Innovation, Literacy, and a Love for Reading: Read Write Inc. at Kingsmead.
It gives me great pleasure to share an update within the Junior Primary phase at Kingsmead. At the beginning of 2024, we introduced the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics Programme, an internationally recognised, research-based approach to literacy instruction. We are pleased to report that we are already observing meaningful progress as a result of this implementation.
This programme was not introduced as a routine curriculum update, but rather as a deliberate and strategic response to both global and national literacy challenges. Internationally, there has been a noticeable decline in reading proficiency, and in South Africa, the situation is particularly concerning. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, 78% of Grade 4 students in the country cannot read for meaning in any language. This statistic highlights the urgency of cultivating a strong foundation in reading from the earliest years of schooling.
At Kingsmead, we have always maintained that reading is fundamental to all aspects of learning and personal development. In response to this need, we implemented the Read Write Inc. programme to ensure that our students are not only equipped with essential literacy skills but also inspired to develop a lifelong love for reading. This forward-thinking approach positions us as a school that continues to lead with innovation and purpose.
Since the introduction of the programme, we have noted encouraging improvements in our students’ reading fluency, spelling accuracy, and writing ability. Our students are expanding their vocabularies, enhancing their comprehension skills, and demonstrating greater confidence in their use of language. It is nothing short of inspiring to witness the joy that comes when a child decodes their first word, then her first sentence, reads her first book, or writes her first coherent paragraph. These are small but powerful milestones that lay the foundation for every future success. These early gains are a testament to the power of high-quality, structured phonics instruction.
While our teachers are fully committed to delivering the programme with confidence and enthusiasm, we recognise that the development of literacy skills is a shared responsibility. Parents remain their children’s first and most influential reading role models. We encourage families to create reading-friendly environments at home, to model consistent reading habits, and to make reading a natural part of daily life.
In today’s digital age, it is equally important to balance screen time with opportunities for meaningful reading. While educational apps and digital platforms can complement learning, they should not replace the value of traditional reading experiences, such as sharing a book at bedtime or exploring stories together in a quiet, focused setting.
Our commitment to literacy at Kingsmead extends well beyond academic outcomes. We believe that reading empowers individuals, broadens perspectives, and builds the foundation for thoughtful citizenship and lifelong learning. Through the Read Write Inc. programme, we are not only cultivating strong readers, but also nurturing confident students and future leaders.
We remain committed to excellence and innovation in all that we do. This is an exciting step forward, and we look forward to building on the momentum already underway.
Happy Reading,
Saadia Ebrahim
Deputy Head of Junior Primary
Beyond the Classroom
Let us know so that we can celebrate!
We love to acknowledge our students’ achievements in all the activities they participate. Please keep us informed about all arts & music achievements (Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Chess, Oratory) by emailing:
efourie@kingsmead.co.za
Keep us informed about any sports activities by emailing: shanekom@kingsmead.co.za
Alternatively, complete the form labelled ‘Extra-Curricular Achievements’ in the Extra-Curricular folder on the Kingsmead App.
Arts & Music
What a wonderful term we have had!
May and June have been two busy and exciting months for the Music department, and many of our young musicians had the opportunity to perform alongside musicians from other schools.
We are incredibly proud of our Grade 3s, who performed with gusto at the St John’s Rising Voices Choir Festival, the Grade 4-7 Choir who did Kingsmead proud at the Kingsmead Grade 4-7 Masicule Sonke Choir Festival, and our Grade 4-7 Marimba bands who performed with energy and enthusiasm at the Dainfern Marimba festival.
Thank you to all our music parents for your continued support and encouragement.
Upcoming Events in the Music Department
We look forward to our Music concerts in July and August. Please diarise the following events:
Grade 0 & 1: Saturday 12 July 8h00-8h45
Grade 2: Saturday 12 July 9h15-10h00
Grade 3: Saturday 12 July 10h30-11h15
Grade 4: Tuesday 22 July 18h00-10h00
Grade 5: Thursday 24 July 18h00-10h00
Grade 6: Tuesday 29 July 18h00-1900
Grade 7: Wednesday 30 July 18h00-19h00
Junior Voice Concert: Tuesday 5 August 18h00-19h00
DANCE
Enormous congratulations to Amari Africa, who recently competed in the finals of the International Dance Open competition in Zagreb. With over 10 000 competitors from 56 Countries, Amari was the youngest competitor in this prestigious event. Dancers need to qualify in their own countries before being invited to dance in the finals. Amari’s result were astonishing!
All ‘Mini’ Kids’ section:
1st in Ethnic Solo
2nd in Showdance Duo
2nd in Showdance Group
1st in Lyrical Group
1st in Solo
1st in Modern Solo
2nd in Modern Duo
1st in Jazz Solo
1st in Jazz Group
1st in Contemporary Group
Not only did Amari triumph over dancers much older than her in her own section, she was also invited to dance in the Gala event.
