Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
22 August 2025
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
Thank you to all our parents for your wonderful support at Derby Day last weekend. It was truly special to see the whole school come together. Well done to the Secondary Faculty on their incredible warcries.
This week has been another full week. After many hours of hard work it was wonderful to see how our Expo learners all medalled at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists at UCT on Wednesday, including three category winners and the best overall project in the primary section.
Thank you to our choir for your stunning performance at the choir festival at Blouberg International last night.
Principal Paul Q3W5.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.
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.
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 our Grade 6s have been hard at work across subjects!
In FAL, our creative projects took flight as learners stepped into the magical world of fairy tales and the practical, step-by-step world of instructional writing. From dragons and enchanted forests to “how-to” guides that make you smile, our corridors are buzzing with creativity. It’s wonderful to see how imagination and clear thinking can go hand-in-hand.
In Mathematics, numbers came alive with Mrs Wells as learners sharpened their skills in adding and subtracting. Through problem-solving challenges and clever strategies, they are learning not only to calculate but also to think critically about why their answers make sense. Each lesson is building confidence and accuracy — essential tools for the road ahead.
✨ Maths Tip: When subtracting, line up your numbers carefully in columns — units under units, tens under tens. If the top number is smaller, remember to borrow from the next column. Double-check your answer by adding it back — if it matches the original bigger number, you’re spot on!
We are sharing a glimpse of our Intaka Island outing! 🌿✨ Learners explored the wetlands and discovered how this special space connects to our Natural Sciences curriculum. Surrounded by nature, our learners were able to connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences — and the excitement on their faces said it all!
In Science and Technology, our learners became young architects and designers! They were tasked with imagining a brand-new room or area that they believe our school really needs. From brainstorming their ideas, to carefully sketching a floor plan, and then designing all the exciting elements for the space, their creativity truly shone. Some learners dreamed up cozy reading corners, others designed high-tech innovation labs, and a few even planned spaces for relaxation and mindfulness. It was inspiring to see how each design balanced function, creativity, and problem-solving — who knows, maybe one of these spaces will become a reality in the future!
Science Expo News
Science Expo News
We are incredibly proud of our Grade 6 learners who recently participated in the Eskom Regional Science Expo. Over the course of three exciting days, they had the opportunity to be interviewed and judged on their projects, engage with experts across various categories, and explore innovative projects from other schools aimed at solving real-world problems. It was an enriching experience that sparked curiosity, built confidence, and inspired our young scientists to think creatively about the future. Well done to all our learners for their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication! 🌍🔬✨
Gold Medalists
Brynn Eichbauer
Tshegofatso Le Roux
Alyssa Veerasamy
Silver Medalists
Lea Botha
Oluwatobi Bolawa
Christiano Amadi
Elizabeth Campey
Callum Herbert
Casey-Lee Kruger
Sivangaye (Zimi) Mdebuka
Ruben Roux
Michaela Akinola
Best Project in Category Award
Brynn Eichbauer - Agricultural Science “Sonic Crops”
Elizabeth Campey- “Grasshood- Sports Field Covers to Control Negative Hydrological Environmental Factors”
Tshegofatso Le Roux and Alyssa Veerasamy - “Water Plants as Natural Filters to Prevent Algae Blooms”
Best Preparatory Project Overall
Brynn Eichbauer
GRADE 5
GRADE 5
🧴 Grade 5 Outreach Reminder - We are still collecting roll-on deodorants and small chocolates for our outreach project. Every contribution counts!
English - Our young authors are creating original scripts from scratch with absolutely thrilling topics. Get ready to be amazed by these creative masterpieces!
Mathematics - We're conquering short division like mathematical superheroes! Using times tables as our foundation, we're mastering the detective skill of working backwards to check our solutions.
History - Ancient Egyptians were brilliant star watchers! We've discovered how they used the sky to predict Nile floods and created incredible star maps on their buildings.
Science - Energy is everywhere! Our scientists have created dynamic energy videos showcasing amazing understanding and creativity.
Lara - Energy Movie.movGeography - We're becoming weather experts! Learning to read weather apps like meteorologists and writing professional weather reports. From temperature trends to precipitation patterns, we're mastering the language of weather forecasting!
Audio Weather Report-21/08/2025, 22:02.mp4
🦒 Adventure Alert! 18 September - The Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre awaits! Complete the Google Form – this will be unforgettable!
Your dedication makes every classroom day extraordinary! ✨
GRADE 4
GRADE 4
What an unforgettable week it has been in Grade 4!
In Geography, we launched into an exciting new topic: Farming in South Africa. Learners explored the differences between subsistence farms (where farmers grow food mainly for their own families) and commercial farms (which grow crops or raise animals to sell). We also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each, sparking some thoughtful class conversations about food and sustainability.
