Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
28 November 2025
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
This will be the final memo for the year.
School will close for the Summer Holidays at 11h00 on Friday, 5 December. Note that there will be no aftercare on this day. Please ensure that your child is fetched promptly.
School reopens on Tuesday 20, January at 07h45.
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.
2026 Uniform and Sports Requirements
Link to 2026 Uniform and Sports Kit Requirements
New Learners (2026)
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 2026 (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.
Principal Paul Memo Q4W7.MOV
The growth of Christopher Robin Pre-Primary and Parklands College has been strengthened by staff who have supported us since our early days in Green Point. The following three incredible ladies, namely Jane Majweta, who has been with us for 36 years, Annastasica Mvulana for 28 years, and Ethel Nkata 25 years. We thank and acknowledge them for their remarkable commitment and dedication to our educational environment.
Senior Preparatory Awards Events
Senior Preparatory Awards Events
Parents are invited to join us for our celebration awards events on Tuesday 2 December at 13h00 and Wednesday 3 December at 08h30. You are welcome to take your child home with you after the event. Note that all children will receive recognition at the Growing Minds Celebration on Wednesday and you will have been notified via email should your child be receiving recognition at the Sport, Culture and Technology Awards.
Uniform for Awards Events (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Uniform for Awards Events (Tuesday & Wednesday)
Learners are required to wear full school uniform for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
For boys, please ensure that your child has the correct shirt with a top button that can be correctly fastened with school tie. Grade 6 boys are required to wear grey trousers and grade 4 and 5 boys must wear shorts. All boys must wear the long grey school socks. For girls, please ensure the correct socks are worn(only one fold please) and hair is tied up with blue, black or white accessories as per our learner dress and grooming code.
All learners must wear their blazer for both awards events and ensure that shoes are shined. Teachers will check this on Monday.
Sports Uniform for Thursday and Friday
Sports Uniform for Thursday and Friday
Your child is requested to come to school in their sports uniform on Thursday and Friday. Reminder that school closes promptly at 11am on Friday with NO AFTERCARE
Learner School Email Shutdown for the Holidays
Learner School Email Shutdown for the Holidays
The holidays are a time to take a rest from technology and we will be shutting down email for all Senior Preparatory learners from 5 December until 19 January.
Academic Reports
Academic Reports
Reports will be released on Friday 5 December. Please use the EdAdmin Parent Portal App to access your child's report. Parents will be notified by email.
2026 Textbooks & Stationery
2026 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.
Black Friday_Mailer_Parent Savings.pdfiPad Requirements 2026
iPad Requirements 2026
Device Requirements can be accessed from the 2026 Requirements Tab. Grade 7 device requirements in the Secondary Faculty Memo: https://secblog.parklands.co.za
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 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.
iStore Parent Savings Programme.mp4STAFFING 2026
STAFFING 2026
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
NEWS
NEWS
SA 20 Visits the Senior Preparatory
We had an exciting day last week, Friday, 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.
Grade 6
Grade 6
Our Scavenger Hunt for Citizen Action! 🔍
This week, our Grade 6 learners traded their textbooks for cameras as they embarked on the ultimate Citizen Action Scavenger Hunt! To wrap up our unit on responsibility, the students became real-life detectives, searching for 20 different classmates who demonstrated one of our Responsible Citizen traits - from showing resilience during a challenge to using kind words to solve a disagreement.
But spotting the behaviour wasn’t enough! They had to gather the evidence by getting the full story and snapping a celebratory selfie with their classmate.
The end result is something truly special: a glowing gallery of positivity, filled with photos, moments, and short stories that show exactly how our learners demonstrate kindness, respect, leadership, and responsibility every single day. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the amazing community our Grade 6s have built this year.
Science: ✨ Exploring the Wonders of Space
In our Science lesson, learners took a journey through the cosmos by researching and presenting on fascinating space phenomena. From the colourful beauty of nebulae and the dramatic stages of a star’s life cycle, to the mysteries of black holes and the structure of the asteroid belt, each group explored a topic of their choice.
They showcased their understanding through creative presentations, demonstrating curiosity, confidence, and a growing passion for astronomy. It was an inspiring celebration of scientific inquiry and discovery!
IMG_1626.MOV
Technology: 🚀 Mars Mission: Satellite Communication
Our young engineers successfully completed their Mars Mission challenge by designing and building their own satellite communication prototypes! After exploring how communication systems support life on Mars, learners worked collaboratively to plan, construct, and test models that could help a future Martian colony stay connected.
This hands-on Technology lesson sparked creativity, problem-solving, and real-world thinking as students considered structure, function, and purpose in their designs. Their innovative prototypes show just how ready they are to take on the challenges of tomorrow’s world!
Afrikaans: Leer Ons Die Tyd! ⏰
In Afrikaans this week, we focused on telling time, both on digital and analogue clocks. The learners practised reading and writing the time in Afrikaans, becoming more confident with phrases like “kwart voor,” “half,” “oor,” and “minuut.” It was a practical and interactive lesson that strengthened both their language skills and understanding of time.
