20 June 2025

Dear Parents

This will be the final weekly memo for the quarter. Please take note of the following important information.

Report Feedback Meetings
Reports will be shared with parents on the Edana Portal today - Friday, 20 June. Report feedback meetings will take place from Friday, 20 June – Tuesday, 24 June. Parents will have received an email from their child’s class teacher sharing the link to their Google Calendar page for report feedback bookings. Details on how to access the Ed-Admin Multi Portal app can be found here

Quarter 3 Sign-ups for Junior Chefs and Science Club

Enrolments for sport and cultural activities in Quarter Three continue from Quarter Two, EXCEPT for Junior Chefs and Science Club. Please complete the Junior Chefs and Science Club sign up form to enrol in these activities for Quarter Three.

👉Sign Up Link👈

Last Day of School

Wednesday 25 June is the last day of school and school closes at 13h00. Please make arrangements to collect your child promptly at 13h00 as there are no aftercare facilities on this day.

First Day of Winter Quarter

School reopens on Tuesday 22 July.

Google Drive Video Version (for learners)

College blazers
Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer from the start of 2026, with the obvious exception of those who wear Honours Blazers. To ensure timely delivery, we advise you to place your order with our uniform supplier, School and Leisure, early.

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

NEWS

Grade 6 News

Fractions, Formulas & Future Teachers!

As Quarter 2 winds down, our Grade 6s are still pushing forward with energy and enthusiasm—tackling new concepts, deep thinking, and even a little bit of teaching of their own!

Science: Our First Look at the Periodic Table
It was a science milestone this week as learners explored the Periodic Table of Elements for the very first time! They investigated the first 20 elements, learning their names, symbols and how each fits into the broader structure of matter. From Hydrogen to Calcium, they explored how elements form the building blocks of everything around us. It’s been eye-opening, challenging and totally cool!

💡 Top Tip: Ask your child to name their favourite element and what it's used for!

Afrikaans: Mini Teachers in Action!
Our Afrikaans classroom turned into a teaching hub as learners each picked a grammar concept they’ve already learnt, like trappe van vergelyking, verkleinwoorde, or meervoude, and presented their own 5-minute peer-teaching lesson. From jingles and role-play to mini quizzes and colourful posters, the creativity and confidence on display were nothing short of inspiring!

Mathematics: All About Fractions
It’s been a fraction-packed week in Maths! Learners worked through a range of important fraction concepts:

Comparing and ordering fractions
Equivalent fractions
Improper and mixed numbers
Sorting, simplifying (cancelling), and multiplying fractions

Hands-on practice and visual models helped make sense of tricky topics, and our learners are getting more confident and flexible with their fraction fluency every day!

💡 Tip: Using fraction strips or a number line at home is a great way to visualise what’s happening when comparing or simplifying fractions.

This week was all about ownership of learning—taking knowledge and turning it into action, teaching and teamwork.

Technology: will the bridges hold up?

In Technology, our Grade 6 learners put their spaghetti bridges to the test! After weeks of planning and building, it was time to see how much weight each bridge could hold. There were some exciting surprises—some bridges held far more than expected, while others gave way in dramatic fashion. The activity sparked laughter, cheers, and valuable lessons about design, strength, and structure.

Grade 5 News

What an exciting week it’s been in Grade 5!

Our PBL Space Mining Project came to an end as we proudly shared what we had learnt with the Grade 6s – the very learners who first introduced us to space exploration last term. It was wonderful to close the loop by showcasing our ideas and discoveries to them!

In Maths, we discovered a whole new way of learning through Minecraft EDU. From solving tricky problems to building creative solutions, these challenges made Maths feel like an adventure!

In English, we are still hooked on our class reader Boy: Tales of Childhood. Reading about Roald Dahl’s school days really makes us grateful for our own amazing teachers and school. What surprising events await Roald next? We can’t wait to turn the page and find out!

Grade 4 News

Our Grade 4 learners have been busy engaging in exciting and meaningful learning experiences across subjects!

Afrikaans: Conjunctions with a Tech Twist
In Afrikaans, learners have been exploring voegwoorde (conjunctions) in a fun and interactive way. Using digital tools, they created their very own GIFs in keynote to show how conjunctions are used to link sentences.

Mathematics: Times Tables Through Art
Who says Maths can't be creative? To practise their times tables, learners combined maths and art by designing colourful and imaginative artworks that reflect multiplication patterns. This hands-on activity made learning times tables fun, engaging, and memorable!

Outing: Cape Town Science Centre

The week ended on a high with a fantastic outing to the Cape Town Science Centre. Learners thoroughly enjoyed exploring the interactive exhibits, engaging in hands-on experiments, and discovering more about the world of science in a playful, educational environment. It was a day filled with wonder, learning, and lots of excitement!

Science Club

This week in Science Club, our young scientists explored the fascinating world of acids and bases. They learned how to identify common acids and bases found in everyday items and discovered how these substances interact. Using indicators they tested different solutions and observed exciting colour changes, sparking curiosity and great discussion about chemical reactions and pH levels.

