Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo

27 February 2026

Dear Parents

We have reached the end of February. Four more of the weeks to go!

Reminder: 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. There are also some fun races that learners can sign up for!

Principal Paul Memo Q1W6-26.MOV

Concern regarding video calls after hours

It has come to our attention that a number of our learners have been engaging in unauthorised Google video calls with friends between 18h00 and 21h00. The intention of this email is to reinforce our safety guidelines and your role in helping us manage your child's digital device usage.

For your child’s safety, please be reminded of the following:

Google Account Access: Please ensure your child does not have access to any Google accounts on their iPad other than their official school account. Use of personal accounts could give them unsafe access to unauthorised services.

Google Meet Restrictions: Please note that the ability for learners to initiate Google Meets is disabled for Senior Prep learners when using their Parklands account. Your child should only be able to join a Meet if it has been initiated by a teacher (on rare occasions, by prior arrangement), and you, as the parent, have received notification of the specific time in advance (e.g., for additional Choir rehearsals).
Teacher Contact Guidelines: We will never ask your child to join a Google Meet without first contacting you, the parent.

We urge you to continue monitoring your child’s device usage at home and have ongoing conversations with them about online safety.

Device Storage Reminder:

Please remember that your child should not have a device with them in their bedroom. All devices should be charged in a central, safe place in the home overnight.

Reporting Misconduct:

Remind your child of the importance of telling a responsible adult (parent, teacher, or guardian) if they see people doing things or saying things to others online that they know are inappropriate or wrong (see Parklands Learner Social Media Policy).

The Billboard Test (referenced in our Social Media Policy) is a useful starting point for discussions with tweens and teens:

The Billboard Test: If you wouldn’t want the photo/video recording/messages to be on a huge billboard on the side of a highway with your name and the name of the College, don’t post it online and don’t let it exist in digital format on any device.
The 6 P’s: Remind your child that if they wouldn’t want any of the following people to see their photos/videos or messages, they should not post them or allow them to exist on their device:
- The Police
- Your Parents
- A Predator
- A Prospective university admissions officer/ employer/scholarship provider
- Your Principal
- A Phisher

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a safe online environment for all our learners.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR CHILD

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

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.

GROWING MINDS SHIELDS

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 learner with a Growing Minds Shield. Congratulations Kgothatso!

Kgothatso

Responsible Citizen

Kgothatso consistently stays behind after Science class to help tidy up and lend a hand without ever being asked. Your kindness, selflessness, and willingness to help others reflects a beautiful heart and strong character. (Ms Hodges)

GRADE 6 NEWS

Thank you to Grade 6P who shared a message at assembly this week: "Finding Your Focus. “ We are in Week 6 of the quarter and it may feel like a juggling act; books in one hand and sports bags in the other! But success isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding your focus.

Wildtuin Wonders

Our Grade 6 learners took a virtual trip into the bushveld for their latest Afrikaans project! Using the "Dag in die wildtuin" comprehension as their guide, the learners became marketing moguls for their very own Game Reserves. From naming their parks to writing catchy headlines, they practised using essential vocabulary like wildbewaarder (game ranger), verkyker (binoculars) and of course, the iconic Groot Vyf.

It was wonderful to see their creativity shine as they described lions roaring at sunset and elephants gathering at the waterhole.

Cracking the Code: Prime & Composite Numbers

In the Maths classroom, our Grade 6s have been busy uncovering the hidden structure of numbers. The learners have been mastering the definitions of Prime and Composite numbers, learning to distinguish between those "lonely" numbers with only two factors and those with many. We are so proud of their hard work in memorising the first 14 prime numbers. A feat that makes mental calculations much faster!

This Week in Science

Our Grade 6 learners are exploring the fascinating world of nutrition! They are learning about food groups, the functions of different nutrients, and how to maintain a balanced diet to stay healthy and strong. Hands-on activities and discussions are helping them make connections between what they eat and how their bodies grow and function.

GRADE 5 NEWS

What a fantastic week for our Grade 5 learners! In Maths, we explored angles and types of angles... let's just say things got a little obtuse at times, but the learners were all right in the end!

