7 AUGUST 2026
7 AUGUST 2026
As we head into the long weekend, we take a moment to celebrate the remarkable women in our Parklands College community ahead of Women's Day on Sunday. We honour the mothers, grandmothers, staff members, alumni and learners whose courage, compassion and leadership enrich our school each day. This year's South African Women's Day theme, "Empowered Women Empower the Nation," reminds us that by nurturing confidence, resilience and opportunity in our girls and young women, we invest in a stronger future for our country.
Schools have the privilege and responsibility of shaping the next generation of women leaders, and at Parklands College we are committed to providing an environment where every girl is encouraged to discover her strengths, find her voice, embrace challenges and thrive with confidence.
To all the incredible women in our Parklands College family- Happy Women's Day!
We look forward to Derby Day at Somerset College next week. This is always a highlight on our sporting calendar and a wonderful opportunity for our learners to showcase their talent, teamwork and school spirit. Please refer to the Sport section of this memo for further details, including the fixtures and specific transport arrangements.
Please note that school will conclude at 12:00 on Friday, 14 August to accommodate our Derby Day fixtures at Somerset College. It is important to note that Teaching and learning will continue as normal until 12:00, and learners are expected to attend all scheduled lessons.
The HPV vaccination is available for teenagers at most clinics. This is an important opportunity to protect young people against HPV-related diseases, and we encourage parents to speak to their healthcare provider or visit their local clinic for more information.
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/vape testing 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. Random drug screening is covered by the Enrichment Fund. If you want your child to be part of the next random drug screening or would like more information, please contact Mr Vardan: pvardan@parklands.co.za
IMPORTANT DATES & HIGHLIGHTS
7 August 40 Day Breakfast
15 August Derby Day
18 August Leadership Induction Ceremony
19 August Prelim Block Day
20 August Prelim Examination commence
21-23 August Prefect Camp
27 August Gr9 Subject Choice Evening
1 September Unicorn Awards
12 September Open Day
18 September Sport Awards
19 September Matric Dance
22 September STCL Awards and Honours & Leadership Awards
23 September Valedictory & Locking the Legacy
13 October Grade 12 NSC Exam Start
Parklands College was honoured to host former NASA astronaut, educator and STEAM advocate Dorothy "Dottie" Metcalf-Lindenburger as part of the Space Tour 2026.
Learners, parents, staff and guests gathered for an unforgettable evening as Dottie shared her remarkable journey from science teacher to NASA astronaut, offering fascinating insights into life aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Her stories of teamwork, resilience, curiosity and exploration captivated the audience and inspired our learners to dream boldly and embrace the opportunities that science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics can provide.
The evening also highlighted the importance of curiosity, perseverance and lifelong learning - values that lie at the heart of a Parklands College education. Learners had the unique opportunity to engage with Dottie during a question-and-answer session, gaining first-hand insight into the challenges and rewards of space exploration.
We extend our sincere thanks to Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger for sharing her time, knowledge and passion with our community. Her visit was a truly memorable experience and one that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of innovators, scientists and explorers.
It was a privilege to welcome the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, who joined us as an opening speaker for the NASA Astronaut presentation. Following the presentation, the Mayor asked to meet with the Parklands staff and shared his admiration for Parklands College's consistently outstanding performance at the Science Expo over many years. He specifically commended the College's exceptional Science programme, the strength of the supporting subject offerings, and the outstanding outcomes our learners continue to achieve.
His encouraging comments were a wonderful affirmation of the dedication, expertise and commitment of our staff. Thank you to everyone who contributes to making these opportunities possible for our learners.
Our Grade 12 Digital Electronics learners are currently hard at work on their Practical Assessment Tasks, commonly referred to as PATs. A PAT is a formal, project-based component of the subject that allows learners to apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the year. It involves planning, designing, constructing, testing and evaluating a practical solution, while carefully documenting each stage of the process.
Digital Electronics focuses on electronic systems that process information using digital signals. Learners engage with concepts such as logic circuits, electronic components, programming and problem-solving as they develop functional electronic solutions.
It was wonderful to see one of our Grade 12 learners fully engaged in her PAT, combining technical knowledge, accuracy and creativity to bring her design to life.
The Grade 10 Hospitality Studies learners were hard at work in the kitchen this week as they learnt the valuable skill of making fresh tagliatelle from scratch.
