29 May 2026

FROM THE OFFICE

We are incredibly proud of how our learners have settled into the examination period and navigated this important academic phase with maturity and resilience. In particular, our Grade 7 cohort has impressed us as they settle into the same routines and expectations that will be expected in their final matric examinations, laying a strong foundation for the years ahead.

This Saturday, our school will be on show, and we look forward to welcoming visitors onto campus for Open Day.

There is also a growing sense of excitement and anticipation as we prepare for the much-awaited release of tickets for our school production, High School Musical 2. Keep watching this space as excitement builds for what promises to be a highlight of our cultural calendar. Tickets will go on sale soon.

SECONDARY CALENDAR

SPORT CALENDAR

FEEDBACK

BEFORE THE EXAMS

Our spaces are happy places in the mornings before examinations, where everywhere there are smiles, words of encouragement, last-minute studying, and learners supporting one another as they prepare to do their very best.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The Battle of the Bands took place on Friday, 22 May 2026 at Herschel Girls School in Claremont. It was a talented line-up featuring bands from SACS, Westerford, Springfield Convent, Bishops, Rustenburg Girls', Parklands College and Herschel Girls School.

Each band had 20 minutes to set up and perform 3 songs. The competition was tough with rock bands dominating the line-up. Parklands College presented a talented, jazz outfit. With their tailored, African-inspired attire, suave dance moves and impeccable vocals they impressed the audience and adjudicators. Parklands placed third behind Bishops and Rustenburg Girls'. This was a momentous accolade for Parklands College in their inaugural performance in an established event running for a few years.

We're extremely proud of our Jazz Band. Credit needs to go to Tracey Johannes and Alexis Matsimela.

SLIPPER DAY - The Perfect Way to Write Exams

There is something undeniably comforting about walking into an exam room with your favourite pair of slippers. On Slipper Day, the usual formality of school life is softened, replaced by warmth, colour, and a sense of ease that helps settle nerves during a busy exam period.

FTC ROBOTICS AT THE COLLEGE

Last Saturday, we officially launched our new FTC team! Alongside the Hyperion Bot team, learners got stuck into the basics of drive tanks and built their own chassis in groups of four. It was a fantastic first session - full of teamwork, curiosity, and plenty of enthusiasm. We can't wait to see what this team builds next!

UCT MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD - ROUND 2

We are extremely proud that seven of our learners have progressed to Round 2 of the UCT Mathematics Olympiad. Considering that approximately 4 500 learners per grade from between 130 and 170 schools across the Western Cape participate in the competition, and that only the top 50 learners per grade advance to the second round, this is an exceptional achievement. Congratulations to Taylor Watson (Gr 9), Mosa Sebapadi (Gr 10), Liat Demissew, Steffan Hillebrand, Aden van Rhyn, Gerhard Vosloo (all Gr 11), and WanRu Zhou (Gr 12) on this outstanding accomplishment. Their hard work, dedication and mathematical talent have once again placed our learners amongst the very best in the province.

GRADE 8 CONSERVATION CHALLENGE

The Grade 8 learners wrapped up the quarter with the creation of their Conservation Google Site. Learners have been researching the plight of endangered animals and brainstormed names for their conservation group. They designed their own logos in Canva and are looking forward to next quarter, where they will research habitats, write poetry, and rescue their animals with drones.

GRADE 12 EXAMS

Our Grade 12 learners gather in the Recreation Room before entering for the examination in the Curie Hall..

RESOURCE CENTRE

As our examination period continues, we would like to remind parents and learners that the Resource Centre remains available as a quiet study venue throughout the exam period.

Learners are welcome to make use of the Resource Centre:

Before their scheduled examination session
On days when they are not writing an examination
After completing their examination session for the day

The Resource Centre provides a calm environment where learners can revise, complete preparation for upcoming examinations, and make productive use of their study time while on campus. We encourage learners to take advantage of this valuable resource, particularly during gaps between examinations, to maintain momentum and establish effective study routines throughout the examination period.

We wish all our learners every success as they continue with their examinations.

“Kolwyntjies”

GRADE 3S ENJOY A SWEET AFRIKAANS EXPERIENCE

Our Grade 3 learners thoroughly enjoyed a memorable visit to the Hospitality department at the Secondary Faculty as part of their Afrikaans lesson, where they had the hands-on experience of baking "kolwyntjies" cupcakes while learning language in a fun and practical way. Yummy!

