Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
30 April 2026
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
Reminder that all learners need to please switch to winter uniform on Monday, 4 May.
Principal Paul Memo Q2W4-26.MOV
UNIFORM
UNIFORM
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
Girls Winter Uniform
Parklands College striped blazer with braiding
Parklands College tunic
Black opaque tights
Black school shoes
Hair accessories: white, black or navy only
Parklands College school cap (wide brim or peak cap)
Parklands College jersey or cardigan (optional)
Parklands College navy blue scarf (optional)
Boys Winter Uniform
Parklands College striped blazer with braiding
White long sleeved shirt with top button
Parklands College tie
Grey long trousers
Parklands College long grey striped socks
Black school shoes
Hair accessories: white, black or navy only
Parklands College school cap (wide brim or peak cap)
Parklands College jersey or cardigan (optional)
Parklands College navy blue scarf (optional)
Note that if a scarf is worn, only the official Parklands College navy blue scaff is permitted.
SPACE EDUCATION
SPACE EDUCATION
We are excited to announce that Parklands College Secondary Faculty will be hosting a Space Educators Conference during World Space Week in October.
ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS
Our Quarter 2 academic programme is in full swing and our teachers have prepared a structured and engaging curriculum, ensuring that each lesson builds meaningfully on the last. New concepts are introduced daily, and informal assessments are conducted regularly to monitor progress and support each learner’s development.
School Attendance
We wish to remind parents and learners that regular school attendance is crucial. Long-term absentees and extended vacations can result in learners missing these key learning opportunities. Please assist us by ensuring your child attends school regularly and punctually.
Please see our Learner Attendance Policy for further details.
Please note that a doctor's certificate is required if a learner is absent for a formal assessment. Please contact the Principal (pmayers@parklands.co.za) or Head of Academics (ldrawbridge@parklands.co.za) to ask for permission for your child to be absent for any other reason.
Informal Assessments
Our learners are in the process of completing various informal assessments, which are integrated into the daily class activities throughout the quarter. All informal assessments are completed at school and no studying is required.
Formal Assessments
A reminder to click on the specific grade assessment calendars on the academic tab to see your child's formal assessment schedule and study details. The study details are posted at least two weeks before the assessment. Please check calendars regularly to stay updated.
Grade 4 Assessment Schedules Q2 2026.pdfGrade 5 Assessment Schedules Q2 2026.pdfGrade 6 Assessment Schedules Q2 2026.pdfGRADE 6 NEWS
GRADE 6 NEWS
Three days. Seventy-two hours. And yet, somehow, our Grade 6s managed to pack in enough learning and laughter to fill a fortnight! Between mastering the art of the perfect metaphor and learning how to 'round up' our Maths skills, we’ve been busy bees. We may have had a short week on the calendar, but we’ve had a massive week in terms of progress.
Three days. Seventy-two hours. And yet, somehow, our Grade 6s managed to pack in enough learning and laughter to fill a fortnight! Between mastering the art of the perfect metaphor and learning how to 'round up' our Maths skills, we’ve been busy bees. We may have had a short week on the calendar, but we’ve had a massive week in terms of progress.
English: A Linguistic Mystery
English: A Linguistic Mystery
Our young writers have been sharpening their "figurative" tools this week. Can you solve this riddle to see what we’ve been learning?
I am the alliteration in a busy bee's buzz, and the assonance in a deep, green breeze. I can make a simile as bright as the sun, or a metaphor that says you are the champion. I give the wind a voice through personification, and when things get loud, I bring the onomatopoeia with a CRASH! I might use hyperbole to say I’ve told you a million times, but I’ll always end with a rhyme to make it sublime. What am I?
(Answer: Figurative Language!)
Maths: The Great Rounding Rescue
Maths: The Great Rounding Rescue
We’ve been busy "rounding" up numbers this week! Whether we are looking at whole numbers, tenths, or hundredths, the goal is the same: finding the nearest neighbor.
Top Teaching Tip: We’ve been using the "5 or more, let it soar; 4 or less, let it rest" rule. When rounding to the hundredth (the second house after the decimal point), always look at the neighbor in the thousandths place to decide if you should stay put or climb higher!
PSW: Mapping Out Success
PSW: Mapping Out Success
With the assessment period appearing on the horizon, our Personal and Social Wellbeing lessons focused on the power of the Study Timetable. We discussed how a timetable isn't just about work, it’s about carving out time for rest, play and sport so that we don't feel overwhelmed.
Why it matters:
It reduces "night-before" stress.
It builds a habit of consistency.
It makes big goals feel like small, manageable steps.
