill Day
Kind regards,
Karen Landi
Director of Service
klandi@kingsmead.co.za