English saw learners put the finishing touches on their group newspaper articles, transforming them into professional digital pieces using Canva.

In Afrikaans, we wrapped up last week's delicious snack presentations, where learners confidently described their favourite treats entirely in Afrikaans.

In Afrikaans and isiXhosa we had fun building our own sentences using six bricks, a fun and hands-on way to strengthen language structure.

In Makerspace, learners had a brilliant time getting hands-on and creative, assembling their very own skeletons and bringing their inner scientists to life!

Studying with Google's Notebook LM - responsible AI usage!

Geography took us on a journey across South Africa's varied terrain, as learners discovered how different heights and landforms are represented on a map.

Finally, in PSW, we took time to celebrate what makes each of us unique. A wonderful reminder of the beauty in our differences.

Reminders:

Outing response form
Outreach donations (Dog and cat food)

GRADE 4 NEWS

This week in Grade 4, we took our dictionary skills to the next level!

The learners were given a list of words and challenged to put them in alphabetical order, but not just by looking at the first letter. Oh no… that would’ve been too easy! They had to carefully examine the second and even third letters to make sure each word was placed correctly.

It was wonderful to see how focused and determined they were as they worked through the challenge. There were moments of “Wait… check the third letter!” and lots of thoughtful discussions as they double checked one another’s thinking.

This activity wasn’t just about alphabetical order it was about growing important skills. The learners showed that they are:

Purposeful collaborators – working together respectfully and helping one another.
Effective communicators – explaining their reasoning clearly.
Critical thinkers – carefully analysing each word before making a decision.

Dictionary work may sound simple, but it builds strong reading, spelling and research skills that will support them across all subjects. We are so proud of the effort and teamwork shown in class!

ACADEMICS

Formal and Informal Assessments

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.

Assessment Schedules

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.

Look for the Add to your Calendar Link in each of the Assessment Calendars to add to your own calendar so that you always get the up to date information on the nature and content of each assessment. If you use Google Calendar, you can use these links to subscribe to the relevant assessment calendar.

Grade 4 Assessment Calendar

Grade 5 Assessment Calendar

Grade 6 Assessment Calendar

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Scan to book Autumn Awakenings Quicket Tickets

CULTURE

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:

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.

SCIENCE CLUB

Our budding scientists had a blast creating DIY lava lamps and experimenting with chemical reactions by inflating balloons using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar! Curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of fizz made science come alive!

LIBRARY

JACO JACOBS: 25 YEARS OF STORYTELLING

Jaco Jacobs is undoubtedly South Africa’s most prolific author. As it was his birthday on Sunday, 22 February, we have joined schools all over the country in celebrating his books during the past week.

This year it is 25 years since the publication of his first book, and in May his 300th book will be released. This means that he has published an astonishing average of 12 books per year over a 25 year period. Jaco has received more than 45 awards for his books, whose humorous and often thought-provoking content delights his audiences of all ages, from beginner readers to teenagers and adults. His books have appeared in eight languages, while he has also translated more than 340 books in Afrikaans.

Jaco lives in Bloemfontein, is a long distance runner (including the Comrades) and has a pet python.

READING TO OUR PETS

Thank you to everyone who has shared a photo of reading to their gorgeous furry and some not-so-furry friends. These have been displayed in the library, to the delight and admiration of all library visitors.

SPORT

Senior Prep Sport | Welcome to March!

Just like that… we are in March!

It’s hard to believe how quickly the quarter has moved. The past few weeks have been filled with Swimming, Cricket, Softball, and Tennis, and the growth across all age groups has been clear to see. From the first week of sport to now, learners have developed greater confidence, improved skill execution, and stronger match awareness across the board.

And we’re not finished yet - fixtures continue right up until 19 March 2026, with plenty more opportunities for our learners to compete, grow, and represent with pride.

📅 A Stacked March Ahead!

We have an exciting month lined up in Senior Prep:

1️⃣ U10–U12 Swimming Gala at Parklands College – Selected learners only
An opportunity for our competitive swimmers to continue chasing personal bests and gaining race experience.