Working in pairs, the learners carefully prepared, rolled and cut their pasta before cooking it to perfection. The kitchen was alive with excitement as each batch of freshly made pasta went into the pot. This practical lesson gave learners the opportunity to develop their culinary skills while experiencing the satisfaction of creating a well-loved dish from simple ingredients.
The campus was awash with green and gold as our learners proudly celebrated Bok Friday in support of the Springboks.
Learners arrived dressed in an impressive variety of Springbok jerseys, supporter shirts, hoodies, scarves, beanies and other green-and-gold accessories. The spirit extended well beyond the corridors, with learners proudly showing their support while continuing with the day’s lessons, collaborative activities and academic work.
Stronger together - go Bokke!
The annual Inter-House Spelling Bee buzzed with excitement as the competitors showcased their linguistic abilities. Junior and senior participants represented their houses, eager to demonstrate their spelling skills to earn glory for their respective houses.
A massive thank you to Mrs H, Mr Dicks, Aisha, Connor as well as House prefects Hannah and Jack and the House captains for helping make the event happen.
Mr L Baker
Congratulations to our two winners: Luke Sly (Juniors) and Yaseen Salie (Seniors).
Our Grade 7 Afrikaans FAL learners continue to make excellent progress on their exciting quarter-long project: creating and publishing an original Afrikaans children's book for Grade 3 or 4 learners.
This week, learners became researchers and digital creators. After selecting the genre they would like to write in, they conducted focused research using a range of carefully curated sources. They were also introduced to AI-powered learning tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, to help transform their research into informative digital posters.
One of the most valuable lessons learners discovered was that AI is a tool, not a finished product. They quickly realised that AI-generated content is not always accurate or suitable and that critical thinking remains essential. Learners carefully evaluated, edited and refined the AI-generated posters to ensure they met the requirements of the task and accurately represented their chosen genre.
Using Canva, learners then transformed their initial AI-generated posters into polished, visually appealing presentations. The final products showcased not only their understanding of different literary genres but also their growing digital literacy and ability to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Next week, the real storytelling begins as learners start planning and drafting their original Afrikaans children's books. We look forward to sharing some of their completed e-books with our virtual audience later this term. Watch this space!
The annual Diversity & Inclusion Indaba was a resounding success, providing participating schools, learners and staff with a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue around diversity, inclusion and belonging. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to important conversations and share diverse perspectives.
Our Speakers included Professor Jonathan Jansen, The Leah & Desmond Tutu Foundation together with Ms Emily O'Ryan from Rotary and Head2Heart Organisation.
A special thank you to Mrs Matsimela and her dedicated team for organising such a successful and impactful Indaba. It was a meaningful experience that we can be proud of and one that reflects our commitment to developing compassionate, thoughtful and socially conscious young people.
During his address, Professor Jonathan Jansen embraced Parklands College's "Be the I in KIND" initiative, reinforcing the message that kindness begins with each individual. He encouraged our learners to recognise the positive impact they can have through empathy, compassion and the everyday choices they make.
We are looking forward to hosting the Professor Nina Schumann Piano Masterclass over the 28 & 29 August weekend. And welcome parents and piano friends to join this incredible experience. Observer passes will be available on the day, but pre-booking is encouraged.
What can you expect?
A dynamic masterclass experience combining performance, practical insight and professional musicianship.
You can expect short, focused tutorials exploring piano technique, performance anxiety and stage confidence, effective practice strategies, musical interpretation, performance preparation and developing a professional performance mindset.
The masterclass will also feature performances by young pianists from across the Peninsula who have entered as participants, giving them an opportunity to perform for an expert audience and receive individual feedback and guidance from Professor Nina Schumann.
An inspiring opportunity to hear talented young musicians, gain practical tools for your own playing, and learn what it takes to move from practice room to performance stage.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://forms.gle/ijJ3z7rhQBkeWz7e8
Last week we reported on Mr Knaggs presenting at the Worldwide Apple Distinguished Schools Summit in Worcester, England where he presented our school's story.
This week, we are equally proud to celebrate Mrs Steynberg, who attended the Google Innovator Academy in Atlanta as a recognised Google for Education Certified Innovator. This prestigious programme brings together outstanding educators who use Google technologies and artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions to meaningful challenges in education.
We look forward to the new ideas, insights and expertise that Mrs Steynberg will bring back to Parklands College as we continue to embrace innovation and provide our learners with future-focused learning experiences.
Parklands College was proud to host the U12 Western Province Zonal Hockey Trials, welcoming talented young players from across the region. It was a privilege to provide the venue for this exciting event, and we wish all the participants every success as they continue their journey towards Western Province selection.
