Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
13 February 2026
13 February 2026
Dear Parents
What an incredible day of connection and joy! The energy on campus was absolutely electric as we celebrated Friendship Day.
We were blown away by how wonderful the learners looked—the school was transformed into a vibrant sea of Red, Pink, and White! It was truly heartwarming to see everyone celebrating kindness and community in such style.
Please take note of the following information:
Reminder to please join us for one of the Klikd Parent Onboarding Webinars (live, online) on Monday or Wednesday:
Monday 16 February 19h30 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82109128319
Zoom Meeting ID: 821 0912 8319
Wednesday 18 February 19h30 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86848681925
Zoom Meeting ID: 868 4868 1925
Grade 4 Parents are invited to come and visit the Grade 4 Museum of Me projects in the hall on Wednesday 18 February at 13:45.
In the interest of security, we remind all parents who need to drop items off or collect children outside of our drop-off and collection times to please report to reception.
Please note that school opens at 7:30 and there is no supervision for learners until 07h30, other than planned sporting activities and extra lessons on certain days. To ensure everyone's safety, please do not leave your child unattended before 07h30. School is locked at 16:45.
Learners may come dressed in Green and Gold next week Friday, 20 February as we celebrate Protea (Bok) Friday!
Sign-ups are open for the Interhouse Gala on 25 March during school hours. Please sign up your child here: Inter House Sign Up Form
What a wonderful display of Colour ahead of this weekend!
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.
MEET THE KLIKD TEAM AND LEARN MORE
Please join in hearing from Sarah and Pam and to ask any questions you have as a parent by joining our Zoom meeting on Monday 16 February OR Wednesday 18 February 2026. To join the meeting, use the Zoom Links below:
Klikd Parent Onboarding Webinar (live, online):
Monday 16 February 19h30
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82109128319 Meeting ID: 821 0912 8319
Wednesday 18 February 19h30
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86848681925 Meeting ID: 868 4868 1925
Together, we can help our children become safe, responsible, and happy digital citizens.
We look forward to embarking on this journey with you and are confident this initiative will have a positive and lasting impact on our school community.
The future requires people who are innovative, humanity-centred, relationship-oriented, compassion-focused, values-driven, globally-conscious and planet-sensitive, in order to guarantee that this generation will become REAL agents of change. The values necessary to sustain life on earth, as humans and environmentalists, are incorporated in five global competencies across our curriculum under our “Growing Minds” banner: Critical Thinkers, Effective Communicators, Purposeful Collaborators, Creative Agents and Responsible Citizens.
In assembly this week, we awarded the following learners with growing minds shields. Congratulations to each of you and well done on being nominated for this award.
Olu
Effective Communicator
Awarded to Olu for demonstrating an improved work ethic in the Science classroom and for the thought and detail she has been putting into answering her activities.
Gia Jenna
Responsibable Citizen
Awarded to Jenna for consistently presenting her work with exceptional neatness, taking pride in her efforts, and setting a high standard for herself in all that she does.
It is hard to believe we are already wrapping up the fourth week of the quarter! The initial "back-to-school" nerves have officially transformed into a high-altitude focus. Our Grade 6 learners are stepping into their roles as leaders with grit and grace, proving that they are ready to make this year truly historic.
Mastering the Narrative
This week, we dove into the heart of storytelling. Through our Comprehension and Creative Writing assessments, learners explored the mechanics of Narrative Writing. We’ve been learning that a great story doesn't just happen; it’s built through vivid descriptions and emotional depth. Watching our learners transition from readers to analytical thinkers and creative authors has been a highlight of the week. They aren't just writing stories; they are finding their voices.
Wat beteken dit om ’n vriend te wees?
In celebration of Vriendskapsdag (Friendship Day), our learners combined their creativity with their Afrikaans language skills. Each learner designed a poster exploring what friendship means to them. They had to select powerful descriptive words; vriendelik, getrou, eerlik, of ondersteunend, to describe their own character as a friend. It was heartening to see such a colourful display of kindness and to hear them express the value of "vriendskap" in a second language.
