International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On the 11th February, the United Nations joined all women and girls in celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Research still indicates that women are under-represented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields. Gender stereotypes and myths relating to competency in these fields are often causes for girls to lose interest in Science and Mathematics as they reach adolescence. It is essential that schools and families continue to encourage girls to develop a positive approach to STEM or even more important a hunger to contribute to the future of science.
In a recent Harvard Business Review titled “Six Things Successful Women in STEM have in Common”, we are reminded of the value of Girls’ Education and where our focus needs to continue at Kingsmead. In summary the six focus areas include: Confidence; Having a voice; Building networks; Authenticity; and a sense of Purpose.
Harvard Business Review Article.
At Kingsmead, we believe in creating learning opportunities which develop a curiosity for scientific learning and a sense of competency in solving the related questions. STE(A)M is an integral part of our Discovery Learning curriculum in the Junior Primary. We value the importance of female role models and mentors in the Science and Engineering fields. And so while our girls will grapple with the uncertainty of their future careers, we trust that they will confidently explore options and believe in their ability to succeed.
Kim Lowman – Head: Junior School
SERVICE NEWS
Service Excursion to Park Care
Residents of Park Care were treated to a McDonalds Sunday during the Service excursion last week. Grade 6-12 girls enjoyed an afternoon of conversation with the residents and staff.
Term 1 Service excursions:
- Tuesday 19 March 14h30-17h00
- Thursday 28 March 14h30-17h00
- Saturday 30 March 09h00-12h00
CHOC Valentine’s Day
14 February will be a civvies day. Please wear blue in support of CHOC and/or red/pink/white in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. A special Valentine’s Day surprise awaits every single Kingsmead girl as we celebrate love for each other and our community.
Please support CHOC this Valentine’s by buying your Valentine’s gifts from Music Reception. 15 February is International Childhood Cancer Day and buying a CHOC gift will support this cause.
The following gifts are available:
- Single rose R20 (please note that this is a synthetic rose)
- CHOC chocolate R10
- CHOC pin R20
- CHOC bracelet R50
To purchase gifts, please order here and make the payment at Music Reception. This link will close on Wednesday 13 February at 13h00. No external deliveries will be made this year. Please note that supporting this initiative is completely voluntary.
Jenny Venter – Director of Service
SPORTS NEWS
Sports Coffee morning
A very big thank to all the parents who attended our coffee morning. We thank you for the valuable constructive feedback and we will endeavour to ensure that we will improve our sport programme as well as to ensure that our physical education curriculum continues to be on par with the new cutting-edge skills and processes. Communication will be going out to our Grade 0-3 parents explaining the JP integrated sport in more detail. I believe these coffee mornings are valuable and I will be happy to host one with each change in season. Please keep an eye out for the Netball and Hockey coffee morning after half term.
Uniform
I would like to make a plea to our parental body to help us with our sport apparel when we are travelling for our fixtures. As per our communication sent out at the beginning of the year please could all team swimmers and team Tennis players adhere to the following:
- Swimming
- Green skort – no athletics shorts please
- Green match sleeveless vest – NO green games shirt
- White only flip flops – NO coloured flip flops
- Sport shoes if no white flip flops are available
- Current School swimming costume or plain Black Costume – NO need to buy new swimming costume until further notice
- Yellow Kingsmead swimming cap
- Tennis
- Green skort
- Green match sleeveless vest
- Plain White peaks – No other colours and brands will be permitted
- Sport shoes
Leadership
Congratulations to our 2019 Captains:
- Athletics – Tessa Gutierrez-Garcia
- Swimming – Emma Keast
- Diving – Andza Mbelengwa
- Water Polo- Gabriella Dodd
- Netball – Amelia Brown
- Hockey- Kagano Khoncha
- Tennis- Alison Marshall
Tennis Results
Unfortunately, our players were unable to complete their two games due to the inclement weather we have been experiencing over the past two weeks. This has also enabled us time to focus on the “process” and better prepare us when we eventually get a chance to compete.
Swimming Results
- A Team – 3rd out of 8 schools
- B Team – 3rd out of 5 schools
- C Team – 3rd out of 6 schools
Well done to our swimmers. Please note that non-team swimmers will have a practice on Tuesday afternoon only. In the event that a non-team swimmer is unable to make the Tuesday, they are welcome to join the C team on Monday.
THERE WILL BE NO EARLY MORNING SWIMMING TRAINING FOR THE A-TEAM ON WEDNESDAY 13 FEB AS THEY WILL COMPETE IN THE ST STITHIANS GALA THAT EVENING. TRAINING FOR B AND C TEAM WILL CONTINUE AS NORMAL.
Special achievements
Congratulations to Rafaela Bolttler who competed in the Midmar Mile this past weekend with her family. We are very proud of her achievement.
WEEK AHEAD
| Date | Sport | Teams | Venue | Time | Transport |
| 12 Feb | Hockey District trials
MOVED TO 19TH |
Relevant players to be notified | St Andrews | 18h00 – 20h00 | N/A |
| 13 Feb | Swimming | Team A | St Stithians | 16h00 | Own Transport |
| 14 Feb | Tennis | A+B vs Roedean
C+D vs Holy Rosary |
Roedean
Kingsmead |
14h30 – 16h30
14h30 – 16h30 |
13h15
N/A |
| 15 Feb | Swimming | Team A
Team B Team C |
Home
St Peter’s St Theresa’s |
14h30 – 17h30
14h30 – 17h30 14h30 – 17h30 |
13h15
N/A 13h15 |
| 16 Feb | U12 Hockey District Trials | Relevant players have been notified | St Andrews | 08h00 – 12h00 | N/A |
| Water Polo | U13 Tournament | St Mary’s | 08h00 – 17h00 | N/A | |
| JS Saints Squad trials | Grade 6&7 trials
MOVED TO 17/2 |
||||
| 17 Feb | JS Saints Squad trials |
Grade 6 Grade 7 |
Kingsmead |
08h00 – 09h30 09h30 – 11h00 |
N/A |
| 19 Feb | Hockey District Trials U12 | U12 relevant girls have been notified | St Andrew’s | 18h00 – 20h00 | N/A |
| 21 Feb | Inter house Gala | Grade 4 -7 | Kingsmead | 08h00 – 10h00 | N/A |