Our Grade 12 Dance Studies learners performed very well in their final practical examinations. Congratulations to Jaydee-Rain, Sujata and their teacher on this outstanding achievement.
Our Grade 12 Hospitality Studies learners hosted their final Practical Assessment Task restaurant evenings on Wednesday and Thursday, marking an important milestone in their school journey
The restaurant evening forms part of the learners’ Hospitality Studies PAT and gives them the opportunity to demonstrate the practical knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the subject. From careful preparation and food production to presentation, service and teamwork, learners are required to apply professional hospitality standards in an authentic restaurant setting
Across both evenings, the learners worked with focus and confidence to create a memorable dining experience for their guests. Every detail reflected the planning, precision and commitment required behind the scenes—from preparing and plating each dish to ensuring that guests were warmly welcomed and attentively served.
These final restaurant evenings were a fitting celebration of the learners’ growth, creativity and dedication. We are incredibly proud of the professionalism they displayed and the way in which they brought their Hospitality Studies journey to a close.
We often celebrate the outstanding achievements of our learners at the Eisteddfod, but it is exceptionally rare for a candidate to achieve a perfect score. Congratulations to Osisipho on the remarkable achievement of receiving two 100% results. Cum Laude!
We are incredibly proud of this extraordinary achievement and congratulate Osisipho and the teachers who have supported this success.
Ain't no way: 100% (Cum Laude)
The Visitor: 100% (Cum Laude)
Forty Parklands College learners, accompanied by members of the Hyperion Bots, recently enjoyed an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience at Killarney International Raceway, following the Southern African Endurance Series’ (SAES) inspiring visit to the College as part of its Mandela Month Schools Initiative.
The initiative was designed to introduce learners to the exciting world of motorsport while showcasing the vast range of careers available beyond the driver’s seat. From engineering and technology to mechanics, data analysis, media, marketing, event management and robotics, learners discovered how STEM skills are at the heart of modern motorsport.
The following day, our learners were invited into the heart of the action ahead of the prestigious Six Hours of Killarney, where they were given an exclusive experience rarely available to the public.
Walking through the pit lane and race garages, learners had the opportunity to speak directly with professional drivers, race engineers, mechanics and team members, gaining valuable insight into what it takes to prepare a race car for competition. They explored a variety of high-performance racing cars, climbed into cockpits, observed the intricate engineering behind endurance racing and experienced first-hand the teamwork, innovation and precision that underpin every successful race team.
One of the highlights of the day was watching the racing from the pit lane, offering a unique perspective on the speed, strategy and atmosphere of endurance motorsport. Being so close to the teams allowed learners to witness the constant communication, split-second decision-making and technical expertise that take place behind the scenes during a race weekend. The opportunity to ask questions, engage with industry professionals and experience the paddock environment gave our learners a deeper appreciation for the many careers that contribute to the success of a race team.
A special moment for our learners was seeing former Parklands College learner Tate Bishop. He is competing in the innovative Praga R1,the first of its kind to race in South Africa. Tate went on to secure pole position ahead of the Six Hours of Killarney with an outstanding qualifying lap. His achievement served as an inspiring reminder that passion, perseverance and hard work can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.
Throughout the day, our learners demonstrated genuine curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, engaging confidently with drivers, engineers and mechanics, and embracing every opportunity to learn. For many, it was their first experience inside a professional motorsport paddock, providing a real world understanding of how classroom learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics translates into exciting and rewarding careers.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Southern African Endurance Series (SAES), Killarney International Raceway, the participating teams, drivers, engineers, mechanics and organisers for their generosity in opening their garages and sharing their knowledge with our learners. Experiences like these provide invaluable real-world learning opportunities, connecting classroom concepts with industry and inspiring young people to explore careers they may never have previously considered.
At Parklands College, we are committed to creating authentic learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Whether through robotics, engineering, technology or motorsport, opportunities such as these encourage our learners to think critically, embrace innovation, collaborate with others and discover the limitless possibilities that await them.
This partnership has the potential to become something much bigger. It is the beginning of a meaningful STEM initiative rather than just a one-off outing.
Adding to the excitement was the presence of Parklands College alumnus Tate Bishop, who was also competing in the event. Learners were thrilled to see his race car up close and thoroughly enjoyed cheering on one of our own as he took to the track.
A huge well done to all our bright sparks for representing the College so brilliantly. We are eager to see what you discover and build next!
