Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
30 January 2026
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
In this week's memo you will find news and photographs from grades 4, 5 and 6. Please also take note of information in the Culture, Sport, Robotics, Library and General Sections.
Please take special note of the outing consent forms for Grades 4 and 5 in the repective sections of the memo. You can make use of the quick links to access the different sections of the memo.
Reminder to please use the menu tabs to access the following:
Requirements for iPads, stationery and textbooks
Staffing for email addresses of staff
Principal Paul Memo W2Q1-26.m4v
Celebrating Outstanding Achievement:
Celebrating Outstanding Achievement:
WCED 2025 NSC Awards
WCED 2025 NSC Awards
We are immensely proud to share that Amy White was invited to attend the WCED 2025 NSC Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 29 January 2026, in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement.
Amy achieved an outstanding 96%, placing her 4th in the Western Cape Province, and was honoured as the Top Learner Achiever for Independent Schools in the Western Cape. This is a remarkable accomplishment and a true reflection of her dedication, consistency, and academic excellence.
Amy is studying Veterinary Sciences at Onderstepoort and is currently in Pretoria where she is busy with the Vice Chancellor Distinguished Merit Award Conference. She is one of 40 first year students that was awarded a full scholarship from VCDMA.
We congratulate Amy on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate her achievement with great pride. She is a wonderful ambassador for our school community, and we wish her every success as she continues her academic journey.
Amy is currently in Pretoria where she is busy with the Vice Chancellor Distinguished Merit Award Conference. She is one of 40 first year students that was awarded a full scholarship from VCDMA.
Well done, Amy. We are incredibly proud of you.
Grade 6 News
Grade 6 News
“Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much.”
This week, our theme of Solidarity came alive as our Grade 6 learners supported, encouraged and learned alongside one another.
In Afrikaans, learners focused on the building blocks of the language by working with werkwoorde (verbs), selfstandige naamwoorde (nouns) and lettergrepe (syllables). Lessons were lively and interactive as learners practised identifying and using these correctly in sentences. A cute tip for home: ask your child to spot verbs and nouns in everyday conversations or while reading together, or clap out the syllables of words at the dinner table. Learning truly happens everywhere!
During PSW, learners explored the thoughtful question “Who am I?”, reflecting on their characteristics, values and beliefs. This tied in beautifully with our RCL lessons on Self Leadership, where learners considered their strengths, areas for growth and the choices they control each day. These discussions encouraged empathy, responsibility and self-awareness, reminding learners that strong leaders understand themselves and stand together with others.
In Science, Grade 6 learners have been exploring the fascinating world of biomes. Learners investigated the different biomes found around the world, focusing on the unique flora and fauna within each one. They also examined key ecosystem factors such as climate, rainfall, and soil type, and how these influence the plants and animals that can survive there. This engaging topic encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance within ecosystems.
Our Grade 6 learners are settling beautifully into their new routines in the English classroom. This week, we have been focusing on perfect punctuation, helping learners understand how correct punctuation improves meaning and clarity in their writing. They have also been introduced to a variety of important grammatical rules, which they are already beginning to apply in their classwork. Through a combination of engaging iPad-based activities and book-based tasks, learners have been actively participating, collaborating, and building confidence in their language skills. It has been a wonderful start to an exciting year of learning in English!
It has been a week filled with curiosity, connection and meaningful learning as our learners continue to grow together.
Grade 5 News
Grade 5 News
What an action-packed week we've had! In Maths, we went back to basics and conquered our times tables, tackled whole numbers like champions, and became column method masters! English was fantastic as we worked on our "All About Me" writing pieces, learning the important skill of editing effectively and spicing up our work with exciting words to make our writing shine. Afrikaans brought us closer together as we learned all about vriendskap (friendship) and why it's so important, while picking up lots of exciting new words along the way.
History came alive as we discovered the clever ways the first Southern Africans used everything around them to survive and thrive in their environment. Geography turned us into explorers extraordinaire, navigating maps, mastering directions, and zooming across all seven continents of our amazing world!
In Science learners begin their journey into the world of animal classification! Learners will explore how animals are grouped and sorted based on their characteristics, with a special focus on understanding the difference between vertebrates (animals with backbones) and invertebrates (animals without backbones). This topic will help learners build important scientific skills such as observing, comparing, and sorting living things.
