16 May 2025

Dear Parents

It has been another week of fun and learning along with starting our formal assessments for quarter 2. Reminder that the details regarding assessments can be found on the Academic tab

On 30 May, we will be hosting Slipper Day so get ready to bring those slippers to school (and work!) as we support Reach for a Dream together.

Madagascar Jr rehearsals are going well and we are anticipating full houses! Make sure you buy your tickets soon! Every child will be participating.

Open Day - Saturday 31 May between 10:00 - 13:00
We are looking forward to our school's Open Day and hope to see many of you there!
Winter Uniform
Please note that we have transitioned into winter uniform.

Important Change Regarding Aftercare Collection Procedures
To further enhance the safety and security of our learners, all learners must be personally collected from aftercare and signed out on the register by their parent(s), designated lift service, or caregiver.

Principal Paul Memo Q2 W6 V2.mov

Book here via Quicket

Parklands College Preparatory Faculty presents DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. features original music and lyrics by George Noriega and Joel Someillan, and book by Kevin Del Aguila.

As the show opens, we learn that Marty the zebra may be celebrating his tenth birthday at the Central Park Zoo with his friends Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, yet he longs to experience life outside of the zoo’s walls. When Marty eventually escapes, his animal friends from the zoo pursue him into New York City. After reuniting, the animals are chased by the police, and ultimately felled by tranquilliser darts. They awake, trapped in crates, on a ship, which, through a series of events, is thrown off course. Upon reaching land, the animals discover they have been shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar. Ultimately, it is only in being so lost that they can begin to discover where they really belong.

Every Grade 4 - 6 learner as well as every Grade R - 3 dancer is getting ready to Move it! We hope to see you join in the fun too! Tickets can be purchased on Quicket.

NEWS

GROWING MINDS SHIELDS

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.

In assembly this week we awarded the following learners growing minds shields. Congratulations to each of you and well done on being nominated for this award.

Effective Communicator

Damian

Responsible Citizens
Raphael and Joshua

Critical Thinking

Leo

Purposeful Collaborators

Ruben and Callum

Grade 6 News

Blossoming with Byvoeglike Naamwoorde!

This week, our Grade 6 learners dived into the colourful world of byvoeglike naamwoorde (adjectives) in Afrikaans! With plenty of giggles and creative thinking, they explored how these descriptive words bring our sentences to life—just like sprinkles on a cupcake! From identifying byvoeglike naamwoorde in fun texts to applying them in their own vibrant sentences, our learners showed wonderful progress.

Getting Busy with Angles!

Our Grade 6s got hands-on with protractors in a fun and practical Maths lesson! They measured, drew and labelled angles with precision—exploring everything from tiny acute angles to wide reflex ones. It was a lively session full of excitement and real-world maths in action!

Science

Learners recently used an interactive app on their iPads to explore the International Space Station (ISS) and simulate an experiment on how microgravity affects plant growth. This engaging activity deepened their understanding of space science and sparked curiosity about real-world research beyond Earth.

Grade 5 News

This week, Grade 5 was packed with creativity, collaboration, and clever thinking!

In Maths, we put our brains to the test by diving into conversions—from millilitres to litres, grams to kilograms, and everything in between. It was like learning a new language, one unit at a time! We even turned the classroom into a conversion station, solving problems and racing against the clock.

In English, we explored the wild and wonderful world of collective nouns. Who knew that a group of owls is called a parliament, or that a gathering of jellyfish is a smack? We had loads of fun creating silly sentences and challenging each other with the most unusual ones we could find.

But the highlight of the week? Becoming young engineers! We learned how bridges are designed and built—from understanding tension and compression to testing what makes a bridge strong and sturdy. Then it was time to put our knowledge into action in Minecraft EDU, where we built our very own bridge designs. With blocks, beams, and a bit of brainstorming, our virtual worlds soon had impressive bridges that could rival the Golden Gate!

From units to nouns to Minecraft towns, it’s safe to say this week was one for the books!

Grade 4 News

This week in Grade 4 the learners dived into the art of summarising in English. They explored what makes a good summary and worked together to pick out the most important ideas from texts, trimming the fluff and keeping the heart of the story. It was exciting to see the class thinking critically, collaborating, and confidently creating their class summary.

In Science, the Grade 4s had an exciting and interactive revision lesson. They created flash cards to practice some of their Science concepts by using their notes in Google Classroom - next week they will work through a variety of hands-on stations, each one focused on a different concept they’ve covered this year from the anatomy of plants to states of matter. The activities will help to consolidate their learning in a fun and memorable way as they prepare for the upcoming Science assessment.