Both learners entered the Hardware category, utilizing MaxIQ devices as the foundation for their fascinating research. Amara explored the sound insulation properties of different materials, seeking innovative ways to foster quieter environments for living and learning. Meanwhile, Suriya focused on a practical school-day challenge, studying how carrying school bags affects learners' posture. Her project investigated how a wearable alert system might help mitigate back strain for her peers.
Amelia showcased her creativity with a Scratch project that employs AI face-sensing technology. In this interactive app, users "consume" tacos on screen while the program tracks every bite. This project represents a fantastic evolution of her previous work, demonstrating her commitment to refining and expanding her digital ideas.
Mithabisi developed Spellys to support learners navigating Afrikaans pronunciation. This thoughtful app creates personalized word banks from school lists, reading words at variable speeds to assist with auditory recognition. Built over three months using AI and Swift Playgrounds, Mithabisi is already planning new features to enhance its impact.
Closing our showcase, Anna and Mea engineered a working electric guitar using BBC micro:bits, tinfoil, and crocodile clips. By completing circuits with a simple touch, their clever code transforms basic materials into a musical instrument. It was a wonderful display of hands-on problem solving and technical skill.
Congratulations to Yemira Mamdoo, whose Parkie Core App has been selected as a Semifinalist in the Senior Division of the 2026 Technovation Girls Challenge.
Technovation is a global competition that empowers young women to use technology and AI to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges in their communities. This year, teams from more than 100 countries spent months researching problems, creating working app prototypes, and pitching their ideas to expert judges.
After progressing through a highly competitive quarterfinal round, Yemira's project earned a place among the international semifinalists, an outstanding achievement that recognises her creativity, problem-solving skills, and dedication.
We are incredibly proud of Yemira for representing our school on the global stage. Well done on this remarkable accomplishment!
The newly elected Class Representatives for Quarter 3 and 4 had a training session on Wednesday, 5 August.
Learners engaged in a few fun activities, completed a 50 question formative and discussed the roles and responsibilities of being a class representative. A big thank you to Ka Wai Hou, our Learner Affairs Prefect who supported Mr Vardan and Mrs Weigelt-Harvey.
The BITS Representative training included an exciting opportunity to explore the potential of virtual reality. Our BITS Representatives play an important role in supporting both learners and staff with day-to-day technology challenges in the classroom. The training not only strengthened their technical skills but also encouraged them to explore new and innovative ways in which technology can enhance teaching and learning.
Congratulations to Thoshita Nagendrakumar and Mea van der Merwe, who finished in 6th place, while Hayden Naidoo and Rain Sun achieved an impressive 4th place finish. After four rounds, Parklands College is currently placed 6th - the final leg will take place on 10 September at Bishops.
Our Grade 12 learners celebrated a special milestone - the Matric 40-Day Breakfast this morning. With their final NSC examinations fast approaching, the event provided an opportunity to pause and enjoy time together as a grade.
Our Counter-Strike teams have been hard at work sharpening their skills as they prepare for the upcoming Comic Con tournament.
Parklands College Secondary Faculty recently welcomed international visitors to the Sandown Campus for a day of cultural exchange, innovation, and learning. Mr Abe Ankumah, together with Joey Ankumah and Luca Mejia-Young from San Mateo County on the San Francisco Peninsula, California, spent the day at the College. Joey and Luca are learners at Junípero Serra High School, our collaborative partner in the annual International Online Showcase, Creative Solutions for the Global Good, and the Innovators Collective.
The visit began with a warm South African welcome, featuring a lively Marimba performance. Our guests also enjoyed the opportunity to learn how to play the marimba before reconnecting with Parklands College learners from the Innovation Collective Initiative, following their successful online collaboration during the 2026 Innovation Collective Showcase.
Visitors then enjoyed a guided tour of the campus, where they experienced the College's innovative learning environment and engaged with learners and staff.
The day concluded with attendance at the annual Diversity and Inclusion Indaba. Guided by the theme, "Lead with empathy. Listen with intention. Build belonging," the Indaba inspired meaningful conversations about inclusion, empathy, and belonging in partnership with organisations committed to youth empowerment and social justice. A particular highlight was the opportunity for our guests to engage in insightful discussions with Professor Johnathan Jansen, an experience they described as both inspiring and memorable.
The visit celebrated the power of global collaboration, cultural connection, and shared learning, reinforcing Parklands College's commitment to preparing learners to thrive in an interconnected world.
