Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
14 March 2025
Richard Knaggs (Director), Lorraine and Werner Roth (Founders) and Michael Paul Roth
Dear Parents
This week, we marked a special milestone as the school celebrated its 45th birthday. The children enjoyed a cheerful sing-along show, followed by the excitement of cutting the birthday cake and sharing a sweet treat. It was a lovely way to celebrate the school’s journey and create happy memories together.
We asked a few children what they love most about our school…
Mikai - I like the painting
Baeli - I like the crafting
Princess - I like art class because today we made a butterfly
Iman-Genesis - I love the food that Chef Kerry makes
Mutsa - The classes have nice toys!
Emeri - Everything!
MJ - Cake!
Lihle - I like playing with the playdough in the class and colouring
Avalon - I like going to the big field and playing with the water play toys
I have spent the last two days with the Grade 6s on their leadership camp and seen how they have bonded closer as a grade as the leaders of our school. It is so special to see how our learners develop resilience through outdoor education on camp.
Back on campus it has also been a busy week. Please take special note of the Social Media notice in the memo this week.
Week 8 Memo 2.mov
NOTICES
Learner personal devices and Social Media
We have chatted to both our Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners this week about their use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Snapchat. Please be reminded that learners need to be at least 13 years old in order to use these platforms. This is the current age restriction in South Africa for both WhatsApp and SnapChat.
While we restrict social media platforms on learners' iPads while they are at school, we strongly encourage you to do the same when they are at home. Regarding WhatsApp, some learners have been creating groups on personal phones. If your child is part of one of these groups, please remove them from the group. Additionally, please ensure that you closely monitor your child's devices. Their online activity outside of school can potentially impact friendships and behaviour at school. Please note that no child should be an admin of a WhatsApp group as according to the law, they and by implication, their parents, are responsible for all communication on the group.
Here is a useful link to a parents guide to Social Media Guide and Apps for Parents (published a few years ago) by Emma Sadleir, a leading social media law expert, and founder of https://www.thedigitallawco.com/ . Emma came and chatted to our learners last year.
INFORMATION REQUIRED
If you did not complete these forms last week please do so today.
ACADEMICS
Reports and feedback meetings
Senior Preparatory Reports will be released on Monday 24 March and report feedback meetings will take place on Tuesday 25 March, Wednesday 26 March and Thursday 27 March. Your child’s class teacher will share the link to their Google Calendar in order for you to book a meeting to discuss your child’s academic progress.
Appointments are usually 15 mins in length. We greatly value our parents’ and teachers’ time and urge parents to be on time in order to ensure that other parents are not kept waiting. Please contact your child’s class teacher directly should you be unavailable to meet on the specific days and times scheduled.
NEWS
Growing Minds shields
From our Parent and Learner Directory
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.
We are proud to award the following shields at assembly this week:
Effective Communicator Trophy
Mikhenso
Responsible Citizen Trophy
Jaren
Grade 6 News
Our Grade 6 Leadership camp was an unforgettable experience filled with teamwork, adventure, and fun! On the first day, learners formed teams, created unique names, and decorated their flags with enthusiasm.
The day was packed with engaging problem-solving and team-building activities, fostering collaboration and resilience. The excitement continued with a lively karaoke competition, showcasing incredible talent and boosting camp spirit.
The second day brought even more adventure, with canoeing challenges that strengthened teamwork and an exhilarating Amazing Race, where learners completed tasks to earn points for their teams. Throughout camp, our learners embraced leadership, supported one another, and developed valuable skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Special thanks to our Grade 6 teachers for looking after them on camp.
Grade 5 News
This week, our Grade 5 learners expanded their vocabulary by exploring antonyms and synonyms in English, discovered the fascinating structure of flowers by identifying their different parts in science, and unleashed their creativity in Robotics by designing and programming their own video games using Tinkercad!