And to top it all off, we had a blast with Six Brick fun during our morning connect and brain breaks, keeping our minds sharp and energy high throughout the week!
Grade 5 Outing to !Khwa ttu
On 11 March we will be going to !Khwa ttu. Grade 5 parents/guardians please complete the Outing Consent Form. You will find all the outing details in the form.
Grade 4 News
Grade 4 News
Our Grade 4 learners are now well into their second week of school and have settled beautifully into their new routines. Classrooms are buzzing with confidence, curiosity and a growing sense of independence as learners embrace the expectations of Grade 4.
In Mathematics, we’ve been diving into exciting new concepts, exploring place value, value and expanded notation. Learners have been stretching their number sense and showing great enthusiasm as they break numbers apart and put them back together in meaningful ways.
Our History lessons have taken us back in time as we learn about artefacts and sources of information. Learners are discovering how we learn about the past and why different sources help us understand history more clearly.
In Personal and Social Wellbeing (PSW), the focus has been all about strengths. Learners have been reflecting on what makes them unique, recognising their own abilities, and celebrating the strengths of their classmates, an important foundation for confidence and teamwork.
It’s been a fantastic start to the year, and we are so proud of how our Grade 4s are settling in, learning and growing every day! 💫
Grade 4 Parent Reminder:
Grade 4 parents, please join us with your child on
Saturday, 31 January from 09:00 - 11:00
as you learn how to support your child this year with our Study Skills Workshop.
Outing to the Castle
Our Grade 4s will be going on an outing to the Castle of Good Hope on 12 February.
Please complete the following form, which contains all of the details:
Culture
Culture
DESIGN SOCIETY:
We had a wonderful start to the Design Society with our new Art Teacher Mrs Lisa Espinasse-Gutter. The learners have started making paper flowers from dyed coffee filters and cupcake wrappers. We can’t wait to see how these designs turn out when they are done.
MUSIC:
We invite parents of all current individual music learners, as well as those wishing to commence individual lessons in 2026, to please complete the following enrolment form:
Save the Date for our Autumn Awakenings Choir Festival on 24 March 2026
DANCE:
Ballet Basics Dance (Ballet, Modern and Tap) Uniform fitting
Saturday 31 January - Parklands College Secondary Campus, Dance Room B07.
09:00 - 11:00: Grades 000 to 12 from 09:00 - 11:00
08:30 Grade 4s only (so that you can get to the Study Skills Session)
Please read through the
JP/SP Dance 2026 Enrolment Form information and contact Sylvia Stander sstander@parklands.co.za
if you have any queries.
FRENCH OFFERED as a CO-CURRICULAR - GRADE 4, 5 and 6
FRENCH OFFERED as a CO-CURRICULAR - GRADE 4, 5 and 6
Enrichment course or preparation for the DELF CERTIFICATE A1 Junior
The “DIPLÔME D’ÉTUDES EN LANGUE FRANÇAISE” – known as DELF, is an official qualification issued by the FRENCH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION to certify French language proficiency of non-native speakers.
DELF A1 Junior
The introduction of the A1 (Junior) level is offered at the Preparatory Faculty. At this level the learner will study basic vocabulary and be able to ask and answer questions about personal details. Learners will also be introduced to basic language and learn how to read in French.
The French enrichment course is offered Friday mornings at 7h00
at no additional cost.
Registration with Madame Bailly must be before the end of January 2026.
Presenter of course: Mme Bailly
DESIGN SOCIETY
We had a wonderful start to the Design Society with our new Grade 6 Art Teacher, Mrs Lisa Espinasse-Gutter. The learners have started making paper flowers from dyed coffee filters and cupcake wrappers. We can’t wait to see how these designs turn out when they are done
SCIENCE CLUB
Science Club is off to an exciting and energetic start! Learners kicked off the quarter by exploring the fascinating world of chemical reactions, where science truly comes to life. They created lemon volcanoes, watched bubbling reactions first-hand, and had loads of fun decoding invisible ink messages - discovering how chemistry can reveal the unseen.