In Afrikaans and isiXhosa, creativity took centre stage as learners designed colourful posters of their favourite Big Five animal. They proudly labelled their posters in their chosen FAL language and shared fascinating facts, bringing together language learning and art in such an exciting way.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly our outing to the South African Air Force Museum at the Ysterplaat base. Learners were in awe as they walked through the museum, taking in the uniforms and weapons from the past. They asked questions to real pilots, got to see the impressive Oryx and Lynx helicopters up close, and watched in amazement as the Air Force firefighters sprayed powerful streams of water from their high-tech fire truck. The demonstration not only wowed the learners but also taught them valuable lessons about fire safety.
It was a week filled with discovery, creativity, and adventure. Our Grade 4s continue to make us so proud through their resilience and hard work!
Robotics
Robotics
Micro:bits in Action – Learning Through Fun!
Micro:bits in Action – Learning Through Fun!
This week in our coding classes, we dived into the world of micro:bits! Learners explored the different inputs on the micro:bit, like buttons and sensors, and discovered how these tiny devices can interact with code. Using their creativity, they wrote programs that respond to different inputs—so when something happens, like pressing a button, the picture on the micro:bit changes or a completely new image appears.
It was exciting to watch the learners experiment and see their ideas come to life on the screen. Coding with micro:bits isn’t just educational - it’s a whole lot of fun!
Microbit.MOV
Outreach - Be the Change
Outreach - Be the Change
This quarter we are 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 is over! And what a Derby it was! A massive thank you to our parents, guardians, learners, and staff for coming out in full force - your support truly made the difference. The sea of Blue and White across the stands and sidelines created an unforgettable atmosphere. Every cheer, every clap, and every chant lifted our players and showcased the spirit of Parklands Prep.
On the fields and courts, our learners showed courage, teamwork, and determination. From the intensity of the rugby clashes to the nail-biting netball encounters and the slick stick work on the hockey turf, our teams put on displays that we can all be proud of. While results matter, it was the sportsmanship, passion, and togetherness that truly stood out on Derby Day.
We now set our sights on the next big challenge: North vs South Derby at Golden Grove on Saturday, 20 September. This promises to be another massive sporting showcase - and we’ll need every single one of you back in full voice and full colour to rally behind our teams!
Looking Ahead – Another Busy Sporting Week
Looking Ahead – Another Busy Sporting Week
This coming week, our Senior Prep learners will again be representing the College across a variety of sports:
⚽ Soccer: Our U11 and U12 teams continue to sharpen their skills with important fixtures lined up.
🏐 Netball: More opportunities to build on the confidence gained from Derby Day as our girls take to the courts again.
🏉 Rugby: Our boys will look to channel the Derby energy into another big round of matches, working hard on their combinations and game plans.
🏑 Hockey: Both boys and girls teams continue to show immense growth this season, and will once again test themselves against strong opposition.
♟️ Chess: A special mention to our chess players, who take to the boards this week in their very first fixture of the quarter - proof that sport at Parklands is about both physical and mental battles.
With so much happening, there is no doubt that our learners will once again do us proud. Here’s to another exciting week of sport at Parklands Prep - let’s keep the momentum rolling!
Sign up time for Q4 Sport and Culture
Sign up time for Q4 Sport and Culture
Senior Prep Week that was:
Senior Prep Week that was:
Rugby vs Milnerton Primary
Rugby vs Milnerton Primary
U9 won 5–4 – POTM: Enzo
U11 lost 15–10 – POTM: Aiden B / Junior K
U13 won 43–27 – POTM: Bryce & Karis
Netball vs Parklands College Secondary
Netball vs Parklands College Secondary
U10 vs U11B → U11B won 6–1
U10 vs U11A → U10A won 5–0
U12 vs U13B → U12B 4–3 loss – POTM: Logan & Mihlali
U12 vs U13A → 6–6 draw – POTM: Ntando
Soccer vs Blouberg International
Soccer vs Blouberg International
U11 won 2–0 – POTM: Khwezi
U12 won 2–0 – POTM: Emmanuel
Friday 5th September '25
BOK FRIDAY
Let's get behind the Boks as they head down under to play our fierce rivals New Zealand at Eden Park by wearing our Green and Gold to school!
U11 Rugby
U11 Rugby
U13 Rugby
U13 Rugby
External Achievements in Sport
External Achievements in Sport
Holly is a World Champion!
Holly competed at the Goju Kai Karate World Championships in Chiba, Japan. She won the Gold medal in fighting (Kumite) and became World Champion. She also got a Bronze medal with her Team in the Team Kata.
We are delighted to share that Ndalo proudly represented her talent and determination by winning Bronze at the WCA SC Championship 2025, held from 17 to 20 July 2025 during the school holidays.
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
Birthday Books
We would like to thank Juniour for his Birthday Book donation of Arthur’s Dream Boat by Polly Dunbar. This is a picture book about an adventure that will have our readers sailing away on their own flights of imagination! We are grateful for your support of our library.
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
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
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
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 Miss Mbikwana a very happy birthday for Tuesday, 26 August and Ms Hodges for Saturday 30 August.
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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