Dear Kingsmead Community,
Celebration
Celebrations in abundance at Kingsmead. This week we celebrate our schools 90th birthday. With just more than eight weeks left of our school year, I am so grateful for all we have to celebrate! On behalf of the Junior School, we wish our matrics many blessings as they prepare for their final examinations. As they have officially closed the chapter of their Kingsmead journey, we also wish the 2024 newly elected leaders all the very best for their time to serve ahead. May you leave a legacy of compassion, courage and community building for the generations to follow!

This week we have been fortunate enough to celebrate an innovative Inquiry Week in the Senior Primary. Our sports teams are doing well at the various competitive sports, coupled with our Music Department.
Another pocket of JOY – Goodwill Day celebrations onsite and in our precinct was another moment of a community in celebration. The ‘Walk of Courage’ was so well supported and enjoyed by all. Thank you to our community for the incredible support. Your generosity will go a long way in supporting future students supported by the Kingsmead Trust. Thank you to our PTA for their time, energy and persistence in making days like this happen!
We trust that you enjoyed visiting our Art Exhibition led by Gabby Thomson. Art education is not just a subject; it is a journey of self-discovery, a tool for personal growth, and a platform for innovation. It is a key to unlock the door to a world where creativity knows no bounds.
Last week we also celebrated World Teacher’s Day. I would like to personally acknowledge our teaching team for holding onto hope, prioritising their students and taking care of one another during what has been the most challenging two years in our teaching profession. During our recent Speech Evening, we were blessed to hear feedback from one of our own alumna who shared and celebrated her success in various directions as she has succeeded as a resilient, strong and influential leader within her sphere of work and community.
Now we look ahead at finishing the term well. We will seek every possible opportunity to fill our days with joy and a love of learning.
I ask us to take a step back during these two months and remember the goals, hopes and dreams we have set for ourselves for 2023. Remember to be present in the moment, as Kim Lowman once echoed, that we must focus on being – ‘human beings’ vs. ‘human doings’.
Tarryn McLaren
Junior School Head
Resources for Parents – Connecting with your Daughter
We trust that you have enjoyed our bi-weekly parent slot… This week, I’d like to share an author and resource for the development of girls and social dynamics of raising girls.
Sheryl Sandberg is one of the world’s most influential business executives – she shares research and stories of the struggles faced by women, with advice on how we can create greater equality and more fulfilling lives for men and women alike. Enjoy her book ‘Lean In’. Sheryl, who is the Facebook COO and one of Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business, draws on her own experience of working in some of the world’s most successful businesses and looks at what women can do to help themselves, and make the small changes in their life that can effect change on a more universal scale. This week’s snippet is a podcast. Click Here to Listen.
Staffing Update
We welcome Ms. Thandeka Sangweni within the isiZulu Department, in a locum capacity until the end of year. We wish her well and many happy days at Kingsmead.
It is with regret that I announce the resignation of Mrs. Annemarie Linsell. She will continue to serve her notice for the remainder of the term. Annemarie is a Gr 000 teacher in Mornington and has made the decision to take up an opportunity within a school environment alongside both her children. Annemarie’s wealth of knowledge and experience will serve her well at her new school. We have benefitted from her care and expertise during her time with us. We wish Annemarie well as she follows this new chapter in her educational career.
We are in the process of recruiting a suitable candidate for her position.
Arts & Music
🎶Why Music?
Music is not just a subject; it is an experience that enriches the lives of our students in profound ways. Music enhances cognitive skills. Numerous studies have shown that students who engage with music tend to have better mathematical abilities, improved language development, and enhanced memory. Music nurtures creativity and self-expression. Through learning instruments, singing, and composing, our students discover their unique voices and develop a strong sense of identity. Music offers a creative outlet, allowing them to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas that might be difficult to convey otherwise. Music promotes teamwork and collaboration. Whether it’s playing in an ensemble or singing in a choir, students learn the importance of cooperation, communication, and mutual respect. Music boosts confidence and self-esteem. Performing in front of an audience, whether it’s a small classroom or a grand stage, instills a sense of pride and accomplishment. Music is a universal language that transcends barriers. It connects people from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding.
At Kingsmead, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education, and music plays a fundamental role in the holistic development of our students. We encourage all parents to support and nurture their child’s musical interests, as it is through music that we inspire creativity, develop collaboration, and empower our students to become well-rounded individuals.