Academics

Report Feedback Meetings

Reports are available on the EdAdmin Portal. Please see details under general on how to log in to receive your child's quarter 2 report.

Report feedback meetings will take place from Friday, 20 June – Tuesday, 24 June. Parents will receive an email from their child’s class teacher sharing the link to their Google Calendar page for report feedback bookings. Appointments are usually 15 mins in length. We greatly value our parents’ and teachers’ time and urge parents to be on time in order to ensure that other parents are not kept waiting.

Ed-Admin MP Installation

The Ed-admin Multi Portal App (Ed-admin MP) is available on the Google and Apple App stores. The features include access to your child’s reports, calendar activities and daily attendance records to mention a few.

To install the App please follow the below instructions:
1.) Download the Ed-Admin Multi Portal App by using the relevant link below:

● Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ed-admin-multi-portal/id6469108569

OR
● Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edana.edadmin&hl=en&gl= US

2.) Enter 230034 (Parklands College Code) and your email address to log in. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:

3.) The next step will require you to enter the login code sent to you via email.

Please ensure that you keep this App updated otherwise you will be logged out and will have to repeat the above process to regain access.

Link to Installation PDF Instructions

Outreach

Thank you to everyone for your contribution to our food drive this quarter. In the first two weeks of next quarter we will be collecting gently used shoes to help children in need. Please go through your child's cupboards this holiday and see what you have that can be reused and donated.

Outreach.mp4

CULTURE

Parents, please diarise the important dates on the poster below — you won't want to miss out! We've got some fantastic activities and performances coming up that your children are sure to shine in 🌟. Let’s make memories together — save the dates! 📅✨

We are excited to announce our upcoming Music Assembly on Wednesday, 25 June!

This vibrant event will showcase the incredible talents of our Orchestras, Choirs, and Marimba Bands, celebrating the hard work and dedication of our young musicians.

Parents are warmly invited to attend and enjoy the performances—please be seated in the gallery before the assembly begins.

We look forward to sharing this joyful musical celebration with you!

Madagascar Jr Production 31 July, 1 & 2 August

Parklands College Preparatory Faculty presents DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. features original music and lyrics by George Noriega and Joel Someillan, and book by Kevin Del Aguila.

As the show opens, we learn that Marty the zebra may be celebrating his tenth birthday at the Central Park Zoo with his friends Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, yet he longs to experience life outside of the zoo’s walls. When Marty eventually escapes, his animal friends from the zoo pursue him into New York City. After reuniting, the animals are chased by the police, and ultimately felled by tranquilliser darts. They awake, trapped in crates, on a ship, which, through a series of events, is thrown off course. Upon reaching land, the animals discover they have been shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar. Ultimately, it is only in being so lost that they can begin to discover where they really belong.

Book here via Quicket

Every Grade 4 - 6 learner as well as every Grade R - 3 dancer is getting ready to Move it! We hope to see you join in the fun too! Tickets can be purchased on Quicket.

SPORT

From the Sports Desk

As we bring a thrilling Quarter 2 to a close, we reflect on a quarter packed with energy, firsts, and standout performances across all our Senior Prep sports. From festival action to competitive league fixtures, Parklands Prep has continued to grow from strength to strength - on and off the field.

🏉 Rugby
Rugby has witnessed phenomenal growth in both numbers and performance this year. A highlight of the quarter was the U13 team's dramatic comeback victory over Camps Bay Primary - a true showcase of grit and determination. Meanwhile, our U11s dominated their fixtures with commanding wins over both Rallim and Blouberg Ridge. The team spirit and physicality displayed this quarter show just how far our rugby programme has come.

🏐 Netball
Netball has continued its upward climb, with Parklands Prep reaching new heights this quarter. Our U10A girls made history by qualifying for the Western Province Netball Playoffs, finishing 4th out of 35 participating schools - an incredible accomplishment and a proud milestone for our sports department. Across all age groups, the progress, passion, and polish on court have been inspiring to watch.

🏑 Hockey – Boys & Girls
This quarter has been a remarkable one for hockey. A standout achievement was our U13 Boys’ debut in the Durbell League - the first time in school history! This opportunity gave our boys the chance to compete consistently against high-level opposition and build their tactical understanding. From U8 through to U13, both our girls’ and boys’ teams have grown in skill, confidence, and composure. Our hockey culture is on the rise.

🎉 Sports Festivals
Every sporting code had a taste of festival action this quarter - from Edgemead Netball and Rugby to hockey clashes and development-focused days. These experiences provided learners with valuable match time and a sense of broader community competition. The camaraderie and learning gained from these events are invaluable, and we’re proud of every athlete who stepped up to represent Parklands with pride.

📅 What’s Coming Up?

SAVE THE DATE: Our biggest sporting celebration of the year is almost here - DERBY DAY vs Somerset College on Saturday, 16 August. You won’t want to miss the action!

We "get the ball rolling" again on Wednesday, 23 July, as sport resumes right in Week 1 of Quarter 3. It's going to be a jam-packed quarter filled with fixtures, festivals, and opportunities for growth. Be sure to check the Sports Calendar - many of the fixtures are already listed so you can plan ahead.

