Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
21 November 2025
21 November 2025
The Executive Prefects had the honour of attending the Graduation Ceremony of the little ones in
Christopher Robin Pre-Primary today.
Celebrating 45 years of excellence at Christopher Robin Pre-Primary!
A special moment in this year’s Graduation was hearing from our Director, Mr Michael Paul Roth, who addressed the Grade R class with warmth and pride, and who also graduated from Christopher Robin Pre-Primary back in 2001.
Graduation 2025 Director’s Message
Welcome to our 45th Graduation Ceremony.
This morning, we honour our Graduates and bid them a fond farewell as they progress to BIG school and the excitement of Grade 1.
We look forward to observing our futurepreners as they move through the College over the next 12 years and hopefully matriculate with us in 2037.
It is with confidence that we hand them over to Mrs Lamb and her team of specialists. Riette, we thank you and each member of your team for making our Pre-Primary the wonderful place that it is.
Robert Fulghum wrote the following, which aptly describes how we should live our lives and as parents, you may still recall some of these valuable lessons from your days in Pre-School.
Wisdom was not at the top of the Graduate Mountain, but there in the sandbox where we learned…
1. share everything
2. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your mess
3. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody
4. Wash your hands before you eat
5. Flush
6. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you
7. Live a balanced life
8. Learn some, think some, draw and paint and sing, dance and play and work some, every day
9. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together
10. Be aware of wonder
11. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup - the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all
like that
12. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup – they all die. So do we.
13. And then remember the book about Biff and Chip, and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK
14. Everything you need to know is in there somewhere
15. The Golden Rules: treat others as you would want to be treated; remember, love and basic sanitation; ecology, politics and sane living
16. Think of what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk at about 3 o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap.
17. Or if we had a basic policy in our nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own messes.
18. And it is still true; no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is better to hold hands and stick together.
The importance of sharing true values such as these with our children, ensures that we continue raising responsible, independent, thoughtful and kind young people.
Our love and best wishes accompany each and every graduate. We are hopeful they will continue to hold hands and stick together on the exciting journey that awaits them.
Our sincere appreciation to our Pre-Primary parent body, for entrusting us with your child's future. Remember, it is a journey we can all share.
Now finally, a message to our little learners, Pooh said the following to Piglet:
On behalf of the family of the College, our Chair, Board, Principals and educators –
May the holiday Season bring you its treasures in abundance,
lasting friendships, family joys, health and prosperity
Michael Paul Roth
Dear Parents
The end of the academic year is fast approaching and this will be the second last blog for the year.
Please ensure that you are prepared for 2026 by reading all the information below:
2026 Textbooks and Stationery Requirements
Please see the 2026 requirements tab for details on Caxton Textbook and Waltons Stationery requirements per grade for 2026. Grade 7 requirements are available in the Secondary Faculty memo - http://secblog.parklands.co.za
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.
Thank you to each of our families for your support of our outreach initiatives. It was wonderful to see a burst of colour coming through the door as our learners wore their funky socks in aid of Home of Hope.
Video of Funky Socks parade (credit Ms Struwig)
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.
Device Requirements can be accessed from the 2026 Requirements Tab. Grade 7 device requirements in the Secondary Faculty Memo: https://secblog.parklands.co.za
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 also have a number of Black Friday specials so this is a great time to buy a new device for your child if you need one for 2026.
The following slides have been developed collaboratively using AI and our ICT Acceptable User and AI policies.
Please use these slides each week as conversation starters with your child on responsible digital citizenship.
SA 20 Visits the Senior Preparatory
We had an exciting day today with Cricket Legends visiting our campus - Allan Donald and Dane Piedt. We also had Moshe and YoungstaCPT join us for performances. An incredible day with lots of giveaways. Thank you SA 20 for visiting Parklands College! Thank you to KFm and Cape Times for your coverage of the event.
Here is a taste of the excitement on campus today. We will have more photos and videos next week. Make sure you follow our Parklands Social Media Pages and #SA20
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParklandsCollege/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParklandsTweet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parklandscollege
Looking Back & Looking Ahead🌿
In PSW this week, we took some meaningful time to reflect on the year. The learners shared their favourite memories, the moments they’re most grateful for and even the tough lessons that helped them grow. It was so special hearing their thoughts and realising just how much they’ve matured over the year.
We then shifted our focus to 2026, chatting about what they’re looking forward to, new things they want to try and the ways they hope to help others in the new year. The room was full of hope, honesty and excitement, and it was a beautiful reminder of how thoughtful and capable our Grade 6s truly are.
Maths: Volume, Capacity & Plenty of Discovery 📐
Our Grade 6 learners recently completed a hands-on practical lesson on volume and capacity and they absolutely loved it! Using a variety of rectangular containers, they measured each dimension, calculated the volume and then tested the container’s capacity using a measuring cylinder.
