Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
15 August 2025
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
It has been another exciting week at the Senior Preparatory. Please take note of the Derby Day arrangements for tomorrow. This is always a sporting highlight of the year so come along and enjoy the day with us at the Secondary Faculty.
The Co-curricular sign up form is live so act quickly to secure your spots for quarter 4.
Happy Birthday to Justice (security) today. Thank you for the way in which you welcome us by name every morning and wave goodbye to us as we leave. You put a smile on our faces every day.
Principal Paul Memo Q3W4.MOV
Notices
Notices
QUARTER 4 Summer Co-Curricular sign-ups:
We are getting in early to help you plan Quarter 4! Please use this form to sign your child up for Quarter 4 Co- Curriculars . This form will no longer accept responses from Saturday 23 August.
Derby Day on Saturday, 16 August
Reminder that our annual Derby vs Somerset College takes place on Saturday 16 August at the Secondary Faculty. We will be competing in Rugby, Hockey and Netball. Join us for war cries at 08:45 on the Secondary Faculty Field followed by the start of the Prep Sports matches.
Please ensure that you have a 2025 Parklands Sticker for your vehicle so that you can gain easy access to the Secondary Faculty on 16 August.
Stickers are available from the SP reception. Note we will be operating a one way system entering at the main gate and exiting on the north side of the campus.
Drop off and 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. Reminder that we do not have supervision for learners before 07:30 other than planned sports, dance and some tutorials arranged in advance.
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. Please do not hold up the traffic by stopping outside of the yellow zone.
All learners must be clocked in and ready for the day before 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.
Amended Parent & Learner Directory
The Parent and Learner Directory has been amended. Please click on the links in the directory to view the updated sections:
👉Learner Code of Conduct (#22) and
👉Learner Attendance Policy (#1)
👉Link to Information Directory
20250807 SENIOR PREP P&L Information Directory.pdf
Academics
Academics
In the third quarter, a number of our formal assessments in Grade 4 - 6 consist of projects, which the learners will be completing over the next couple of weeks. The projects will be completed entirely at school, under the guidance of the teachers. There will also be some formal assessments (control tests) that require studying.
Please click on the grade assessment calendars to view the description and content to be studied for the control tests under the Academics tab.
NEWS
NEWS
GRADE 6
GRADE 6
This Week in Grade 6: Creativity Meets Assessments
This week marked the start of our assessment season, with learners kicking off confidently in Geography. The focus and determination shown were impressive, setting a great tone for the weeks ahead.
📋Windows of Wonder: Grade 6 Thinks Outside the Box
The Grade Sixes were hard at work, collaborating like young Einsteins in front of a board. This time, the “board” was our classroom windows along the passage – transformed into giant glass canvases for thinking, planning and solving!
Armed with markers and their knowledge of triangles, circles and angles, they tackled five challenging problem-solving questions. Ideas bounced around the room as they worked together, tested theories, and refined solutions.
They buzzed with excitement and the windows filled with colourful equations and diagrams. Teamwork, creativity and plenty of mathematical fun – proving once again that learning can be both challenging and exciting!
🇿🇦 Afrikaans: Voornaamwoorde in Action
In Afrikaans, learners explored Voornaamwoorde (pronouns) in depth. Taking learning to the next level, they created their own explanatory videos, showing off both their understanding of the concept and their tech skills.
💡 Quick Tip: To remember the difference between male and female pronouns in Afrikaans — "hy" is for a boy (he) and "sy" is for a girl (she). Think of the "h" in hy as “he” and the "s" in sy as “she.”
🌱 Exploring Energy at Intaka Island
We also enjoyed an enriching excursion to Intaka Island, perfectly tying into our Natural Sciences curriculum. Learners discovered where electricity comes from, investigated how much electricity common household appliances use, and discussed the environmental impact of energy consumption. A highlight was seeing the renewable energy methods currently in use at Intaka Island. A real-world glimpse into sustainable solutions for the future.
GRADE 5
GRADE 5
Mathematics - Only a fraction of people will know these hilarious jokes and puns about fractions! We don't really like making jokes about fractions to be honest, but we'll definitely make one if we halve two! Breaking things down and putting them back together was the order of the week in maths as we explored mixed fractions, improper fractions, and learned how to convert between them.
English - Learners delved into the concepts of conflict and resolution, discovering how these dramatic elements create tension and make stories more engaging and compelling for readers.
Geography - We explored weather and the elements, uncovering fascinating facts like how wind is named after the direction it's coming from. Our young meteorologists are becoming weather experts!
