Secondary Faculty: 20 March 2025


From the Office

This will be the last blog for the quarter.  Thank you to our learners, parents and staff for the part you played in making this another wonderful Summer Quarter.  We are immensely proud of our many achievements and the way in which our learners keep flying our flag high.  The blog on 7 April will have information about how to book Parent Educator meetings to discuss your children's results.

Please note that next week is a normal week with lessons continuing until the last day.  On Friday, 28 March, the school day will end at 13:00.

We wish our touring sides all the best as they depart on their respective sports tours. Our cricket team will depart for Sri Lanka tomorrow and our netball and hockey players will depart on the Garden Route tour on Monday.

ACADEMIC REPORTS

Please note that academic reports will be published during the first week of the holiday.  You may access it conveniently through the Ed-admin Multi-Portal App, where you can view and download the report. A document with detailed steps to assist you can be seen below.

Ed-Admin Multi Portal Installation.pdf

Communication & Information

Please use secondary@parklands.co.za if you are unsure about who to contact.  Your mail will be directed to the correct person.

Please click on the tabs at the top of the Memo to access useful information:  Calendars, Academic info and Assessment Calendars, Uniform requirements and Operational Information (including Parent&Learner Directory, EDANA app instructions and KARRI app guidelines for use at Kauai)

We have updated the Parent & Learner Directory on 28 February with information regarding the security of electronic devices (iPads and Laptops.)  

Human Rights Day

As has become tradition at the College, we celebrate Human Rights Day with our very special Freedom Bell ceremony.  We started off with an address by Janet Jobson from the Tutu Foundation, reminding us that to be neutral means to side with the oppressor.

We then invited our learners and staff to pledge their commitment to non-discrimination and ring the Freedom Bell in honour of their commitment.

Guest Speaker

Janet Jobson serves as the CEO of the TUTU Foundation, embracing the role as a profound opportunity to advance justice, reconciliation, and repair both in South Africa and globally. Central to her mission is the importance of storytelling, deep listening, and bearing witness to each other’s experiences. Inspired by Archbishop Tutu’s exceptional ability to address complex issues of injustice and inequality with a deep commitment to shared humanity, Janet and the Foundation strive to continue his legacy through their work.

FB.MOV

Farewell

At the end of the Summer Quarter we bid farewell to two educators who will leave an indelible mark on our school, because of their passion for the College, the learners and their colleagues.   Mrs Esterhuizen has worked in the Afrikaans Department since 2015 and Mrs Haldane joined us for the first time in 2019.  They have both been Grade Heads and played a constructive role in the co-curricular programme of the school.  We wish them well as they embark on new, exciting endeavours.

Mrs Esterhuizen

Mrs Haldane

Welcome

We welcome two new educators to the College. Ms Tromp joins us in the Commerce Department and Ms Delport in the English Department.

Ms Tromp

Ms Delport

Article for you to read

ACADEMICS

Academic Links


Note the section at the top dedicated specifically to academic links.  In this section you will find: 

🎓 Summer Quarter Timetables,  🎓Assessment Calendars, the  🎓 Tutorial Schedule, the  🎓 Subject Change Deadlines, the   🎓Promotion Requirements and   🎓 Absence during Assessments or Exams and 🎓 Exam Dates

NSC Results


We are happy to report that after the remark results, we have four additional subject A’s and one additional subject B to celebrate.  Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Final week of the Summer Quarter

It is imperative that learners attend school until the last day of the quarter.  Due to the number of public holidays and the mid-term break next quarter, we have limited time to finish the syllabus before the mid-year examinations and learners cannot afford to miss lessons. 

Special arrangements have been made with learners leaving on sports tour.

Break Times - Happy Times

Parent Educator Meetings


There will be an opportunity to meet with the educators on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday - 9 to 11 April,  The details for booking meetings will be shared in the first blog of next term.

Promotion Requirements


Promotion requirements must be met at the end of the academic year.  Parents / learners concerned about promotion status can contact the academic team for clarification.