Our educators participate in weekly professional development sessions as part of our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in teaching and learning. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to share best practice, explore innovative teaching strategies and strengthen collaboration across departments. Some of the most impactful sessions are those led by colleagues, where educators learn directly from one another through the sharing of expertise, practical classroom experiences and successful approaches.
While many enjoyed a slower Saturday morning, our Grade 12 Physical Sciences learners were back at school, making the most of an additional workshop to strengthen their understanding and prepare for the demands of the final examinations.
Over two consecutive weekends, from 25–26 July and 1–2 August, our debating teams competed at the Western Province Provincial Debating Tournament held at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Demonstrating exceptional critical thinking, eloquence, and composure under pressure, all three of our teams represented the school with distinction.
Our Senior Team—Connor Crighton, Aisha Salie, Liat Demissew, and Kaylee-Jade Mestre—delivered an outstanding performance throughout the preliminary rounds. Going unbeaten with a 6/6 record, they advanced into the knockout stages ranked 1st overall in the province before concluding their campaign as Semi-Finalists.
The Independent Senior Team, consisting of Jorja Hoppe, Caitlin Smith, and Lily Howe, also produced a stellar showing. Winning 5 of their 6 debates, with their only loss coming against our own Senior Team, they secured an impressive 3rd place overall.
For our Junior Team—Roch Angel, Riley Athanassiou, Lexi Torlutter, Yihan Dai, and Emma Chow—this tournament marked their debut at the provincial level. Finishing 27th overall, the team showed remarkable growth, determination, and promise for future competitions.
In addition to team accolades, several debaters earned notable individual rankings among the top speakers in the province:
Connor Crighton was ranked as the #1 Senior Speaker in the Province.
Liat Demissew achieved a superb #7 Senior Speaker ranking.
Roch Angel secured the #18 ranking overall in his very first Junior Provincial tournament.
Following their performances at UCT, five of our debaters have been invited to participate in the Western Province Team Trials taking place on 15–16 August:
Aisha Salie
Connor Crighton
Liat Demissew
Caitlin Smith
Jorja Hoppe
We congratulate all of our debaters on their dedicated effort and outstanding achievements, and we wish our trialists the best of luck as they compete for provincial selection.
In October, Rooibos seeds will launch from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, dock with the International Space Station, and spend about six weeks in orbit before returning to Earth. It is the first time an indigenous South African plant has flown as part of a space research programme.
Rooibos in Space is a project of the South African Rooibos Council and MaxIQ Space, backed by SANSA. Parklands is involved in three ways.
The programme was launched on 16 July in our Innovation Centre. It drew national and international coverage, from News24 and SABC at home to France24 and RFI abroad.
When the seeds return, our Secondary learners will plant them alongside Earth-grown controls and track how the two compare. Three seed types fly: untreated, scarified, and scarified with a protective coating, each matched to a control on the ground. The question is whether time in space changes how they germinate and grow.
Our Senior Preparatory learners are coding the device that will monitor the environment they are exposed to. The seeds travel with a Springbot, a single-board computer built by MaxIQ Space in Cape Town. It records the conditions the seeds experience on the ISS: temperature, humidity, gases including carbon dioxide, light, and microgravity. Its accelerometer is what will prove the seeds reached orbit. Our Grade 6 learners are programming it in SpringBlock, a drag-and-drop language built with the original Scratch team. It is the first time a single-board education computer will run in space using block coding. The data is saved to a micro SD card and read back here in Cape Town.
Parklands is MaxIQ Space's Centre of Excellence, which is why our learners get first access to hardware like this.
The seeds fly in October. We will share updates as the mission progresses.
https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/stem-project-launches-rooibos-seeds-to-space-station/
This week, our learners and staff were treated to a delightful sight as a family of geese made their way across one of our sports fields. Play paused for a few moments while everyone watched the determined parents carefully lead their goslings safely across the grass.
Please visit the Academic Links section to view the Assessment Calendars.
Please use the links below to access the various timetables.
Learners and parents can download the official DBE 2026 NSC Final Examination Timetable using the link below:
2026 DBE NSC Final Examination Timetable
The timetable has been published by the Department of Basic Education and contains all examination dates, session times and subjects for the October/November 2026 examination period.
In addition to the official DBE timetable, all Grade 12 learners have been provided with a Grade 12 Timeline for the remainder of the academic year. This document highlights key dates and milestones, including examination-related deadlines, revision opportunities, practical assessments, matric events and other important school commitments.