📆 Save the Date
St Mary’s Ensemble Evening, Tuesday 17 October
We are excited to attend the annual Ensemble Festival at St Mary’s, Waverley. Our Junior School Orchestra will be performing. We look forward to sharing the stage with our neighbouring schools. A letter has been sent to Orchestra parents and guardians with details regarding the event.
Congratulations
Enormous congratulations to Akhani Mahlangu and Gia Najjar who were selected as part of the cast of Shrek the Musical. We encourage our community to support these wonderful young actors from the 7th of November to the 24th of December. Click here to book your tickets. We wish Akhani and Gia all the best on this exciting journey!
🩰Some of our dance students recently competed in the American Dance Awards Regional Competition and achieved excellent results. The results include:
Amari Africa
Lyrical solo: Gold
Contemporary solo: High Silver
Ballet solo: Gold
Lyrical Duet: Gold and 1st overall in the Junior division.
Contemporary Duet: Gold
Contemporary group: Gold
Jazz group: High Silver
Lyrical group: Gold and 1st in Division
4 Special Awards

Grade 0:
Anaya Musi – Lyrical Solo: High Silver
Lesedi Thabethe – Lyrical Solo: Silver
Grade 2:
Bokang Phiri – Ballet Solo: Silver
Ziyan Salie – Ballet Solo: Silver
Néve Simpson – Lyrical Solo: Silver
Grade 3:
Charlotte Starke – Solo: Silver
Charlotte Starke and Viola-Grace Asherson – Jazz Duet: Silver
Ella Cornfield and Juliet Ackermann – Contemporary Duet: Silver
Fallon Grundlingh – Jazz Solo: High Silver; Lyrical Solo: High silver; Contemporary Solo: High Silver
Iysla Perera – Contemporary Solo: High Silver
Jagger Jo Wellsted – Lyrical Solo: High Silver
Jagger Jo Wellsted and Fallon Grundlingh: High Silver
Lizalisekile Pepeta – Contemporary Solo: Silver
Rebecca-Anna Asherson – Ballet Solo: High Silver
Rorisang Ngumbela – Contemporary Solo: Silver
Zanengcebo Dlamini – Contemporary Solo: High Silver
Zoë Starke – Contemporary Solo: Silver
Grade 4:
Sibanye Gqoli – Lyrical Solo: Silver
Zalisidinga Pepeta – Contemporary Solo: High Silver
Grade 5:
Aimee Schloss – Contemporary Solo: Silver
Taylor Simpson – Lyrical Solo: Silver
Lwandile Mashinini and Taylor Simpson – Contemporary: Duet Silver
Grade 6:
Marcia Mzazi – Jazz Solo: High Silver [No school photo]
Olona Mbele – Lyrical Solo: High Silver and a Special Award

Grade 0 & 1 Contemporary Group: Storm: High Silver
Amelie Perera
Anaya Musi
Ava Beck
Lesedi Thabethe
Marihah Sultan
Noa Naude
Sienna Ackermann
Boleng Leepile
Musiiwa Tsatsawane
Teya Ramauthar
Grade 1 Contemporary Group: Illuminate: Silver
Amy Page
Musiiwa Tsatsawane
Sebabatso Kumalo
Teya Ramauthar
Grade 2 Contemporary Group: Dissonance: Silver
Angela Ball
Kyra Pillay
Lerato Lengana
Mosa Chakane
Nala Modiselle
Neve Simpson
Tian-Li-Mei Nekhabambe
Zara Maharaj
Grade 5 & 6 Lyrical Group: Distill: High Silver
Lana Motea
Nalayethu Mkhize
Scarlett Larsen
Taylor Simpson
Marcia Mzazi [No school photo]
Olone Mbele
Grade 5 Contemporary Group: Within: Silver and a Special Award
Lana Motea
Nalayethu Mkhize
Scarlett Larsen
Taylor Simpson
Well done to all our dancers on these exceptional results.
Kingsmead Music Department
Elsabé Fourie
Director of Arts & Music
efourie@kingsmead.co.za

Mia Loock
Head of Junior School Music
mloock@kingsmead.co.za
Sport
Athletics
The St Peter’s Athletics meeting on 6 October was exhilarating, showcasing the best young athletes from various schools. Kingsmead’s talented athletes gave it their all and ultimately placed 3rd overall, a remarkable achievement. The Kingsmead team displayed impressive athletic prowess and undeniable team spirit, pushing themselves to the limits and leaving it all on the track. Congratulations to the Kingsmead athletes on their success and hard work. We look forward to the next meeting.
Tennis
The tennis season has been great with many memories and friendships built on the courts! With hard work and dedication, our athletes have shown remarkable improvements and achieved some impressive victories throughout the season. It is a testament to the students’ unwavering commitment to training sessions and matches, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. Thank you to each and every one of the students for their hard work and perseverance!
Water Polo
On October 4, the U13 girls’ water polo team competed against St Mary’s in a tight match. Our girls displayed true grit in the pool and fought till the end to emerge victorious with a final score of 8-4. We look forward to our next fixture against Roedean.

Equestrian
Congratulations to Lucy Berry for her amazing performance at the SANESA National Equestrian Championships! Lucy placed 4th in Equitation and 8th in show jumping. Lucy’s team also placed 1st overall for the Equitation section. This is an incredible accomplishment and we are so proud of you. Well done, Lucy!
Diving
The Kingsmead divers kicked off the diving season with an impressive display of their skills and abilities. We are proud to announce that several of our divers placed in the top 3 of their respective age groups. Congratulations to Stella Eagar for securing 3rd place, Thoriso Motshegoa for taking 1st place, Sarah Jensen for coming in 2nd, Kylie Dugmore for clinching 1st place, Olona Mbele for finishing in 2nd place, and Maya Rono for taking 1st place. We commend all of our divers for their hard work and dedication. Well done!
Swimming
Madison Botha has once again impressed us with her talent and hard work, achieving personal best times in all of her strokes at the Seagull’s gala in Durban. Congratulations, Madison! We are proud of your dedication and determination and can’t wait to see what you will achieve next. Keep up the great work!