👏 A Huge Thank You
To our incredible team managers, passionate supporters, and dedicated learners, you’ve been phenomenal this quarter. Your energy, commitment, and positivity have made this quarter truly special.

Quarter 3 will bring winter chill, but our sports spirit will be burning strong. We can’t wait to see you back out there!

Jared Margetts

External Achievements in Sport

Jean-Louis represented his club at the DHL South Africa Lifesaving Nippers Surf Championship in Gqeberha winning:

Bronze in the surf Mali Board race - 3rd in South Africa!
Silver in the surf Taplin relay (run, swim, board)
Personal bests in all his National Stillwater races

He also played a key role in helping his club finish 3rd overall in Surf and Stillwater, and the club took 1st place in the Nipper Stillwater division!

Congratulations to Olu for being awarded the rank of Green Belt in the art of Goju Kai Karate. Olu finished 6th overall!

Liyla has successfully obtained her SSA Level 1 at the Swimming Championships - Congratulations.

Please find a link to the notification letter informing the College of a learner's external achievements at Area/Regional/Provincial level.

External Achievements

Sport Quick Links

SPORTS INFO

TRAVEL CONSENT

EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS

SPORTS CALENDAR

Robotics

🚀 Igniting Young Innovators: FLL Explore & Challenge Launch at Our Prep School

At Parklands College, we’ve long believed in empowering learners through real-world STEM experiences, and we’re thrilled to expand our robotics journey with the launch of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Explore and Challenge programmes in our prep school.

These globally recognised programmes add exciting new layers to the coding, engineering, and robotics skills many of our learners have already begun developing. And the best part? It’s all done through playful, hands-on teamwork that feels more like fun than learning.

🔍 What Is FIRST LEGO League?

FIRST LEGO League is an international initiative that inspires children to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through engaging, real-world challenges. You can learn more about it on the official website: www.firstinspires.org.

At the College, we’re launching two of the core FLL programs:

FLL Explore (Grades 2 - 4): Designed for younger learners, this programme builds foundational STEM skills using themed LEGO models and simple coding in a team-based format.
FLL Challenge (Grades 5 - 8): Perfect for older learners, this more advanced programme involves designing, building, and coding LEGO robots to complete missions on a themed mat, as well as researching and presenting a real-world problem connected to the season’s topic.

🌟 Why This Matters

We’re proud to already offer a rich STEM environment at Parklands College. The addition of FLL Explore and Challenge enhances this by:

Encouraging creativity – learners dream up solutions and bring them to life.
Building collaboration – teams learn how to communicate, solve problems together, and support one another.
Strengthening critical thinking – by working through open-ended challenges.
Boosting confidence – as learners share their work with others and take pride in their achievements.

These programmes make learning exciting, meaningful, and memorable—just the way it should be!

🛠 How the Programmes Work

Throughout the season, learners will dive into a themed mission (which changes each year).

In FLL Explore, they’ll research a real-world topic, build a LEGO model with moving parts, and prepare to present their discoveries.
In FLL Challenge, they’ll create and code a LEGO SPIKE or Mindstorms robot that completes tasks on a competition mat, while also developing and presenting an innovative solution to a connected challenge.

🔗 A Gateway to Bigger Opportunities

FLL Explore and Challenge are part of a broader FIRST robotics pathway we’re proud to offer.

As learners move into Secondary school, they’ll have the opportunity to take part in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)—a more advanced robotics program using metal components, sensors, and complex programming.

If you’d like to learn more about the global programme, visit www.firstinspires.org.

Let the building, coding, teamwork, and discovery begin! 💡🤖🌍

FLL Promo-20/06/2025, 08:07.mp4

LIBRARY

As we continue to explore and learn about the environment and the ocean the past two weeks, this week our library was filled with creativity and compassion as learners brought ocean creatures to life with colour! Through colouring activities, learners explored the vibrant world of marine life, expressing their imagination and artistic skills.

We also had the opportunity to watch an informative documentary about saving African penguins, highlighting the challenges they face and the importance of conservation efforts. This film raised awareness about the impact of human actions of on these amazing creatures and sparked meaningful discussions about our role in protecting their habitats. Through this documentary, we learnt about the Nest Project to save the African penguins.

We are proud to inspire a love for learning and a passion for conservation in our learners!

Quick Links

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)

Dates for 2025

Autumn Quarter: 08 April - 25 June

*Mid-term break: 29 April - 2 May

Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September

Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December

PARENT LEARNER DIRECTORY

Our Parent Learner Directory contains all the information you will need. You can find this important document under the General Tab

2025 SENIOR PREP P&L Information Directory.pdf

Update emergency contact details on the Edana Multi-portal App

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...

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Please join me in wishing Mrs Govender a happy birthday for 15 July (during the school holidays).

School closes on Wednesday 25 June at 13:00 and there is no aftercare on that day. School reopens on Tuesday 22 July at 07:30 and sport commences on Wednesday 23 July.

Have a wonderful holiday.