Dear Kingsmead Community,
In just a few sleeps, we will be on our well-deserved end-of-year school holiday. You can feel the festive cheer on campus with all our Christmas trees and decor! The festivities are well underway, with our Christmas assembly this coming Friday and Carols at Rosebank Union Church on Monday, 2 December.
Having sat and delighted in the many performances over the last few weeks, it came to me that we need to keep loving the little things.
It’s easy to love the big things, like going on a holiday, buying a new car or new pair of shoes, or even the latest phone…But what about the small stuff? Do we spend enough time noticing those simple moments and tiny gestures that surround us each and every day?
Chances are we don’t. Instead, we might be in “what’s next” mode or let the busyness of our day get in the way. Or frankly, we might just take way too much for granted, causing us to miss out on that heart-filling experience of gratitude.
But not this week… This week we are going to take time to LOVE THE LITTLE THINGS. How might it feel if we were more present and aware of what we have in our lives instead of focusing on what we perceive we lack? Or how might it feel to be more easily awed by the beauty that surrounds us and more appreciative of the simple gestures that bring us a smile, such as seeing our girls happy out there playing.
It’s time for us to embrace the goodness… in all the shapes and sizes it presents itself. Let’s be blown away again by the things we take for granted and inspire others to also feel how much the little things matter. Let’s pause for a moment, or several moments in order to appreciate the changing of the weather, how the laughter of a friend makes everyone around them laugh, or how a favourite song you haven’t heard in a while helps you remember a cherished memory. Life happens in little moments.
Loving the little things matters.
Mrs. Tarryn McLaren
Junior School Head
Parent Insert
In following a blog and weekly newsletters from Techno sapiens, I thought to introduce you to this great resource.
What is Techno Sapiens?
It’s a newsletter about parenting, but so much else, too. We cover everything from the latest research on psychology and technology to strategies for improving mental health to tips for living and parenting in the digital age.
Click here to follow them.
Screens, social media, and mental health: What are researchers saying?
This past week, I attended two excellent conferences: a convening on Social Media and Children’s Mental Health organised by the Hassenfeld Institute at Brown and the annual convention of the Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies.
Takeaway #1: Parents need support, not fear or guilt
No surprise to any of you: social media and youth mental health are major topics of public conversation right now. This is great! We need to be talking about these things, and it’s important for us all to be discussing the best ways to help kids use tech effectively.
What’s not great is the fear, guilt, and shame many parents feel about this. These emotions do not help anyone, parents or kids alike. What parents do need is support, including accurate information on the risks and benefits of technology and realistic guidance on what to do about it.
Takeaway #2: Let’s look outside of screens
I’ll be adding a useful term to my vocabulary: “third places.” For kids, this is anywhere that is not home or school (for adults, it’s anywhere that’s not home or work). In short, kids need non-digital third places. They need community centres, parks, public libraries, malls, coffee shops, bowling alleys, gyms—anywhere they can gather safely and without too much adult intervention.
We often lament kids filling their free time with screens, but here’s the thing: we need to provide them with alternatives. So, for all our focus on cutting down screen time, let’s also consider what kids can do instead.
Takeaway #3: Let’s teach kids to use tech better
In recent years, a number of research reports and health advisories have emerged related to tech and mental health issues. One thing nearly all of them have in common is that they recommend “media literacy” training for kids (i.e., teaching kids to use tech in healthier, safer ways).
This can take many forms but generally involves teaching kids things like how to build healthy online relationships, establish good tech habits, and spot misinformation. Many schools are already implementing this type of training, but there’s still a lot of work to be done (and adults need help, too!).
Takeaway #4: The legislative landscape is quickly evolving
When it comes to kids and social media, the past year has seen major legislative movements in the U.S. at both the state and federal levels. There is academic debate about how closely these proposals follow the research and, more generally, how research can and cannot guide policy.
Arts & Music
Sixteen years ago, I drove through the beautiful gates of Kingsmead College for the first time. Little did I know how intricately intertwined my adulthood would become with this special school. I have had the profound privilege of watching our little Mornington students grow up to become leaders and change-makers. I have loved every single little human (who are not so little anymore) who has crossed my path during my time here. I have witnessed passion and innovation beautifully woven with a true sense of love and belonging.