GRADE FOURS

SCIENCE CLUB

In our recent Science Club session, we delved into the fascinating world of DIY lava lamps and explored the concept of liquid density.

Learners were thrilled to create their own lava lamps using simple household ingredients, observing mesmerising bubbles and colours in action. This hands-on experiment not only sparked curiosity but also reinforced our understanding of how different liquids interact based on their densities.

Through engaging discussions and exciting demonstrations, our young scientists discovered the science behind these colourful creations, making learning both fun and educational. Stay tuned for more exciting experiments and discoveries in our Science Club!

ROCKET LAUNCH!

This past Saturday our dedicated Grade 6 Science learners completed their rocket builds during an engaging second rocket workshop at the Secondary Faculty. Fuelled by creativity and scientific curiosity, each group meticulously finished crafting their rocket and assembled the parachute. On Tuesday we successfully launched the rockets and what a memorable experience it was for these young scientists as they put their creations to the test.

Mathletics Silver Certificates

Congratulations to the learners who received their Mathletics Silver Certificate at SP lines this week.

Mathletics Silver Certificates

ACADEMICS

Formal Assessments

A reminder to click on the specific grade assessment calendars on the academic tab to see your child's formal assessment schedule and study details. The study details are posted at least two weeks before the assessment. Please check calendars on a regular basis to stay updated.

Please note that a doctor's certificate is required if a learner is absent for a formal assessment. Please contact the Principal (pmayers@parklands.co.za) or Head of Academics (ldrawbridge@parklands.co.za) to ask for permission for your child to be absent for any other reason.

OUTREACH

Once a year, South Africans join forces for Slipper Day, in the name of fun, hope, and making dreams come true! By simply buying a sticker, wearing your slippers, and showing your support, you can help us bring joy to children with life-threatening illnesses.

These simple acts of kindness serve as a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by these brave children, many of whom spend their days in slippers while undergoing treatment. By purchasing a R20 Slipper Day sticker, you can help us turn their biggest dreams into realities, giving them precious moments of joy and hope when they need it the most.

Supporting Slipper Day is about so much more than simply wearing slippers to work or school. When you purchase a sticker, you invest in the hopes of brave children fighting life-threatening illnesses.

Every sticker sold helps turn dreams into reality, whether it’s meeting their hero, flying in an airplane, or receiving something they’ve dreamed of. And the impact doesn’t stop there! A fulfilled dream lifts an entire community, from loving parents and siblings to dedicated doctors and nurses.

Together, we can show these children that their Dreams Matter.

Reach for a Dream

Your child is encouraged to wear slippers with their sports kit and tracksuit on 30 May to join in on this day. R20 will be billed to your school account. Reminder to pack in shoes for sports hour!

This quarter we are also collecting instant oats, cup of soups and instant noodles. Please add these to your shopping list for next time you go shopping so we can continue to support those less fortunate than us. Items can be brought to your child's home room class.

SPORT

From the Sports Desk

From the Sports Desk: 🏉🏑🏐 Senior Prep Sports Update – Full House This Week! 🏉🏑🏐

It’s been a full house of sport at Senior Prep this week, with Hockey, Rugby, Netball, and Chess in full swing! The energy on the courts, fields, and even around the chessboards has been electric as our learners returned from their mid-term break ready to train hard, compete with pride, and represent Parklands College the Parkie way. 💙💛

We’re thrilled to be heading into our second festival of the quarter this Saturday at Camps Bay.

📍Please note: the venue is Symmonds Field, not the primary school grounds. It’s an early start, so get those coffee flasks ready and let’s cheer on our Parkie stars from the sidelines!

As we look ahead, our hockey players will enjoy a break next week, but Netball, Rugby, and Chess will continue as planned – keeping the sporting momentum going strong through Quarter 2.

🌧️ With the colder and wetter days rolling in, please make sure your child packs a tracksuit and/or a change of clothes, especially for early morning sessions and Friday mornings. Should weather conditions interfere, we will always make a call on the day, but unless stated otherwise, practices and matches will continue as planned.

And to all those parents braving the sidelines – we see you and we appreciate you. Here’s to more growth, grit, and great sportsmanship in the weeks ahead!