Grade 6 Makerspace
Our Makerspace sessions provide learners with an exciting opportunity to explore creativity, problem-solving, and innovation through hands-on learning. During this time, learners are encouraged to think critically, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
Currently, learners are engaged in designing and building their own water purification systems. Using a variety of materials, they are experimenting with different filtration methods to remove impurities from water. This project not only strengthens their understanding of scientific concepts such as filtration and water conservation, but also develops essential skills such as teamwork, design thinking, and perseverance.
GRADE 5 NEWS
GRADE 5 NEWS
What a productive short week it has been! In Maths, we continued building on our understanding of fractions, exploring how to compare, order, and add them - skills the learners are growing in confidence with each day.
In English, we focused on strengthening our grammar by unpacking simple and compound sentences, and we also launched our assessments with an engaging written task that the class approached with great enthusiasm. History took us further into the lives of the first farmers, where we marvelled at their ingenuity, particularly in the construction of their homes.
In Geography, we continued examining the mining industry and the significant environmental impact it carries, encouraging thoughtful discussion around sustainability. Rounding off the week, the learners have been making wonderful progress on Mathletics and Reading Eggs, enjoying the platforms and earning well-deserved points along the way. A great reflection of their effort and eagerness to learn.
GRADE 4 NEWS
GRADE 4 NEWS
This week in Grade 4 has been filled with hands-on learning and a touch of imagination!
In Mathematics, we explored shapes by building our own 3D models. Learners investigated and identified vertices, faces and edges, bringing their understanding to life through practical construction. It was wonderful to see such engagement as they created and described each shape.
In English, we stepped through our very own time travel portal and journeyed into the future! Using Magic Move in Keynote, learners explored how to change sentences from the present tense into the simple future tense, making grammar both visual and exciting.
Keynote Magic Move 2.mp4Keynote Magic Move 1.mp4In Afrikaans, creativity took centre stage as learners designed fun and engaging GIFs. These helped reinforce how to use voegwoorde (conjunctions) to join two sentences together, supporting both language understanding and digital skills.
A fantastic week of creativity and meaningful learning!
SCIENCE CLUB
SCIENCE CLUB
Learners were introduced to the concept of projectile motion through a practical, hands-on activity using “fly-its.” They observed the parabolic shape formed during the motion of the object, helping them understand how objects move in a curved path when projected into the air.
To deepen their understanding, learners measured both the distance and time of each throw. They also used a clinometer to measure the angle at which the object was launched. This allowed them to explore how different angles affect the trajectory and range of the projectile.
CULTURE
CULTURE
Quarter 2 and 3 Co-curricular Sign-up Form
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: 2026 SP Music Form
DANCE:
Please read through the
JP/SP Dance 2026 Enrolment Form information and contact Sylvia Stander sstander@parklands.co.za
if you have any queries.
Grade Five Drama Enrichment Class
The Grade Fives created magazine covers using phrases written by William Shakespeare. They had great fun interpreting ‘Green Eyed Monster’, ‘Vanish into Thin Air’, ‘Fight Fire with Fire’ and even ‘At Sixes and Sevens’.
Drama Lab Production - Annie Jr
Drama Lab Production - Annie Jr
We congratulate both Olivia and Lela who have been cast in the Drama Lab of Annie Jr that will be running in May 2026. Please see details if you would like to support them and book tickets. Olivia will be performing in the “Maybe” cast and Lela in the “Tomorrow” Cast.
Senior Prep: Welcome Back and Gear Up!
Senior Prep: Welcome Back and Gear Up!
It has been a whirlwind of a week for Senior Prep! We begin by extending a very warm "welcome home" to our U12 Netballers, who have just returned from a grueling but rewarding 4-day tour to Knysna. We are incredibly proud of the grit and sportsmanship you showed on the road—take some time to rest those legs, you’ve earned it!
The Week That Was: Hockey Results
The Week That Was: Hockey Results
Our hockey teams were in action against some tough competitors this week. While the short weeks changed our usual rhythm, the intensity on the Astro remained high.
Girls Hockey vs. Curro Century City
U12: Lost 1-0. A heart-wrenching, narrow defeat in a game that could have gone either way. The defensive work was outstanding. Khloe (POTM)
Boys Hockey vs. Edgemead
U10: Won 4-1. A dominant attacking display with some fantastic goals. Luke (POTM)
U11: Won 1-0. A disciplined and gritty performance to secure the clean sheet. Great (POTM)
U12/13: Lost 0-4. A tough outing against a very strong Edgemead side, but the boys fought until the final whistle. Heath (POTM)
Looking Ahead: The Return to Routine
Looking Ahead: The Return to Routine
We have a massive week ahead with the following codes back in full swing:
Hockey
Rugby
Netball
Chess
A Spark of Motivation: The Strength to Keep Going
A Spark of Motivation: The Strength to Keep Going
Coming off the back of a tour or a series of public holidays can sometimes make it hard to find your rhythm again. But true athletes are defined by how they handle transitions.