GET Phase (Gr7-9)


    50% in English Home Language

    40% in Afrikaans / isiXhosa First Additional Language

    40% in Mathematics

    30% in three other subjects


FET Phase (Gr11-12)


Bachelor Degree Pass (allowing candidate to apply for entry into degree studies): 

4 subjects at 50% (excluding Life Orientation), English HL must be at 40% (not more than one subject below 30%)


Diploma Pass (allowing candidate to apply for entry into diploma studies): 

4 subjects at 40% (excluding Life Orientation), English HL must be at 40% (not more than one subject below 30%)


Higher Certificate Pass: 

4 subjects at 40% and 3 subjects at 30%

Additional support in 2025: Mathematics

Learners from Grade 7 – 12 have the opportunity to receive additional support in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy on campus, should they feel the need for one-on-one or small group support.  Our Mathematics Department will continue to offer tutorials as per the tutorial schedule and these tutorials are covered by the tuition fees.

Mrs Priscilla Brijlal is an educator with over 40 years experience in teaching Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy at various schools.  Her patient and caring nature, her commitment to her calling and her willingness to go above and beyond what is expected, especially with struggling learners, make her a very valuable Independent Contractor to support our team.

Support sessions will work as follows:

Should you be interested in signing up for this or need more information, kindly mail  secondary@parklands.co.za

 

Additional support in 2025: English for Second Language Speakers

Mrs Angel will be assisting Foreign Language learners who need extension classes in English as an Independent Contractor. She is well-known to many of our existing learners who got to know her as a member of the Preparatory Faculty. She is knowledgeable about teaching the foundation of language acquisition, she is kind and she is patient.

Remedial/extra sessions will be scheduled during the utility slot on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or in the mornings before school and will cost R250 per session.

Kindly mail secondary@parklands.co.za if you would like to sign up for lessons.

LEARNER AFFAIRS

Prefect Engagement

Our prefects joined Learner Leaders from various surrounding schools for a workshop on Leadership this week.  They enjoyed exchanging ideas and connecting with their peers from other schools.

Vaping


Parklands College takes a firm stand against vaping. We are concerned with the impact of this scourge on our learners. Many are unaware of the inherent dangers of vaping - Lung damage, which results in breathing difficulties; heart health risks and mental health issues including anxiety and depression are just some of the dangers. Evidence suggests that teenagers that vape are prone to nicotine addiction which can lead to them transitioning to traditional cigarettes which heralds further potential health risks. 

Substance abuse among teenagers remains a concern at the College. The use of vapes or e-cigarettes is on the rise. Our concern is the addictiveness, abuse and health complications associated with vape products, especially in teenagers. The legal age for purchasing and using vape products is 18 years. 

Our Substance-Using Policy is designed to inform parents/ guardians of the College’s intent to protect each and every learner. We have determined that random drug screening will take place periodically without prior warning.

The idea is not to vilify those learners who do not get a clean report after such a screening, but to rather help the learner cease his/her use of the prohibited substance and at the same time, deter our learners from submitting to peer pressure to experiment by citing the random screening as their reason.

If you need more information about the procedures, please consult our Parent and Learner Directory.


Suspicious that your teen is vaping?

Cotinine tests (vape tests) are available at the Secondary Faculty at a cost of R100. 

Digital Bookshelf

Q1 EHL Digital Book Shelf 2025

A Call for Prize Donations


The English Department has launched its first internal Creative Writing Competition and Book Bingo Competition.  We are looking for book vouchers to be donated for the top 3 winners for both FET and GET, as well as 3 additional prizes for the Annual Book Bingo. If you would like some more information about the competitions, please click HERE. 


If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Mrs J Biermann (jbiermann@parklands.co.za)

ROBOTICS

Robotics in Action: FRC Team Explores Engineering in the Real World! 

Our FRC team had an incredible opportunity to visit Molenaar Engineering, a company that designs and builds massive food processing machinery used locally and internationally. 