#SeniorPrepSport #OurBloodRunsBlue #TeamSpirit #Quarter2Action

🏆 The Week That Was – Senior Prep Sports Recap

What an action-packed week of sport it has been at Parklands College Senior Prep! From netball courts to rugby fields and hockey turfs, our learners have shown commitment, teamwork, and incredible growth. With multiple fixtures across the week, our Parkie athletes have truly risen to the occasion! 💪

Netball Results
vs Elkanah:

U10 A won 4–1 | POTM: Unako & Ayo
U10 B won 6–0 | POTM: Tumi
U11 A lost 4–10 | POTM: Lara & Lukhanyo
U11 B won 6–5 | POTM: Keisha
U12 A won 11–0 | POTM: Christiano
U12 B won 4–1 | POTM: Alyssa

vs Milnerton:

U11 A lost 11–0 | POTM: Olu & Telo
U12 A lost 6–8 | POTM: Nina

vs Blouberg:

U12 A won 6–2 | POTM: Ntando
U12 B won 1–0 | POTM: Ndalo

Rugby Results
vs Camps Bay:

U11 A lost 18–0
U13 A won 24–22 | POTM: Karis

Hockey Results
vs Edgemead:

U10 A Boys drew 2–2 | POTM: Cooper
U10 A Girls lost 1-4
U13 A Boys lost 6–0 | POTM: Munye
U13 A Girls lost 12–1 | POTM: Lea

🎉 Despite the mix of wins and losses, our learners continue to show character, resilience, and sportsmanship in every match they play. A huge shoutout to every player for their effort and to the coaches for their guidance and support.

🙏 Thank you to our amazing parents and guardians – your sideline support, encouragement, and cheers do not go unnoticed. We see you. We hear you. And we appreciate you. 💙💛

The sporting journey continues next week – let’s go, Parkies!
#ParklandsPride #WeekThatWas #Quarter2Sport #OurBloodRunsBlue

External Achievements in Sport

Congratulations Adam, his team winning the Super 7's Championships!

Congratulations Benjamin, he made it to the finals in U11 Male Body Board, U11 Male Run Swim Run and U11 Male Surf Swim for Nippers Surf. For Nippers Pool, Benjamin achieved two PBs.

Congratulations Sebastian for achieving Gold in 50m Obstacle Swim (Pool) and Silver in Taplin Relay (Run, Swim, Board - Sebastian was the runner and Surf).

Congratulations Jean-louis, clocking four personal bests and earning 2nd and 3rd place finishes in his age group!

Congratulations Lara who won Gold and Silver Medal at the South African National Aerial Sport Competition.

Congratulations Jordan achieving his highest orange belt grade in Krav Maga.

Please find a link to the notification letter informing the College of a learner's external achievements at Area/Regional/Provincial level.

External Achievements

Sport Quick Links

SPORTS INFO

TRAVEL CONSENT

EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS

SPORTS CALENDAR

CULTURE

Every Grade 4 - 6 learner as well as every Grade R - 3 dancer is getting ready to Move it! We hope to see you join in the fun too! Tickets can be purchased on Quicket.

MARIMBA BAND

Our Grade 4 and 5 Marimba band have been learning Miriam Makeba's 'Click Song' (Qongqothwane) - have a listen to the video preview.

We look forward to hearing you perform this soon!

Grade 4&5 Marimba.mp4

REUSE AND RECYCLE

Are you in the Nautical Industry? Can you help us with thick 'nautical rigging' or an old buoy for our Madagascar scene 3 set?

We are still collecting newspapers to use in Art and Makerspace. We also welcome bottle tops, off cuts, stockings, boxes, cans, buttons and more to make Madagascar Jr props and costumes. Please send to school to reuse and recycle.

Contact Mrs Buckle if you can assist: rbuckle@parklands.co.za

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!

LIBRARY

Recently the Hooked on Books team performed extracts from various books, and at the end of the show the learners could vote for their favourites. There was overwhelming support for the Montgomery Bonbon series, a brilliantly funny mystery series featuring a famous detective, who is in fact a ten-year-old girl in disguise. This week the learners were introduced to the various books in the series and furious reading and conversations are taking place. We are looking forward to the new books, which are already available overseas, reaching our shores as well.

Book Club

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

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

2025 SENIOR PREP P&L Information Directory.pdf

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...

LOST PROPERTY

Please help us by ensuring that your child's bag and belongings are labeled. We have many items that have found themselves in lost property but some labelled items have been taken home and not returned. Please check your child's items and if your child has mistakenly taken an item belonging to someone else, kindly return it to reception so we can return it to the right child.

LOCKERS

We have installed new lockers in the changing rooms that are big enough to store sports kit. Your child is encouraged to make use of these lockers on the day that they have a sports kit that is not able to fit into their own locker. Note that an additional lock is required that can be purchased from reception for a cost of R85. It is important that these lockers are emptied at the end of the day and locks are removed so that someone else can use them for their sports kit on the next day.

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

We wish our U10 netball players participating in the Camps Bay Mini Netball Festival all the best for tomorrow and all our dancers well for the Eisteddfod.

Please join me in wishing Mrs Domingo a happy birthday for Tuesday 20th May.

Have a wonderful weekend