Learners are encouraged to keep both the DBE timetable and the Grade 12 Timeline readily accessible and to use them when planning their academic, personal and extracurricular commitments for the remainder of the year.
📚 For timetables, teacher details, and all Music Department info, please visit our Music Department Learner Website.
💌 For any other questions, contact Mrs Alexis Matsimela.
https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-music-department/home
Learners who are still interested in getting started are welcome to enquire about available spaces for vocal, cello, drum, saxophone, trumpet and piano lessons. All relevant details, including lesson options, durations and costs, can be found in the Music Tuition information.
Google Form link: https://forms.gle/uV4j9ChV4TDG8tuU9
Get ready to make some music! 🎹🎷🎤
Enrolment Form: https://forms.gle/gRidchZx8Q5nubVi6
Please contact the counsellors for any learner support queries or information:
Samantha Scott: sjscott@parklands.co.za
Serlina Amy Kistan: skistan@parklands.co.za
Public tertiary institution application dates for the class of 2026
Choosing school subjects and planning for university can feel overwhelming, but learners and parents don’t have to navigate it alone. We invite Grade 9 and Grade 11 learners, along with their parents and educators, to a webinar series designed to support key decisions in their academic journey. While the Grade 9 webinar will focus on choosing the right subjects to match interests and prospective careers, the Grade 11 webinars will cover practical topics such as understanding the University’s range of study programmes, navigating career opportunities and exploring potential career paths after matric.
Grade 9 webinar
Date: Thursday 13 August 2026
Time: 18:30-19:30
Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8a14a09b-a2a4-405a-a9ef-2388cc2853a1@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348/registration
Grade 11 webinar – faculties of AgriSciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Science
Date: Wednesday 26 August 2026
Time: 18:30-20:00
Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/249da719-20df-41dc-822e-6aa1251f4943@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348/registration
Grade 11 webinar – faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law and Theology
Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Time: 18:30-20:00
Register: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8a1d53f0-8d4e-499b-a2b0-e9c5674453c0@a6fa3b03-0a3c-4258-8433-a120dffcd348/registration
The applications for the Thuthuka bursary for 2027 are open!
The link to access the application portal is www.thuthukabursaryfund.co.za. Applications close on 31 August 2026. Applicants should remember to access the portal using Google Chrome.
The bursary is for BAcc students only.
Prospective students must apply for 3 programmes and residence at Stellenbosch University. How to apply:
https://www.su.ac.za/en/apply/undergrad/apply-0/how-apply
Any queries can be directed to the bursary fund email: tbf@saica.co.za
One of the first questions parents ask me is:
"When should we start preparing for university applications?"
Many assume the answer is Grade 11 or even Grade 12.
The reality is that the strongest university applications are rarely built in the year a student applies. They're built over time.
This doesn't mean your child needs to have their entire future planned at 14 or 15 years old. It means they need the time to explore their interests, develop meaningful experiences, and make informed choices along the way.
I've worked with families across South Africa who initially believed they had "plenty of time." By the time they reached out, their child was already in Grade 12. We could still strengthen their application, but some opportunities—like developing long-term leadership, research projects, or sustained extracurricular impact—simply couldn't be recreated in a few months.
On the other hand, families who begin earlier have something incredibly valuable: choice.
They have time to discover what genuinely excites their child, build experiences that reflect those interests, and make subject and activity choices that support their long-term goals.
Brad's Advice
Don't think of university preparation as "application preparation."
Think of it as helping your child discover who they are and what they want to contribute to the world.
The best applications are a reflection of years of curiosity and growth—not a checklist completed in the final months of high school.
Parent Tip
No matter what grade your child is in today, ask them one simple question this week:
"What is something you've always wanted to learn more about?"
That conversation may reveal interests that can shape future subject choices, projects, leadership opportunities, or even career aspirations.
Your Free Resource
We've created a simple planning guide to help parents understand what students can focus on at each stage of high school—from Grade 8 through Grade 12.
Inside you'll find practical milestones, key decisions, and opportunities to consider at every stage of the journey.
→ Download the Grade-by-Grade US &UK University Planning Timeline
P.S. It's never "too early" to start asking questions. The earlier families understand the admissions journey, the more opportunities their children have to grow into confident, competitive applicants.
Dear Parents and Guardians
Our annual Derby Day on Saturday 15th August is a compulsory school event for all learners where we will travel to Somerset College.