The excitement continued as learners dived into magnetism, learning how magnets work and putting their knowledge into action by creating their very own compasses. Through hands-on experiments, curiosity, and teamwork, learners were encouraged to ask questions, test ideas, and experience science in a fun and meaningful way.
Science Club has already sparked a love for discovery, and we can’t wait to see what our young scientists explore next! 🔬🧲✨
SPORT
SPORT
A Strong Start to Senior Prep Sport – Quarter 1
A Strong Start to Senior Prep Sport – Quarter 1
What a fantastic first week it’s been for our Senior Prep learners! The return to school sport has been full of energy and enthusiasm, with learners getting back into action across Cricket, Softball, Physical Education, Tennis, Swimming, and Netball. Chess is back in action today, Friday, 30 January 2026!
It has been a particularly busy and exciting start, with a number of trials taking place across key codes. Our swimmers have already been put through their paces; tennis trials were also held, with learners competing for selection and training opportunities this quarter. In addition, we are proud of our U12 Netball team, who recently participated in the Knysna Trials - a fantastic experience and opportunity for growth at this early stage of the season.
With foundations now laid, match week begins next week, and we’re excited to see our learners put their training into action. While it’s only been one week of formal practice, the focus, commitment, and positive attitude shown so far have been extremely encouraging as we head into our first round of fixtures.
Please note the following important information:
If you have not received a match-day notification by today, your child has not been selected for fixtures taking place next week.
Where communication has been sent, please ensure responses are submitted by the stated deadline. Should no response be received, it will be assumed that your child is unavailable for that fixture.
On Monday, 26 January, a Sport Parent Meeting was held at the Senior Prep. Thank you to all parents who attended and contributed to a productive and engaging session. The presentation slides from the meeting have been attached below for your reference. Should you have any questions or require further clarity, please feel free to contact me at jmargetts@parklands.co.za.
We’re looking forward to an exciting and rewarding Quarter 1, filled with learning, teamwork, and development both on and off the field. We can’t wait to hear your cheers and feel your continued support on the sidelines as our Senior Prep learners represent Parklands College with pride.
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2026
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2026
Senior Preparatory 2026 Uniform requirements.pdf2025 SP Summer Quarter 4 Co-Curricular Timetable Teacher Allocation MEMOSports Kit
All learners may wear their sports kit to school on their PE Day and on Fridays for Sports hour.
Swimming during PE in Quarter 1 and 4
Please pack in Parklands Swimming costumes / Parklands Swimming Cap / Towel and sunblock.
Although coaches guide and support learners during swimming in Physical Education lessons, we are not a Learn to Swim School and for their own safety it is critical that learners are water safe and able to swim. Please liaise with the coaches if you need contact details for LEARN TO SWIM schools for your child to attend.
Parent Sport Meeting '26 (1).pdfParent Sports Meeting: 26 January 2026
Parent Sports Meeting: 26 January 2026
These slides are from the current meeting
Parent Sports Meeting slides from 2024 meeting
Parent Sports Meeting slides from 2024 meeting
These slides are from the previous meeting for those who missed the 2025 information.
Parent Sport Meeting (3).pdfExternal Achievements in Sport
External Achievements in Sport
Please find a link to the notification letter informing the College of a learner's external achievements at Area/Regional/Provincial level.
Sport Quick Links
Sport Quick Links
Robotics
Robotics
This week in Senior Prep, our learners have been busy exploring the exciting world of robotics and technology! Here’s what’s happening across Grades 4 to 6:
Grade 4 – Getting Creative with Tinkercad
Our Grade 4 learners have been learning the basics of Tinkercad, a 3D design tool that helps them bring their ideas to life digitally. They’ve been getting familiar with the interface, moving and placing objects, and building their confidence in designing simple 3D models. Next week, they’ll take their skills further by creating their very own projects!
Grade 5 – Building and Testing Grabbers with Spike Prime
Grade 5 is getting hands-on with Lego Spike Prime kits. This week, learners have been building grabbers, exploring different designs and mechanisms. The focus is on problem-solving and creativity, as they test which grabber design works best for picking up different objects. Next week, they’ll put their designs to the test and see which one performs the best!
Grade 6 – Solving Global Challenges with Micro:bits
Our Grade 6 learners are taking technology a step further by integrating Micro:bits with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using the Micro:bit’s sensors, learners are learning to gather data and prototype solutions to real-world challenges. This hands-on approach encourages them to think like engineers and innovators, turning ideas into practical solutions for global problems.