PSW: The Pillars of Self-Esteem
In Personal and Social Wellbeing, we focused on the internal engine that drives success: Self-Esteem. We’ve discussed that confidence is a habit, not a lucky trait. To build a positive self-image, we are focusing on four daily essentials:
Good Hygiene & Healthy Eating: Respecting our bodies as the vessels for our dreams.
Exercise: Boosting our energy and mental clarity.
Daily Affirmations: Speaking kindly to ourselves to build mental strength.
The Power of One
We shared a moving moment in class reflecting on the "Power of One" poem. It reminded us that while we are a team, every individual has the agency to spark change. Whether it's a kind word or standing up for what’s right, our learners are realising that one person - one Grade 6 learner - truly has the power to shift the atmosphere of our entire school.
At Parklands College, our ethos focuses on educating the "whole child." We believe outdoor education is essential for developing social and emotional life skills. With that spirit of adventure in mind, we are thrilled to announce our Grade 6 Leadership Camp!
Dates: Wednesday, 18 March – Friday, 20 March 2026
Location: Genesis Camp, Porterville (visit www.campgenesis.co.za)
Cost: R1,970 per learner (Includes transport, meals, and activities)
This action-packed trip is designed to foster leadership and teamwork. To secure your child’s place, please complete the Reply Slip & Parklands College Indemnity Form and Camp Genesis Online Indemnity by Friday, 20 February 2026. These trips are often the highlight of the year, creating memories that last far beyond the classroom!
As we fly through the first month of the academic year, our theme remains clear: Positivity. We are soaring above the small stuff and keeping our eyes on our big goals. The resilience shown in our first formal assessments has set a fantastic tone for the rest of the quarter. Keep climbing, Grade 6!
What an incredible week of learning! In Maths, we rounded things off… literally! Discovering why rounding numbers is important and how to do it effectively (we promise the lessons were well-rounded!). English saw us becoming master storytellers, crafting narratives that flow seamlessly from captivating beginnings to brilliant endings, packed with just the right details. Our Afrikaans listening skills were put to the test as we explored the animal kingdom, from majestic wild lions to our beloved dogs and cats. In isiXhosa, we practiced paragraph writing about "My Holiday," sharing our fun adventures. History took us deep into the lives of hunter-gatherers, where we discovered their incredible knowledge of using plants from their natural environment to create medicine.
Geography's mapwork revealed a fascinating fact: Did you know that Africa is so enormous that the USA, China, India, and most of Europe could fit inside it combined? Finally, in PSW, we explored the full spectrum of emotions: the good, the bad, and everything in between and identified the special people in our lives who help us navigate our feelings. What a brilliant week of growth and discovery!
OUTING TO THE CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE
This week has been full of excitement and creativity in Grade 4. Our outing to the Castle of Good Hope was an incredible experience, where learners explored Cape Town’s rich history, walked through the old fort walls, and brought their Social Sciences learning to life.
“MUSEUM OF ME” PROJECTS SHOWCASE
Back at school, the energy continued in Makerspace, where learners worked hard on their imaginative “Museum of Me” projects, carefully designing and creating displays that tell their unique stories. We can’t wait to share these with you. Parents are warmly invited to come and view the finished museums on Wednesday the 18th of February at 13:45.
In English, we had lots of fun learning how to write well-structured paragraphs using our “hamburger” model, helping us stack our ideas clearly with a top bun (introduction), juicy fillings (details), and a bottom bun (conclusion). What a busy and rewarding week of learning and growing together.
Formal and informal assessments in the Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6) take place regularly throughout the quarter after certain concepts or skills have been taught.
Informal assessments are usually integrated into daily class activities at any point during the quarter. Learners must apply their knowledge and skills learnt in various ways, from oral presentations to written paragraphs that explain their understanding of a concept to research projects that enhance their understanding of a specific topic. All informal assessments are completed at school and no studying is required.