I have seen our founder D.V. Thompson’s words, “The individual matters first and foremost,” come to life on many occasions and have deeply felt the sense of community, both as a teacher and as a mom at Kingsmead. I truly believe there is no other school with the heart that we have here.
As my family and I embark on a new adventure, I would like to express my gratitude. Thank you for giving my life such purpose. Thank you for exploring the many possibilities our school offers. Thank you for being a part of my happiness. Kingsmead is a magical place, where every person is nurtured and given wings to fly higher than ever dreamed possible. Writing this, my heart is filled with both sadness and immense gratitude. Thank you for reading this and for loving our beautiful school as fiercely as I do.
I leave you with this Irish blessing, with all my love:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Warmest regards
Mia Loock
🎄Carol Service Monday 2 December
We look forward to coming together as a community to celebrate our annual Festival Carol Service on Monday the 2nd of December at Rosebank Union Church, St Andrews Rd, Hurlingham, Sandton.
This is always a special way to end our year together. Please note that this is a compulsory event for all Grade 1-11 students to attend. Should your daughter not be able to attend this event, you need to excuse her with Mrs McLaren (Junior School) or Mrs Palmer (Senior School) in writing. There will be no bus transport to this event.
All our Grade 1s, 2s, and 3s, Grade 4-7, and Senior School Choirs, as well as Junior and Senior School Orchestras, are involved in this event. Family and friends are welcome. The auditorium seats just more than 1000 people, and there is ample safe parking available. All students must wear their summer school uniform for this event.
The arrangements are as follows:
16h00 Junior and Senior School Orchestra members meet on stage for a sound check 16h30 Grade 4-7 and Senior School Choirs meet on stage for a sound check
17h00 All Grade 2 and 3 students to meet on stage for a sound check
17h10 Grade 1 students to meet in front of the stage for placement
18h00-19h00 Carol Service
After the event, coffee, tea, and mince pies will be served in the foyer. The rehearsal schedule for choirs and orchestras has been posted on the various WhatsApp groups.
We look forward to seeing you at Rosebank Union Church on the 2nd of December for a fantastic evening.
🎭Studio Spotlight Showcase
Last week our students delivered a memorable drama showcase with Studio Spotlight Drama in the Mkwanazi Theatre, showcasing their creativity and passion.
The students, aged 5 to 15, spent weeks rehearsing, but as Gera Louw emphasised, the true highlight was the freedom and joy they brought to the stage.
The concert featured a dynamic blend of music, dance and drama, with students taking ownership of their performances by choosing costumes, props and characters. This autonomy was evident in every aspect of the production.
Studio Spotlight is committed to nurturing creativity and self-expression, highlighting their transformative impact on children’s growth and confidence.
Kingsmead Music Department
Elsabé Fourie
Director of Arts & Music
efourie@kingsmead.co.za
Mia Loock
Head of Junior School Music
mloock@kingsmead.co.za
Sports
Water polo
This past weekend, our Grade 6/7 Water polo team travelled to Durban for the Annual Durban Girls College Tournament. Our players demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork when facing tough competition in a challenging pool, including Chelsea Prep, Umhlali Prep, Our Lady of Fatima, St Dominic’s & St Mary’s Kloof. Their hard work paid off, earning them a commendable 7th place out of 13 schools. Congratulations to our team; we are incredibly proud of your performance! A special thank you to the Ferreira, the Renshaw, and the Botha family for energising our girls with snacks and drinks throughout the tournament.
Auckland Primary Prep Gala
A huge congratulations to our Grade 1-3 swimming team for their outstanding performance at the APPS gala! Our girls truly swam their hearts out, showcasing incredible talent and determination. Special mentions go to:
Alexi Mills:
1st place in Grade 2B Backstroke
3rd place in Grade 2A Freestyle
Amari Africa:
1st place in Grade 1A Freestyle
Emma Hammond:
3rd place in Grade 1B Breaststroke
Scarlet Ralph:
2nd place in Grade 1A Breaststroke
Hannah Parry:
3rd place in Grade 3B Breaststroke
Additionally, congratulations to our relay teams for their impressive finishes:
Grade 1 Freestyle Relay (3rd place): Amari Africa, Saxe Levesley, Sienna Ackermann, Ava Wild
Grade 2 Freestyle Relay (3rd place): Madison Paul, Emma Green, Erin Pottas, Abigail Williams, Azania Sweeney, Alexi Mills
We are so proud of all our swimmers for their hard work and dedication! Keep up the fantastic effort!