The team toured the plant, engaged in discussions with expert engineering teams, and received valuable guidance on their robot’s design and mechanics. To top it off, they were treated to wors rolls and fresh fruit cups—produced using Molenaar’s very own machines! 

A huge thank you to Molenaar Engineering for sharing their expertise and giving our team real-world insights into engineering and innovation!

#FRC #STEMEducation #RealWorldEngineering #RoboticsInAction

SERVICE

The Service Portfolio was able to sponsor a giraffe for a year via WWF.

The Service Portfolio was able to have signage made for the TLC Outreach Project in Table View.

Interact managed to raise money to donate to GRIT. The app to help women whose lives are affected by GBV.

Being creative at the Art Afternoon to raise funds for GRIT.

The first Beach Cleanup was a huge success!

SPORT

From our sports department

"Individuals win games, but teams win championships." – Michael Jordan

Team Selection

By the end of next week, our coaches and managers will have a clearer understanding of where our players stand at the start of the season in terms of A, B, and, where applicable, C team placement. Coaches are responsible for designing training sessions that develop players’ knowledge and skills while meeting the physical demands of the sport. This ensures that your child can effectively demonstrate their understanding of the game and work towards their goals.

Naturally, players with more experience in a sport often demonstrate these attributes at a higher level. Some gifted athletes may excel across multiple sports, but progress takes time. At the highest (elite) level, success is influenced by many factors—including, at times, a bit of luck.

Our Sports Department’s primary goal is to create opportunities. Engagement and enjoyment come next, with results being a natural outcome of getting the process right.

Throughout, the key elements of knowledge, skills, and understanding remain central to your child’s sporting success and development. This can only be achieved with the right steps, guidance and support.

Practice & Match Playing Kit

Please refer to the tab below for details on the correct match-day uniform. Learners must also wear the appropriate practice kit, except in cases where practices take place on consecutive days. In such instances, they may wear their PE top on the second day (e.g., U19 Girls' Soccer).

We have noticed that some learners are not arriving in the correct attire for practices. To avoid this, we suggest packing kit the night before, as some of the reasons for not wearing the correct gear are not acceptable.

Winter Junior Cricket Training

All U13 cricket players are invited to attend winter cricket training, held on Thursday afternoons. This programme aims to help Mr Gilder develop the skills of our junior cricketers while aligning them with the broader Parklands College cricket vision.

Learners must sign up in advance to attend. Please contact Mr Gilder at ggilder@parklands.co.za for more information.

Sports Tours

Our Sri Lanka and Garden Route sports tours promise to be incredible experiences for the learners attending, and we wish them every success!


DH

Feedback

Garden Route Sports Tour (24 March to 1 April)

On Monday, 35 of our learners will depart for the Point High School Sports Festival in Mossel Bay. Our netball and hockey teams will begin their tour with matches against Knysna High School on 26 March. They will then travel to Mossel Bay for the Opening Ceremony on 28 March, followed by matches on 29 March, 31 March, and 1 April.

Over the course of the festival:

The teams will be led by our tour captains:

Accompanying them on tour are:

We wish our teams all the best for a successful and memorable tour and festival!

Parklands Cricket Team is off to Sri Lanka 

On Thursday, 13 March, the cricket players touring Sri Lanka received their playing kit during an evening ceremony at the Pavilion. We wish the players, Coach Gilder, and Manager Mr Fortuin a safe and successful trip. 

The Sri Lanka tour runs from 21 March to 2 April, and we look forward to following their progress and hearing about their experiences upon their return.

Get all the updates on instagram by following : parklands_college_vikings 

A few of our official photos of the Sri Lanka kit presentation.

