Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
31 January 2025
Dear Parents
We have had an incredible week of learning with so much happening on campus. Our co-curriculars got off to a great start this week with so many early morning and afternoon activities.
Please take note of the notices section this week with information on lockers, campus open and closing times, and reminders that our children are not permitted to be collected by an Uber without adult supervision.
Highlights from week 2...
Week 2 Memo V2.mov
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)
News
Science Club
We have had an overwhelming response to the launch of Science Club.
This week the Science Club members set sail on a pirate-themed adventure, exploring acids and bases with secret coded messages and a fizzy lemon volcano. We then navigated the wonders of magnetism by creating our own compasses. Hands-on learning, excitement, and discovery made for an unforgettable journey!
Note, that unfortunately we have reached capacity for Science Club for Grades 4 and 5 this quarter.
Grade 4 Bingo
Our Grade 4s could be heard excitedly shouting out BINGO! during their Math lessons as they learned the different names for each of the Maths operations.
Grade Fours learning about captions
You may have heard that I have a an AI friend called Claude! He helped me rewrite the lyrics to My Favourite Things for a surprise in our opening assembly!
My Favourite Things.mp4Grade 6 Responsible Citizen Leadership Lesson
Our Grade Sixes designed their own T-Shirts representing their leadership style this week.
Notices
Grade 4 Outing to the Castle of Good Hope
We request all Grade 4 parents to give permission for your child to attend the following outing:
Thursday 13th February 2025
Departure time from school: 08h00
Departure time from Castle of Good Hope: 12h00
More details can be found on the form below:
Maths Talk at Secondary Faculty
You are invited to a talk on managing stress caused by Mathematics on 6 February 2025, from 18:30 to 19:30 in the Curie Hall, Secondary Faculty. The focus of his talk will be on managing stress caused by Mathematics—a topic that resonates with many families.
Paul brings a wealth of experience and expertise:
Director of Academics at Hilton College (2011–2019).
Director of Mathematics at Michael House (2020–2022).
Currently the Director of The Shaya Izibalo Maths Institute, which is dedicated to improving outcomes in secondary Mathematics education in South Africa, particularly in less privileged communities.
This insightful session promises to provide valuable strategies and perspectives to support our learners as they navigate their mathematical journeys.
Outreach Quarter 1
Lockers
Each learner has been allocated a locker on campus. Please ensure that your child has put a lock on their locker. Combination locks are available from reception at R85 per lock, which will be billed to your account. Bags, with iPads should be kept safe and locked away.
For sport practice, bags are kept in the learner's locker and collected after the session.
For away games bags must remain on the bus which is locked, the team manager will let learners know if there is a different arrangement.
There are also lockers installed in the Senior Prep changing rooms. These lockers are not allocated to any learner and can be used by anyone. Learners must purchase a lock from reception to use in the changing room lockers. No bags may be stored on the changing room benches and no bags may be stored in the changing room lockers without locks. These lockers are to be used by learners in the afternoon for matches at school. The team manager will let learners know if there is a different arrangement, however this should still be in a safe place which is locked.
Sports bags are stored in Club 7 and 11. For security purposes learners may add a lock to their zips to secure the content particularly when using the bag outside for matches.
Any bags found in the passages or left unaccompanied will be taken to the office and learners will receive a demerit upon collection.
Learner Survey Feedback
Last year our Quality Assurance Team conducted an assessment of the College through a Learner Survey. The questions covered teaching and learning, the school environment and sporting and cultural activities. In summary, the feedback received an overwhelmingly positive response across all campuses, indicating that Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary offer an authentic and progressive learning environment in which the learners thrive.
The vast majority of learners indicated that they are happy at school and are treated well. We once again received positive results regarding communication and the school environment. What we found particularly pleasing was the high percentage of learners who indicated that they are proud of their school.
The areas where learners added comments are under review and, where possible, will be improved upon. We value any feedback that assists us in providing Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary learners with an exceptional learning environment.
The Quality Assurance Team
No UBER collections without an adult
Reminder that learners under the age of 13 may NOT use UBER without an adult. We are aware that UBER has a teen service, however this is for 13 - 17 year olds only and they may NOT use the service with any child under the age of 13 years. Any child under 13 years old may only use an UBER with an 18 year old and above.
DeepAI. org didn't quite get the clock right... spot the mistakes... even AI image generation is still learning!
SP Campus Hours
Reception opens at 07h30 and the school is LOCKED at 17h00 daily. Please assist us by ensuring that your child is collected before 17h00 so that our staff can leave campus to get home to their own families.