This activity not only strengthened their measuring skills but also helped them apply multiplication in a real-life context. They also gained valuable practice in reading and measuring cylinders accurately, a skill that always takes patience and precision! It was a well-rounded, practical and enjoyable lesson that really helped them understand the connection between volume (the space inside a 3D object) and capacity (how much liquid a container can hold).
What a productive week it has been in Grade 5! We finished up the curriculum, sharpened our language skills, and followed our adventurous reading heroine as we prepare for our exciting camp next week!
In History, we wrapped up our incredible journey following the South African Heritage Trail, exploring the rich history and diverse culture of our nation. Following this, we broadened our horizons and explored some famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the globe, understanding the importance of preserving these historical and natural treasures.
In English, we mastered the literary device of Cause and Effect! We learned how to identify actions and their resulting consequences in stories and our own writing, which really helps with comprehension and storytelling. We also had a blast playing the “One Word” game, which was a fantastic way to test and boost our descriptive vocabulary and quick-thinking skills. It was great to hear everyone's creative descriptions!
In Mathematics, we successfully rounded up our formal Maths curriculum for the year! Our final lessons focused on the fascinating world of Patterns and Scales, allowing us to apply our numerical knowledge to real-world visual and logical problems.
The drama continues with The White Giraffe. This week, we were on the edge of our seats as Martine made the devastating discovery that Jemmy the White Giraffe has been taken by poachers! The next chapter is all about her courageous plan to get him back. We are so excited to find out what happens next!
Important Camp Information: High Africa Adventures!
The highlight of the quarter is almost here! We are ready for an adventure-packed camp at High Africa Adventures next week. Please take note of the final details below:
Monday, 24 November - SP Grass Area (in front of the hall)
Arrival 07:30-08:00
Departure 08:30
Wednesday, 26 November - SP Parking lot
Departure 10:00
Arrival 12:00
Venue: High Africa Adventures, Breede River, Worcester
Teachers Attending: Mrs Holliday, Ms Kirsten, Mrs Govender, and Mr Margetts.
We look forward to an amazing and memorable experience! Please ensure all gear is packed and labelled.
Grade 4 Fun After Assessments! 🍕🚜🎬
With assessments wrapped up, our Grade 4 learners have been diving into some exciting hands-on activities across all subjects!
In Mathematics, the learners explored fractions in the most delicious way possible: using pizza! They created their own pizzas, cut and pasted colourful toppings, and calculated the fractions each topping represented. A tasty way to learn!
In Geography, we shifted from pizza to pastures as learners designed their very own farms. They carefully planned irrigation systems and thought about how water plays a vital role in farming and food production.
For English, creativity took centre stage as the class began crafting a stop-motion film inspired by scenes from Charlotte’s Web. From tiny props to careful frame-by-frame filming, the learners have been bringing the story to life in a whole new way.
It’s been a joyful, imaginative week in Grade 4 filled with learning, creativity, and lots of fun!
Diarise our two awards events at the end of the year. Parents of children receiving recognition at the Sport, Culture and Technology awards were notified by email yesterday. Every Senior Preparatory child will receive a certificate at our Growing Minds Celebration on 3 December at 08h30. Parents are welcome to take their child home after these events.
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:
Current Grade 4 and 5 learners: 2026 SP Music Form
Current Grade 6 learners will receive a form from the Secondary Faculty.
We require a new form to be completed annually. A form for Ensembles, including Choir, and Orchestra, will be shared at the start of 2026.
Congratulations and thank you to all the Grade 6 Choir and Orchestra members who have spent their Preparatory years making music with us. We wish you all of the best for your future musical journey.
Grade 6 Choir
Grade 6 Orchestra
Congratulations to our dancers who received their certificates from the Cape Town Eisteddfod this week. We received outstanding results and are very proud of Sisipho and Sophia for winning their sections.
The excitement is electric on campus this week as we proudly celebrate our World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) learners who are jetting off to Singapore with their coaches for the International WRO competition!
This incredible achievement is the result of months of passion, hard work, and innovation. Our learners have pushed boundaries, solved complex challenges, and demonstrated the true spirit of excellence that defines our school.
Now, they have the honour of representing not only the college, but also South Africa on one of the world’s biggest robotics stages. What a phenomenal milestone!
To our brilliant learners and their dedicated coaches - we are cheering for you all the way! May this journey be filled with inspiration, unforgettable experiences, and moments that make you proud of how far you’ve come.
Go shine, go innovate, and go make history.