🔍 Klein leidraad…
Telling time in Afrikaans works a little differently, especially when the hour “changes.” For example, “half drie” doesn’t mean half past three… it means half to three! 😉⏳
Our Grade 6s are catching on quickly, but this fun twist always keeps them on their toes!
English: It’s MOVIE time!
Our Grade 6 learners had an absolute blast this week as they stepped into the director’s chair to create their very own iMovies! 🎬✨
Armed with curiosity and a whole lot of creativity, they brought the parts of speech to life.
Not only did they learn more about nouns, verbs, adjectives and more, they also sharpened their teamwork, boosted their creativity, and developed some impressive editing skills. The classroom was buzzing with laughter and collaboration.
A week full of learning, laughter, and movie magic!
Grade 6 Fashion Show: A Spectacular Success! 🌟
Our Grade 6 Fashion Show was nothing short of a huge success! This year, our Grade 6s stepped into the spotlight not just as designers, models and performers, but also as the hosts of the entire event. They carried the theme “What will be my legacy?” with confidence, creativity and deep reflection. Learners were challenged to think about how they want to be remembered and to express that message through fashion. Using only recycled materials, they designed and created a fashion item, outfit, or accessory to showcase on stage. The rule was simple: No buying anything, use what you already have!
With the help of items from the storeroom and a lot of imagination, they transformed everyday objects into extraordinary creations. From dresses made of bottle caps to accessories built from cardboard, magazines and old fabric, our Grade 6s proved just how powerful creative thinking can be.
But the magic didn’t end there! Each learner also had to create their own original music to match the mood and message of their fashion piece. Using GarageBand, they explored how fashion and music work together to create atmosphere, emotion and storytelling. Some learners drew inspiration from existing songs, while others composed something entirely new.
The end result was a vibrant, meaningful celebration of innovation, sustainability, self-expression and the bright legacies our Grade 6s are already building. We are unbelievably proud of every one of them!
** Fashion Show Photos will be loaded to this Album!
Grade 5
Grade 5
From Cricket Legends to Campfires!
From Cricket Legends to Campfires!
We are still buzzing from the most exciting Friday ever last week! The SA 20 Activation was an absolute blast, featuring items signed by legends and the dance party of the year. It was the perfect high-energy lead-in to a very busy week.
We started this week by heading straight to High Africa for our 2025 Camp. We had the most wonderful three days and squeezed in every bit of fun imaginable. The days were packed with action, including rock climbing, ziplining, and canoe racing. On land, we loved the thrill of tug-of-war, capture the flag, scavenger hunts, and even running in the sprinklers!
The memories kept coming with night walks, cooking our own rooster koek, and enjoying s'mores after dinner. We woke up to pancakes for breakfast and loved the experience of bunking with our best friends. A massive highlight was definitely swimming in the river (with none other than Principal Paul!) and our very own potjie cooking competition.
Back at school, we shifted gears to celebrate our brains with a very special Mathletics Assembly, honouring all the hard work this year. We also got to meet our new teachers and learn a little bit more about Grade 6.
Grade 5 Camp 2025.mp4Grade 4 and 5 Mathletics Celebration
Grade 4 and 5 Mathletics Celebration
Mathematics is not only about sums, worksheets or times tables, but it’s also the language we use to solve puzzles, think logically, make decisions, design buildings, cook, shop, play sports and even create video games. Today we celebrate the learners who didn’t give up, who tried again, who challenged themselves and who showed that Maths is a subject where growth really matters.
Mathletics Assembly 2025.mov
Grade 4
Grade 4
This week, our Grade 4s went on a super exciting time travel adventure through the world of communication! They stepped back in time to write old-fashioned letters, cracked secret messages using Morse code, and then zoomed back to the present by communicating with fun and creative emojis. Each group had a chance to try out all the different ways of sending messages and discovered which ones worked best for them. There was lots of laughter, teamwork, and “aha!” moments as they explored how people have stayed connected through the years!
SCIENCE CLUB
SCIENCE CLUB
🧪 Grade 6 Science Club: Investigating Sound Insulation with Micro:bit
In this week’s Science Club, our Grade 6 learners explored how different materials block or reduce sound. Using Micro:bit sound sensors, they tested a variety of everyday materials to see which provided the best sound insulation. Learners worked like real scientists—predicting, observing, recording data, and analysing their results. This hands-on investigation not only deepened their understanding of how sound travels but also introduced them to the exciting world of digital data collection. A fun and insightful session of science in action!
🧪 Grade 5 Science Club: Colourful Chromatography Exploration
In Science Club, our Grade 5 learners dived into the exciting world of chromatography. Using washable markers, filter paper, and water, they investigated how colours can separate and spread into beautiful patterns. Learners made predictions, observed colour movement, and discovered that many inks are actually made of several pigments. It was a wonderfully hands-on session that sparked curiosity, creativity, and a deeper understanding of scientific investigation!