SALA

Congratulations to the following learners who have been selected for the Semi Final Round of SALA for 2026:

Connor Crighton - Public Speaking

Liat Demissew - Dramatic Poetry, Public Speaking

Veer Atwaru - Dramatic Poetry, Public Speaking

Oyinkandsola Eniola - Dramatic Poetry, Open Mic Poetry

Cameron Makuzeni - Open Mic Poetry

Yihan Angelina Dai - Dramatic Poetry, Reading

Scarlett Janse van Rensburg - Dramatic Poetry

Ada Ukandu - Dramatic Poetry, Reading

Sophia De Carvalho Smee - Public Speaking

Diyana Manga - Public Speaking, Reading, Undramatised Poetry

Lexi Torlutter - Public Speaking, Reading

Gia Huy Kieu - Public Speaking

Caitlin Smith - Public Speaking

Madison Viljoen - Public Speaking

Katrina Katiah - Public Speaking

Kaylee-Jade Mestre - Public Speaking

Aisha Salie - Public Speaking

Nokukhanya Khumalo - Reading

Tendeka Njukaya - Reading

AND HERE THEY ARE AGAIN...

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO...

OUR DANCERS ARE PERFORMING AT ARTSCAPE

CENTRE STAGE 2026

Book Your Tickets Now!

On 16 June 2026, prepare for an extraordinary celebration of dance as Centre Stage takes over the Artscape Opera House for one spectacular evening only.

Parklands College is joining 300 dancers from 20 studios across seven diverse genres, for a dynamic showcase of talent and creativity. From classical ballet to contemporary and beyond, the stage will come alive with energy, rhythm, and breathtaking artistry.

With ambassadorship from Cape Town City Ballet’s retired principal dancer, Laura Bosenberg, this special fundraising event supports the continued growth and sustainability of the company (CTCB). This special evening not only celebrates the artistry of Dance but also honours those who shaped its legacy.

Tickets are available at @webtickets or Artscape Dial-A-Seat on 021 421 7695.

ASTRONAUT AT PARKLANDS COLLEGE

www.quicket.co.za/events/374813-astronaut-dorothy-metcalf-lindenburger-at-parklands-college-3-august-2026/?ref=invite&?utm_source=invite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=invite_system#/

SPACE EDUCATION

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Space Educators Conference during World Space Week in October.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Punctuality Expectations

We believe in developing essential life skills, and punctuality is one of them - a key expectation in any future workplace.

We therefore expect all learners to arrive at school on time:

Learners should be seated in class by 07:50 when the first lesson begins
Learners must clock in by 07:45 at one of the biometric stations, allowing time to transition to class.

Please take note of the following:

We can excuse one late arrival per week — life happens
Two or more late arrivals in a week indicate that morning routines may need to be adjusted
Clocking in is a mandatory safety requirement. Learners who fail to clock in will receive one warning email, followed by a demerit for repeated occurrences
If your child is absent, please notify us before 08:30 by emailing secondary@parklands.co.za so that their record can be updated

Punctuality reflects preparedness and respect. Let’s continue to encourage and model these important qualities together.

LEARNER LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP CAMP FOR GRADE 11 - CLASS OF 2027

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” ~ John Quincy Adams.

Investing in leadership development is a key priority at our school, as we believe every learner has the potential to lead with purpose and integrity. Leadership is not limited to formal roles, but is developed across the entire grade, empowering all learners to contribute meaningfully in their final school year and beyond.

Communication has been shared with parents regarding the Grade 11 leadership camp - an opportunity for the entire grade to develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Traditionally, it is also a camp where we see the group come together as a unified entity, while enjoying an important experience of bonding and shared growth.

Parents are requested to return the indemnity forms as soon as possible.

DATES AND HIGHLIGHTS

We encourage parents and learners to refer to the school calendar shared at the beginning of the blog. However, as our Grade 12 and Grade 11 learners enter an important and exciting period, we would like to highlight a few key dates.

22-24 June Grade 11 - Leadership Camp - all Grade 11s

23-25 July High School Musical 2

31 July Leadership Voting

7 August Grade 12 - 40 Day Breakfast

15 August Derby Day

18 August Leadership Induction Ceremony

18 September Sport Awards tbc

19 September Matric Dance

22 September STCL & Honors & Leadership Awards

23 September Valedictory & Locking the Legacy

13 October Grade 12 NSC Exam Start

SCHOOL & LEISURE - FREE DELIVERY

A reminder that our Uniform Shop, School & Leisure, offers free delivery on all online orders, making it easier than ever to get what you need.