Grade 5 - Favourite things.mp4Grade 4 News
This week in Grade 4 has been full of exciting learning! In English, we explored the wonderful world of commas—discovering different rules and even creating our very own ‘comma people’ to bring punctuation to life.
In Mathematics, we took a hands-on approach to time, making our own analogue clock GIFs in Keynote and mastering five-minute intervals. It’s been a week of creativity, discovery, and fun in Grade 4.
Mathletics Certificates
Congratulations to those who have levelled up in Mathletics this week and received their silver certificates.
Outreach
Thank you to each and every one of our Parklands families for your donations for Fallen Angels. It has been amazing to see the love and care that you have shown for the dogs and cats of the shelter. We know that when we deliver the food items the staff are going to be very grateful that the animals will have another few meals and full tummies.
In the final two weeks of the quarter, we will be collecting marshmallow eggs / boxes / strips or individual packs. These will be shared with senior citizens in our community as well as our neighbouring schools. We would love you to be part of sharing opportunities as we get closer to Easter time.
Mrs Ward reminded us in assembly that "Every small donation makes a difference! Every helping hand makes a difference! You are the ones that make a difference, never forget that! "
SPORT
From the Sports Desk
Making a Splash & Switching Seasons: Parklands Prep Sports Update
As we dive into our Autumn Sports switch, we're excited to see learners embracing new sports codes, building skills, and giving it their all! Our pre-season programme runs until Wednesday, 19 March, which also marks the end of Quarter 1 co-curricular sport.
🗓️ Please note: Although sports fixtures will pause after 19 March, Physical Education will continue during the school day, and we’ll still be making full use of our pool - so don’t pack away those goggles just yet!
🚨 REMINDER: Q2 & 3 Co-curricular Sign Up Form.
As a reminder, it is compulsory for every learner to take part in at least one sports code in Quarter 2. Whether it’s hockey, rugby, netball, soccer, or chess, there’s something for everyone!
💦 A Gala to Remember
Coach Nadine shares a highlight from the past week:
“On Friday, 7 March 2025, Parklands College proudly hosted the final Inter-Schools Gala of the quarter, welcoming three visiting schools for an action-packed, water-splashing showdown!”
This gala marked a historic milestone - Friday galas now counted for points. From placing 4th in our opening event to finishing 2nd in the final, the growth and determination of our swimmers has been nothing short of inspirational.
The moment that truly made waves? Our U8 swimmers dove into their first-ever inter-schools gala, making an unforgettable debut. 🏅👏
Coach Nadine adds:
“Friday reminded us how lucky we are to have world-class facilities where learners can train, grow, and compete in front of an energetic home crowd. Thank you to every swimmer who gave it their all this season—you’ve made us so proud!”
🌊 But the fun’s not over yet - our Inter-House Gala is coming up on 20 March, offering one final splashy showdown for the quarter… this time, against their own friends and classmates! 🐬🔥
Bring on Quarter 2, we’re ready to level up again! 💙💛
#ParklandsSwimming #MakingWaves #SportsSeasonSwitch #OurBloodRunBlues
Interhouse Gala: 20 March 2025
FUN PARENTS RACE: INTERHOUSE GALA SIGN UP
Have you ever wondered what your child experiences during a race? Here's your chance to find out! Join us for a fun 25m parent race where you can earn points for your child's house.
The Parent Race will take place at the end of your child's grade slot.
Grade 4: 10h30-12h00
Grade 5&6: 12h30-14h00
AUTUMN PRE-SEASON SWITCH: 10-20 MARCH 2025
SP Extra Mural Timetable AUTUMN SWITCH 2025 MEMO - Google Docs.pdf
Cricket Players of the Match
Preparatory Gala Swimmers
Softball Players of the Match
Storzner Gala Swimmers
Tennis Player of the Match
NOTICE
The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate have advised that they will be commencing construction of a median island and relocation of the speed bump in Wood Drive between Raats Drive and Dorchester Drive. They will be constructing an island opposite the exit gate for the Senior Preparatory Parking lot and moving the speed bump closer to the circle.