Congratulations to Amari who made Kingsmead JOZIDANCE and South Africa proud. Amari’s future in dance is bright.
Thank you to our community for your continued support of Arts & Music at Kingsmead.
Elsabé Fourie
Director of Arts & Music
efourie@kingsmead.co.za
Sports
Squash
Our squash season kicked off with great excitement and energy on Thursday, 29 May, as our players took to the courts at St Mary’s for the first fixture of the season. The girls played exceptionally well, showing impressive determination, sportsmanship, and team spirit—what a fantastic start!
Our second fixture was held on 5 June at St Andrew’s, where we competed against both St Andrew’s and St Stithians. Once again, our girls rose to the challenge, delivering outstanding performances and winning all but one match. Their grit and teamwork truly stood out on the day.
The third fixture took place on 12 June, once again at St Mary’s, where we faced their team head-on. The results were nothing short of incredible—our girls won every match. For some of our players, this was their first-ever competitive match, and we are extremely proud of their courage and effort.
It’s been an exciting and successful start to the season. The team’s enthusiasm, growth, and commitment are evident, and we can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
Well done, girls!
Hockey
Our hockey season kicked off with great spirit and determination as our teams took on St Peter’s in their first fixtures of the year. The Grade 4 and 5 teams travelled to St Peter’s and put up a strong fight, showing great grit and teamwork throughout their matches. Meanwhile, our Grade 6 and 7 players displayed resilience and skill, fighting hard on the field to secure some impressive results. A fantastic start to the season – well done to all our players!
Grade 4:
A vs A – Lost 12-0
B vs B – Lost 2-0
B vs C – Won 2-0
C vs D – Lost 2-1
C vs E – Won 2-0
Grade 5:
A – Won 2-0
B – Won 2-1
C – Won 2-0
D – Won 2-0
Grade 6:
A – Drew 1-1
B – Won 1-0
C – Drew 0-0
Grade 7:
A – Drew 1-1
B – Won 1-0
C – Drew 1-1
Outside Sport
Gymnastics
We are thrilled to celebrate Neo Mosome for earning a Gold Medal and achieving the title of overall top scorer at the CGGA Level 2 Gymnastics Competition. Keep up the fantastic work, Neo!
A big congratulations also goes to Atheerah Navlaki, who was selected to compete at the CGA competition and secured a bronze medal.
On Sunday, 15 June 2025, Isabella Brand participated in the Gauteng Gymnastics Festival at Level 3. She was awarded a silver medal and finished ninth overall in her category, earning her Gauteng Junior Colours in gymnastics.
Yakira Ravjee took part in the Gauteng Gymnastics Zone Competition this weekend, where she achieved a Gold medal – the highest score in her category and placed 1st amongst all the Gold medallists in her age group. This was her 1st year competing, and her 3rd Gold medal, and she attained provincial colours in the Junior level. Congratulations, Yakira!
Additionally, we are excited to announce that Olivia Salmon competed in the Gauteng Festival for Levels 1, 2, and 3 on Friday, 13 June, in Eldoraigne. Olivia delivered an exceptional performance, earning a GOLD medal and securing FIRST place in the Level 1 category. She has also been selected as a Central Gauteng District team member and has proudly received her Central Gauteng Junior Colours.
Bouldering
Congratulations to Jaime Koffmann for making exceptional progress in bouldering. Jaime shows super courage each time she climbs, and she is even able to climb a 15m wall now.
Karate
Congratulations to Darcy Anderson who competed in the KWF SA Championship. Her team, the Dorfman team won the most, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Congratulations, Darcy, what an exceptional achievement!
Blue to Purple Mixed Kata – Bronze
Kihon Ippon Kumite Yellow to Purple Female – Gold
Jiyu Ippon Kumite Female – Gold
Upcoming Events
19 June: Grade 4 – 7 Squash Fixture @ St Mary’s
20 June: Grade 4 & 5 Hockey Fixture @ Kingsmead
21 June: Grade 6 & 7 Hockey Fixture @ Kingsmead
26 June: Grade 4 – 7 Squash Bell Tournament @ St Stithians
27 June: Grade 4 – 7 Inter House Netball @ Kingsmead
Join Us for a Delicious Snack in Support of the St Anne’s Hockey Tour
Get ready to support the St Anne’s Hockey Tour Fundraising event! We’ll be serving up mouthwatering Boerewors rolls, Prego rolls, and delicious Breakfast buns at the upcoming hockey fixtures.
Don’t miss out on these tasty treats—come hungry and ready to cheer on our teams! Your support makes a difference. See you there!
A few reminders for parents & guardians:
1. Please send any sports achievements (school & non-school) to Mrs Hanekom. Please label any trophies, medals or rosettes.
2. A reminder to please join the Sports Community WhatsApp groups, as this will be the direct method of communication to parents on sports 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
