Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo

24 January 2025

Dear Parents


The familiar buzz of excited chatter and laughter has returned to our campus as learners settle back into school life for 2025. Seeing our Grade 4-6 learners reconnect with friends and sharing holiday adventures, reminds us why our school community is so special. The energy is infectious, and our teachers are just as excited to embark on another year of learning and growth together.


Now that our learners are familiar with their new teachers and classrooms it is time to begin our co-curricular programme. Please check the co-curricular timetable and ensure that you have the correct kit for the various sporting and cultural activities.  Our co-curricular programme begins on Monday 27th January. 


Highlights from week 2...

Week 1 Memo - Final 2.mov

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)



News

First day back photos...


Grade 6 Science and Tech this week:


Video_20250123_225912_235.mp4

Our Grade 5 Second Additional Language classes have been learning greetings in Afrikaans...


SAL1.mov
SAL2.mov

Grade 5P having fun in their very first art lesson.

Grade 4 Art and Maths Integration


The Grade Fours incorporated Art into our Maths class! We practised our number formation on the tiles with water and paintbrushes!

Co-Curricular Programme


We're looking forward to starting our co-curricular programme on Monday, 27 January.

Madagascar Auditions


We invite all interested Grade 6 learners to audition for featured roles in our production of, 'Madagascar Jr'. Please read through the information below and complete the Madagascar Jr Audition Form


Makerspace Club


To reserve your child's spot in the Makerspace Club, please complete this form. Please note that spots in the club are limited, and you will be notified if your child has been allocated a place. For more information contact Mrs Holliday. Note that your sport and other co-curricular commitments take priority so please ensure that you have checked the timetable to ensure that there are no clashes with your child's other commitments. There will be future opportunities in other quarters this year for Makerspace club. The first lesson of the Makerspace club will be on Tuesday, 4 February.


SPORT

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

Welcome to 2025!

Dear Parents,

A warm welcome to the new school year! We’re diving straight into an action-packed first quarter, filled with all things sunblock, linseed oil, helmets, goggles, and hats - the unmistakable signs of summer sports in full swing.

We’re thrilled to announce two fantastic full-time additions to our Sports Department this year: Ms. Courtney Janeiro and Mr. Gary Gilder. Their energy and expertise are sure to inspire our learners both on and off the field.

This quarter sees a full Swimming PE programme, and we can’t wait to see the learners making waves in the pool, hitting the courts, and charging onto the fields. A special welcome to our new learners joining us this year - we’re excited to have you on board and look forward to seeing your enthusiasm in our summer sports codes.

Here’s to a vibrant and active term ahead!

Yours in sport,
Jared Margetts
Head of Preparatory Sports

The Week That Was:

Physical education is back in full stroke. Some of our Grade 4s and all of the Grade 5s and 6s made a splash as the first to dive in this week, kicking off with a fun-filled session on pool safety and the basics of swimming. The smiles and splashes said it all - what a way to start the quarter!

Here are some action shots of the Grade 6s this week:

Looking Ahead:

Today’s Highlight:
Day 2 Netball Tour trials: U12 Netballers are trialing for our annual Knysna Netball tour in April 2025. 

Sport Is Back!
Mark your calendars for 27 January 2025. While our tennis courts get a facelift, tennis training will continue just next to the courts. No excuses - we’re keeping the ball rolling!

Matches Alert:
Get ready! Matches kick off from 3 February 2025. This weeks' Match Day will have practices instead of matches. 

On That Note:
We need your consent for sports travel to away fixtures/practices. Please click the link below and select "Agree."

https://forms.gle/hedMdVegh1ESjHkb7 

Missed the Parent Sport Information Meeting?
If you couldn’t attend last year’s meeting, here’s a quick recap! We’re thrilled to introduce exciting additions to our Sports Programme this year, with Compulsory Sport being a key highlight.

Parent Sport Meeting (3).pdf

External Achievements in Sport

Congratulation to Benjamin and Sebastian for competing in the 2024 South Africa Sailing Youth National Championships. Benjamin finished 18th out of 30 and Sebastian finished 2nd out of 4. 


Congratulations to Sebastian, winning Bronze in 50m Free, Bronze in 200m Freestyle and 3 personal best times!


Congratulations to Junior for being awarded Soccer Player of the Year!


Congratulations to Jakeem for being awarded Most Improved Player of the Year! 

Co-Curricular Programme

Please ensure that learners participating in outdoor activities have sunblock in their bags for application. ALL learners MUST wear their school caps when outdoors.  NO HAT, NO PLAY!


Parents must collect learners after their session. If a parent is late and unable to collect on time, learners will be sent to aftercare and parents billed.


From a young age we are teaching the children about the importance of commitment and sportsmanship, and we encourage them to commit to their teams and attend all practices. Please inform the class teacher if your child is unable to attend an activity. 

Culture

Individual Music Lessons


We invite parents of all current individual music learners as well as those wishing to commence individual lessons in 2025 to please complete the following enrolment form: SP Individual Music ,We require a new form to be completed annually. We will endeavour to ensure that your child is placed with the same teacher as in 2024. Lessons will commence from 27 January onwards. 


Edana App - individual Music Time slots 


Currently the Edana App does not generate specific time slots for each individual Music lesson. You will observe that the lessons are set for Monday 08:00-08:30. Please contact your child’s Music educator should you wish to confirm their individual lesson time. 


Dance


The Dance Department offers the following genres Ballet, Modern and Tap classes at the JP and SP Faculties. The syllabus in preparation for RAD and ISTD examinations is followed, as well as preparation for Medal Tests and Eisteddfod performances. Please contact Sylvia Stander sstander@parklands.co.za should you have any further queries.