Note that a penalty of R200 per half hour (or part thereof) will be applied should your child be collected after 17h00 from aftercare.
Co-Curricular Programme
We have had an incredible signup response to our co-curricular programme. Note that many of our clubs and societies are now full (including Junior Chefs, Science Club Grades 4 & 5 and Makerspace). Reminder that your child will have another opportunity to sign up next quarter.
Please ensure that learners participating in outdoor activities have sunblock in their bags for application. ALL learners MUST wear their school caps when outdoors. NO HAT, NO PLAY!
Parents must collect learners after their session. If a parent is late and unable to collect on time, learners will be sent to aftercare and parents billed. The campus closes at 17h00 daily and all learners MUST be collected BEFORE 17h00.
From a young age we are teaching the children about the importance of commitment and sportsmanship, and we encourage them to commit to their teams and attend all practices. Please inform the class teacher if your child is unable to attend an activity.
SPORT
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
1st Full week of sport!
Dear Parents,
What a fantastic start to the sporting year! Sports practices took off this week, and with matches kicking off next week, the excitement is building.
We had successful swimming and U12 netball trials, with Coach Nadine sharing her enthusiasm:
"What an awesome start to the sporting year! Last week, we got things rolling with SP swimming trials, U12 netball trials, and Grade 3 swimming trials – and the turnout was amazing! 62 learners took part in the SP swimming trials, our biggest group yet! 17 U12 girls gave netball a go, and 32 excited Grade 3s jumped in for their first swimming trials.
If this is a sign of what’s to come in 2025, we’re in for an exciting year! It’s great to see so many learners stepping up, trying new things, and getting involved. I can’t wait to see the progress they make – whether in the pool, on the courts, or out on the field.
Here’s to a year of thriving, growth, and plenty of sport!".
Midweek Match Madness!
On Wednesday night, our Senior Prep learners took on the excitement of live cricket at Newlands Cricket Ground, cheering on MI Cape Town against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The atmosphere was electric - our learners danced, sang, started Mexican waves, and screamed their hearts out in support of their team. The best part? MI Cape Town claimed victory! 🏆
With the energy levels this high already, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the weeks ahead. Bring on the matches next week!
Here’s to another action-packed week of sport!
Yours in sport,
Jared Margetts
Head of Preparatory Sports
The Week That Was:
Sports practice kicked off this week, and it was a hit!
Our swimming trials are done and dusted, and the swim squad is already gearing up for their first gala on 7 February. Meanwhile, our U12 netball trialists wrapped up their trials on Friday and now eagerly await the announcement of who will make the Knysna Netball Tour squad.
It’s been a jam-packed start, with cricket, golf, softball, swimming, tennis, and water polo all hitting the ground running.
Here are some action shots of SP Swimming and U12 Netball trials:
Looking Ahead:
Sport Matches are here!
Next week the action continues as we gear up for our first match on Monday, with the U10 cricket team leading the charge. Softball, tennis, cricket, and swimming all have matches or galas lined up - so get ready for a busy week of sport!
On That Note:
We need your consent for sports travel to away fixtures/practices. Please click the link below and select "Agree."
Tennis: Exciting news - tennis resumes as normal this coming week on our newly resurfaced courts! 🎾✨ Get ready to break in the fresh courts and sharpen those serves.
Game on! 💪🏽🔥
Knysna U12 Team Announcement Coming Soon!
Our U12 netball trialists won’t have to wait much longer - the Knysna Tour team announcement is happening on Monday! A parent/tour meeting will be taking place on Wednesday, 12 February at 16h00 (SP campus) to discuss all the details.
U10-U12 Parklands College Prep Interschools Gala:
Date: Friday, 7 February 2025
Start Time: 14:00 for 14:30
Format: Individual (25m & 50m's - for points); 4 x 25m relays (friendly - no points)
Lane allocations: Table View Primary (Lane 3), Curro Durbanville (Lane 4), Parklands College (Lane 5), Reddam House Durbanville (Lane 6).
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.
CULTURE
Madagascar Auditions
Reminder that auditions for 'Madagascar Jr' take place tomorrow, Saturday, 01 February from 09:00-12:00 in the SP Hall.
Note that this is only for those who have already signed up
Please contact Mrs Buckle rbuckle@parklands.co.za if you have any queries.
Auditions commence at 09:00 - please be prompt and report directly to the hall.
