“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood…”
The Gruffalo is a firm favourite amongst so many. As a parent or guardian, you may be able to recite the narrative as it develops. The mouse, of course, encounters a fox and many others along the way. With those familiar words, Julia Donaldson introduced generations of children to a world of imagination, adventure and discovery. Believe it or not, the beloved Gruffalo has returned 25 years later. This time, however, with a rather special visitor in the form of The Gruffalo Granny. I was ecstatic when Ms Cotteril magically delivered the hardcover version and placed it on my desk.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of teaching History and Mathematics, along with a brief and rather unsuccessful venture into Geography (a subject in which I clearly struggled to find my bearings!). Yet teaching English has brought me some of my greatest joys in the classroom. Above all, though, there is something truly magical about the simple privilege of reading a story to children.
Over recent weeks, I have had the wonderful pleasure of sharing this latest story with our Junior School and, more recently, with our Grade 0 girls. Reading aloud to a gathering of children is an uncontested pleasure. Anticipation and laughter, along with spontaneous comments, remind us that some of the most meaningful moments in education are often the simplest.
During our assembly, I invited the girls to reflect on what they had taken from the story. Their responses were as delightful as they were insightful.
“Don’t mess with a mouse,” offered one girl, perhaps recognising that courage and cleverness aren’t always determined by size or strength.
“Meal time with family is special,” reflected another, reminding us of the importance of togetherness and the simple moments we share with those closest to us.
And then came a particularly thoughtful observation: “Sometimes you cannot plan for every outcome.”
Three wonderfully different reflections from one children’s story. Each, in its own way, speaks to something important about growing up and navigating the world around us.
Children’s literature can explore life’s complexities through the simplest stories. Our Kingsmead girls can teach a lesson through their refreshing observations and insights. Stories encourage imagination and invite curiosity, reminding us that wisdom can emerge from the most unexpected places.
We underestimate the power of connection with our children at our peril. They value authentic connection most: real presence.
Perhaps the greatest gift of storytelling lies not only in the lessons we discover, but in the act of sharing the experience. When we read to our children, we create a space to wonder together, laugh and connect. In a world (and a city like Johannesburg) which seems to pulsate at significantly high frequencies, it is moments of genuine presence that matter enormously.
A short half-term break approaches. I hope that our families and staff will find opportunities to enjoy some of these simple pleasures. Perhaps it will be a favourite bedtime story, a shared meal around the family table, a walk outdoors or simply an unhurried conversation.
Our children do not always need extraordinary experiences to create extraordinary memories. Very often, what they remember most is the time we gave them and how we made them feel.
May this half-term offer you some rest and some perspective.
And perhaps, somewhere along the way, we might remember that even the smallest mouse can teach us something important.
Brendan Quinn
Head: Kingsmead Junior School
Beyond the Classroom: Developing the whole student
A year ago, Kingsmead officially established Beyond the Classroom (BtC), a collaborative approach to all non-academic activities across the school. Its purpose is to provide an inclusive, balanced programme where every student can explore her interests, develop her potential and build lifelong habits for a meaningful, healthy and fulfilling life. We measure success not only by achievement, but by the choices students make and the habits they develop for life beyond school.
Through Sport, Wellness, Arts and Music, and Service, we aim to nurture physical and mental wellbeing, teamwork, contribution and social responsibility. Our diverse offerings ensure every student has opportunities to participate, find a sense of belonging and discover their own way to contribute, while fostering a lifelong appreciation for an active lifestyle, the arts and service to others.
The BtC Heads of Department oversee their respective disciplines across the College, promoting consistency in the student and parent experience throughout the Kingsmead journey. Mieke Kunz, Head of Junior School Arts and Music and Head of Music, and Kailin Pillay, Head of Senior School Arts, lead the Arts and Music portfolio, supported by Graham Diesel, our newly appointed Music Centre Coordinator. Nene Golele coordinates Service, with Junior School representatives Claire Rowan and Raeesa Kaka, and Senior School representatives Philisiwe Malevu and Aida Pereira. Sport and Wellness are managed by the heads of sport and sport-specific heads of department: Bianca Meyer, HOD of Senior School Sport, Netball, Diving and Wellness; Samanatha Drysdale, HOD of Junior School Sport, Soccer and Equestrian; Mujahid Padayachy, HOD of Tennis and Hockey; Aaliyah Osman, HOD of Water Polo; and Annie Koekemoer, HOD of Swimming, Athletics (JS) and Squash. The overall programme is coordinated by Elsabé Fourie, Deputy: Beyond the Classroom, who works with the portfolio leaders to provide strategic direction and support.
The past year has been one of exploration, learning and collaboration. Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening the programme and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate and flourish. In the new year, we look forward to sharing our strategic direction and introducing policies and procedures to support Beyond the Classroom’s long-term success for the benefit of our students and the wider Kingsmead community.
Regards,
Elsabe Fourie
Deputy Head: Beyond the Classroom
Service Corner: A Term of Action, Connection and Community
This term has been incredibly busy and rewarding for Service at Kingsmead. We are proud of the many ways our students have engaged with and supported our community.
Our Service Committee members then participated in IMPACT, hosted in partnership with Jozi My Jozi and the Inter-School Volunteering Committee. The day was highly informative, challenging students to think critically about active citizenship, social impact and how young people can contribute meaningfully to positive change in Johannesburg. They also looked at Service as part of their current curriculum and beyond high school and university.
On 19 September, our campus was buzzing with service activities. Students enjoyed Buddy Reading with our Rays of Hope buddies, while others rolled up their sleeves alongside the Green Team for a Spruit Clean-Up in Craighall, helping care for our local environment.
A highlight of the term was undoubtedly Goodwill Day 2026, where the Kingsmead Community came together in a truly remarkable way. From the Walk for Courage and Service Partner Village to the many volunteers, sponsors (Nedbank, Oracle Brokers, Twisco, Kia and Renault Melrose), parents, staff and students who supported the event, Goodwill Day was a wonderful reflection of our school’s commitment to giving back. Thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a success.
Our Sandwiches for Service initiative continues to grow, providing much-needed support to the Rosebank Soup Kitchen. We are grateful to the many families who continue to contribute each week.
Our Junior School service partner visits have also continued throughout the term, giving our younger girls valuable opportunities to learn about the challenges others face and the importance of compassion, service and community engagement.
Families interested in supporting Arthritis Kids South Africa and its important advocacy work can contact me directly for more information on how they can help.
We are also excited to launch a new Thursday Sandwich Programme in partnership with Arthritis Kids South Africa. The sandwiches will support children attending the Paediatric Rheumatology Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, many of whom travel from across the country to access specialist treatment and care.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who signed up for the Flamingo Challenge, our exciting collaboration between Sport and Service. It has been wonderful to see participants steadily working towards their goals. We have certainly noticed our dedicated “FlaminGos” putting in the work on Gym Rats!
Thank you to all our students, parents and staff who continue to support service initiatives at Kingsmead. Together, we show that Service isn’t just something we do, but a value we live every day.
Nene Golele
Student Community Service & Marketing Coordinator
Kingsmead College
ngolele@kingsmead.co.za