AUTUMN SWITCH PRE-SEASON - SP Netballers
INTERSCHOOLS GALA RECAP: 7 MARCH 2025
External Achievements in Sport
Congratulations to Olivia for competing in the 2025 SSA Level 1 Regional Championships (Nationals). Awesome work!.
Congratulation to Sebastian finishing third and the final round of the Cape Classic Series Regatta at Hermanus Yacht Club as well as competing in the 2025 SSA Level 1 Regional Championships (Nationals). We very proud of your Sailing and Swimming achievements.
Congratulations to Matthew for winning Bronze Medal 10 -11 Over 45Kg Kumite Karate South Africa National Championship in Durban. An amazing achievement.
Congratulations to Heath for competing in the Maties Super League. He was the 9th top bowler in the T20 and the top bowler in the T10. Top bowling performance!
Please find a link to the notification letter informing the College of a learner's external achievements at Area/Regional/Provincial level.
Sport Quick Links
CULTURE
NEXT WEEK: Autumn Awakenings Choir Concert
Next week Wednesday 19 March, we celebrate the start of Autumn with Music! School choirs from Table View Primary, Blouberg Ridge and Blouberg International will join the Parklands College Junior and Senior Preparatory Choirs in this celebration of song!
Join us on 19 March at 18:00 in our Preparatory hall. Bookings can be made on quicket using the following link or QR Code. Tickets cost R60 per person.
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/260969-autumn-awakenings-choir-festival#/
Culture - Choir.MOV
LIBRARY
New Arrivals
The Senior Preparatory library is the home of middle grade books for the 8 -12 age range. We are privileged to have a steady stream of new books all the time. This week library sessions focused on two award-winning books featuring adorable dogs.
I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery was the Waterstones Book of the Year 2024 and tells the story of a dog’s heart-warming adventure and the unbreakable bond with his human.
Shadow by master storyteller Michael Morpurgo features a Springer Spaniel based on a true story of a sniffer dog in the Afghanistan war. This powerful book reached Book of the Year in Britain.
Just to complete the trilogy, do not forget Morpurgo’s recent new book, Cobweb, the fascinating story of a drover’s dog, also based on true events.
These memorable stories are great for family reading!
Birthday Book
Happy birthday to champion reader and lover of books, Maxwell!
Thank you for this lovely donation of Friday in the Worst Week Ever series.
Robotics
Robotics in Action: Learning from the Best! 🤖✨
Our Elementary WRO teams had an inspiring visit from Mr. Benecke, a mechanical engineer, who guided our learners in asking the right questions to design and build their robots for this year’s challenge. 🛠️💡
We were also honoured to welcome Veer Atwaru and Aidan Chow from the Secondary Faculty!
Veer has represented South Africa four times in international competition, and Aidan competed in Türkiye last year. They generously shared their knowledge, helping our young teams sharpen their skills. 🔥
A big thank you to these mentors for giving back to our robotics community! 🚀
#WRO2024 #MentorshipMatters #RoboticsInAction #FutureEngineers
Staff News
At the end of this quarter we bid a sad farewell to Mrs Danusia Ward in Grade 6. We wish her all the best with this next season. Thank you for the difference you have made in so many lives during your time with us at the Senior Preparatory. Mrs Ward will continue to assist with our U12 netball touring side until the end of April. We welcome Ms Tayla Blewitt to the Grade 6 teaching team at the start of the autumn quarter, teaching English and Geography.
Mrs Danusia Ward
Ms Tayla Blewitt
Quick Links
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
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
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
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
Looking ahead, we have a short school week due to the upcoming public holiday next week on Friday the 21st. The following week will be the last week of the quarter closing on 28 March at 13:00. Please make arrangements for learners to be collected from school promptly at 13:00, as there will be no aftercare provided.
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