Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
14 January 2026
Embedded Files
Congratulations to the Matric Class of 2025 on their wonderful Final NSC Results. We celebrate another year of academic excellence!
Dear Parents
Happy new year! A special welcome to all of the new families who are joining Parklands College this year and all of our Grade 4 parents joining the Senior Preparatory Faculty. We look forward to welcoming you for another exciting year of learning commencing on Tuesday 20, January 2026 at 07h45.
Please ensure that you are prepared for the start of the year by reading all the information below:
Co-Curricular Signup
Please complete the Q1 Co-curricular Sign Up Form for all Sport, Drama, Design, Science and Junior Chefs, for each child you have enrolled in the Preparatory Faculty. Note that space is limited for some activities and will be given to those who sign up first. Co-Curriculars commence on Monday 26 January. Sport is compulsory for all learners.
Textbooks and Stationery Requirements
Please see the 2026 requirements tab for details on Caxton Textbook and Waltons Stationery requirements per grade for 2026
Device Requirements
Please see the 2026 requirements tab for 2026 device requirements. iPads that are not able to support the new iPadOS 26 will be required to be replaced.
Uniform and Sports Requirements
Link to 2026 Uniform and Sports Kit Requirements
New Learners
We invite learners who are new to the Parklands College family for a 5 minute pop in to see the teacher on Friday, 16 January 2026 between 10:30 - 11:30.
Parent Information Afternoon (all parents)
Our teachers will host a Parent Information Afternoon on Monday, 19 January 2026 at 15:15, where it is your turn to meet your child’s class teacher and hear more about their daily activities. Grade 4 and 5 parents are encouraged to bring their child's books and stationery on Monday to leave in the classroom to make bags lighter for your child's first day back on Tuesday easier. Please ensure all books and stationery are labelled. Please do NOT cover the books.
Textbooks & Stationery
Textbooks & Stationery
Please see the Textbook Requirements and Stationery for Grade 4 - 6, 2026 on the 2026 Requirements Tab.
Learners are required to take either Afrikaans FAL or isiXhosa FAL as subjects. Please ensure that you only order either Afrikaans or isiXhosa FAL books.
iPad Requirements
iPad Requirements
Device Requirements can be accessed from the 2026 Requirements Tab.
iStore Parent Savings Programme
iStore Parent Savings Programme
Did you know that Parklands College is part of the iStore Parent Savings Programme - watch this short video to see how you have save on a new device for your child.
iStore Parent Savings Programme.mp4
Culture
Culture
CO-CURRICULAR SIGN-UP
We're looking forward to starting our co-curricular programme on Monday, 26 January.
Please complete the Q1 Co-curricular Sign Up Form for all Sport, Drama, Design, Science and Junior Chefs, for each child you have enrolled in the Preparatory Faculty. Note that space is limited for some activities and will be given to those who sign up first.
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 Enrollment Form information and contact Sylvia Stander sstander@parklands.co.za if you have any queries.
STAFFING
STAFFING
Samantha April
Samantha April
Grade 4P
Kaylan Pietersen
Kaylan Pietersen
Grade 4A
Caitlin Struwig
Caitlin Struwig
Grade 4 Grade Head & Grade 4R
Julia Holliday
Julia Holliday
Grade 5 Grade Head & Grade 5P
Jesse Kirsten
Jesse Kirsten
Grade 5A
Lee Robyn
Lee Robyn
Grade 5R
Tayla Blewitt
Tayla Blewitt
Grade 6P, Grade 6 English
Austyn Delport
Austyn Delport
Grade 6A, Robotics and Makerspace
Tarin Hodges
Tarin Hodges
Grade 6R and
Science & Tech Grade 5 & 6
Simoné Prinsloo
Simoné Prinsloo
Grade 6 Grade Head, Grade 6K
& Grade 6 Afrikaans
Louise Wells
Louise Wells
Grade 6 Mathematics
Trisha Govender
Trisha Govender
Grade 6 Social Sciences, Grade 4 Science and SAL
Sivenathi Ngaba
Sivenathi Ngaba
isiXhosa
Snenhlanhla Lugagu
Snenhlanhla Lugagu
Teacher-Librarian
Candice Holder
Candice Holder
Dance
Amy Dean
Amy Dean
Dance
Sylvia Stander
Sylvia Stander
Dance
Nadine Marais-Swart
Nadine Marais-Swart
PE and Sport
Liam Maharage
Liam Maharage
PE and Sport
Courtney Janeiro
Courtney Janeiro
PE and Sport
Gary Gilder
Gary Gilder
PE and Sport
Thurloe Ernstzen
Thurloe Ernstzen
Music and Individual Music
Serena Domingo
Serena Domingo
Individual Music
Khanya Mbikwana
Khanya Mbikwana
isiXhosa SAL
Kirsten Hartley
Kirsten Hartley
Art
Domino day!
At the end of last year we welcomed all of the grade 3s to grade 4. The grade 4s paired up and shared stories of their first year at the Senior Preparatory. We welcome all of our new learners to the Senior Preparatory.
Takeover Day
Takeover Day
We concluded the last quarter with takeover day where our Enrichment Staff turned the campus into some serious fun with Minecraft in Robotics, learning to drive the Mars Rover in the quad, a Library Scavenger Hunt, pool games and inspiring Art, Music and Drama activities.
2025 Grade 6 Farewell
2025 Grade 6 Farewell
The Grade 6 Farewell was a memorable and emotional celebration as our learners marked their final day in the Senior Prep Faculty. The evening was filled with dancing, laughter and moments of pure joy, as friends reflected on shared memories and milestones. There were also a few tears as goodbyes were said, reminding us just how special this journey has been. We are incredibly proud of our Grade 6 learners and wish each of them all the very best as they take their next exciting steps into the Secondary Faculty.