Physical Education - PE remains a favourite lesson as our learners stay warm and keep fit during these chilly winter days, proving that cold weather can't dampen their enthusiasm for movement and exercise
RealLife4Kids - Learners began an exciting exploration into property ownership, learning about purchasing land plots, understanding the importance of house insurance, and discovering how property tax and building regulations work in the real world.
Grade 5 SAL Lessons - In Afrikaans, learners mastered "badkamer" (bathroom) vocabulary and created colourful posters about die badkamer. Key vocabulary included:
Spieël – mirror
Tandepasta – toothpaste
Bad – bath
Wasbak – basin
Handdoek – towel
GRADE 4
GRADE 4
This week, our Grade 4 learners transformed into budding poets, diving into the delightful world of poetry! They explored the building blocks of poems, understanding how lines come together to form stanzas, and how rhyming words create rhythm and melody. With creativity and enthusiasm, they crafted their own verses, experimenting with different rhyme schemes like ABAB and AABB . Their poetic creations are a testament to their imagination and newfound appreciation for the art of poetry.
Grade 4 outing to South African Airforce Museum
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, 19 August
📍Venue: South African Airforce Museum, Ysterplaat
🚌 Transport: Springbok Atlas and School Bus (school to venue and back)
💰 Cost: R140 (billed to your school account based on attendance)
Important Information:
Learners must arrive at school at the usual time (07:30).
Learners should wear their full school uniform.
Please ensure your child brings a healthy, easy-to-eat packed lunch and their school bag with iPad.
🔗 Please click the link below to complete the Google Form confirming your child’s attendance:
👉Grade 4 South African Airforce Museum (SAAF) / Ysterplaat Airbase Outing
We look forward to a meaningful experience for our Grade 4s.
Science Club this week...
Culture
Culture
Sign-up time for Q4 Sport and Culture
Sign-up time for Q4 Sport and Culture
Last change to order Madagascar Jr Photos
Last change to order Madagascar Jr Photos
Have you ordered your official Madagascar Jr Photos?
Use this form to place your order if you didn't get a chance to order after one of the shows.
This week each of our learners received a certificate and cast photo. Thank you for all the hard work you put in to make the production of Madagascar Jr a success
Robotics
Robotics
Our Robotics Teams Take Gold at the WRO and Head to Nationals
This past weekend, our Parklands College robotics teams proudly represented our school at the World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) Western Cape North event. The competition brought together some of the best young minds in the region, challenging them to design, build, and program robots to complete a series of complex missions.
From the fast-paced RoboMission challenges to the creative problem-solving in the Future Innovators category, our learners demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and resilience. They faced surprise rule changes, technical hurdles, and time pressure — all part of the exciting WRO experience — yet continued to adapt and perform at their best.
We are delighted to celebrate the following results:
RoboMission Elementary
🥇 Gold – Barrier Breakers
🥈 Silver – HyperTech 2.0
Future Innovators Elementary
🥇 Gold – GALACTIC GIRLS
RoboMission Junior
🥇 Gold – TechnoBlade
🥈 Silver – HTDR
🥉 Bronze – v0rT3x
RoboMission Senior
🥇 Gold – TechTron
🥈 Silver – Li² (Edgemead High School)
We congratulate every learner who participated for their dedication, innovation, and sportsmanship. The spirit and determination shown by our teams is truly inspiring.
We now turn our attention to the National Championships in Pretoria on 13 September, where our teams will compete against the best in the country. We wish them every success as they take this next exciting step in their robotics journey.
Well done, Parklands College — we are proud of you!
Outreach
Outreach
This quarter we are excited to launch our Be the Change Outreach Q3, focused on giving back to our community in a meaningful way. Our goal is to create 100 care packages for the residents of Ria Abel Retirement Home. Each grade has been assigned specific items to collect, from wet wipes and tissues to soap, toothpaste and more, as shown in the image. We also hope to add mini chocolates to each care package as a small, thoughtful treat. Any donations toward this are warmly welcomed.
The final date for collections is 12 September 2025.
Thank you for your ongoing generosity and support. Together we can brighten someone’s day and remind our elderly community members that they are seen, valued and cared for.
SPORT
SPORT
Senior Prep Sports Update
Senior Prep Sports Update
Derby Day is Here!
Derby Day is Here!
The wait is over - Derby Day 2025 has arrived, and our Senior Preparatory athletes are ready to take to the courts, astros, and fields with determination and pride!
This year’s fixture sees Parklands College take on Somerset College in one of the most anticipated events of our sporting calendar. Derby Day is not just about results - it’s about teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit. We want every learner, parent, and supporter to proudly wear their Blue and White and make our presence felt.