It’s wonderful to see our learners developing not only technical skills but also creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through robotics. We’re looking forward to seeing what they create next week!
Library
Library
LIBRARY CHALLENGE
This week we have been excited about receiving the first photos for our library challenge, in which we are asking everyone to read to your pets and enter the photos. As always, Mrs Buckle put a creative twist on her entry, and entered a photo of her reading Shakespeare “to her pets”! What fun! (How many flamingos can you count?)
BIRTHDAY BOOK
We are delighted to have received a book from Tanveer from the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. This one is called No Brainer and is guaranteed to bring much enjoyment to all the fans. Thank you and happy birthday, Tanveer.
OUTREACH 2026
OUTREACH 2026
We’re teaming up with Fallen Angels to support animals in need by collecting cat and dog food. Every bag or tin of food donated shows how small actions can make a big impact.
Let’s keep the momentum going and prove that when learners work together, we can create real change — one paw at a time. 🐶🐱💙
Six Bricks Professional Development
Six Bricks Professional Development
Some of our Junior Prep teachers were joined by Pre-Primary and Senior Prep teachers on Friday afternoon for a hands-on session with Brent Hutcheson, from Care for Education. He is the mastermind behind Six Bricks. We were all reminded of the importance of play and left with a few fun (and noisy) games to play with the classes. Needless to say, our teachers spent the afternoon playing.
General
General
Drop off & collection
Drop off & collection
Please ensure that learners arrive on time for the start of the academic day. Parents are welcome to drop their children off between 07:30 and 07:45 and are requested to use the Drop and Go Zone on the SP Campus in Wood Drive.
Parents may pull into the yellow zone for learners to get out and walk into school on their own. Please do not park or leave your car in the Drop and Go Zone.
All learners must be clocked in and ready for the day before this 07:45. Learners who attend early morning activities must clock-in before attending their session in order to avoid being recorded as 'Late Arrival' on the biometric system.
Aftercare
Aftercare
Aftercare is a combined group of Grade 4-6 learners. Parents, please inform the College via email should you wish to make use of our aftercare facility. Learners may wear their Parklands College sports uniform. Learners attending Aftercare will be escorted to the venue. Parents who wish to make use of our aftercare facilities must please inform us via e-mail.
School is LOCKED promptly at 16h45 daily. Please assist us by ensuring that your child is collected on time allowing our dedicated staff to return home to their own families. A late collection fee of R250 per half-hour (or part thereof) will apply for children collected from aftercare after 17h00.
Security & Car Stickers
Security & Car Stickers
For safety reasons no learners are permitted to wait outside the College gates at any time.
Parents entering our campus are required to have a car identification sticker, which can be collected from reception. By displaying the sticker on your car, you will gain easy access to the College premises. Vehicles that do not have a sticker will be scanned. ‘At the Gate’ Access Solution is used by the College and involves drivers' and car license discs being scanned. This information is stored on a secure database off-site for future reference should the need arise. Pedestrians are also required to produce identification.
We request, for the safety of our learners, that parents and visitors who are on our campus during academic time also sign in at reception and receive a visitors badge. The badge must be returned to reception before leaving campus.
Our new 2026 stickers have arrived and been handed out. Please visit reception if you have not received your parking disc.
Parking outside the College
Parking outside the College
Parents are kindly reminded to be mindful of our neighbours when parking. Vehicles that block traffic or obstruct private driveways will be reported to the Traffic Department by our neighbours and will most likely be issued a fine/ticket. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that parking is done considerately and responsibly.
Quick Links
Quick Links
UNIFORM
UNIFORM
College striped blazers with new braiding
Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer with the braiding.
Uniform Requirements (link)
School and Leisure offers free delivery to school. To take advantage of this when ordering please insert school name and address in the address block and add discount code before check-out.