2️⃣ U10–U12 Softball Festival – 7 March – Selected learners only
A fantastic platform for exposure, development, and competitive play.

3️⃣ Sports Fixtures & Continued Match Play
Our U10–U12 learners continue their league fixtures this month until 13/19th March, building tactical awareness.

4️⃣ Interhouse Gala – 25 March 2026
One of the highlights of our sporting calendar! Expect house spirit, competitive racing, and plenty of noise from the sidelines.

5️⃣ Winter Sport Switch – 16 March
As we begin transitioning codes, a full Plan of Action (POA) will be communicated shortly to ensure clarity around trials, training structures, and expectations.

The quarter has already delivered strong performances and meaningful development across Cricket, Softball, Swimming, and Tennis. We look forward to finishing it with the same intent and energy that has defined our Senior Prep programme thus far.

Thank you for your continued support as our learners proudly represent Parklands College.

Let’s make March a strong finish to an excellent summer season!

Senior Prep Sport | Week That Was

A challenging but character-building week for our Senior Prep teams, with valuable lessons learned across Cricket, Tennis, and Softball.

🏏 Cricket

U12 vs Table View (Home)
Lost by 7 runs
A closely contested match that could have gone either way. The boys fought hard until the end.
Player of the Match: Heath
U11 vs Sunningdale (Home)
Lost by 5 wickets
A competitive encounter with strong individual contributions throughout.
Players of the Match: Austen and Cooper
U10 vs Sunningdale (Home)
Lost by 160 runs
A tough result against strong opposition, but an important opportunity to grow and build resilience at this level.

🎾 Tennis

U12 A vs Sunningdale (Away)
Lost 1–5
A challenging away fixture.
Players of the Match: Liam and Avril
U12 B vs CBC (Away)
Drew 3–3
A strong team effort with excellent competitiveness across singles and doubles.
Players of the Match: Gabriel and Hannah

🥎 Softball

U10 vs Reddam Durbanville (Home)
Lost 4–7
A spirited performance with continued improvement in game awareness.
Player of the Match: Zhi Yan Ye
U12 vs Reddam Durbanville (Home)
Lost 6–7
A thrilling and tightly contested match that went right down to the final innings.
Players of the Match: Haven, Elise, and Imogen

While results did not always go our way this week, what stood out was the resilience, teamwork, and willingness to compete. These are the moments that build character and strengthen teams for the weeks ahead.

We’re proud of the continued effort shown by our learners as they represent the College with determination and pride.

Onwards to the next round 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:

Inter House Sign Up Form

Parklands College Softball Festival

Age: U10-U12s

Venue: Parklands College Junior Faculty

Date: 7 March 2026

Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2026

Senior Preparatory 2026 Uniform requirements.pdf

2025 SP Summer Quarter 4 Co-Curricular Timetable Teacher Allocation MEMO

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.

External Achievements in Sport

Jean-Louis recently competed at the Lifesaving Cape Town Nipper Competition in Clifton, delivering a strong all-round performance.

He secured 3rd place in the board race, finished 4th in beach flags, achieved 6th place in the surf swim, and placed 6th in the long run, showing great determination and skill across both beach and water events.

Well done, Jean-Louis! A fantastic achievement

Sebastian competed in the Hermanus Cape Classic Regatta from 14 to 15 February 2026. Sailing in the A Fleet for the first time, he completed all five races over the weekend. Wind conditions were strong in the final race, but Sebastian pushed through and secured an excellent 7th place in that race, placing him 8th overall at the end of the regatta. This is a fantastic achievement for his debut in the A Fleet.

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

External Achievements

Sport Quick Links

SPORTS INFO

TRAVEL CONSENT

EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS

SPORTS CALENDAR

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.

OUTREACH 2026

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. 🐶🐱💙

GENERAL

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.

Note Learner Attendance Policy

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

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.

Parking outside the College

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.

Quick Links

SCHOOL HOURS

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

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'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.

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.

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)