Sports department coordinators

For general enquiries about specific winter sports, contact:


2025 Sports Prefects

Winter sports managers (educators)

Winter sports captains 


WINTER SPORT 2025


To be confirmed



All    




u13/14 Girls   

u16A/B Girls

u19A Girls

u19B Girls



u13/14 Boys

u16A Boys

u19A Boys

u13A

u13B

u14A

u14B

u15A

u15B

u16A

u16B/C

u19A

u19B/C


u13

u14   

u15

u16  

1st XV

2nd XV


1st Team Girls


u14A Boys

u16A Boys

1st Team Boys

Sports video of the week


Weekly Video 20 March.mp4

Learner achievements 

WP High School Athletics

Steffan Hillebrand ran another sub 9 minute 3000m personal best at Western Cape Athletics Championship where he finished 4th. Stef is hugely encouraged by his recent progress considering he will be competing in the same age group next year!

College sports results

Our winter matches begin when we return in April.

Parklands College winter sporting programme 2025

Sport uniform

External Sports News

To ensure we stay informed and up to date on our learners' incredible achievements in activities outside of school, please email the relevant information along with high-quality photos to External Sports News 

Please remember to subscribe to our Secondary sports calendar using this link:

Secondary sports calendar 


RAD Dancing

Congratulations to our ballet dancers, Dyanga Manga, Yihan Dai, Kylan-Jade Thomas, on being awarded Grade 4 Certificates.

A Fresh Start: Celebrating Our First Brunchtime Concerts!

The first Brunchtime Concerts of the quarter kicked off with incredible energy, featuring many fresh faces! These young musicians made a fantastic debut, setting the stage for an exciting year of performances ahead. Stepping up to perform in front of peers takes courage, and they did so beautifully—letting the music speak for itself. A big congratulations to all who took part; we loved every moment of your performances!

🎼 Parents & Guardians: If you're not hearing practice at home… it’s time to ask for a mini concert! 🎤🎸 Practicing isn’t just about playing through pieces—it involves repetition, refining tricky sections, and sometimes, making a few mistakes along the way (that’s part of the magic!). So, encourage your young musicians to share their progress with you—we promise, their music will brighten your day! 🎵😊

🚨 Important Deadlines Approaching! 🚨

🎵 Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod – Entries must be submitted by Monday at the very latest (we've secured an extended deadline, so don’t miss out!). https://forms.gle/Cg1Gygv8rDhJDQSm6 

📢 Interested in External Music Exams?
 At any stage, learners interested in doing an external Trinity London or Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exam should be in touch with their music teacher to discuss options.

Let’s keep the music playing and make the most of these incredible opportunities! 🎼🔥

Gabriella Fredericks (gr7)

From the Start by Laufey

Jaime Ramalheiro (gr9)

Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

Joshua Crosson (Gr10)

Strasbourg St Denis

Luke Le Grange (Gr10)

Friends & Strangers 

Please click on the image or this website link: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-music-department/home for our Secondary Campus Music Department Learner Website for Music Department News, Showcases & Exciting Opportunities.

REMINDER: Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod Entries are due on 24 March 2025 (final extension). Videos are due on 6 June. Should you be interested in entering, please discuss this with your music teacher and complete this form: https://forms.gle/Cg1Gygv8rDhJDQSm6 

Are you making the most of your music lessons? 

Here's why regular practice and good communication with your teacher matter!

Should you be interested in learning to play an instrument,  please complete this form: https://forms.gle/D2zMnvDxGPj7KQ8c9 

Are you ready to try something new? 

The Parklands College Music Department offers expert tuition on a variety of instruments, taught by industry specialists. 

Whether you're looking to start your musical journey or try out a new instrument, we've got you covered!

Not sure which instrument suits you best? No problem! 

Email Mrs. Matsimela at amatsimela@parklands.co.za to book a try-out session.

2025 Enrolment Form: https://forms.gle/QhYkKxrBxFLt7ipNA

🎵 Note: If you're already part of the extra-mural music programme, no need to sign up again for 2025—you’re automatically enrolled!

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! 🎹🎸🥁

Music Department Educator Contact Details

LEARNER SUPPORT 


Mrs Scott (C block):  sjscott@parklands.co.za

Mrs Kistan (Resource Centre):  skistan@parklands.co.za




Optimyze: Gr 9 Subject Choice Psychometric assessments

Contact Melanie Williams for more details.