Formal assessments take place on a specific date in the quarter after a larger section of content has been taught. Studying is required for these assessments and it is recommended that a quiet space is set up at home where your child is able to prepare for these assessments. Teachers also do revision in class with the learners before each formal assessment.
The Education Department monitors learner absenteeism, and the only valid reasons endorsed by the Education Department are as follows:
Learners may only miss an assessment (examination) supported by documentary evidence for the following reasons:
- Illness (must be supported by a valid medical doctor's certificate)
- Family bereavement (letter required)
- Representing the country or province in a sporting or cultural event (official letter required)
All absences for these reasons must be accompanied by the appropriate documentary evidence as indicated above.
Your cooperation in maintaining regular attendance helps us provide the best possible education for your child.
Please see the Grade 4 - 6 Assessment schedules for Quarter 1 below.
Please visit that Academics Tab for the Google Assessment Calendars for each grade. Details of work to study is linked in the description of each calendar entry and is loaded two weeks prior to each formal assessment.
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
AUTUMN AWAKENINGS:
Our Autumn Awakenings Choir Concert in March will feature senior choirs from Blouberg Ridge, Blouberg International and Table View together with our Junior and Senior Preparatory Choirs. Tickets are now on sale using Quicket: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/314085-autumn-awakenings-choir-festival/
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:
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.
WHY READ MYTHOLOGY?
Mythology has been with us for many centuries and our learners find these ancient stories fascinating. It is all around us: the names of the planets, months of the year, days of the week, scientific names and other literary references. Whether studying the sciences, maths or literature, references to mythology pop up everywhere. This week we have been introducing the first of the Percy Jackson series, which features the tales of Greek mythology in a modern setting. Author Rick Riordan has made a huge contribution to children's literature by bringing the characters from Norse, Roman, Egyptian and Greek mythology to life through his many books, which children adore.
The television series is currently streaming on Disney+. Season 1 was a tremendous success, winning 8 awards at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Season 2, based on book 2 in the series, started streaming in December 2025, and Season 3, based on Book 3, The Titan’s Curse, is currently in production. Rick Riordan is personally writing the script to ensure that the story is true to the original book series.
READING TO OUR PETS
Our library challenge is generating much enthusiasm and interest. Learners can still submit their photographs until the 28th of February.
Lost at Sea: Navigating Design Thinking and Innovative Prototyping
This past Friday, our Senior Prep learners faced a high-stakes challenge during our 1st Robotics afternoon session. They weren't just building robots; they were stepping into the shoes of survival engineers tasked with a critical mission: The "Lost at Sea" Storage Challenge.
The objective was simple but demanding: design and build an innovative, space-saving storage solution for the top five essential items they would need on a small lifeboat. This task pushed our learners to exercise their Growing Minds values from start to finish.
Using iPads, learners began by sketching their concepts. This stage required intense Critical Thinking - they had to consider weight distribution, accessibility, and the harsh conditions of the open ocean.
Once the sketches were finalised, the lab became a hub for the Creative Agency. Learners transitioned from 2D designs to 3D prototypes using Lego.
The energy across Senior Prep sport continues to build as we head into another exciting round of fixtures.
Our U10, U11, and U12 Cricket teams have been putting in focused work at training - sharpening batting partnerships, tightening up bowling consistency, and improving fielding intensity. There’s a real sense of purpose in the nets as learners prepare to transfer practice performances into match situations.
On the tennis courts, both our U12 A and U12 B teams have been working on tactical awareness and doubles combinations. Communication, composure, and consistency remain key themes, and it’s been fantastic to see the growth in confidence during match-play drills.
Across all codes, the message remains clear: preparation creates performance. Effort at practice, positive body language, and supporting teammates are what build strong sporting foundations.
Next Friday, we’ll be celebrating Protea Friday - our version of Bok Friday - in support of the South Africa national cricket team as they compete in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup!