Archery
Morgan Chen-Heyneke competed at the Gauteng Provincial World Archery Indoor/Outdoor Championships on 8 October 2023. Morgan obtained a Gold medal in the Girls U13 Barebow division. Congratulations, Morgan!

Hockey
Georgie Dalling and Milan Williams recently participated in the National Indoor Hockey Championships. Their team placed 5th overall. Well done, Georgie and Milan.
Gymnastics
On 4 October 2023, Milisuthando Mabusela competed in the SA Gym Games as the highest-ranked level 4 gymnast representing Gauteng. Her composure and perfect execution on the day paid off and earned a gold medal on vault, silver medal on floor and a bronze medal/3rd place finish overall. Well done, Mili! The Kingsmead community is super proud of your achievement.

Upcoming Events
11 October – Grade 3, 5, 6 & 7 Diving Competition at Kingsmead
All divers are to please stay and support until the end of the competition.
12 October – Grade 3, 5, 6 & 7 Athletics Meeting at Brescia
There will be a bus travelling to Brescia. All athletes are required to travel on the bus. Parents may collect students from St Peter’s at the end of the meeting once scores have been announced.
18 October – Grade 6/7 Water Polo Fixture vs Roedean at Roedean.
There will be a bus travelling to Roedean. All athletes are required to travel on the bus. Parents may collect students from Roedean after the fixture.
19 October – Grade 3-7 Diving Competition at Kingsmead
All divers are to please stay and support until the end of the competition.
20 October – Grade 4-7 Soccer Clinic at Kingsmead
Please refer to the app for more details and the sign-up link.
21 October – Grade 3-7 Inter-Schools Athletics at St Stithian’s
All students are to meet at St Stithian’s as there will be no bus. Students are required to stay until the end of the competition and may be collected after the scores have been announced.
21 October – Gauteng Schools Diving Trials at Roedean
Selected students have been notified via email.
A few reminders for parents & guardians:
- Please send any sports achievements (school & non-school) to Mrs Hanekom.
- A reminder to please download the Kingsmead app as this will be the direct method of communication to parents on sports fixture days.
- Students are required to attend both practise sessions in order to be eligible for team selection.
- 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 ensure that you let the coaches know if your daughter is not able to attend a fixture or a practise.
Yours in sport
Shavaun Hanekom
Head of Junior School Sport

Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion
Since joining the Kingsmead community, I have been asked by different people what exactly I do. This is usually after I have just told them I am the new Director of Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion. One of two things then follows from this, either the person winces and says, ‘You have a tough job,’ or they smile politely and ask, ‘What is that exactly?’ This is the part where I laugh out loudly and say, ‘No, silly. We are in this together.’
It is not easy to describe exactly what TDI is, especially when you focus too much on the individual letters of this acronym. When I hear transformation, I think of Optimus Prime flipping into a ten-wheeler in those movies about talking robots. When I hear diversity, I think of Grade 1 kids finger painting and making a great big colourful mess of someone’s classroom. When I hear inclusion, I think of a medical procedure that might involve the clamping of my intestines. These are not words I associate with empathy, understanding and getting along, which is what I guess TDI is really about.
I do know TDI is about feeling. I felt it strongly on Goodwill Day when I was trying to look composed as a volunteer at the Games Park while I was surrounded by hordes of screaming children. I remember looking around me and thinking if this is what the future looks like then there is no need for TDI. I also realised then that if I do my job properly, I will soon be without one because there will be no need to talk about things that come naturally to all of us.
Community. Where there are people, there are differences. We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about them. We can certainly learn from them. We are better for embracing them.
My first Goodwill Day at Kingsmead College reminded me what my job really is. If asked now, I will tell the next person that I am the new Director of Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion and my job is to make people feel heard and seen, just as this community has done the same for me.
Onke Mazibuko
Director, TDI


It is your last week to book tickets to Kingsmead’s 90th Celebration on Saturday 21 October!
It promises to be a super special evening filled with the following:
- Delicious food (all meat Halaal), Sandy Wood will be catering the event.
- Uplifting entertainment.
- The unveiling of our Custodian of Courage sculpture (and the chance to win your very own replica).
- A gorgeous surprise gift.
All formalities will end by the time the first whistle blows at the start of the Rugby World Cup semi-final which will be screened on the night. DJ Lloyd from Hot FM will take over the decks when delicious desserts are served.
Please book your tickets to support this special event and encourage your Kingsmead friends and community to do the same. Book by CLICKING HERE
Please note the 17h00 start time, and dress for a Celebration!
Conversation Starter
We hope that you enjoyed the last conversation starter…as we know, one of the signs of a healthy family is open and meaningful conversation/communication. But often finding the time or the points to speak to, don’t always come easily. We thought we would share some prompts to facilitate this process, which are ideal to share around the table, on a trip – anytime, anywhere.

Socktober

