Senior Preparatory Weekly Memo
8 August 2025
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
It has been another incredible week at the Senior Preparatory faculty. Thank you to each of you for your support of the Madagascar Jr Production. In assembly this week unpacked the power of teamwork and how we can achieve so much more when we work together, just like the story of Madagascar Jr. We finished our assembly all doing "Move it, Move it" one last time!
Principal Paul Memo Q3W3.MOV
Notices
Notices
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. Parking is limited and gates will be closed between 9:45 and 10:45.
📸 NEW LEARNER Individual Photos - Tuesday 12 August from 09:00 in the JP Library. Learners who joined us in Quarter 3 must please wear their full uniform with blazers on Tuesday. If you child has PE on the 12th August please pack their PE uniform so that they can change into PE uniform after the photo.
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
Culture
Culture
Madagascar Jr Photos
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.
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.
For your convenience, please see an overview of the formal assessment dates for each grade below.
Gr 4 Assessment Schedule Q3 2025.pdfGrade 5 Assessment Schedule Q3 2025.pdfGrade 6 Assessment Schedule Q3 2025.pdfNEWS
NEWS
GRADE 6
GRADE 6
Read, Roam and Reorder
Our Grade 6 learners kicked off their Quarter 3 English creative writing project with a fun and interactive launch activity called Read, Roam and Reorder. Learners were each given a random paragraph from a short story and had to move around the classroom, collaborating with their peers to find the remaining parts of their story and piece them together in the correct sequence. The activity sparked laughter, teamwork and thoughtful discussion — the perfect way to prepare them for their upcoming creative writing tasks.
Responsible Citizen Lesson: Conflict Resolution Skills
This week, our Grade 6 learners put their communication and teamwork skills to the test in a practical and engaging lesson on conflict resolution. The focus? Learning how to navigate disagreements in a calm, respectful and fair way.
🎭 Role-Play in Action
In small groups, learners were given real-life scenarios and tasked with acting out a disagreement and then solving it respectfully. The role-plays sparked creative thinking, active listening and loads of laughter as learners acted out situations and experimented with positive ways to handle them.
📋 Steps to Solve Conflict
We explored a simple step-by-step process to resolve conflict constructively:
Stay calm
Listen carefully
Use “I” statements (e.g. “I feel upset when…” instead of “You never…”)
Find a fair solution together
🧠 Reflective Journaling
We ended the session by asking:
“What conflict did you handle well recently?”
“If you could go back, what would you do differently next time?”
The learners' responses showed real growth in self-awareness and problem-solving—two crucial life skills.
This lesson gave our learners tools they can keep in their emotional toolbox, helping them become more thoughtful, responsible citizens—one respectful conversation at a time. 🌟
Respectful Conflict Resolution.pdf
GRADE 5
GRADE 5
The weather might be keeping us cozy indoors, but our spirits are soaring as high as the ancient pyramids we've been studying!
In Maths, we explored the fascinating world of 2D and 3D shapes and their properties. We discovered that squares are always fair and square, triangles never go around in circles, and spheres are well-rounded students – just like us! Learning about vertices, edges, and faces has really shaped our understanding of geometry.
Our English adventures took us behind the curtains after our spectacular Madagascar Jr production. We discovered that plays are much more than just acting – they're carefully crafted stories with scripts that guide every word, movement, and dramatic pause. Just like a recipe needs ingredients, a successful play needs a well-written script to bring the magic to life!
History has transported us back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where we're amazed to discover how many everyday items were actually invented by the pharaohs and their people. From paper to toothpaste, the Egyptians were true innovators who would probably feel right at home in our modern world!
A special shout-out goes to our latest pen licence recipients – your dedication to neat handwriting is paying off! For those still working toward this milestone, keep practicing because beautiful handwriting is a skill that lasts a lifetime.
GRADE 4
GRADE 4
The Grade 4s have had an exciting and jam-packed week filled with learning and creativity! In English, they launched into their Creative Writing poetry project, exploring the magic of rhythm and rhyme, and discovering the many elements that bring a poem to life. They enjoyed experimenting with words, sounds, and patterns to make their writing sparkle.
In Mathematics, they tackled the world of fractions, learning about numerators and denominators, and developing their skills in comparing fractions – even using real-life examples to make the concepts fun and practical. Our journey with James and the Giant Peach continued, with the class eagerly following James and his unusual insect friends on their thrilling adventures.
In Afrikaans and isiXhosa, the children practised writing their own paragraphs and expanded their vocabulary, with a special focus on African animal names in Afrikaans. History lessons took to the seas and skies this week as we explored water and air transport, building on last week’s exciting discoveries about land transport. It has been a week full of curiosity, imagination, and hands-on learning!
South African Airforce Museum Outing
🗓️ 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.
Robotics
Robotics
Good Luck to Our Robomission Teams!
Wishing the very best of luck to all our Robomission learners who will be competing in their regional WRO event this weekend! You've worked hard, tested your robots, and tackled challenge after challenge - now
it's time to shine. Stay focused, support one another, and most of all, enjoy the experience.
We’re cheering you on every step of the way!
