Grade 3 Hockey Festival

Over 600 eight-year-olds to take part in Johannesburg’s biggest Grade 3 hockey festival at Roedean School (SA)

JOHANNESBURG, 23 July 2025 – In what promises to be the largest Grade 3 hockey festival in Johannesburg’s history, 600 eight-year-old girls from over 10 schools will gather at Roedean School on 24 July to take part in the Old Mutual Roedean School Grade 3 Hockey Festival.

The festival, sponsored by Old Mutual South Africa, featuring teams from Roedean School, St Mary’s School Waverley, St Stithians, St Teresa’s School, Kingsmead College, Auckland Park Preparatory School, Brescia House School, Assumption Convent School, Holy Rosary School and St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, will culminate in evening matches played under floodlights – a first-time experience for most participants.

“Imagine 600 eight-year-olds playing hockey under the lights,” says Ms Marcel Lamont, Head of Sport at Roedean School.

“For many of these children, it will be their first taste of playing in a stadium atmosphere, and we expect it to be absolutely magical.”

The scale of this year’s event is unmatched in junior school sport. With each school entering six to eight teams of eight players, the festival will bring together more Grade 3 hockey players than any previous festival in the region – so many, in fact, that matches will be hosted across two venues: Roedean School and St John’s College.

But beyond the numbers, Roedean School believes that the real story is about introducing South Africa’s youngest hockey players to the sport’s distinct culture of respect and teamwork.

“Hockey teaches children skills you simply can’t impart in a classroom,” explains Lamont. “When an eight-year-old learns to assist a teammate who’s been tackled, or congratulates an opponent after a good game, she’s developing character that will serve her for life.”

The festival format deliberately emphasises participation over competition, with no league tables or knockout stages. Instead, each team plays multiple matches throughout the day, ensuring maximum game time for all the participants. 

“We want these children to fall in love with hockey, not be intimidated by it,” says Lamont. “The focus is on fun, friendship and learning the game. The competitive edge can come later.”

The festival also addresses growing concerns about children’s physical activity levels.

Research has suggested that children who participate in team sports develop stronger social skills, higher self-esteem and better communication abilities than their non-sporting peers.

“In an age where screen time dominates, getting 600 kids running around with hockey sticks is exactly what we need,” notes Lamont. “The physical benefits are obvious, but social development is equally important.”

The festival is part of a broader movement across South African schools to make sport more accessible and inclusive for younger age groups. By starting competitive play at Grade 3 level, schools hope to develop deeper sporting cultures and identify talent earlier.

The Old Mutual Roedean School Grade 3 Hockey Festival runs from 3pm to 8pm on 24 July 2025 at Roedean School, with the floodlit evening session starting at 5pm.

Introducing Roedean’s new Junior School Head

We are absolutely delighted to introduce Mrs Keshma Patel, our new Head of Junior School, who will be starting at Roedean in Term 1 of 2025. With 14 years of teaching experience and a decade in senior leadership roles, Keshma’s journey has been driven by her dedication to education, especially girls’ education. Currently, she serves as the Deputy Head at St Cyprian’s Preparatory School, where she has honed her skills and vision in nurturing young minds and shaping future leaders. From her first year as a Grade 4 teacher in a large state school, she has felt a calling to lead and bring about meaningful change in education. Being appointed Grade Head ignited a spark, propelling her toward leadership and transformation. Her career has been characterised by her unwavering ambition to innovate and elevate educational standards

Mrs Patel’s role as deputy head at St Cyprian’s School has given her a comprehensive understanding of the importance of creating an inclusive, dynamic, and impactful educational environment. She is passionate about innovative and relevant teaching methods and bringing her team along with me on the journey. Her practical and theoretical knowledge allows her to lead with understanding, experience, and compassion.

Mrs Patel holds a Bachelor of Science in English, Public Policy, and Religion. A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree (B Ed). Leadership, mentorship, curriculum development, student support as well as community engagement are a few skills that she has honed and that will be key to the success of her role.

Mrs Patel is excited to join Roedean and looks forward to leading a team dedicated to empowering young learners through education and says: “Roedean’s values of Truth, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy resonate deeply with my own. I am excited and committed to continue fostering the culture of excellence, creativity and influence that Roedean strives for; and to encourage our staff and students to live a life of significance.”

Please join us in welcoming Mrs Patel to Roedean. We look forward to the valuable contribution that she will make with the support of the Roedean Community.

PRESS RELEASE: Roedean School (SA) partners with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

Rallying together to support childhood cancer Roedean School (SA) partners with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

  • September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
  • Buy your Childhood Cancer ribbon to show your support and raise awareness.

Around 80% of all childhood cancer cases globally occur in low- and middle-income countries yet less than a third of children are diagnosed in these countries and of those that are treated, less than 20% survive (South African Government Official Information and services, 2024).

We are proud to announce our partnership with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, a non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and wellbeing of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families. “Our shared and non-negotiable core values of service and teamwork with the aim of transforming our world continues to be the pillars that encourage us to stand up and support the well-being of our communities” said Lindi Dlamini, Executive Director.

We call our community to come together in support of our efforts to spread awareness of childhood cancer, early diagnosis as well as treatment. From 13 September to 20 September, you will be able to buy a gold ribbon for as little as R15,00. The ribbon will serve as a way for individuals to show their allegiance and advocate for research and resources.

We would really like to make an effort befitting of Roedean, so we urge our community to fully support us in meeting our target of R100 000. We encourage you to #PlayYourPart to ensure that affected families have the means to send their children to hospital for cancer treatment. Unfortunately, for most families sending a child to hospital has an adverse impact on necessities of daily living such as food and shelter.

#PlayYourPart and donate now via:

Ribbons can be collected from Junior School Reception or Senior School Reception upon confirmation of payment.

May we continue to live our values and participate actively in social responsibility. Like and follow us on our social media channels to learn more about Childhood Cancer and how you can #PlayYourPart

Warm regards

Mrs Lindi Dlamini

Executive Director