This is one of the biggest events on our school calendar and promises to be a fantastic day of sport, culture and school spirit.
To assist with transport planning, all parents are required to complete the Google Form below by 17:00 on Monday, 10 August, regardless of whether your child will be travelling by bus or with you.
Learners playing sport and those involved in a cultural or academic event are expected to travel with the bus as they would for an away fixture/activity. It is part of the Derby Day experience!
Parents of learners who are playing sport are requested to complete this form as well. Our managers and coaches are in the process of communicating team lists and information to parents and players.
The form takes less than two minutes to complete.
Google Form: Derby Day Transport - Saturday 15th August
Programme: Derby Day Programme 2026
Thank you for your support. We look forward to a fantastic Derby Day.
The Sports Department
Derby Day weekend begins when our buses depart with players on Friday 14th August just before 12pm.
Learner attendance is not compulsory in the afternoon, however, we would love learners to support.
Please complete this Google Form if your child is going to support on Friday (this is a different sign up to the one above).
Please note spaces are limited.
Google Form: Derby Day Transport - Friday 14th August (non-compulsory day)
On Wednesday 5th August we welcomed Hutcheson Grammar from Glasgow, Scotland, to our school for hockey matches.
Other matches played in the week...
U14B v Fairbairn College U14A
U16A v Reddam Durbanville U16A
On Saturday 1 August our U14 - U19 rugby boys against Hamlets in the little town of Mamré.
Half-time: Hamlets 15 - 5 Parklands
Full-time: Hamlets 22 - 10 Parklands
Parklands scorers:
Tries: Gabriel Kayser, Chulumanco Mdudu
Man of the match: Adam Henderson
Having played their last match more than two months ago before exams and the mid-term break, the Parklands College Predators were keen to get back on the park with a view to preparing for the much anticipated Derby Day match against Somerset College in two weeks time.
It was a perfect morning for rugby in the little town of Mamré. The match got under way shortly after 11:30 and it proved to be one of the best matches of the season. The home side managed to get on the scoreboard with a penalty in the third minute. Thereafter it looked as if the Predators would score, as they were applying lots of pressure in the hosts’ quarter of the field. However, Hamlets launched a counter-attack that led to a converted try, giving them a lead of 10-0 after ten minutes. The Predators continued to play with confidence and were rewarded with a try by Gabriel Kayser to narrow the gap to just 5 points. Just before half-time, Hamlets once again stretched the lead to 10 points with another try, the scoreboard showing 15-5 in their favour at the break.
Despite the heat, both teams played with vigour in the second half and both teams showed great determination on defence. A try by Chulumanco Mdudu about twelve minutes after the restart narrowed the gap to 15-10 and for the remainder of the match, it certainly looked as if either side could win the match. The Predators came agonisingly close to scoring a few times, but resolute defence by the home side kept them from crossing the line to score. Five minutes from the end of the match, the Predators launched a ferocious attack but were thwarted, and a breakout from the 22m area of the hosts’ half of the field found the hands of a player wearing jet shoes, and none of the chasing Predators defenders was able to stop him from scoring under the posts to ensure another seven points would be added to widen the gap to 22-10.
In the last few minutes, the Predators continued to play as if they could still take the spoils, again coming close to scoring. This was one of the best Predators team performances of the season and although it would be fair to say that the better team won on the day, the Predators will probably feel a little disappointed that the final score had a margin of 12 points as the contest was much closer than the scoreline suggests. It was a great effort and the boys can be proud of their performance.
Chess: Lunje Mlaza
Cross Country: Steffan Hillebrand
Hockey (Girls)
U14B Thandiwe Radebe
U14A Lexi Torlutter
U16B Amy Muller
U16A Keira Chirnside
U19A Hannah van Zyl
Hockey (Boys)
U14B
U14A Haydn Naidoo
U16A Sabelo Ntuli
U19A Jarryd Hunt
Soccer (Girls)
U19A Dristhi Ramkelawan
Soccer (Boys)
U16A Ayden Sudoi
U19A Cameron Makuzeni
Netball
U13B Mihlali Mdudu
U13A Nia Morule
U14B Hope Diango
U14A Lea de Sousa
U15B Nokukanya Khumalo
U15A Kayle Fundira
U16A Zara Gilder
U17A Michelle Chifamba
U19B Tyra Gaetsewe
U19A Dominique Yuill
Rugby
U13A Karis Nyabadza
U14A Kaiden Segal
U15A Jared Jacobs
U16A Ethan Wüst
U19A Mischan Francis
We always love to hear of our learners' external sports achievements. Please email a short blurb along with 3 high-quality photographs (1 Mb minimum) to External Sport News.
