GUEST SPEAKER: LUKE PARKER - A STORY OF COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

Luke Parker matriculated from Parklands College Secondary Faculty in 2020, but his Grade 12 journey was anything but ordinary.

Just before starting his matric year, Luke was diagnosed with a rare blood disease. He faced odds of just 3% of developing the disease and a 3% chance of surviving it. As a result of his illness and treatment, Luke was hospitalised unable to attend school for more than six months. Despite the enormous challenges he faced, Luke returned to school in July, still fighting his health battle. He had to catch up on months of missed work while preparing for and writing his matric examinations. Luke credits his educators for their support and through incredible determination, courage and resilience, Luke went on to matriculate.

But Luke's story did not end there. He started an initiative called ‘You Are Not Alone’, using his experience to remind young people that, even during their darkest moments, they matter. His message is simple but incredibly powerful: “You Are Not Alone", The world is a better place with you in it.”

PARKLANDS COLLEGE HITS THE STAGE AT NDL DEBATE FINALS

Team Highlights

• Senior Squad Dominance: Both Senior teams qualified for the final rounds.

• Senior A2 Quarter-Finalists: Fought hard through the knockouts, finishing an incredible season in the Quarter-Finals.

• Senior A1 Grand Finalists: Made it all the way to the Grand Final, delivering one of their strongest debates to date before narrowly missing out on the title.

Top Speaker Standings (out of ~300 debaters)

• Kaylee-Jade: #4

• Connor: #6

• Liat: #13

• Aisha: #17

• Caitlin: #26

• Jorja: #27

Farewell to Connor and Aisha Sunday marked the final Parklands College debate for Connor and Aisha. Thank you both for your time, sacrifices, and leadership—you have been instrumental in putting Parklands on the debating map this year. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!

SALA SEMI-FINALS

PREFECT CAMP

Last Friday, we headed off to Ihlati Bush camp for a weekend of team building and fun. The energy was high and before the first hour had even passed, we somehow found Aphe, Gerhard and Kalapac already in the pool. As a prefect body, we spent the first day speaking about our goals and what positive change we’d like to see in the school. After a full day of brainstorming and throwing ideas around, we ended things with a night walk through the bush with no lights, and only a thin rope to guide us. As a team, we made our way through the bush from start to finish. Every few minutes, we’d hear a scream echoing through the trees. Turns out, it was just Ashley fighting with whatever he thought was on his leg. 

Day 2 started bright and early, as we made our way to the Meerendal 5km Parkrun, or for some of us, the 5km walk. Either way, it was a beautiful route and we proudly represented the College. Later on in the day, we were joined by the former prefects and EXCOM members, who shared their experiences and guidance for the upcoming leadership year. 

As tired as we were, we still had enough energy to cheer the Bokke on against the All Blacks. Seems like we just didn't cheer hard enough.

Overall, the weekend brought us closer as a Prefect body and gave us a strong foundation for the year ahead. We left with stronger relationships and shared visions for what we hope to achieve.

Executive Prefects

AUTOCAD CERTIFICATION

On 19 August, a group of our learners took on the challenging AutoCAD Certification Exam, putting their technical drawing skills, accuracy and ability to work under pressure to the test. With time proving to be a significant constraint, our learners showed impressive determination and focus throughout the examination.

A special congratulations goes to our top performers:

🌟 Nicholas Rossouw 

🌟 Jennifer Zhou 

We also congratulate Diya Ramsewak, Jay Gounden and Hannah van Zyl on taking on this demanding certification examination.

We are incredibly proud of our learners for challenging themselves through an internationally recognised industry certification and continuing to develop skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

UCT MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD

Congratulations also to our learners who achieved recognition in the UCT Mathematics Olympiad. Between 7000 and 7500 learners participate in the UCT Maths Olympiad. Merit Certificates are presented to the top 200 individual learners and the top 100 pairs in each grade.  These achievements reflect exceptional mathematical ability, dedication and perseverance.

AFRIKAANS FAL

This week, our Grade 7 learners explored emotions and colour in Afrikaans FAL. They were encouraged to get creative, engage their senses, and describe an emotion of their choice in a vivid and imaginative way. We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful and creative pieces they produced!

Dis lekker om kreatief te wees in Afrikaans!

Next week, we look forward to sharing some of the Grade 7s’ Book Creator ePubs, which they have been working hard on as part of their literacy project this quarter. We can’t wait to show you what they have created!

HPV VACCINATION

The HPV vaccination is available at many 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 local clinic for more information.

TAKING PRIDE IN OUR APPEARANCE

“Take pride in how you present yourself; it reflects the pride you take in who you are.”

We ask our parents to please support us in encouraging learners to take pride in their appearance, abide by our dress and grooming expectations, and wear the correct school and sports uniform. For sports practices, the appropriate PE kit must be worn.

LOCKERS

“Being organised means being prepared, being responsible and giving yourself the best chance to succeed.”

Please remind learners to lock their belongings away between classes and to make use of their lockers responsibly. This will help to keep personal items safe, minimise lost property and keep our classrooms and corridors neat and organised.

GRADE 12 FINAL NSC EXAMINATIONS 2026

Access the Official Timetable

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.

Grade 12 Timeline

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.

DIGITAL BOOKSHELF

CONTACT

Please contact the counsellors for any learner support queries or information:

Samantha Scott: sjscott@parklands.co.za

Serlina Amy Kistan: skistan@parklands.co.za

STUDY ABROAD EXPO: 

The expo will bring together representatives from 20+ leading universities across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe, giving Grade 10–12 students and their parents the opportunity to explore international study options and speak directly with university representatives.