Each auditionee will take part in a Music, Dance and Drama audition. Please wear comfortable clothing - no jeans, crop tops or shoes that will slip off your feet.
There will be a break during sessions - so please bring along a snack.
NO iPADS to be brought with you.
Auditions end at 12:00. Please collect your children promptly.
No parents or outsiders will be permitted in the audition venues.
If necessary, a callback session will be arranged during the school week.
Individual Music Lessons
We invite parents of all current individual music learners as well as those wishing to commence individual lessons in 2025 to please complete the following enrolment form: SP Individual Music. We require a new form to be completed annually.
Edana App - individual Music Time slots
Currently the Edana App does not generate specific time slots for each individual Music lesson. You will observe that the lessons are set for Monday 08:00-08:30. Please contact your child’s Music educator should you wish to confirm their individual lesson time.
Dance
The Dance Department offers the following genres Ballet, Modern and Tap classes at the JP and SP Faculties. The syllabus in preparation for RAD and ISTD examinations is followed, as well as preparation for Medal Tests and Eisteddfod performances. Please contact Sylvia Stander sstander@parklands.co.za should you have any further queries.
Sign up form for Dance: 2025 Dance form
The dance teachers have created a Parklands College Dance Google Site, which parents can access to see the latest news, pictures and find general information - Dance Google Site
Save the Date - Autumn Awakenings Choir Concert:
French Enrichment Lessons
The French call the joy of living and learning the “joie de vivre” and in that spirit Parklands College Preparatory Faculty offers a French enrichment course to our learners. In this course it is not just about learning French grammar and vocabulary, but also getting acquainted with the culture and traditions of the French and Francophone countries.
During the French lessons this year the learners will be introduced to the interesting French culture, and learn some phrases of this beautiful language. Our learners will be taught how to connect with French speakers by greeting, asking a few questions, counting and they will even be able to sing and entertain their families in French.
This is an enrichment course with no formal assessments – there will be only fun and all you need is to attend our lessons in room 13 every Friday at 7h15 until 7h45.
À bientôt
Madame Bailly
Grade 4 Study Skills Workshop - Saturday, 1 February
Reminder that all Grade 4 parents AND their children are invited to join us for a Study Skills Workshop on Saturday, 1st February from 09:00 - 11:30. Your children must bring their iPads and pencil bags with them to the session.
Library
Plan to have a special family reading session on Wednesday as we join millions of readers around the world in raising awareness for the importance of reading for children. We would also like to encourage parents to continue to read with your children as they grow older. It is important to enrich their vocabulary and understanding, and not limit them to a level that they can read comfortably. We have wonderful resources in our library of books that parents and children can share. The impact of reading for meaning and for pleasure will change their lives and reading with you will leave a lasting legacy.
Birthday Books
What a festive start to the year as we filled the stage during our assembly on Monday to wish these boys and girls a happy birthday. And if you look closely, you may notice three sets of twins! Thank you to Rafael, Gabriel, Tanveer and Naledi who donated books during the past week.
To our new parents: A Birthday Book is a voluntary book donation on a child’s birthday. The book is identified by a sticker that bears your child’s name. You are welcome to contact the librarians if you require assistance in choosing a suitable book.
EXTREME READING CHALLENGE
During the month of February we are challenging our learners to share a photo of themselves reading in an unusual place. If you are going anywhere, make sure that there is a book in the car to make the most of any photo opportunities. Have fun!
DATES FOR 2025
Summer Quarter: 20 January - 28 March
Autumn Quarter: 08 April - 25 June
*Mid-term break: 29 April - 2 May
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December
Senior Prep Robotics: Mazes & Missions!
In Robotics, we’ve been coding our own Scratch mazes, designing tricky paths, and programming characters to navigate obstacles!
Meanwhile, our Robotics clubs are exploring the 2025 World Robotics Challenge, brainstorming ideas and gearing up for future innovation. With creativity and problem-solving in full swing, we’re ready for exciting challenges ahead! #RoboticsFun #FutureEngineers
Parent Learner Directory
Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Senior Preparatory learners.
2025 SENIOR PREP P&L Information Directory.pdfParent Business Directory
Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary parents who are in business are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/
LISTINGS ARE FREE and include contact information as well as the opportunity to include a business logo or advert. Listings are available 24/7 on the College website and will be updated each quarter.
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
We look forward to having our Grade 4 parents and learners join us tomorrow for their Study Skills Session.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Paul Mayers
Senior Preparatory Principal
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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