Cross Country
We would like to congratulate the following learners on their selection to the Northern Zone Cross Country Team.
We are incredibly proud of this achievement and wish them every success at the Cape Metro Schools Cross Country Championships on 15 August.
We wish them all the very best as they represent the Northern Zone and our College.
U14 Boys: Mukandi Chikwati
U14 Girls: Lexi Torlutter
U17 Girls: Scarlett Papakostadinou
U17 Boys: Steffan Hillebrand
Gymnastics
Congratulations to Grade 8 learner Phoebe Day, who competed in the Level 4 District Gymnastics Championships this past weekend. Phoebe delivered an excellent performance and has qualified for the Western Cape Gymnastics Championships, which will take place at the end of August.
We wish her every success as she prepares to compete at provincial level. Well done Phoebe!
Girls' hockey: Rebecca Walker (rwalker@parklands.co.za)
Girls' netball: Jolene Tadema (jtadema@parklands.co.za)
Chess, cross country, and boys' soccer: Marc Viljoen (mviljoen@parklands.co.za)
Rugby and girls' soccer: Darin Viljoen (dviljoen@parklands.co.za)
Head of Cricket and Boys' hockey: Gary Gilder (ggilder@parklands.co.za)
Head of Sport: Darryn Hunt (dhunt@parklands.co.za)
Netball:
U13A vs Woodbridge PS Won 27 - 2 POM: Nia Morule and Sophia de Carvalho Smee
U13A vs Blouberg Int. PS Won 31 - 1 POM:
U13B vs Rising Starts PS Won 3 - 0 POM: Bophelo Phala
U16A vs Melkbos Private HS Won 26 - 4 POM: Zara Gilder
U19A vs Melkbos Private HS Won 27 - 16 POM: Kylie Segal and Morgan Holmes
Hockey :
U16A Boys vs Bernadino Heights Won 4-0 POM: Lunje Mlaza
U19A Boys vs Hutchesons Grammar (Scotland) Lost 1-3 POM: Sabelo Ntuli
U14A Girls vs Hutchesons Grammar (Scotland) Won 2-0 POM: Lea De Sousa
U16A Girls vs Hutchesons Grammar (Scotland) Lost 0-5 POM: Tendeka Njukuya
U19A Girls vs Hutchesons Grammar (Scotland) Lost 0-5 POM: Hannah Taylor and Rebekah Esterhuizen
Rugby :
U19A vs Hamlets RFC Lost 10-22 POM: Adam Henderson
U16A vs Hamlets RFC Lost 16-31 POM:
U15A vs Hamlets RFC Lost 0-53 POM: Luke Truebody
U14A vs Hamlets RFC Won 10-7 POM: James Kairinos
Soccer:
Boys U16 vs Bloubergrant Lost 2-4 POM: Ayden Sudoi
Boys U19 vs Rising Stars Academy Lost 2-0 POM: Liam Russell
Boys U19 vs CBC Won 1-0 POM: Liam Russell
Please remember to subscribe to our Secondary sports calendar using this link: Secondary Sports Calendar
COMMAN SENSE MEDIA
Looking for trusted advice on the apps, games, social media platforms, and digital trends your kids are using? Common Sense Media's Parents' Ultimate Guides offer practical, easy-to-understand information to help families make informed decisions, start meaningful conversations, and navigate the digital world with confidence.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parents-ultimate-guides
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...
The College Crest and logos are registered trademarks and may not be used without permission from the Head of Marketing: cdevos@parklands.co.za
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.
Please note that the College does not allow animals, especially dogs, on campus, except in the following cases:
Officially registered guide or support dogs (with the necessary harness).
Pets owned by personnel residing on campus for security purposes.
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 the reception of the ICT desk in the event that it is handed in.
AirPods
We do not look for missing AirPods. Learners have been told that they should rather not bring AirPods to school, as they get lost easily.
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
Proposed 2027 Dates for Learners
Summer Quarter: 19 Jan 2027 - 18 March 2027
Autumn Quarter: 7 April 2027 - 23 June 2027
Winter Quarter: 21 July 2027 - 22 Sept 2027
Spring Quarter: 6 Oct 2027 - 3 Dec 2027
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Wishing all our parents and learners a restful and enjoyable long weekend.
Ancia Vosloo
Principal: Secondary Faculty