Event Details
Venue: Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Time: 14:00–19:00

Students and parents will also be able to receive guidance on university admissions, student visas and the wider study abroad process. Our Sports Recruitment Team will be available to advise talented student-athletes on overseas scholarship opportunities.

SUPPORTING CAREL DU TOIT

During our visit to the Carel du Toit Centre for the hearing impared we were once again reminded of the exceptional work being done at the Centre and the difference it makes in the lives of its learners. 

Across our three campuses, we managed to raise R9 000 to show our support. This was done in honour of our former principal, Mrs Sylvia Steyn.

VISITING HOME OF HOPE

During our visit to the Home of Hope, we donated teddy bears and spent time playing with the children. Together, we built creative structures using marshmallows and toothpicks, filling the day with fun and imagination.

In return, we were treated to countless smiles, laughter, and the joy of spending meaningful time together.

FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT

Well done to our newly elected Sport Prefects for 2027! We look forward to seeing them take on their leadership roles and make a positive contribution to sport at Parklands College.

As we transition back to summer sport, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our parents and learners for their incredible support throughout the winter season.

To our learners, thank you for the spirit, commitment and enthusiasm you have shown throughout the season, and particularly for the manner in which you have conducted yourselves both on and off the field. You have represented Parklands College with pride, and we are incredibly proud of you.

Important notice:

Our summer sports programme starts next Monday, 31 August, with learners continuing with the same sport they selected in Quarter 1. Learners are expected to remain committed to and attend training for the same sporting code they participated in during Quarter 1. They will have the opportunity to choose a new sporting code for 2027 towards the end of this year.

Our first home 1st XI cricket fixture takes place on Saturday, 5 September, against Elkanah House. The first round of Chukka trials will take place on Friday, 4 September, from 3:00–4:30pm, with the Chukka Festival taking place from 11–13 February 2027.

We will also welcome three visiting teams to Parklands College for our seventh annual Gary Kirsten T20 Tournament on Saturday, 12 September. We look forward to another exciting day of competitive cricket.

A reminder that learners must be correctly dressed for all sport practices and matches. School and Leisure deliveries for uniform purchased online are delivered directly to the school.

We look forward to getting our summer sports programme underway and seeing our learners back on the fields and courts.

LEARNER ACHIEVEMENTS

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.  

Gabriella Fredericks (Grade 8) continues to impress with her outstanding achievements in dance. She recently achieved 1st Place in the Western Cape for both her Hip Hop Duet and Street Theme Hip Hop Duet, with her FBI-themed routine.

At the Revibe Competition, Gabriella once again claimed 1st Place in the Teen Elite Hip Hop Duet, which also received a Special Award for Best Teen Elite Duet.

Congratulations, Gabriella! We are incredibly proud of your dedication, talent and commitment to dance.

Congratulations to Madison Lemos (Grade 11) on her fantastic selection for the Conquer South African Dance Team, which will compete at Conquer Worlds 2026/2027 and travel to Disney World in 2027.

We are incredibly proud of Madison and wish her all the very best as she takes on this exciting opportunity to represent South Africa on the international stage.

Congratulations to Zackery Day (Grade 11), who recently competed in the Trail Series in Kogelbaai, finishing an impressive 1st in the Junior Men category and 2nd overall.

A fantastic achievement, Zackery! Well done!

Congratulations to our U16A Boys Hockey team, who ended their season at the top of their league!

A fantastic achievement and a fitting reward for the players’ hard work, commitment and determination throughout the season. Well done to the entire team on an outstanding campaign.  A special thank you to Coach Kade Whyman and Manager Mr Gilder for their guidance, support and commitment to the team throughout the season.

The U14A Boys Hockey team ended their season on a high with a superb 5–2 win against Curro Brackenfell.

A special thank you to Coach Chad Messina and Manager Mr Makholisa for the time, energy and commitment they invested in the team throughout the season.

The U14B Girls Hockey team ended their season with a solid 0–0 draw against Melkbosstrand.

Having lost this fixture 0–1 last quarter, the result is a positive indication of the progress the team has made throughout the season. The girls have continued to develop, improve and show greater resilience as the season has progressed.

Well done to the players on their hard work and commitment throughout the season, and a special thank you to Coach Tyra Ingold for her contribution to the team and Mr D Viljoen who stepped in as manager on the day.

The U16A Netball team played Cannons Creek on Thursday, 27 August, in a match that was played in a wonderful spirit.

The team secured an impressive 26–3 victory, but what stood out most was the humility and sportsmanship shown by the players throughout the match. They represented Parklands College with great credit. Well done to the players on an excellent performance, and a special thank you to Coach Suné Bloem and Manager Mrs Spence for their positive contribution throughout the season. This is a team to watch for the future.

Well done, U16A!

SUMMER SPORT TIMETABLE 2026

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

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...

2026 DATES

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

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Please follow us on social media

Parklands College & CRPP on Facebook

Parklands College & CRPP on X

Parklands College & CRPP on Instagram

MEMOS FROM OTHER FACULTIES

PP: https://ppblog.parklands.co.za

JP: https://jpblog.parklands.co.za

SP: https://spblog.parklands.co.za

Wishing all our families a wonderful and restful weekend.

Ancia Vosloo

Principal: Secondary Faculty

avosloo@parklands.co.za