Learners are encouraged to:
Wear green and gold
Show their South African spirit
Celebrate cricket excellence
Bring the gees! 🇿🇦
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect what we do at school level with the bigger stage of international sport - inspiring our learners to dream big while enjoying the spirit of the game.
We look forward to another strong week of growth, teamwork, and competitive spirit as our Senior Prep learners proudly represent Parklands College.
Let’s keep building momentum - and let’s bring the Protea gees next Friday!
Another competitive and character-building week of sport for our Senior Prep learners, with strong performances across both Cricket and Tennis.
U11 Cricket vs Milnerton (Away)
Won by 4 wickets
A composed chase and disciplined bowling effort secured a fantastic away victory.
Player of the Match: Cooper
U12 Cricket vs Edgemead (Home)
Lost by 53 runs
A tough outing against a strong side, but valuable lessons learned as the season progresses.
Player of the Match: Bevan
U10 Cricket vs Milnerton (Away)
Loss by 21 runs
Despite the result, there were encouraging signs and growing confidence within the group.
Player of the Match: Leon
🎾 Tennis Results
U12 A vs VRS (Away)
3–3 Draw
A tightly contested fixture with great resilience shown throughout.
Player of the Match: Renier
U12 B vs Blouberg International (Home)
Lost 0–6
A challenging match against strong opposition, but an important opportunity for growth and experience.
Player of the Match: Sebastian
Across the board, what continues to stand out is the effort and attitude shown by our learners. Wins are celebrated, losses are reflected on, and each fixture becomes a stepping stone for development.
We’re proud of the commitment shown by our Senior Prep athletes as they continue to represent Parklands College with determination and pride.
Onwards to another exciting week of fixtures!
Inter House Gala Sign Up:
Wednesday, 25 March 2026 @ 10:30-12:30
If your child would like to participate in the Inter House Gala, please complete the sign-up form below:
Sports 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.
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
MILNERTON HOCKEY CLUB JUNIOR TEAM
We are opening the registration form for the upcoming trials on 28 February. Kindly register your child's interest at the following URL: https://forms.gle/vHw8iYra8hJ5FaML9
The times for each age group are as follows:
U11 boys & girls 08:00 - 08:50
U13 girls 08:55 - 09:45
U13 boys 09:50 - 10:40
U15 girls 10:45 - 11:35
U15 boys 11:40 - 12:30
Parents, there will be a masters representative down for any parent who is interested in playing as well, there is a tickbox on the registration form, please select that and we will contact you directly. If there is enough interest, we may even have a little friendly match on the day for the parents to show the kids who the actual stars are
Reminder, trials are not compulsory. We understand there are a few kids who are unable to attend due to other commitments. For those unable to make it, we will use the first couple of training sessions to place those players in their teams. Further information and details are on the form.
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. 🐶🐱💙
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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)
Our Parent Learner Directory contains all the information you will need. You can find this important document under the General Tab
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...
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
Friday 13 February:
Happy Birthday Kaylan Pietersen
Saturday 14 February:
Open Day
SP Choir Rehearsal
Monday 16 February:
Klikd Online Parent Information Presentation (Option 1) - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82109128319
Wednesday 18 February:
13:45-14:15 Grade 4 Museum of Me PBL Showcase in the Hall
Klikd Online Parent Information Presentation (Option 2) - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86848681925
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 !Kwa tthu (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 (Reply Slip & Parklands College Indemnity Form & Camp Genesis Online Indemnity)
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
We wish all our Muslim familys a peaceful Ramadan, a time of prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection starting next week. Ramadan Mubarak.
Tomorrow is Open Day is on Saturday 14 February. If you know of someone who would like to join our Parklands family please let them know about Open Day. We would love to welcome them onto our campus.
Reminder to please join one of the online sessions next week Monday or Wednesday as we launch the Klikd programme.
We wish Kaylan Pietersen (4A class teacher) a very happy birthday for today, 13 February, and Kirsten Hartley (Gr 4&5 Art) happy birthday for Wednesday, 18 February.
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