SPORT
SPORT
CO-CURRICULAR SIGN-UP
We're looking forward to starting our co-curricular programme on Monday, 26 January.
Please complete the Q1 Co-curricular Sign Up Form for all Sport, Drama, Design, Science and Junior Chefs, for each child you have enrolled in the Preparatory Faculty. Note that space is limited for some activities and will be given to those who sign up first.
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2026
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2026
Senior Preparatory 2026 Uniform requirements.pdf2026 SP Summer Quarter - MEMO.docxParklands College Mini Cricket Clinic 2026
2026 is off to a good pitch 🏏🔥! Our internal cricket clinic (12-14 January) was a blast! 😄 Skills were boosted, friendships were made, and it was just plain fun. A huge shout-out to our awesome coaches and a massive high-five to our young cricket stars for their energy and enthusiasm 🎉👏 Let the season begin.
External 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.
Congratulations to
Kathryn van der Merwe
on her swimming achevements
Sport Quick Links
Sport Quick Links
Pre-Primary
Pre-Primary
If you have dress-up clothes, dolls’ clothes, or home-corner play items in good condition that your family no longer uses—especially after the festive season—we would gladly give them a new home in our Pre-Primary classrooms. These little additions make playtime richer for the children. Donations can be dropped off at the Pre-Primary at your convenience.
ROBOTICS 2026
ROBOTICS 2026
Dear Robotics Community,
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first full Co-curricular Robotics Programme, running throughout the College—from Pre-Primary right up to Secondary. This programme has been carefully designed to provide a holistic robotics experience, ensuring that every learner has fun, is challenged and gains skills that are valuable for future studies and careers in engineering, mechanics, and technology.
1️⃣ FIRST Robotics Sessions
1️⃣ FIRST Robotics Sessions
Every learner will attend one session per week, known as the FIRST Robotics session.
This is a billable co-curricular, with costs per faculty available on the College fee structure.
Prep Faculty: Fridays (afternoon)
Secondary Faculty: Wednesdays during the utility period (GET & FET)
During these sessions, learners will:
Develop a progressive set of robotics skills, from introductory basics to advanced engineering concepts.
Learn practical and transferable skills that can be applied in competitions, further studies, and the workplace.
2️⃣ Selection for Robotics Teams & Competitions
2️⃣ Selection for Robotics Teams & Competitions
Learners who show interest, commitment, and skill during these sessions will be invited to join our robotics teams to participate in various competitions.
Participation in these competitive teams will involve additional sessions (e.g., Saturdays / holidays), but there is no extra cost for those selected.
Learners already in the Hyperion Bots Team can continue in the team, but attendance at the Wednesday utility session is still required.
3️⃣ Important Notes
3️⃣ Important Notes
The Wednesday Secondary and Friday Preparatory sessions are our current schedule. Any changes will be communicated promptly.
Participation in FIRST Robotics sessions are mandatory for all learners who wish to be considered for competition teams, as these sessions form the foundation for team selections.
💡 Information Online Meeting
We will be hosting an online meeting on 21 January from 17:30 PM to 18:30 PM to explain everything in detail and answer any questions.
Link to Meeting: Google Meet
We are incredibly excited about this new programme and the opportunities it opens for every learner. This is just the beginning of a year filled with creativity, innovation, teamwork, and robotics fun!
Let’s make 2026 a year of building, learning, and competing together!
Warm regards,
The Robotics Team
OUTREACH 2026
OUTREACH 2026
Healthy Lunch Boxes
Healthy Lunch Boxes
Learners require a packed lunch box and a bottle of water for an early morning snack and two break times.
Please note that Parklands College is a nut free zone and no nut butters i.e. peanut butter, Nutella or nuts may be sent to school.
Learners store their lunchbox and water bottles in the classroom. All items must be clearly marked with your child's name.
There are NO tuckshop facilities for the Senior Preparatory learners.
Sunblock & Sun Hats
Sunblock & Sun Hats
Please apply sunblock on all exposed parts of your child’s body before they come to school in the morning. All learners must wear the Parklands College cap/hat for break time and sports. In order to protect your child’s skin from the harsh rays of the sun, we have a “no hat, no play” policy.
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. Learners must be collected before 17h00, as the College is locked at this time.
Parents are required to sign their learners out of aftercare on collection.
A late collection fee of R250 per half hour is charged should your child not be collected by 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 who 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.
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
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
Summer Quarter
Summer Quarter
Sunday 11 January:
Happy Birthday Lauren Drawbridge
Monday 12 January:
Cricket Clinic 9-1pm
Tuesday 13 January:
Cricket Clinic 9-1pm
Wednesday 14 January:
Cricket Clinic 9-1pm
Friday 16 January:
10:30-11:30 New Parklands College Learner Pop in
Monday 19 January:
09:00-12:00 SP Choir Rehearsal
15:15-16:15 Grades 4-6 Parent Information Meeting
Tuesday 20 January:
First Day of the Quarter
Wednesday 21 January:
17:30-18:30 Robotics Parents Meeting Online
Monday 26 January:
Sports and Culture co-curriculars starts
17:00 Grade 1-6 Sports Meeting for Parents
Saturday 31 January:
09:00-10:30 Grade 4 Parent Study Skills Session
Monday 02 February:
Happy birthday Annastacia Mvulana
Thursday 05 February:
World Read Aloud Day
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
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
School starts on Tuesday, 20 January 2025.
We invite learners who are new to the Parklands College family for a 5-minute pop-in to see the teacher on Friday, 16 January 2026 between 10:30 - 11:30.
Our teachers will host a Parent Information Afternoon on Monday, 19 January 2026 at 15:15, where it is your turn to meet your child’s class teacher and hear more about their daily activities.
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 blogs:
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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