Sign up form for Dance:  2025 Dance form 


The dance teachers have created a Parklands College Dance Google Site, which parents can access to see the latest news, pictures and find general information - Dance Google Site

Senior Preparatory Choir


Learners who would still like to audition for the Senior Preparatory Choir are encouraged to do so by submitting a video using this form


27 Jan: Last opportunity for auditions for all Grade 4-6 learners who are currently not in the choir.

Tues 28 Jan: Auditionees will be informed of their acceptance into the choir.

Wed 29 Jan: First rehearsal for all existing and new choristers. All Choristers are required to bring their iPads along for this first rehearsal.


Save the Date - Autumn Awakenings Choir Concert:


French Enrichment Lessons


The French call the joy of living and learning the “joie de vivre” and in that spirit Parklands College Preparatory Faculty  offers a  French enrichment course to our learners. In this course it is not just about learning French grammar and vocabulary, but also getting acquainted with the culture and traditions of the French and Francophone countries.


During the French lessons this year the learners will be introduced to the interesting French  culture,  and learn some phrases  of this beautiful language. Our learners will be taught  how to connect with French speakers by greeting, asking a few questions, counting and they will even be able to sing and entertain their families in French.


This is an enrichment course with no formal assessments – there will be only fun and all you need is to attend our lessons in room 13 every Friday at 7h15 until 7h45.


À bientôt


Madame Bailly 

Robotics

On 17 and 18 January, we played host to 26 of the top Western Cape teams in the highly anticipated FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Regional robotics competition.

Among the competitors, our own Hyperion Bots delivered an impressive performance in their team’s rookie year of participation. Theory achievements included receiving the prestigious Design Award, recognising the innovation and functionality of their robot. They were also selected as one of the 12 Alliance Teams by Cyber Champs, showcasing their strategic capabilities and collaborative skills.

The Hyperion Bots advanced through the alliance stages to the semifinals, ultimately securing an admirable 4th place Alliance position in a fiercely competitive field.

As a result of their success, the Hyperion Bots have qualified for the South African FTC Nationals, which will take place on 14 and 15 February here at Parklands. This event will determine the Top 3 teams to represent South Africa at the FTC World Festival in the United States later this year.

Parklands College extends its congratulations to the Hyperion Bots for their remarkable achievements and wishes them success as they prepare for the national stage.

From the Senior Preparatory Faculty, one of our new Grade 6s, Lily Campey, also participated in the First Tech Challenge and qualified for nationals. She is a member of the rookie community team NEX GEN, who are part of a non-profit called HOPE. Her team was awarded the THINK award for their engineering design process. Congratulations Lily and we wish you and your team all the best for Nationals!

Lily Campey

Grade 4 Save the Date

Grade 4 parents AND their children are invited to join us for a Study Skills Workshop on Saturday, 1st February from 09:00 - 11:30.  Your children must bring their iPads and pencil bags with them to the session.  


Please RSVP to your class teacher. 

Parents Guide to Google Classroom

Library

Welcome to another exciting year of book adventures! We are starting the year with a fun challenge for the month of February as we invite learners (and their teachers!) to find a really adventurous spot to read. Get someone to take a photo and share with your librarian, by either airdropping in the library, or emailing the photo to Ms Magadana at lmagadana@parklands.co.za  


We can’t wait to see all your creative ideas!

World Read Aloud Day 2025

World Read Aloud Day takes place annually on the first Wednesday of February. This event is the initiative of a global organisation, LitWorld, which aims to provide reading groups in the least resourced areas in the world. Our local organisation, Nal’ibali, has been driving the programme in South Africa, making books and resources available on their website. This year their special story is called What is That? It is written by the talented Baeletsi Tsatsi and illustrated by Rico, and available in all 11 official South African languages. Follow the link to share this new story with your children in your home language:  https://nalibali.org/WRAD-2020/download-the-story

Birthday Books

The Second World War has been over for many years now, but it has had such an impact on the world that many new novels about that time are still published all the time. Zimi’s Birthday Book is an exciting adventure about a young girl who, together with her mother, find themselves on the front line as spies. Hannah donated two books towards the end of last year: the wonderful Operation Rhino by Lauren St John, a great adventure saving a baby rhino, as well as an Animal Rescue Friends graphic novel for our growing collection. Thank you Zimi and Hannah for these great stories. 

Chinese New Year


A number of our SP learners will be performing in celebrations this weekend at the V&A Waterfront amphitheatre in anticipation of Chinese New Year on 29th January. The following learners will be performing: Elise, Jenny, Miley, Yaqi, Teresa, Karena and Kaitlyn. 


Should you wish to support them and find out more about the celebrations see the information below.

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


Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Senior Preparatory learners.


2025 SENIOR PREP P&L Information Directory.pdf

Parent Business Directory

Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary parents who are in business are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/

LISTINGS ARE FREE and include contact information as well as the opportunity to include a business logo or advert.  Listings are available 24/7 on the College website and will be updated each quarter.

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


Remember the mad hatter in the parking lot on day one this quarter... While I don't think I will survive wearing that hat every day this quarter, may the picture above remind you to be kind to other parents and obey the rules... remember your children are learning from you!


To be clear, a reminder that in order to keep traffic flowing the traffic department have implemented a NO RIGHT TURN out of the SP Parking lot. The sign is clearly visible opposite the exit. Please assist us in teaching responsible citizenship to your children by obeying the sign. 


We anticipate that next week will be easier once our co-curricular programme starts and some learners only leave after their co-curricular but let's be kind to each other in the parking lot and ensure that we keep the traffic moving. 


We wish our Chinese Community a Happy Chinese New Year for 29 January 2025. 

Paul Mayers

Senior Preparatory Principal

pmayers@parklands.co.za 

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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