ROBOTICS
ROBOTICS
Three Parklands College World Robot Olympiad teams are currently representing South Africa at the 2025 WRO International final in Singapore.
After the second day our two Robomission Junior teams, Technoblade and HighTechDragonRiders are placed 9th and 56th respectively. This is out of a total number of 7332 teams globally. Technoblade managed two full scores with their fastest being 84 seconds. This is the first time a South African RoboMission team has placed in the Top 10 teams at this stage.
Our Robomission Elementary team, HyperTech 2.0 is currently placed 64th out of 7641 teams globally.
We wish them the best of luck for the final day of the competition tomorrow.
Culture
Culture
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.
SPORT
SPORT
Senior Prep Sports – 2025 Year-End Round-Up
Senior Prep Sports – 2025 Year-End Round-Up
What an incredible year it has been for Senior Prep sport at Parklands College. Across all age groups and sporting codes, our learners have shown exceptional growth, resilience, and enthusiasm - from the heat of summer fixtures to the cold, early-morning winter practices. Every season brought new challenges, new achievements, and countless moments of pride.
Our Senior Prep programme continued to flourish, with strong participation, competitive performances, and a growing sense of teamwork and school spirit. The year was filled with fixtures, festivals, derby days, and events that highlighted just how far our learners have come.
Some standout highlights from 2025 include:
A fantastic Hockey Festival in Durbanville, where our teams displayed impressive skill and determination.
A spirited Somerset College Derby, showcasing excellent sportsmanship and strong performances across multiple codes.
Highly competitive Netball Festivals in Camps Bay, where our players rose to the challenge and represented Parklands with pride.
Outstanding results in our competitive swimming galas, where our Senior Prep swimmers shone - finishing 2nd overall at the Parklands Interschools Gala.
The exciting and much-anticipated North vs South Derby, which once again brought out the passion, pride, and unity of our learners.
To our parents - thank you sincerely for your unwavering support throughout the year. Your early drop-offs, late pick-ups, weekend cheering, and ongoing encouragement make a world of difference to our programme and to your children’s sporting journeys.
As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited for everything the new year will bring: continued development, new opportunities, and many more inspiring performances from our Senior Prep learners.
Here’s to a memorable sporting year - and to an even stronger one ahead!
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2025
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2025
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!
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.
Library
Library
Birthday book:
We would like to thank Sebastian Fourie for his Birthday Book donation. The book is Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good by Louie Stowell.
This children’s novel follows Loki’s extremely frustrating attempts to navigate the chaos of mortal life, smelly school lunches, pointless French lessons and the misery of trying to make friends. He is banished to Earth by Odin to live as an 11-year-old boy for one month.
This comical and adventure-filled story will be a treat for our young readers!
We are grateful for your support of our library.
Kids Take Over the Summer Library Display
As the summer break begins, the book club learners decided to flip the script. Instead of the librarian arranging the summer display, they stepped up, rolled up their sleeves, and turned the whole space into a celebration of their favorite moments at the library.
The display will stay up for a few weeks, giving everyone a chance to explore the adventures the learners curated. Miss Magadana summed it up perfectly: “Seeing their creativity turn our library into a playground of stories was the best reading program we could have asked for.” Well done, Skyleigh, Amarachi, Yoriola, Unako, Bukhosi and Tiana.
We can’t wait to see what next year’s book club will explore.
Happy reading, everyone!
Sport Quick Links
Sport Quick Links
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 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
🧥 Lost Property – Last Week of School! 🎒
As we wrap up an exciting school year, all Lost Property will be out during the last week of school. Families are encouraged to pop in and check for any missing items - from jackets and jerseys to lunchboxes and water bottles.
Please note: All unclaimed clothing will be donated at the end of the week.
Make sure to have a look and reclaim any lost belongings before the December holidays!
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)
Dates for 2025
Dates for 2025
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December
Dates for 2026 Dates (subject to change)
Dates for 2026 Dates (subject to change)
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
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
PARENT 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...
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Here are some important dates for this quarter:
Spring Quarter Dates
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 (NO AFTERCARE)
Reports Released to Parents
FLL Nationals
Sunday 14 December:
Happy Birthday Mrs Oxley-Simpson
Tuesday 17 December:
Happy Birthday Louise Wells
This will be the last memo of the year and Reports will be released on Friday 5 December.
A reminder that school will close on Friday, 5 December at 11:00, and there will be no Aftercare. Please make arrangements to collect your child by 11:00.
We wish the following staff a happy birthday:
Mr Delport - 3 December
Mrs Wells - 17 December
Miss Drawbridge - 11 January
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.
We wish all our families a very happy and restful holiday and a blessed Festive Season.
Paul Mayers
Senior Preparatory Principal
Follow us on:
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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
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