Keep Striving: Whether you’re coming off a big win, a tough loss, or a long bus ride back from Knysna, the secret to success is consistency. Don’t let the short weeks slow your momentum. Every practice is an opportunity to get 1% better. Stay motivated, work hard for your teammates, and remember: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Let’s bring the energy next week, Senior Prep!
Knysna Netball Tour RoundUp
Knysna Netball Tour RoundUp
U12 Knysna Netball Tour: 23–26 April 2026 💛🏐
What a 4 days it was! The Grade 6 highlight of the year lived up to every expectation and then some.
Thursday – Gentle Giants & New Friends
Before sunrise, our U12s were on the road, buzzing with excitement. First stop: Heidelberg Wimpy for a quick lunch and team check-in. Then straight into tour magic at Knysna Elephant Park. Walking trunk-to-trunk and feeding these gentle giants was pure wonder — for some, a first, and for others, a fear conquered with teammates by their side. The day closed with our famous “build-a-burger” night. Full plates, full hearts, and new friendships formed as our girls connected with players from other schools. The Knysna spirit was officially alive.
Friday – Early Starts & High Spirits
If you want to know how excited they were: 5:45am, dressed and ready — 45 minutes before call time! Festival organisers led a high-energy warm-up and our girls hit the courts for 4 games, playing with grit and smiles. Afternoon = pool time at Knysna River Club to cool off, then pizza at Chatters… aptly named, because the chatting never stopped. The bonds were building as fast as the laughter.
Saturday – Courts, Speedboats & Island Views
A quick, sharp morning on court with 3 games played, and then the spoils began. Our players were treated to a speedboat trip to the iconic Knysna Heads. The water was like glass as we cruised past the Heads, with endless ocean on one side and breathtaking mountainous landscapes, hidden caves, and natural rock masterpieces on the other. Pure magic. These islands gave us time to shop, explore, and share dinner together. By the time we got back, it was happy, tired eyes all around.
Sunday – Heart Until the Last Whistle
The final day on court is always a test — spirits want to soar, but the week catches up. It didn’t matter. Our girls gave it their absolute BEST, supporting each other through every pass, intercept, and goal. That’s what this tour is about: team, heart, memories.
Gratitude
None of this happens without the village behind us.
To Jared Margetts, our Head of Sport — thank you for the countless behind-the-scenes hours that gave us a stress-free, seamless tour. You let us focus on netball and the girls, and we felt that.
To Mr Ben Mbaya — our safe driver, photographer, elephant-wrangler, and boat buddy. Year after year, you get us there on time and smiling. Everything you do is with passion, dedication, and care, and we felt it every kilometer.
To Ms Prinsloo, our Coach Simi — your passion and love light up the courts and our girls. On tour, we were so in sync that we were finishing each other’s sentences. Thank you for making me a better coach and umpire. Working with you was a privilege.
Knysna Tour 2026 didn’t just give us netball. It gave us courage, laughter, boat rides, shared pizzas, and friendships that will last far beyond Grade 6. We are so proud of our girls — and so grateful for the memories we made together. 💫
Coach Nadine
Our U12 girls absolutely blew me away in Knysna! They started strong and finished even stronger, proving that their greatest skill is how they play together, both on and off the court.
From the magic of the Elephant Sanctuary to the thrill of a speedboat through the Knysna Heads, every moment was filled with laughter and bonding. Beyond the goals scored, the late-night chats and morning giggles created memories that will last a lifetime. This tour was about so much more than netball; it was about the bonds that make a team a family.
"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean." To our girls: The way you supported each other and the joy you shared this week will last forever. Keep playing with that much heart!
🩷
Coach Simi
Hyrox PE Week
Hyrox PE Week
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2026
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2026
Senior Preparatory 2026 Uniform requirements.pdfANNOUNCEMENT
ANNOUNCEMENT
Friday Hockey Sports Hour
Please note, all Hockey learners will be transported to the Secondary Faculty for Hockey training on astro at 13h15 - 14h30. All learners will be transported back to Parklands College Senior Prep - no learner will be permitted to be picked up from the Secondary campus.
External Achievements in Sport
External Achievements in Sport
Please find a link to the form to notify the College of a learner's external achievements at Area/Regional/Provincial level. We request that you upload an image to the form where possible. Any queries to our Head of Sport, Coach Jared - jmargetts@parklands.co.za
Sport Quick Links
Sport Quick Links
OUTREACH 2026
OUTREACH 2026
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.