Please refer to the Derby Day section for the full schedule of matches and times so you don’t miss a moment of the action.
🏆 This Week’s Fixtures – Derby Day Edition
🏆 This Week’s Fixtures – Derby Day Edition
Here’s where you’ll see our Senior Prep athletes in action:
Netball – U10 to U12 teams will be in action throughout the day, with fast-paced matches that promise skill, speed, and great team play.
Soccer – U11 & U12 boys face Blouberg International in what should be an exciting, competitive showdown.
Rugby – Our teams square off against Milnerton Primary in a series of physical, high-energy clashes.
Hockey – Matches against Jan van Riebeeck at the Secondary Faculty, showcasing the talent of both our boys’ and girls’ teams.
Chess – Our first competitive chess match of the season — a mental battle where strategy meets patience and skill.
The Build-Up
The Build-Up
Over the past week, our Senior Preparatory learners have been training with focus, discipline, and energy. Our coaches have been working hard to fine-tune tactics, sharpen skills, and build team chemistry. From after-school practices to early morning sessions, the commitment shown by our athletes has been incredible.
We’ve also been building spirit across the school - from house colour days to Derby-themed assemblies - and now it’s time to put all that energy to work.
What We’re Playing For
What We’re Playing For
Derby Day is about more than just sport — it’s about representing Parklands College with pride. Every match is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to support one another, whether on the field or from the sidelines.
Parents, families, and friends - your voices, your cheers, and your encouragement make all the difference. Let’s make this a sea of Blue and White that Somerset College will never forget!
Good luck, Senior Prep — give it your all and let’s make this Derby Day one for the history books! 🔵⚪
Sign up time for Q4 Sport and Culture
Sign up time for Q4 Sport and Culture
Saturday, 16 August 2025
Parklands College vs Somerset College Derby Senior Prep teams will be competing in Netball, Hockey, and Rugby from 09h00–12h00 at Parklands Secondary Campus on Saturday 16 Aug '25.
💙 Come dressed in blue and white, bring the noise, and support our teams in what is always the biggest sporting event of the year!
Please remember: Derby Day is a key priority in our sporting calendar. All selected players are expected to be available for their teams. Please make the arrangements – we need every learner present and ready to represent Parklands!
P.S. The Secondary faculty kicks off their matches from 15h00 Friday and continues through Saturday – so whether you're playing, watching, or cheering, come join the celebration.
Derby Day Programme_Final.pdf
Parklands College - Parking Notice.pdfParking Notice: We will operate a one-way system.
This is to ease traffic flow. Anyone without a Parklands College sticker will be requested to sign-in by having them redirected to enter on the right (exit) gate.
The week that was
The week that was
🏐 Netball
🏐 Netball
vs Riverside College
U12 – 19-0 Win – Players of the Match: Lea & Casey-Lee
A commanding performance from our U12s, showing great passing accuracy, shooting consistency, and teamwork on court.
⚽ Soccer
⚽ Soccer
vs Curro Century City
U11 – 1-0 Win – POTM: Aiden JVR
U12 – 1-4 Loss – POTM: Tobi
A mixed bag of results, with the U11s securing a gritty win while the U12s faced a strong Curro side but still displayed resilience.
U12 Soccer Tournament (Hosted at the Secondary Faculty)
It was a privilege to welcome St John’s (Zimbabwe), Woodbridge, and Blouberg Ridge to Parklands for an exciting tournament:
Drew 1-1 vs Woodbridge – POTM: Ewan
Won 2-1 vs Blouberg Ridge – POTM: Ross
Lost 1-3 vs St John’s – POTM: Daniel
A fantastic opportunity for our U12 boys to test themselves against varied opposition and build their match experience.
🏑 Hockey
🏑 Hockey
vs Rallim
U12 Boys – Lost 1-3 – POTM: Parklands (team effort)
U10 Girls – Lost 2-4 – POTM: Skyliegh & Avril
U10 Boys – Lost 2-3 – POTM: Cooper
Despite the scorelines, these games were full of determination, exciting runs down the wings, and some brilliant goalkeeping moments.
💙 The Road to Derby Day
💙 The Road to Derby Day
This week was about more than just results - it was about building confidence, refining skills, and fostering that Parklands spirit. Our Senior Prep athletes have shown resilience, growth, and a hunger to compete, setting the stage perfectly for this weekend’s Derby Day.
In our sports assembly this week we congratulated our Junior and Senior Victor and Victrix ludorum trophy recipients. Well done to these worthy recipients.