Singapore, here they come! 🇿🇦✈️🤖✨
Senior Prep Sports Weekly Update
Senior Preparatory Sports Round-Up
As we approach the final stretch of the term, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our parents, guardians, and learners for your unwavering support throughout the year. It has been an awesome Quarter 4 and a fantastic start to our summer sporting season — our Senior Preparatory athletes have shown tremendous growth, grit, and spirit!
Please note that all Sport and PE sessions for Senior Prep will officially conclude on Friday, 28 November. We will continue with our normal practice schedule right up until then, as we wrap up the programme for 2025.
Looking ahead to the new year, we are excited to share details of our January Cricket Clinic, and we encourage all cricket enthusiasts to sign up — the form is included below.
Additionally, all cricket players are asked to check their emails for a personal invitation to attend the SA20 match at Newlands on Friday, 16 January 2026. This promises to be an unforgettable sporting experience to kick off the year!
Thank you once again for a short, fast-paced and action-packed quarter. Your commitment and energy make our sports programme the success that it is. Let’s enjoy our final week together and finish the term on a high!
PE AND SWIMMING
We're back in the Pool!
Please remember to pack your Parklands swimming costume, Parklands swimming cap, towel and if you need, goggles and come dressed in your PE attire!
Please take note that 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.
Week that was
Our Senior Prep athletes delivered another action-packed week of sporting excitement, filled with tight finishes and strong team performances.
Cricket
U10 Cricket put on a brilliant fight in a nail-biting match against Elkanah, falling short by just 18 runs. The team showed great character and determination throughout.
U12 Cricket treated us to a thriller that went right down to the final ball. Despite a strong push, they narrowly lost by 8 runs. Heath earned Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round contribution.
Softball
U10 Softball delivered a fantastic performance to claim victory over Elkanah, showcasing excellent teamwork and confident hitting.
U11 & U12 Softball teams faced tough opposition and, despite their spirited efforts, went down to Elkanah. The teams continue to grow in confidence and skill with each fixture.
Well done to all our Senior Preparatory players for giving their best and representing Parklands College with pride!
Parklands College Mini Cricket Clinic 2026
ATTENTION: Cricket Lovers
Keep your eyes peeled for an email. We are going to the SA20 on 16 January 2026 at Newlands. Grades 4-6 are invited to watch the mighty MI Cape Town next year!
Please find a link to the notification letter informing the College of a learner's external achievements at Area/Regional/Provincial level.
A Superhero Among Us!💥
We want to give a massive shout-out to our very own Coach Nadine, who competed in her first-ever Half Ironman in Mossel Bay on 16 November!
She took on the challenging swim, cycle and run with absolute determination and strength, conquering each stage like the true superhero she is. Her grit, discipline and unstoppable spirit are nothing short of inspiring. We are so proud of her incredible achievement and our learners are lucky to have such a powerful role model cheering them on every day!
Spring Quarter Co-Curricular Timetable
December Holiday Cricket Clinic
We would like to thank Ariya Naidoo for her Birthday Book donation. This book is an addition to our classic children’s novels called George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl.
The story follows George Kranky, an eight-year-old boy who concocts a magical potion to deal with his grumpy and mean-spirited grandmother.
We are grateful for your support of our library!
College striped blazers with new braiding
Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer with the braiding from the start of 2026. To ensure timely delivery, we advise you to place your order with our uniform supplier, School and Leisure, early.
2026 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)
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
Socks available from School and Leisure
Parklands College white striped anklet socks in summer for girls.
Parklands College Grey striped socks for boys
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)
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
We bid farewell to Ms Magadana at the end of the year.
Thank you for your service and dedication to the College. We wish you well in your new endeavours.
Library
Our Parent Learner Directory contains all the information you will need. You can find this important document under the General Tab
Update emergency contact details on the Edana Multi-portal App
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...
Here are some important dates for this quarter:
Spring Quarter Dates
Monday 24 November:
Grade 5 Camp
Tuesday 25 November:
Grade 5 Camp
Wednesday 26 November:
Grade 5 Camp
Friday 28 November:
Grade 3-5 Domino Day @ 09:00
Grade 6 Fashion Show @ 11:00
Tuesday 2 December:
Happy Birthday Candice Holder
Sport, Culture and Technology Awards 13:00-14:00
Wednesday 3 December:
Happy Birthday Austyn Delport
SP Growing Minds Celebration 08:30-10:00
Grade 6 Farewell @ 18:00
Thursday 4 December:
Takeover day
Friday 5 December:
Last day of quarter - collection @ 11:00
Reports Released to Parents
FLL Nationals
Sunday 14 December:
Happy Birthday Mrs Oxley-Simpson
Tuesday 17 December:
Happy Birthday Louise Wells
Have a wonderful weekend,
Paul Mayers
Senior Preparatory Principal
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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