That Wooden Bench
There is a wooden bench outside the Junior School reception area which, at first glance, may seem like an ordinary bench. It is not grand or elaborate, and it does not draw attention to itself. There are no inscriptions, labels, or categorisations for this bench. It simply stands, regardless of the season, quietly and faithfully. It is symbolic of a constant. It forms part of the view from the reception area and, reciprocally, has a lens towards the welcome surroundings that encapsulate our daily entrance and exit.
Even on the chilliest of winter mornings, this bench has witnessed countless moments of connection. It is a resting place which, in its own right, allows for some degree of belonging. I have seen girls pause for moments on this bench. Sometimes they find themselves self-ushered indoors where it is a little warmer. I have seen avid readers of novels in the afternoons, collaborative groupings of laughter and, when time allows, have enjoyed a connection in conversation with members of our community. On longer days, I have seen this bench waiting with the warming facade of the media centre block forming opaquely in the haze of a winter’s night.
This bench is indeed a place of pause.
It is a place where people sit alongside one another. A place where stories are shared, conversations begin and relationships are strengthened. In many ways, this simple wooden bench reflects the heart of Kingsmead — a community made up of different generations, different stories, and different experiences, all finding their place in our shared journey.
Sometimes it serves as a place of rare quiet reflection.
As we take a moment to reflect on this half term, we are reminded of how much there is to celebrate. Our girls have continued to show courage, purpose, and happiness in the many ways they have engaged with school life. They have embraced opportunities to learn, to lead, to create and to serve. From World Bee Day, Book Inquiry Week, the Kingsmead Book Fair, International Day of Play, Hooked on Books, Tween Talks and Coffee mornings, Production Rehearsals, the Masicule Sonke Choir Festival, a range of Netball fixtures and festivals, Squash Festivals, and the opening of the Hockey season, to the everyday moments that often go unnoticed, our girls continue to remind us of the joy and possibility that exists when young people are encouraged to flourish.
Hot Chocolate sales have boomed astronomically this season. A place for connection – bringing together the ever-hopeful supporters of Bafana Bafana and the Protea Women.
The gentle presence of guide dogs and “Paws for You” has created a space of discovery and calm.
It is, however, in the nature of the girl child here at Kingsmead that we ought to celebrate most.
“Guard that good thing committed to thy cause…”can be strenuous work for some but it is found in so many interactions within the community of our Kingsmead girls.
One of the greatest gifts is the power of their “hello.” Our DEIBS illustrated this through its campaign’s namesake.
It is a small word, but it carries enormous meaning. It is often exchanged in the mornings near that bench. The authenticity of our girls greeting is often remarked on by visitors to our beautiful and unique campus. Let us guard that simple gesture and ensure that it constantly finds its place of belonging each day.
The isiZulu greeting, Sawubona, encapsulates the impact of “hello” most powerfully. Literally translated, Sawubona means I see you. To elaborate, it echoes a message of …you matter, you belong here. You are valuable to me. By seeing you, I see you into being…
Whether it is a greeting offered to a friend, a teacher, a visitor, or someone new to our community, our girls have a wonderful ability to create warmth through this simple act of welcome. The sound of greetings across corridors and pathways adds to the rhythmic sound of the constant bringing into being in this special place we call school.
That bench outside reception has reminded me that schools are built not only through lessons, assessments, and events, but through moments of connection. Through greetings. Through kindness. Through the many people who take a seat, even briefly, in the life of our community.
As we move into the half term break, I would like to thank our families, our staff and especially our wonderful Kingsmead girls for the energy, commitment, and spirit they have brought to the term thus far. May this break provide time for rest, connection, and precious moments together.
To all our families and staff, I wish you a wonderful half term break. May it be filled with warmth, happiness, and the opportunity to recharge for the journey ahead.
Above, and slightly beyond that bench, is an aging statuette. If you move closer, one day, you will see that inscribed are the words, “Courage Always!”.
With warm wishes
Brendan Quinn
Beyond the Classroom
Arts and Music
Masicule Sonke
This term has been a vibrant celebration of music at Kingsmead, with Kingsmead hosting a variety of festivals for choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. Our Grade 2, 3, and 4-7 choirs performed at the Masicule Sonke Choir Festivals alongside young musicians from across Johannesburg.
Many of our students participated in the SASMT and Trinity Eisteddfods, achieving excellent results and demonstrating their dedication, hard work, and musical growth.
We are excited for the many upcoming concerts and look forward to seeing our young musicians’ growth and enjoyment of music on stage.
We are super excited for the upcoming Grade 7 Production and can’t wait to welcome you to Wonderland!
Sports
Netball
The Junior School netball players have had a wonderful season, filled with enthusiasm, growth, and exciting competition. Throughout the term, our teams have shown outstanding commitment as they developed their skills, teamwork, and love for the sport. Although the season was short, it was packed with competitive matches and wonderful displays of sportsmanship and passion.
This term, we participated in several festivals, beginning with the Trinity House Netball Festival, which gave our players an excellent opportunity to compete against a variety of schools. Our C and F teams took part in their first-ever netball festival, gaining valuable experience and confidence while enjoying the competitive environment. The Grade 7 St Andrew’s Festival was highly competitive, and our players learned a great deal from the experience.
We conclude the season with the Grade 6 and 7 Netball Festival. Well done to all our netball players. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, effort, and commitment throughout the season.
Service
Book Drive
We extend our sincere gratitude to our incredible school community for the overwhelming support shown during this year’s Book Drive and related outreach initiatives. Thanks to the generosity of students, parents, and staff, we collected and distributed a significant number of books to organisations that will benefit greatly from these donations.
The recipients of the donated books include:
Celebration Retirement Village, CHOC, Joseph Gerard Foundation, Kids Haven, The Little Artist School, Park Care, Rosebank Police Station, Rainbows and Smiles, REEA Foundation, San Salvador Home, Victoria Yards Children’s Home, and Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (Prisons).
Each of these organisations plays a unique and important role in our broader community, and we are confident that the donated books will support education, comfort, creativity, and connection for those who receive them. Your contributions have not only provided resources but also shared hope and care.
We are incredibly proud of the spirit shown by our Kingsmead community. Your willingness to give your time, effort, and resources continues to have a lasting impact on others. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our initiatives. Our Clothes to Good drive is underway. Please see the attached poster for more details on how you can get involved. We will also announce our Mandela Day initiatives soon, and we look forward to your continued support in making a meaningful difference in our community.
Elsabé Fourie
Deputy Head: Beyond the Classroom
efourie@kingsmead.co.za
Gillian Wilkinson Archives
We are always pleased to receive memorabilia from pupils or staff so when these two photographs were handed in by our own Sipho (Hotstix) Malatjie, we were thrilled.
Sipho says they were taken in about 2003 when he was about 30 years old.
Making hot chocolate drinks outside the JS Medi Centre
L-R: Titus Ramakadi, Patricia Ndibi, Sipho (Hotstix) Malatjie and Elias Mojela.
At the workshop (old men’s compound) at lunch time
L-R rear: Joshua Sekgoela, Isaac Pale, Alfred Modau, Phineas Nkosi, Oupa Nkoana, Elias Pale, Samson Sikhosana, Obanius Suke and Jack Rammala.
L-R front: Titus Ramakadi, Sipho Malatjie, Jonathan Mohlala (Driver), John Malatjie, Abie Mathibela, Sophonia Sekgoela, Albert Simata, Johannes Matjokotja, Jimmy Segwale and Elias Mojela.
Looking forward to receiving more photographs of the service staff.
Natalie da Silva
Archives