Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
21 November 2025
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
Please take note of the following important points and dates:
SA20 visit Parklands College on Friday 21 November
Come dressed in your PE Kit for the SA 20 Cricket Activation on Friday 21st November. It is going to be awesome!
Funky Socks Day for Senior Prep (only) moved to Wednesday 19th November
In order to accommodate the SA 20 Activation next week we will have our Funky Socks day at the Senior Prep on Wednesday 19th November. R10 will be billed to your account to support this worthy cause. Wear your school clothes and your funky socks. We can't wait to see your funky socks.
Co-Curricular Programme
Our co-curricular programme reverts to the normal times as per the Summer Co-Curricular schedule from Monday 17 November
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.
Principal Paul Memo Q4W5.MOV
UNIFORM
UNIFORM
College striped blazers with new braiding
The braiding process is complete and striped blazers have been returned to learners. If you missed this opportunity, please contact School and Leisure so that they can add the braiding to your child's blazer.
All new striped blazers purchased from School and Leisure now come with the 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
Academics
Academics
Assessments
The formal assessments for this quarter have now been completed. Congratulations to all our learners for their hard work, determination and positive attitude throughout the assessment period. We are incredibly proud of the effort they have shown.
Although the formal assessments are behind us, teaching and learning continue. Over the next few weeks, we will still be completing informal assessments, and covering important new concepts and skills to ensure that learners are well prepared and confident as they move into their next grade. This continued focus helps strengthen their understanding and sets them up for success in the new academic year.
Weightings on Reports
The percentages that appear on the Grade 4 – 6 reports under the Summer, Autumn and Winter columns are derived from the assessments conducted in the first three quarters of the year and the average percentage is calculated each quarter. Therefore, the percentage displayed for each subject under the Winter column is an average of the percentages from Quarter 1, 2 and 3 and carries a weighting of 80% of the final progression mark.
The percentage that appears under the Spring column for each subject is derived from the assessments conducted in Quarter 4 only and carries a weighting of 20% of the final progression mark.
The final progression mark, which determines if a learner proceeds to the next grade, appears under the Final column on the report. For a learner to progress to the next grade they must obtain a minimum of 50% for English and a minimum of 40% for all other subjects.
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.
iPad 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 Parent Savings Programme.mp410 weeks of Growing Minds Digital Citizenship
10 weeks of Growing Minds Digital Citizenship
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.
NEWS
NEWS
Outreach - Santa Shoe box drop off
Outreach - Santa Shoe box drop off
While we were writing our formal assessments, a group of Junior Prep learners joined Mrs De Aguiar to deliver our Santa Shoebox gift donations. A heartfelt thank you to our Parkie community for their generosity. Together, across the whole of the Preparatory we donated 58 Santa Shoeboxes! Thank you to Mrs De Aguiar and the JP learners for sharing the joy. It looked like such a lot of fun!
Grade 6
Grade 6
Celebrating Hard Work and Happy Hearts! ✨
What a week it’s been for our Grade 6s! They’ve been hard at work finishing their final assessments for Quarter 4 and we couldn’t be prouder of the effort and determination they’ve shown. It’s been wonderful to see how far they’ve come this year, tackling challenges with confidence and showing real growth in both their work and attitude. These assessments also gave them a little taste of what an assessment timetable feels like, helping them get ready for the exciting step up to Grade 7.
To celebrate the end of assessments across the Senior Preparatory, we enjoyed the most wonderful picnic together! The sunshine, laughter and chatter made it such a special day. The learners relaxed on their picnic blankets, shared treats, played games and simply enjoyed being with their friends after a busy week of studying. It was the perfect way to pause, reflect and celebrate everything they’ve achieved and a lovely reminder of the joy that comes from hard work and teamwork.