#WRO2025 #RobomissionReady #YouGotThis #TeamRobosport
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
🔵⚪ It’s Derby Day Week!
🔵⚪ It’s Derby Day Week!
The excitement is building as we prepare for Derby Day – the biggest sporting event on our calendar! Parklands College will take on Somerset College this Saturday, 16 August, and we can't wait to see our learners, families, and staff out in full force - dressed in Blue and White, cheering loudly from the sidelines!
This day is a highlight in our sporting year, bringing together passion, pride, and performance across multiple codes. From Netball, Rugby, Hockey, to Chess, it’s going to be a morning of action, determination, and spirit.
🔔 Reminder: If your child has been selected for a Derby Day team, attendance is compulsory unless an extreme circumstance or pre-approved permission has been granted. Every player plays an important role in representing our school with pride.
🏑🏉⚽🏐 Weekly Fixtures in Full Swing
🏑🏉⚽🏐 Weekly Fixtures in Full Swing
This week saw the start of an action-packed sporting term as our Senior Prep learners returned to fields and courts across campus.
Hockey teams have hit the turf with confidence, showing how much progress we’ve made over the past terms.
Rugby players continue to display grit and growth as they prepare for Saturday's showdowns.
Netball teams are moving with precision and flair, building momentum ahead of the big day.
Soccer fixtures are back with a bang — fast footwork and great goals have already marked the start of an exciting season.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
With Derby Day, inter-schools fixtures, and back-to-back match weeks ahead, we’re proud of how our learners are showing up – with dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm.
Let’s keep the spirit alive, the energy high, and the standards strong.
Bring the noise. Bring the pride. Bring the Blue & White.
Let’s go Parklands!
Saturday, 16 August 2025
Parklands College vs Somerset College Derby Senior Prep teams will be competing in Netball, Hockey, Rugby, and Chess 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 Draft Programme
REMINDER
REMINDER
Hockey Sports Hour 15 Aug
Please note, all Hockey learners will not be transported to the Secondary Faculty for Hockey training this coming Friday due to Derby Day. All Hockey will be housed at the Junior Prep.
Senior Prep Sports: Week that was
Senior Prep Sports: Week that was
With Derby Day just around the corner, our Senior Prep teams are sharpening their skills, raising their energy, and building momentum with every match played. This past week brought us a series of exciting fixtures that highlighted the talent, effort, and spirit of our learners.
🏐 Netball vs Reddam Durbanville
🏐 Netball vs Reddam Durbanville
Our Netball girls stepped up with composure and confidence in a thrilling round of matches:
U10A | Won 11–2 – ⭐ Player of the Match: Tumisho
U11A | Won 6–2 – ⭐ Players of the Match: Lukhanyo & Telo
U12B | Won 6–3 – ⭐ Player of the Match: Ndalo
U12A | Lost 8–10 – ⭐ Player of the Match: Sophia DCS
Each team showcased excellent teamwork, strategic play, and sportsmanship on court – an exciting sign of the talent we’re growing in the programme.
🏉 Rugby vs Pinehurst
🏉 Rugby vs Pinehurst
The rugby fields were a battleground of heart and hustle:
U11 | Lost 22–0 – ⭐ Player of the Match: Liwa
U13 | Lost 34–36 – ⭐ Player of the Match: Karis
Despite the narrow losses, our teams displayed exceptional resilience and attacking flair. The U13 clash was a nail-biter that had everyone on the edge of their seats!
Soccer vs Curro Century City
U11 | Won 1–0 – ⭐ Player of the Match: Aiden JvR
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
In honour of National Women’s Day this week, in our library sessions we discussed a poem by Linda Roberts called Women’s Day. The poem pays tribute to the remarkable role played by the women of South Africa. It sparked thought provoking questions and the learners had an exciting time learning why this special day is celebrated in South Africa.
A huge thank you to Benjamin and the Fourie family for a most generous donation of popular books to our library. These include great middle school authors like Chris Grabenstein and James Patterson, as well as number 8.5 in the spectacular Keeper Of The Lost Cities series. We appreciate your support of our libraries.
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: 19 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
LOST PROPERTY
LOST PROPERTY
Thank you to Ms Prinsloo and a team of our learners who helped sort through the named items and return them this week to their owners. Note any lost property not claimed will be donated.
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
Friday 8 August:
WRO Regionals
Saturday 9 August:
Women’s Day
WRO Regionals
Sunday 10 August:
Happy Birthday Tracy Pienaar
Wednesday 13 August:
Formal Assessments Commence
Friday 15 August:
Grade 6 outing to Intaka Island
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
Winter Quarter Dates
Saturday 13 September:
Open Day
Roald Dahl Day
WRO Nationals in Jhb
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
With heartfelt appreciation, we wish all the remarkable women in our community a wonderful Women’s Day tomorrow. Thank you for all that you do!
We hope to see you all supporting our Future Innovators and Explorers at the World Robotics Olympiad Regionals at the Secondary Faculty tomorrow.
We wish Tracy Pienaar a Happy Birthday for Sunday 10 August.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Paul Mayers
Senior Preparatory Principal
Follow us on:
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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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