Dear Kingsmead Community
What a joy it was to witness the corridors and classrooms of our Junior School burst into colour, creativity, and quiet curiosity during our annual Book Week and culminating Book Fair. The atmosphere was electric, alive with stories, characters, and a shared celebration of the written word.
From the very first moment of our Book Week Assembly, where our teachers brought the beautifully written poem “Birds of a Feather Bookmark Together” to life in vibrant costume and character, it was clear that this week would be one to remember. Each line of the poem, performed with playful charm and poignant meaning, reminded us that every reader is unique; whether a thoughtful owl, an artistic flamingo, a laughing hadeda, or a mystery-solving weaver bird. We are all readers. And when we read together, we soar!
The week unfolded with experiences that invited both imagination and wonder. Students explored “The Power of the Written Word”; an Inquiry that challenged them to consider how stories can shape, inform, and transform. Whether reading aloud to one another, analysing favourite books, or sharing what makes certain stories meaningful, students engaged deeply with the idea that words hold power: to inspire, to connect, and to bring change.
Our DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) moments reminded us of the simple delight found in turning the pages of a good book. The whole school paused, teachers, staff, and students alike, to make space for quiet reading.
Of course, one of the most beloved traditions was enjoyed in full force: Book Character Dress-Up Day. From caped crusaders and classic heroines to wild things and wizards, our campus became a walking library of beloved characters. The laughter, pride, and effort that went into each costume were a testament to how deeply our students connect with the stories they read.
As we closed the week with our vibrant Book Fair, brimming with exciting titles, new literary treasures, and eager readers, it was not just the books that filled the space, but a palpable sense of community. Families, staff, and students gathered not just to buy books, but to celebrate the act of reading itself.
In reflection, Book Week is about more than themed days and costumes. It is about instilling a lifelong love of reading. It is about recognising that when a community values reading, it becomes a place of imagination, empathy, and inquiry. Books give us the courage to face dragons, the empathy to walk in another’s shoes, and the hope that every chapter has more to come.
Thank you to our staff, students, and parents who made this Book Week a chapter worth re-reading. May we continue to flap our wings and remind each other that in the wondrous world where stories take wing, every voice matters.
Learning and innovating together,
Sjaneen Pretorius
Head of Senior Primary and Academics
Sports
Netball
Congratulations to all our players for their hard work and dedication. A heartfelt thank you to the parents for their unwavering support, and congratulations to our coaches for their guidance and leadership!
Grade 4 & 5 Holy Rosary Netball Festival
The Grade 4 & 5 netball players wrapped up their season on a high note at the Holy Rosary netball festival on Saturday. Our girls showcased their determination and performed exceptionally well. Well do to all of the players!
Grade 3 Netball Night Festival
The Grade 3 Night Festival was a resounding success, with our girls competing fiercely against St Mary’s, St Teresa’s, and St Katharine’s. We are incredibly proud of their progress and skill on the courts—well done to all players!
Equestrian
Congratulations to our junior school equestrian team for outstanding results at the recent SANESA Qualifiers. Results were as follows:
Jemima Rohrs
1st place – 60cm Showjumping
Sophie Rohrs
3rd & 4th – 60cm Showjumping rounds
Anvita Nunna
8th place – 60cm Showjumping
8th place Prix Caprilli level
13th place Equitation 50cm
Stella Watkins
5th place – Competition class 50cm
1st place – Equitation 50cm
Bowden Jennings
2 x 1st places – 60cm Showjumping
Erin Jennings
4th place and 5th place – 60cm Showjumping
Isabel Munro
2 x 5th place – Dressage
1st place – Freestyle class
Swimming
Hannah Linnell competed in a club gala this past week, coming 2nd in her heat and 7th in her age group for backstroke. Keep up the great work, Hannah!
Gymnastics
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our talented gymnasts! Last Saturday, Morgan Brady participated in the Level 1 Gymnastics Gauteng Central Competition, where she showcased her incredible skills and dedication. Morgan earned a Silver medal and was awarded Junior Gauteng colours for gymnastics—what an amazing accomplishment!
Sophie Duggan also made a mark at the competition, earning a Silver medal and her Gauteng half-colours, reflecting her hard work and commitment. Yakira Ravjee shone brightly as well, securing a Gold medal and receiving her Junior Gauteng colours. Her determination truly paid off!
Additionally, we are proud to highlight Nechemyah Ferreira, who earned a Silver medal and was awarded the Central Gauteng Junior colours, showcasing her unwavering commitment to excellence. Amelie Perera also demonstrated exceptional talent, securing a Bronze medal in her performance.
We are excited to announce that both Nechemyah and Amelie have qualified for the prestigious Gauteng Festival, the highest-ranking competition for levels 1 & 2, scheduled for June 16, 2025. This is a significant milestone in their gymnastics journey, and we couldn’t be prouder of all our gymnasts’ accomplishments!
Archery
We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Morgan Chen-Heyneke. During the recent South African National Outdoor Championships held from April 4-6, Morgan showcased her exceptional skills by securing a Silver medal in the Girls Under 13 Recurve category. Her impressive performance continued at the Marks Park outdoor tournament on May 11-12, where she triumphed over a South African Olympian archer in the finals, earning a Gold medal. Most recently, at the Tuks Autumn Championships on May 25, Morgan demonstrated her prowess, finishing first and claiming another Gold medal in her category. We are proud to announce that Morgan is ranked No. 1 in South Africa in the Girls Under 13 Recurve category. Congratulations, Morgan, on your outstanding accomplishments!