In between all the revision, our learners still enjoyed their PE swimming sessions, a refreshing break from the classroom and continued to shine in Drama and Music as they prepare for the much-anticipated Grade 6 Fashion Show taking place at the end of November. We can already feel the excitement building! 🌟
Orientation Morning at the Secondary Faculty
Our Grade 6 learners and their parents who are joining the Secondary Faculty in 2026 are invited to an Orientation Morning on Saturday 15 November 2025 from 09:00 - 11:00.
Grade 5
Grade 5
A huge well done to our Grade 5s. They have been absolute superstars, tackling their assessments with real courage and determination.
We're not just proud of their results, but also of the smart strategies they've learned:
The importance of resting the brain after an assessment to prepare for the next one (it's not lazy, it's neuroscience!).
How revising in small, manageable chunks well in advance makes the workload far less daunting.
Reading Adventures
Reading Adventures
Our journey with The White Giraffe continues. Martine has discovered she has a special gift, and Grace is set to be her guide. The big question on everyone's mind is... what will happen next?
Camp Countdown!
Camp Countdown!
With assessments firmly in the rearview mirror, we can focus on all the exciting things to come. The biggest one, of course, is CAMP!
The buzz is real, and we can't wait. A reminder to please check the packing list to ensure your child has everything they need. (This is also a great time to label everything. Twice.)
Important: Grade 5 Camp
Important: Grade 5 Camp
Please see the final arrangements below.
Venue: High Africa Adventures, Breede River, Worcester
Departure Day: Monday, 24 November
Arrival Time: 07:00 - 07:30
Drop-off Point: The SP grass area in front of the hall.
Departure Time: 08:30
Return Day: Wednesday, 26 November
Departure from Camp: 10:00
Arrival at School: 12:00
Collection Point: The SP car park.
We're looking forward to a fantastic trip. Have a wonderful weekend!
Grade 4
Grade 4
This week, our study sessions looked a little different and a lot more colourful! Instead of pencils and workbooks, our learners reached for 6 Bricks and turned their study time into moments of creativity, laughter, and discovery.
As assessment week rolled in, we wanted to give everyone a chance to breathe, reset, and learn through play. With just six bright LEGO-style bricks, learners were challenged to build shapes, follow patterns, and even race against the clock all while sharpening their focus and problem-solving skills without even realising it!
The energy in the room was contagious giggles mixed with determination, tiny towers turned into big ideas, and every click of a brick reminded us that learning can be joyful and meaningful at the same time.
🎨 Creative Break: Re-Designing Charlotte’s Web!
To keep the creativity flowing, learners took on a fun challenge: redesigning the front cover of our class novel, Charlotte’s Web. From bright colours to imaginative illustrations, each design captured a bit of the magic of the story (and the creativity of its artist!).
ROBOTICS
ROBOTICS
Save the Dates
Save the Dates
Diarise our two awards events at the end of the year. Parents of children receiving awards at the Sport, Culture and Technology awards will be notified in the week of 17-21 November. 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.
Outreach
Outreach
In order to accommodate the SA 20 Activation next week we will have our Funky Socks day at the Senior Prep on Wednesday 19th November. R10 will be billed to your account to support this worthy cause. Wear your school clothes and your funky socks. We can't wait to see your funky socks.
This will be our last outreach initiative for the year. Thank you to each of our families for your generous support throughout the year.
Culture
Culture
Cape Town Eisteddfod
A huge congratulations to our Grade 6 Marimba Band for their outstanding achievement at this year’s Cape Town Eisteddfod. The band delivered an energetic and polished performance that impressed both the audience and adjudicators alike, earning them first place in their category.
Their dedication, teamwork, and musical precision were evident throughout their performance, showcasing the incredible spirit and talent of our young musicians. We are exceptionally proud of the Grade 6 Marimba Band for this well-deserved accomplishment.
SPORT
SPORT
Senior Prep Sports Weekly Update
Senior Prep Sports Wrap-Up: A Strong Finish to the Quarter!
Senior Prep Sports Wrap-Up: A Strong Finish to the Quarter!