Soccer
As we wrap up an exhilarating soccer season, we want to take a moment to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship displayed by all our players. Each match brought thrilling moments and unforgettable memories, showcasing the true spirit of teamwork and competition. Thank you to our coaches, families, and supporters for your unwavering encouragement throughout the season.
We look forward to building on this success and returning even stronger next year! Here’s to an amazing season and the promise of more excitement!
Outside Sport
D9 Hockey
Congratulations to the following students for being selected to participate in the second round of the District hockey trials at the start of next year:
U12:
· Milisuthando Mabusela
· Lexi Dugmore
· Amelia Kohler
U13:
· Darcy Anderson
· Scarlett Larsen
· Sarah Jensen
We wish you all the best in the upcoming trials, girls!
Archery
We are thrilled to congratulate Morgan Chen-Heyneke on her remarkable achievements in archery over the past two months! At the World Archery 2024 SA National Indoor Championships on October 12th and 13th, she showcased her talent by securing 2nd place in the Girls Recurve U13 category, earning a Silver medal.
Morgan’s dedication has also led her to be ranked No. 1 in South Africa for Indoor Archery in the Girls U13 Recurve division this year!
Most recently, on November 2nd, at the City of JHB Target Outdoor Championships, Morgan excelled again, coming in 1st place in the Girls Recurve U13 category and winning a Gold medal.
Congratulations, Morgan! Your hard work and determination are truly inspiring!
2025 Pre-Season
As we conclude the 2024 sports year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents, athletes, and coaches for your unwavering support and dedication throughout the season. Your involvement has made this year truly memorable!
Looking ahead, we encourage parents to visit the calendar for important pre-season sports activities scheduled for the week before school starts. These dates will be published on the live calendar once finalized, so stay tuned for updates.
Thank you once again for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of sports ahead!
Yours in sport
Shavaun Hanekom
Head of Junior School Sport
Service
The Junior School participated in their Service outings during the final weeks of school. Each grade had the opportunity to visit their Service partners. The Grade 3L students created succulent gardens and took them to the Sensory Space. The Grade 4Z students learned how to box and assisted in setting up a Christmas party at Fight with Insight. The Grade 5Z students spent time playing with children at the Sunshine Association. The Grade 6s created board games and engaged with children from two daycare centres supported by the ForAfrika Organisation. The Grade 7Z students visited the Wildlife Vet.
We would like to extend our thanks to all the parents and students for their continued support of our partners throughout the year.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
Johannesburg Mini Council
Lamiah Bux and Leah Schoeman have made Kingsmead incredibly proud through their outstanding representation on the Johannesburg Mini Council this year. They have been actively involved in various meaningful initiatives, including leading the Easter Egg Drive, Blanket Drive, and Sock Drive. Congratulations, girls, on a highly successful year and your remarkable contributions to the council!
As we look ahead, we are excited to announce our councillors for next year, Madison Brady and Keodirelang Maqubela. They have big shoes to fill, but we have no doubt they will rise to the challenge and continue to uphold Kingsmead’s tradition of excellence.
MDC
Support the Matric Dance Committee and stand a chance to win incredible prizes by entering our exciting raffle! Prizes include a Nox Padel racket, an overnight stay at the luxurious Monarch Hotel, a 2-night weekend getaway for 10 people at the Witklipfontein Eco Lodge, a Matis facial voucher, and a stunning pair of KD designer earrings. Tickets will be available for purchase next week in the school parking lot before school starts or at the Senior School reception. Don’t miss this opportunity to win fantastic rewards while contributing to a memorable Matric Dance for our students. Your support makes all the difference!
Family Time – Time to THUNK in Term 3
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 could only save 3 of your most valuable items which ones would you choose? Why?