Dance
We are proud to celebrate the recent achievements of Teagan, who has taken part in two major dance competitions over the past two weekends, showcasing her talent in both modern and hip hop categories.
At the Pulse Dance Competition, her group performances impressed the judges, earning three 1st places and one 2nd place.
This past weekend at Dance X, Teagan continued to shine, receiving a Gold X (85%–90%) for her solo performance. Her group dances were awarded two Exquisite Golds (over 90%), a Gold X, and a Gold.
Congratulations, Teagan! Your hard work, dedication, and passion for dance are truly inspiring.
A massive congratulations to Amari Africa, who recently represented South Africa at the International Dance Open Finals in Zagreb. With over 10,000 competitors from 56 countries, Amari stood out as the youngest dancer in this prestigious event, having first qualified at national level before earning her place on the international stage.
Her results were nothing short of phenomenal:
1st – Amari Ethnic Solo (Mini Kids)
2nd – Amari & Lerato Showdance Duo (Kids)
2nd – Ferrous Showdance Group (Kids)
1st – Blanket Me Lyrical Group (Kids)
1st – Amari MT Solo (Mini Kids)
1st – Amari Modern Solo (Mini Kids)
2nd – Amari & Mpume Modern Duo (Kids)
1st – Amari Jazz Solo (Mini Kids)
1st – “Me Too” Jazz Group (Kids)
1st – “Children @ War” Contemporary Group (Kids)
In addition to these outstanding results, Amari was personally invited to perform in the 2025 Gala Event, a rare honour reserved for the very best of the competition.
Amari’s talent, dedication, and poise are truly inspiring. She has made Kingsmead, JOZIDANCE, and South Africa incredibly proud. Her future in dance is undoubtedly bright, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next!
Upcoming Events
5 June: Grade 4 – 7 Squash Fixture @ St Andrew’s
5 June: Grade 2 & 3 Internal Netball Festival @ Kingsmead
6 June: Grade 4 – 7 Hockey Fixture
Grade 4 & 5 – St Peter’s, Grade 6 & 7 – Kingsmead
12 June: Grade 4 – 7 Squash Fixture @ St Mary’s
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.
Yours in sport,
Shavaun Hanekom
Head of Junior School Sport
Library
What a week it has been! The excitement of Book Week is always infectious and is a highlight on the calendar. This year was no different.
The week started off with the teachers reciting a poem, Birds of a Feather Bookmark Together. Each grade created a ‘flock’ describing the type of reader one may be.
What type are you?
Birds of a Feather Bookmark Together
In the world of words where stories fly,
Live readers as varied as birds in the sky.
Each with a voice, a rhythm, a way—
Together they read, they learn, and they play.
Owls with wisdom in their steady gaze,
Seek truths and facts through learning’s maze.
With encyclopaedias by their chair,
They hoot for knowledge everywhere
Hummingbirds dart from book to book,
In every nook, they take a look.
Quick and curious, light on their wings,
They flit through pages, chasing new things.
Parrots learn to talk so well,
By saying words they love to tell.
We read like parrots—try, repeat—
Until the words sound clear and sweet!
Swans glide softly through tales that glow,
Touched by feelings that gently flow.
Poetry, heart, and moments that stir—
These readers feel every whisper and word.
Penguins huddle in warmth and cheer,
With bedtime stories held close and near.
They love a series, cozy and bright,
Cuddled with books on a snowy night.
Flamingos stand tall, bold and grand,
With crayons or pencils close at hand.
They read with flair, they dream and draw—
Inspired by wonder, art, and awe.
Hadedas laugh with a jolly call,
Their comic books stacked wall to wall.
They fill the room with jokes and glee,
Their joy in reading, wild and free.
Weaver birds weave line by line,
Clues and thoughts in a clever design.
With mysteries, facts, and puzzles to chase,
They piece together each tale with grace.
Ostriches bend down low to look,
With heads tucked deep inside a book.
Like in the sand, they hide away,
In picture worlds where they can play!
Birds of a feather bookmark together,
From morning sun to stormy weather.
In quiet corners or circles wide,
With books in hand, they read with pride.
So flap your wings, take off and read—
Whatever your style, whatever your speed.
For every reader has a song to sing,
In the wondrous world where stories take wing.
And READ we did…
• Buddy Reading
• Hooked on Books/Wiggly Woggly shows
• Scrabble on the bricks
• Teacher musical books
• Author talk for Senior Primary by Tola Okogwu (virtually from London)
• Character Dress Up Day
• Reading Zones – Lie on the beach or even in a tunnel!
• Story Walks
Our Reading theme for the term is LEGO your Imagination.
As each student returns a book they have read (chapter book), they get a piece of Lego to add to their grade’s structure. The competition is building…
Even the teachers have one!
New books have been purchased to suit the students’ needs and they barely have a chance to warm the shelves before they get checked out.
The Young Writers’ Competition
We had a record number of entries from Kingsmead, and the results were most pleasing. Congratulations go to:
Age 6-7 Winner: Laura Van Zuydam – The Magical Seed
Runner up: Asmaa Haseena Maasdorp – Growing with My Grann
Highly Commended: Azhaaria Vadia – The Interesting Seed
Age 8-9 Runner up: Mia Eagar – The Tough Life of a Seed
Age 13-15 Highly Commended: Sophie Wolstenholme – Roots
Well done, girls! We look forward to more budding writers next year.
Keep warm, keep reading!
Glenda Cressy
Junior School Librarian