Our afternoon sports programme resumes the normal Summer Co-Curricular Timetable from Monday 17 November and will run until Friday 28 November.
A big thank you to everyone who continued to participate in our sports programme throughout the assessment period. Your commitment and balance between academics and sport have been fantastic to see.
As our quarter winds down, our U10 Cricket and Softball teams are still in action this coming week - best of luck to all players taking the field. A special thanks goes to our dedicated sports staff, who continue to source and arrange extra fixtures to give our learners every opportunity to play and grow.
To our learners, parents, and guardians - thank you for your ongoing support during this short but fast-paced quarter. Your enthusiasm and teamwork make Parklands College sport truly special!
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2025
Senior Preparatory Sports Uniform: 2025
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.
U10 Cricket Sixes.mov"On Friday 31 Oct, six of our U10 cricketers excitedly arrived at Elkanah Prep for their annual U10 Sixes. This is a fast paced game with only six players and five overs. The boys started off strong against Rallim and scored loads of boundaries. The second game against Van Riebeeckstrand set us a large target and it was just too many runs for us. Excitedly, we played our final match against Table View Primary, for third or fourth place in the tournament. This game was a nail biter to the very end and on the final ball, it was smashed onto the boundary for a third place win!
Congratulations to Ripfumelo, Jaren, Jean-Louis, Blake. Zachariah and Cooper for displaying grit and a great deal of Parkie Pride.
Thank you to the parents who cheered from the sidelines to the very end."
Match report by Mrs Oxley-Simpson - Thank you for assisting and accompanying our team to this event.
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.
Spring Quarter Co-Curricular Timetable
2025 SP Summer Quarter 4 Co-Curricular Timetable Teacher Allocation MEMODecember Holiday Cricket Clinic
Sport Quick Links
Sport Quick Links
LIBRARY
LIBRARY
STOCKTAKING
Our libraries will close next Friday, 21 November, for the annual stocktaking, although lessons will still continue and reading and activities will be provided on Book Creator. We appeal to parents to assist us with ensuring that all books that may still be at home, are returned by Friday. Lost books must please be replaced.
At this time of the year, some of our prolific children’s authors often surprise us with a holiday treat. David Walliams never disappoints. His latest book, Santa & Son, arrived this week and we cannot wait to start reading. It is the night of Christmas Eve, and a robbery is underway in Londinium, the most famous toy shop in the world. The shop’s Santa and his son are locked inside with the robbers, which could have something to do with the grumpy elves? Can our heroes stop the bad guys by using just the toys in the shop as weapons? Pogo sticks! Bouncy balls! Remote-controlled helicopters! Bubble guns! Slime! Slinkies! Stink bombs!
David says that as a boy, the highlight of his year was travelling to London with his parents for a few days before Christmas, and visiting the enormous toy shops was an unforgettable treat. The learners have received a book on their iPads with a variety of activities from the publishers, and we are also asking them what they would choose from Londinium, the fantastic toy shop from the novel.
This is a funny and heartwarming story from the king of comedy for the whole family to enjoy.
Quick Links
Quick Links
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
20250807 SENIOR PREP P&L Information Directory.pdf
Update emergency contact details on the Edana Multi-portal App
STAFF NEWS
STAFF NEWS
We bid farewell to the Mrs Ncapayi today. Thank you for your service and dedication to the College. We wish you well in this next season as you welcome a new member to your family in the next few weeks. Hamba kakuhle, go well.
We welcome Mrs Tashmika Chimhundu who will be joining us as the class teacher for 5R for the rest of the year.
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 18 November:
Happy Birthday Mckaylan Daniels
Wednesday 19 November:
Senior Prep Funky Socks Day - Home of Hope
Friday 21 November:
SA 20 Activation at Senior Preparatory.
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
We wish Mckaylan Daniels a happy birthday for Tuesday, 18 November and coach Courtney, a happy birthday for Thursday 20 November.
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
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