The Value of Camps and Outdoor Education as Part of Schooling
Despite the current high levels of anxiety with regard to camps and outings, as a result of the recent distressing incidents that have happened in our neighbouring schools, we still firmly believe in the value and benefit of camps and outings for our students at Kingsmead.
We have recently returned from 3 beautiful camps, namely Ukutula Lodge (Grade 7), the Waterberg Game Lodge (Grade 6) and Parnassus Farm (Grade 5). We are looking forward to the Grade 4 experience later this year when they will also experience their first camp in the third term.
The value of outdoor education is immeasurable and our staff often share reflections on the joy that they experience in seeing students in a different light, watching as students problem solve in real-life situations, observe as students immerse themselves in new experiences that stretch them and help them to learn more about themselves. These observations are concurrent with research that indicates that outdoor experiences:
- Promote active learning through direct personal experience and offer excitement, fun and adventure within a framework of safety
- Challenges impact powerfully on a student’s intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, emotional and leadership development
- Outdoor experiences promote and develop self-confidence and self-esteem, which is fundamental
- Develop a positive attitude which influences learning and reinforces concepts of grit and resilience
- Promotes awareness of the needs and contributions of others and the ability to sustain effective relationships which are vital in today’s society
- Builds a student’s relationship, understanding of and respect for the environment
- Assists students in becoming more adaptable to the changing world and finding more effective ways of contributing
(Adapted from English Outdoor Council: The Values and Benefits of Outdoor Education)
Kingsmead has worked deliberately to further develop our existing policies and procedures for camps and outings to ensure that we are able to offer the highest level of attention and care to each student when they are away from home, both physically, as well as socially and emotionally.
We believe that camp is a vital part of our offering as a school and a core component of our curriculum. We look forward to future camps and outings where we will be able to continue to offer this service to our community as part of our aim to promote real-life education, relationship building and leadership development.
Dr Marisa Di Terlizzi
Deputy Head: Head of Senior Primary
From our Book Corner
Invitation from Bala Books to upcoming children’s book-writing Beginners Programmes at Exclusive Books Stores.
When it comes to the world of literature, fictional worlds are made all the better when stories from young minds themselves are put out into the universe. Join Bala Books for an exciting children’s book-writing programme at Exclusive Books stores.
Closing Date: 13 March 2020
Registration link: http://ow.ly/333D30qfOnh
Email: info@balabooks.com
Tania O’Maker
Junior School Media Specialist
SERVICE
Dance Marathon
On Wednesday, 26 February the Junior School students danced in the Joel Hall to raise money for their community engagement partners. It was such a happy, fun-filled day. Thank you to the Kingsmead community for generously donating towards this fundraiser. The donations will be handed over to our community partners during a Service assembly.
Lauren Myburgh
Junior School Head of Service
ARTS & MUSIC 
Junior School Singing Sistas Choir Evening
The Grade 4-7 Choir will be performing at the annual Junior School Singing Sistas Choir Evening on Tuesday 10 March 18h00 – 19h30 at St Mary’s. Please see the letter on the live calendar for more details and the link to book bus transport for your daughter.
Junior School Orchestra Festival
Please note that the Kingsmead musicians will be involved in the festival on Monday 30 March 18h00 at Rosebank Union Church. More details will be available on the live calendar.
Please diarise the Music Concert dates for this term:
SISTER ACT
We are very excited for this year’s senior school major production ‘Sister Act: A Divine Musical’. Based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this fun-filled show promises to be entertaining for the whole family.
Wednesday 11 March @15:00
Thursday 12 & Friday 13 March @18:30
Lange hall
Tickets are R100 and can be booked through Quicket
Elsabé Fourie Mia Loock
Director of Arts & Music Head of Junior School Music
efourie@kingsmead.co.za mloock@kingsmead.co.za
SPORTS
News from the Sports Desk
Inter-house Swimming Gala.
Congratulations to all our swimmers and supporters who ensured the successful running of our inter-house. Much fun was had by all including our parents and staff team that joined in on the festivities. Special mention must be made to the house teachers and Grade 7 leadership teams. Without their tireless effort, races would not have run as smoothly. Congratulations to Knights who won the trophy for the outstanding spirit for the morning
Thanes were the victors this year and we congratulate all our swimmers and supporters on their fine effort.
Inter-House Swimming Records
Congratulations to the following swimmers who set new records at the Inter-House gala.
Rafaela Bolttler Grade 5 50m Breastroke New Time 48.37s
Rafaela Bolttler Grade 5 25m Butterfly New Time 17.21s
Rafaela Bolttler Grade 5 50m Freestyle New Time 37.41s
Erin Boyd Grade 4 5Om Backstroke New Time 49.20s
Sienna Fry Grade 6 50m Backstroke New Time 37.79s
Grade 6 Knights 4x25m Freestyle Relay New Time 1.40.73m
Grade 7 Knights 4x25m Freestyle Relay New Time 1.32.44m
EQUESTRIAN NEWS
SANESA Vaulting Qualifier 1 – 22nd and 23rd February
Congratulations to Jade Anderson who had an incredible weekend at the Gauteng qualifier. She achieved the following placings:
1st Level 5 barrel
1st Level 5 pairs
2nd Level 5 horse
4th Level 5 horse
Extra-curricular Schedule :The Cycle 1B extra-curricular schedule has been uploaded to the school app. Please note that this will only commence on Monday 9 March 2020
Dates to diarise
Parent/ Guardians and Daughters Tennis morning Saturday 28 March 2020
Netball Fixtures 2020
Please note that fixtures are correct at the time of publishing. However, number of teams participating will be determined by our numbers.
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| Match 1 | |||
| Date | Schools | Grades | Venue |
| Wednesday
18/3 |
Fest | 6&7 | Kingsmead |
| Friday 20/3 | HR | 4&5 | Roedean |
| KC | |||
| RD | 6&7 | Holy Rosary | |
| Wednesday
25/3 |
Fest | 4&5 | Kingsmead |
| Friday 27/3 | AP | 4&5 | St Marys |
| KC | |||
| SM | 6&7 | Kingsmead | |
| 2-4 April | SS Fest | 6A&7A | St Stithians |
| Thursday 14/5 | Fest | 3 | |
| Friday 15/5 | KC | 4&5 | Kingsmead |
| SK | |||
| ST | 6&7 | St Teresa | |
| Saturday
16/5 |
Fest | 4A-B | Holy Rosary |
| Thursday
21/5 |
Fest | 3 | St Marys |
| Friday 22/5 | AC | 4&5 | St Stithians |
| KC | |||
| SS | 6&7 | Kingsmead | |
| Thursday
28/5 |
Fest | 3 | KIngsmead |
| Friday 29/5 | KC | 4&5 | Holy Rosary |
| HR | |||
| RD | 6&7 | Kingsmead | |
| Saturday
30/5 |
Fest | 4E-F | St Peters |
| Fest | 5E | St Peters | |
Sheillah Muchauraya
Junior School Head of Sport
