The 2025 K-Day Reunion saw five classes descending on Kingswood College for a weekend filled with laughter, camaraderie and stories shared!

The Old Kingswoodian Club was thrilled to welcome back the Classes of 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2015 for a truly memorable reunion.

Festivities began on Thursday, 12 June, with afternoon registration, followed by a thrilling 1st XI hockey match between Kingswood and St Andrew’s. The Reunion Dinner then got underway in the marquee at the Wyvern. We were pleased to welcome the Heads of School, Mr Leon Grove, Mr David Wright, Mrs Tracy van Molendorff, and Mrs Carissa Wilson, as well as the President of the Old Kingswoodian Club, Mr Chris Hobson. Chris warmly welcomed the reunion groups and reflected on the deep significance of each guest’s time at Kingswood.

“Each one of you left your footprint on this campus. You cheered in the stands, cried in exam halls, whispered after lights out, and sang ‘For the Might of Thine Arm’ until your voice cracked. We celebrate the staff who guided you, the grounds that kept you grounded, and the stories that still echo in the boarding houses, the Chapel, and across the valley.”

Adding to an already special evening, we were privileged to hear from our four Heads of School; Abulele Mbanga, Mika Davies, Matthew Paxton, and Josie Field who addressed the reunion groups. They shared what Kingswood means to them and their peers, and spoke about the enduring significance of K-Day.

K-Day is more than just a weekend. It’s a homecoming – a reminder that Kingswood is not just a place we pass through, but a place that becomes part of who we are. Today, the past, the present, and the future gather together in one moment – and in that, something sacred happens. Something Kingswoodian”

As Head Prefects, your presence is a reminder to us to not take this time for granted. It teaches us to lean into the discomfort, the discipline, the laughter, and the challenge. Because one day, we’ll be the ones walking back through these gates, sitting in these chairs – and we’ll want to know we honoured the legacy” – Abulele Mbanga

The evening continued into the night, with laughter echoing across City Lords as old stories were re-lived and lifelong bonds rekindled. It was a night steeped in joy, nostalgia, and the ever-strong ties that unite Kingswoodians long after their final exams.

Friday morning began with coffee and rusks outside the Museum, followed by a campus tour. A moment of reflection took place in the Chapel with the Candle Lighting Ceremony. Each class had the opportunity to read their In Memoriam lists and light a candle in remembrance of classmates who are no longer with us. The in memoriam lists read as follows:

The reunion formalities concluded with a delicious brunch and time of fellowship in the Kingswood Museum. Each class had an opportunity to address the group – a fitting end to what was a meaningful and moving morning.

Of course, events like these don’t just happen. Our heartfelt thanks go to the following individuals for their contributions:

• Joey and Garth Bradfield and the Wyvern team for Thursday’s wonderful dinner and for hosting our reunion guests throughout the weekend.
• Naartjie and Cheryl Moss for setting up the marquee.
• Rose du Toit for the beautiful centrepieces.
• Jessie Wright for her help with Thursday’s setup.
• Dee Hobson for assistance with bookings.
• Sue Dowdle and her team for preparing the accommodation.
• Martin Tweddle for managing the sound.
• Chris Hobson, Leon Grove, Tracy van Molendorff, and David Wright for their participation and support.

A special word of thanks goes to our class representatives:
Kate Uys & Russel Hobson (OK 1985), Wendy Hubert (OK 1995), Liezl Stretton (OK 2000), Megan Erasmus, Brett Hobson & Kyle Junkin (OK 2005), and Ashleigh Purdon (OK 2015) – your tireless efforts leading up to the reunion are deeply appreciated.

And finally, to every single person who made the effort to attend – thank you. It was truly wonderful to have you back at Kingswood. We hope to welcome you home again in the not-too-distant future.

****** If you would like to watch a video of the weekend highlights on YouTube Channel, please click here ******