Junior Primary Learning Support Coffee Morning: Empowering Parents, Supporting Learners
On Monday, 17 February, our school hosted an informative and engaging Learning Support Coffee Morning, offering parents valuable insights into how best to support their children’s learning journeys. We were privileged to have three esteemed guest speakers: Tasneem and Natasha from Thinc Vision, and Mrs Marianna Karasavvidis. Their presentations provided parents with expert knowledge on the crucial role of vision in learning, the significance of early intervention, and the importance of breaking down misconceptions about remedial education.
The Link Between Vision and Learning
Natasha, a specialist in paediatric optometry, delivered an enlightening talk on how vision plays a fundamental role in a child’s ability to learn effectively. Many learning difficulties can be traced back to undiagnosed vision issues, which often go unnoticed in standard eye tests. Natasha explained how visual processing, eye tracking, and coordination are essential for reading, writing, and overall academic success. She emphasized that children who struggle with reading, attention, or comprehension might be experiencing visual challenges rather than cognitive difficulties. By identifying these issues early through comprehensive optometric assessments, parents can ensure that their children receive the appropriate support, allowing them to thrive in the classroom.
The Power of Early Intervention
Mrs Marianna Karasavvidis passionately discussed the immense benefits of early intervention in supporting young students. She highlighted how timely identification of learning difficulties and tailored support and intervention can significantly improve a child’s confidence, academic progress and overall well-being. Early intervention strategies, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy or specialized teaching methods can help bridge learning gaps before they widen and thereby lessen anxiety. The sooner a child receives the necessary support, the more equipped they are to navigate the academic demands ahead.
Dispelling the Myths Around Remedial Education
A key part of Marianna’s talk focused on breaking the stigma surrounding remedial education. She emphasized that seeking additional support should not be seen as a failure but as an opportunity to empower children with the tools they need to succeed. Marianna shared her personal journey with her two daughters, each of whom required different interventions to unlock their potential. Her heartfelt story resonated with many parents, reinforcing the idea that every child learns differently and that there is no shame in seeking the right kind of help. She encouraged parents to embrace their children’s unique learning needs and to advocate for the resources that will enable them to flourish.
At Kingsmead, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and supportive environment that prioritizes the needs of each learner. Our hands-on Learning Support Department ensures that students receive the guidance they need to thrive. We actively invest in professional development and training for our staff, ensuring they remain well-informed and up to date with the latest educational strategies.
Our in-house support team includes occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, an educational psychologist, and a remedial therapist, all working collaboratively to provide targeted support through consolidation and enrichment programs. While we are not specialists in diagnosis or highly specialized intervention, we do work closely with families to recommend appropriate therapies or assessments when necessary. We encourage parents to speak with their class teachers and our Learning Support Specialist Teachers before booking any therapies or assessments, ensuring a collaborative approach to their child’s development and success.
The Learning Support Coffee Morning was a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage with professionals and fellow parents, fostering a supportive community dedicated to ensuring every child receives the assistance they need. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our guest speakers for their expertise and to all the parents who attended. Together, we can continue to create an environment where every child feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed.
Ms Saadia Ebrahim
Deputy Head: Junior Primary and Academics
Beyond the Classroom
Arts & Music
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW LEADERS!
Congratulations to our Arts & Music leaders for 2025:
Choir: Saana Sali
Orchestra: Kate Redshaw
Marimbas: Francesca Pardini
Dance: Aimee Lee Schloss
SAVE THE DATES
- Our annual Kingsmead Junior Primary Masicule Sonke Choir Festival for Grade 1-3 students will take place on Tuesday 18 March and Wednesday 19 March at Rosebank Union Church in Sandton. All our Grade 2s and 3s will perform on Wednesday 19 March at this exciting event. This festival is a wonderful display of the joy of making music together. There are no tickets or entrance fees, and everyone is encouraged to attend and support our young musicians.
- The Grade 4-7 Choir will perform at the annual Singing Sistas Choir concert on Monday 17 March at St Mary’s. We are excited to perform with our neighbouring schools at this wonderful event.
- The Grade 4-7 Choir workshop on Saturday 8 March from 9h00 to 12h00 is compulsory for all Choir members to attend. If your daughter is unable to attend, please contact Este Meerkotter at emeerkotter@kingsmead.co.za. We hope all our choir members can be there as we would like to be thoroughly prepared for our upcoming performances.