Kahlia
Taylor
Ndalo
Ben
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.
Sport Quick Links
Sport Quick Links
LIBRARY
LIBRARY
One of our library monitors, Lily Campey, was the first to try a newcomer in the library, The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. This is what she had to say:
Book Summary: Set on the fictional island of Joya, Isabella (Isa) is a fierce and curious thirteen-year-old with a talent for creating vivid drawings of the world around her. Cartography runs in her blood, both her parents being famous cartographers in her town. Isa lost her twin brother and mother a couple years before. On the day that everything changed, Isa was on her way to school with her best friend Lupe, the governor’s daughter, when word reached her that Cata, a girl in their class, was dead. Shocked by the sudden news, Lupe decides to find out the reason behind Cata’s unfortunate death. Isa, conflicted, tracks her best friend with the kingdom search party, and travels into the forbidden territories. What happened to Cata, will Isa find Lupe survived and come out alive? Find out by reading the book, it is now in the library!
Personal Opinion: The thorough mapping of the island creates a vivid landscape for this story. The first-person perspective makes the story extremely captivating, letting you experience Isa’s journey first hand. The author creates this sense of hope, something that lightens her darkest seances, that is what I love. I wish there was a sequel but unfortunately not. If you enjoyed this you might enjoy other first person fiction adventure novels.
Similar Books in Our Library:
For a similar tone and adventure themed novel:
The Wolf Wilder - Katherine Rundell
Rooftoppers - Katherine Rundell
For something slightly darker with multiple first person perspectives:
The Wishing Bones - Michelle Lovric
Ending Quote: “Not all stories have happy endings, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth the read.”
Birthday Books
We would like to thank Khloe for her Birthday Book donation, “Worst Week Ever! Wednesday”. This is an incredible addition to the humorous series that our young readers enjoy. We are grateful to you for adding to our library collection.
Happy birthday, Khloe!
Cultural Tour for Juniors to Paris in September 2026
Cultural Tour for Juniors to Paris in September 2026
Parklands College is planning a Cultural Tour to Paris in September 2026 for our current Grade 5, 6 & 7 learners.
Should you be interested in your child participating in the tour, or require further information, please email Mme A Bailly at abailly@parklands.co.za. A truly memorable cultural experience awaits!
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
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
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 - 25 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
College blazers
Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer from the start of 2026, with the obvious exception of those who wear Honours Blazers. To ensure timely delivery, we advise you to place your order with our uniform supplier, School and Leisure, early.
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
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
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:
Winter Quarter Dates
Saturday 16 August:
Derby day vs Somerset College at Secondary Faculty
Monday 18 August:
Cape Town Regional Science Fair (EXPO)
Tuesday 19 August:
Cape Town Regional Science Fair (EXPO)
Wednesday 20 August:
Cape Town Regional Science Fair (EXPO)
Thursday 21 August:
SP Choir Performance at Blouberg International
Friday 22 August:
Cape Town Eisteddfod in Senior Preparatory Hall
Tuesday 26 August:
Happy Birthday Khanya Mbikwana
Saturday 30 August:
Happy Birthday Tarin Hodges
Monday 1 September:
First Day of Spring
Tuesday 2 September:
Happy Birthday Jesse Kirsten
Wednesday 10 September:
SP Prestige Music Concert @ 18:00
Friday 12 September:
Funky Socks Day
WRO Nationals in Jhb
Saturday 13 September:
Open Day
Roald Dahl Day
WRO Nationals in Jhb
Winter Quarter Dates
Monday 15 September:
International Dot Day
Happy Birthday Daniella Mizrachi
Thursday 18 September:
Reports Released
Report Feedback Meetings
Friday 19 September:
SPCA Dress up day
Report Feedback Meetings
Happy Birthday Amy Dean
Saturday 20 September:
Happy Birthday Efraim Cupido
North vs South Prep Derby
Monday 22 September:
Report Feedback Meetings
Tuesday 23 September:
Last day of the quarter
Wednesday 24 September:
Public Holiday-Heritage Day
Thursday 2 October:
Rosh Hashanah
Happy Birthday Simoné Prinsloo
Sunday 5 October:
World Teachers Day
Tuesday 7 October:
Happy Birthday Roché Buckle
We wish all those Grade 6s taking part in the Regional Science Expo next week all the best as they showcase their incredible projects at UCT.
We also look forward to our Senior Preparatory choir performance at Blouberg International on Thursday at 18h00.
Have a wonderful weekend and see you at Derby Day at Parklands College Secondary Faculty, 1 College Avenue, Sandown on Saturday
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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