Junior Preparatory - 91 Raats Drive, Parklands 7441
Senior Preparatory - 50 Wood Drive, Parklands 7441
Secondary Faculty - 1 College Avenue, Sandown 7441
Discount Code : PKLSCHOOL (both upper and lowercase works)
Please ensure that the uniform is the correct size for your child, in particular the blazer
Second hand school uniforms
Please contact Tania Fourie if you would like to buy or sell good-quality second-hand uniforms. She is also the supplier of Froggy School shoes. Contact details: +27 83 631 7683 or tania@sportstudio.co.za
Lost Property
Lost Property
Please help us by checking that all the items that your child brings home actually belong to them. If they come home with someone's elses item (such as an extra shoe, hat, etc) please send it to reception the next day so that we can return labelled items to the owner.
It is important that all items are labelled clearly so that lost items can be returned. Parents are welcome to come in to reception to view lost property items. Items not labelled will be in lost property and donated to the second hand shop at the end of each quarter.
MEDICATIONS AND IMMUNISATIONS
MEDICATIONS AND IMMUNISATIONS
Should your child have a medical condition/ allergy /require prescribed medication to be administered, please e-mail Meagan Kotze on mkotze@parklands.co.za.
Please ensure that your child’s immunisations are up to date and forward a copy of the updated immunisation record to the secretary once your child has received the vaccine.
CALENDAR AND EVENTS
CALENDAR AND EVENTS
Please bookmark the following calendars and add them to your personal calendar by using the + at the bottom of each calendar. They can also be accessed through the EdAdmin App (more information under the general tab)
PARENT LEARNER DIRECTORY
PARENT LEARNER DIRECTORY
Our Parent Learner Directory contains all the information you will need. You can find this important document under the General Tab
20260112 SENIOR PREP P&L Information Directory.pdfPARENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
PARENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
College parents are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory for free – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/.
Should you be interested in marketing your business to over 1000 families, email: marketing@parklands.co.za to get started.
All listings will be subject to the College’s final approval.
This week's feature business is...
2026 Dates
2026 Dates
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
Saturday 31 January:
09:00-11:00 Grade 4 Learner and Parent Study Skills Session
Monday 02 February:
Happy birthday Annastacia Mvulana
Thursday 05 February:
World Read Aloud Day
Thursday 12 February:
Grade 4 Outing to the Castle (Outing Consent Form)
Friday 13 February:
Happy Birthday Kaylan Pietersen
Friendship Day (Dress in Red, Pink and White)
Saturday 14 February:
Open Day
SP Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday 17 February:
Ramadan
Chinese New Year
Wednesday 18 February:
Happy Birthday Kirsten Hartley
Thursday 19 February:
18:00-20:00 Junior Tour De Maths at Parklands Secondary
Saturday 07 March
Softball Festival
Monday 9 March:
Happy Birthday Caitlin Struwig and Principal Paul
Wednesday 11 March:
Happy Birthday Christopher Robin Pre-Primary
Grade 5 Outing to Kwatthu (Outing Consent Form)
Thursday 12 March:
14:30-16:30 International Kids Lit Quiz @ Grove
Wednesday 18 March:
SPCA Dress Up Day
Grade 6 Camp
Thursday 19 March:
Grade 6 Camp
Friday 20 March:
Grade 6 Camp
Eid al-Fitr
Saturday 21 March:
Public Holiday: Human Rights Day
Monday 23 March:
Grade 4-6 Individual Photos
Reports Released
Report Meetings
Tuesday 24 March
Report Meetings
18:00 Autumn Awakenings Concert
Wednesday 25 March
Report Meetings
Fallen Angels Drop Off
Thursday 26 March:
Last Day of the Quarter ( school closes at 1pm)
Sunday 29 March:
Happy Birthday Sisanda Mvulana
Friday 03 April:
Public Holiday - Good Friday
Monday 06 April:
Public Holiday - Family Day
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
We wish Annastacia Mvulana a very happy birthday for Monday 2nd February.
We look forward to having all of our Grade 4 parents join us on campus tomorrow morning at 9am for the Study Skills Session
Have a wonderful weekend
Paul Mayers
Senior Preparatory Principal
Follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParklandsCollege/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParklandsTweet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parklandscollege
Links to other faculty memos:
Pre-Primary Faculty: https://ppblog.parklands.co.za
Junior Preparatory Faculty: https://jpblog.parklands.co.za
Secondary Faculty: https://secblog.parklands.co.za
Page updated
Report abuse