PARKLANDS COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH KLIKD FOR A DIGITAL SAFETY SOLUTION
Parenting in the digital age presents unique challenges. Balancing your child’s need for online interaction with the responsibility of keeping them safe can feel overwhelming. Excluding your child from the digital world might seem isolating, yet providing them with unrestricted access to smart devices without guidance can pose serious risks.
It is vital to equip our children with the skills they need to navigate the digital world confidently, responsibly, and safely. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Klikd, South Africa’s leading digital safety and citizenship company. We will be rolling out Klikd’s Digital Citizenship Programme for Schools for Grades 4-6.
About Klikd
Klikd was founded by clinical psychologist Pam Tudin and social media lawyer Sarah Hoffman, combining their expertise to offer an innovative approach to cyber safety and digital citizenship education.
In today’s world, knowing how to handle challenges such as cyberbullying, gaming addiction, inappropriate content, online predators, managing one’s digital footprint and Artificial Intelligence - is no longer optional -it's essential. These aren’t skills that can be taught in a single school talk but require continuous conversations and guidance, reinforced at school and at home.
The Klikd Digital Citizenship Programme for Schools
Through our partnership with Klikd, we will offer a carefully curated programme that provides learners with the tools they need to thrive in the online world. Importantly, it also empowers you, as parents, with weekly practical resources and strategies to support your child on this journey.
Klikd Parent Information Session Recording
If you missed the Klikd Parent Information Session last week you can find the link to a recording here
Klikd in your Pocket: Parent Update Whatsapp Group
Join KLIKD in Your Pocket - a weekly bite-sized update on what’s trending in your child’s online world.
This WhatsApp broadcast group delivers practical, no-fluff insights on topics like:
🎮 Managing devices during playdates and sleepovers
👀 Accidental pornography pop-ups
🎰 Live gambling features on Roblox (yes, really!)
Each week, you’ll also get 4–5 conversation starters to use at dinner, in the car, or while shopping for that “perfect” hoodie — helping you stay connected and informed.
🟢 No group chat, no noise — just super helpful info.
📸 Scan the QR code or tap the link to join:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/H6zTS0hHpaIIHF2G5PigPq?mode=gi_t
Quick Links
Quick Links
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 else's 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.
Immunisation_schedule.pdfImmunisations2.pdf
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
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
Proposed 2027 Parklands College Dates
Summer Quarter: 19 Jan 2027 - 18 March 2027
Autumn Quarter: 7 April 2027 - 23 June 2027
Winter Quarter: 21 July 2027 - 22 Sept 2027
Spring Quarter: 6 Oct 2027 - 3 Dec 2027
Friday 1 May:
Public Holiday - Workers Day
Monday 4 May:
Star Wars Day
Friday 8 May:
Happy Birthday Samantha April
Saturday 9 May:
SP Choir Rehearsal for ATKV 9-12
Sunday 10 May:
Mothers Day
Monday 11 May:
Junior Tour de Maths @ Milnerton Primary School 17:45
Wednesday 13 May:
Happy Birthday Coach Jared
Saturday 16 May:
SP Choir Rehearsal for ATKV 9-12
Wednesday 20 May:
Happy Birthday Serena Domingo
Thursday 21 May:
ATKV APPLOUS CHOIR competition @ Gene Louw Primary
Friday 29 May:
Reach for a Dream Slipper Day (bring shoes for sports hour)
Saturday 30 May:
Open Day
Monday 1 June:
Happy Birthday Chef Kerry
Wednesday 3 June:
Happy Birthday Chantel Lamb
Thursday 4 June:
Happy Birthday Elise Crouse
Friday 12 June:
SP Choir Performance
Monday 15 June:
Special School Holiday
Tuesday 16 June:
Public Holiday: Youth Day
Happy birthday Thurloe Ernstzen
Wednesday 17 June:
Grade 5 outing (Planetarium)
Thursday 18 June:
SP Music Concert 18:00
Friday 19 June:
SP Reports released to Parents
SP Parent Report Feedback Meetings
Sunday 21 June:
Fathers Day
Monday 22 June:
SP Parent Report Feedback Meetings
Tuesday 23 June:
SP Parent Report Feedback Meetings
Wednesday 24 June:
School Closes at 13:00, no aftercare
Monday 6 July:
Happy Birthday Gary Gilder
Wednesday 15 July:
Happy Birthday Trisha Govender
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
We wish Samantha April a happy birthday for Friday 8 May.
Have a wonderful long 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
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