Elsabé Fourie
Director of Arts & Music
efourie@kingsmead.co.za
The Kids Lit Quiz – Wednesday 5 February at St John’s College
On Wednesday the 5 February, 8 students from Kingsmead participated in the Kids’ Lit Quiz at St John’s. This annual competition involves over 30 teams of students from schools all over Johannesburg, competing against each other. Each team consisted of four students from Grades 5, 6 and 7. The competitors are quizzed on their knowledge of books and the questions are challenging to say the least! Questions were grouped into categories such as horses, captains and blood and bones!
Thank you to the following girls who participated in this competition:
Grade 7:
Madison Brady
Claire Connolly
Kate Heydenrych
Zahraa Laher
Grade 6:
Reese McCulloch
Mieke Pretorius
Grade 5
Roxana Poulos
Reya Lakhan
Grade 7 Cake & Candy Sale: A Sweet Valentine’s Day Success.
This year’s Grade 7 Cake and Candy Sale on Valentine’s Day was a fantastic success! The students worked hard to organise the event, bringing in a delightful assortment of homemade and store-bought treats, which included beautifully decorated cupcakes, delicious cookies and pink lemonade.
Thanks to the generosity of our students, parents, and staff, we raised an impressive amount of money, which will go toward the Grade 7 gift to the school at the end of the year.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed—whether by baking, donating, or purchasing goodies. Your support made this event extra special and showed the true spirit of teamwork and giving. Well done, Grade 7!
Sport
Swimming
Valentine’s Night Gala
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the swimmers who participated in the Valentine’s Gala on Friday, 14 February. Their hard work and teamwork shone brightly, earning them an impressive 5th place overall. Your commitment to excellence and sportsmanship is truly inspiring. Thank you for representing our team with such pride. Keep up the great work as we look forward to more exciting competitions ahead.
Midmar Mile
Congratulations to the staff and students who took on the challenge of the Aquellé Midmar Mile Open Water Swim. Whether it was your first time or a returning challenge, you’ve all made us proud!
Tennis
A huge congratulations to our talented tennis players for their outstanding performance at the Tennis Festivals held on Saturday, 15 February. Your skill, determination, and sportsmanship were on full display, making us all proud. Keep up the fantastic work as you continue to shine on the court.
Equestrian
A huge shoutout to the Junior Equestrian students for their outstanding results at last weekend’s SANESA qualifier. The following students placed in the top 3 positions:
Isabel Munro
1st place – Dressage Freestyle
1st place – Dressage Novice (1) and Dressage Novice (2)
Avita Nunna
1st place – Rider Special
Jasmine Berridge
3rd place – Jumping 50cm and Equitation 50cm
Sophie Rohrs
3rd place x 2 – Jumping 60cm
We are extremely proud of our riders.
Term 1B Extra-Curricular Schedule
Grade 3 – 7 Extra-Curricular Schedule Term 1B
Please be aware that the Term 1B extra-curricular schedule will commence on Tuesday, 25 February. Additionally, swimming training will still take place on Wednesday morning (26 February) as we prepare for the Inter-Schools Gala on 1 March. This training session is mandatory for all team swimmers. Grade 3 team swimmers are required to attend swimming during the IC sports sessions on Thursday, 27 February.
Upcoming Events
Thursday 20 February – Grade 3 – 7 Inter House Gala
Spectators are welcome.
Thursday 27 February – Grade 4 – 7 Tennis fixture vs St Mary’s
A/B – Kingsmead, C/D – St Mary’s
Saturday 1 March – Grade 3 – 7 Inter Schools Swimming Galas
A Team – St Mary’s, B Team – Kingsmead College, C Team – St Peter’s
Please be advised that no transportation will be provided for this fixture. Players should meet at their designated venues. For meeting times, please check the live calendar.
Saturday 1 March and Sunday 2 March – SANESA Equestrian Qualifier
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 sport 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.
Shavaun Hanekom
Head of Junior School Sport
Library News
With ‘Love’ all around us, the library was the place to be this past week. The younger students were read stories about ‘Love’, and participated in various activities which were enormously enjoyed.
Ms Matlakala and I have been furiously cataloguing and covering new books, and, as quick as we did them, so they were checked out. Thank you to all the families who have donated books- we are truly grateful.
Our shelves were recently adopted once again and the students have been extremely proactive in displaying and refilling their space. Thank you to the following groups:
Parents and guardians, we have some interesting reads for you too!
If you are eager to read any of the above books, please come and check them out in your daughter’s name.
There are lots of exciting celebrations ahead and I urge you to instil the ‘Love’ of reading by talking to your children about the books they are reading and encourage them to open a book in their spare time.
Mrs Glenda Cressy