CAREERS EXPO 

The Parklands College Annual Expo this week was a buzzing hub of excitement and opportunity, bringing together learners, educators, and industry professionals in a dynamic showcase of future possibilities. The event was certainly a success with a wide array of exhibitors for both local and international opportunities, interactive displays, and engaging career insights. 

One learner shared how they initially felt uncertain about their future, thinking there was nothing at the expo for them—until they turned a corner and discovered exactly what they had been looking for. It was a moment that perfectly captured the expo’s purpose: to inspire, inform, and ignite new passions for life after Matric. Thank you to all who attended. We trust that you found the process helpful. 

EQUITY & DIVERSITY 


Educators: Mrs Alexis Matsimela & Mr Peter Bates: equity@parklands.co.za 

Prefects: Khanya Gomba & Brandon Strydom

MARCH: Human Rights Awareness Month. 

In South Africa and across the world, Human Rights Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the fundamental freedoms and dignity that every person deserves. It serves as a reminder of the struggles people have faced throughout history in the fight against oppression, inequality, and discrimination. 

In South Africa, we celebrate this month to acknowledge the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals, ensuring that no one is denied their freedom, safety, or identity. It is a time to educate ourselves and others about the value of human rights and to recognise that these rights must be upheld in our daily lives, schools, communities, and beyond. On the 20th of March, we will be having our annual Freedom Bell Ceremony, where we commemorate the rights that we have and to become conscious of those who still have to fight for their rights. 

Ringing in Reflection: The Freedom Bell Ceremony at Parklands College

Ringing in Reflection: The Freedom Bell Ceremony at Parklands College

Twelve years ago, on 11 April 2013, Parklands College Secondary Faculty inaugurated our Freedom Bell—a powerful symbol of our unwavering commitment to equality and justice for all. Inscribed on its plaque is a profound declaration:

"This Freedom Bell commemorates the stand of our school against prejudice of all kinds, especially Racism and Sexism. Symbolically, this Bell rings in our freedom from prejudice."

But freedom is not just a moment in history—it is an ongoing pursuit. Today, as we gathered once more for our annual Freedom Bell Ceremony, we reflected on this pursuit, both globally and within our own community. We had the honour of welcoming Ms Janet Jobson, CEO of the Leah and Desmond Tutu Foundation, who shared her insights on activism and the continued fight for human rights. Her words were thought-provoking, reminding us that standing up for justice is both a privilege and a responsibility.

This year, we introduced two new elements to deepen the ceremony's impact. Learners were invited to actively pledge their commitment to human rights by responding in unison with a resounding "I do"—a moment of solidarity that echoed across the school. Additionally, staff and learners courageously shared personal stories of inclusion, illustrating the profound effect of acceptance, kindness, and unity in shaping a better world.

As we continue this tradition, we hold onto the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, who once said:

"To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

May our Freedom Bell always serve as a reminder that change begins with us.

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...

CONCLUSION

Important reminders for parents

College Crest and Logos

The College Crest and logos are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission from the Head of Marketing: cdevos@parklands.co.za 

Access to Campus

Please note that for security reasons, no parents or visitors are allowed past the Admin building during the week without reporting to reception.  We have instructed our learners and staff to ask anyone without a Visitor's Badge to report to reception.

No Dogs Allowed

Please note that the College does not allow animals, especially dogs, on campus, except in the following cases:


Lost Cellphones

Almost on a daily basis we are asked to assist with finding lost cellphones.  It has become an impossible task and we simply cannot expect staff to actively look for misplaced cellphones.  We provide adequate facilities for the learners to lock their devices away.

If a learner misplaces or loses their cellphone, parents are required to report the missing device to the local police station.

Learners need to complete a report about the missing device at reception of the ICT desk in the event that it is handed in.

Air pods

We do not look for missing air pods.  Learners have been told that they should rather not bring air pods to school, as they get lost easily.