For free delivery to school, in the address block, please insert school name and address and add discount code before check out

Junior Preparatory - 91 Raats Drive, Parklands 7441
Secondary Preparatory - 50 Wood Drive, Parklands 7441
Secondary Faculty - 1 College Avenue, Sandown 7441

Discount Code : PKLSCHOOL (both upper and lowercase works)

DROP-OFF AND COLLECTION TIMES

During drop-off and collection times, we ask that parents please respect the traffic flow and avoid stopping in drive-through areas. We encourage making use of designated parking to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic for all. The safety and security of our learners, remains a priority at all times.

FORMATIVE EXAMINATIONS

As our GET learners (Grades 7 to 9) prepare for their upcoming examinations, we would like to remind parents and learners that a number of assessments will be completed digitally using the Formative platform.

If a learner is scheduled to write a digital Formative examination, it is essential that they arrive at school with:

A fully charged device
Their charger (where possible)
Their login details readily available

Having a charged and functional device ensures that learners are able to access the Formative platform without unnecessary delays and are able to complete the assessment in the best possible conditions.

We encourage learners to check their devices the evening before each examination and to ensure that all required updates, connectivity settings, and applications are working correctly.

Thank you to our parents for your ongoing support as our learners prepare for the examination period.

EXAM INFORMATION

📝 Exam Timetables

Please see the examination timetables below. Grade's 10 to 12 have also received their timetables in a PDF format.

JUNE EXAM TT 2026

📑 Exam Study Guidelines

Grade 12 Grade 11 Grade 10 Grade 9 Grade 8 Grade 7

Study Timetables

Grade 7 Study Timetable Grade 8 Study Timetable Grade 9 Study Timetable

Learners are still welcome to join most of our clubs and societies on offer at the College. Please email the educator in charge of the respective Club or Society, speak to Teneale or Isaiah, our Clubs and Society prefects or email Mr Steinmann.

SCHEDULE

2026 Schedule - 2026 Time table

Important information:

Some clubs and societies require a fee.
A consent form must be collected and signed by a parent.
The full fee structure is available in the Parent Directory.

MUSIC

Battle of the Bands

Third place at Battle of the Bands?! We’ll absolutely take that for a debut performance.

On Friday evening, our Jazz Band took to the stage at Herschel Girls’ for Battle of the Bands alongside some of Cape Town’s top school bands, and what a night it was.

This was the very first performance for our current Jazz Band collective, and with that naturally came a mix of excitement, nerves, adrenaline and big emotions. One thing we definitely were though? Prepared.

Beyond the performance itself, these are the experiences learners remember forever. The backstage music jams, the singing, the “30 Seconds” games, the frantic hair and makeup moments, pep talks before walking on stage, loading buses, sharing snacks and laughing until your cheeks hurt.

These are the moments where ensembles become families and performances become memories. We’re incredibly proud of this group of musicians and deeply grateful for the opportunity to create music together. Heartfelt thanks to Ms Tracey Johannes for her directorship and vision.

Thank you, Music. ❤️

📚 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

Those still interested in getting started, we have space in the vocal, cello, drums, saxophone, trumpet, & piano departments. All relevant details, including lesson offerings, durations, and costs, can be found in the Music Tuition

Google Form link: https://forms.gle/uV4j9ChV4TDG8tuU9

Get ready to make some music! 🎹🎷🎤

Enrolment Form: https://forms.gle/gRidchZx8Q5nubVi6

Grade 7 Creative Arts Music Soundscape Composition

Creative Arts Music

This quarter, our Grade 7 Creative Arts learners stepped into the world of sound design, storytelling and composition through an exciting Music Practical Task centred around soundscapes.

Learners explored how the sounds around us, from footsteps and thunderstorms to laughter, whispers and city noise, can stir emotions, create atmosphere and tell powerful stories without using a single word.

Their challenge was to compose an original audio story accompanied by a graphic score, visually representing the sounds, textures and emotions within their composition. The result was a wonderfully creative collection of imaginative works showcasing not only musical thinking, but storytelling, problem-solving and emotional awareness through sound.

A reminder that music is not only something we hear, it is something we feel.

Dance

Please find the link below to enrol for Secondary Dance 2026.

Dance Enrolment Link

Inside the link, you’ll find the full timetable and all the details you need. Whether you’re passionate about dance or keen to try something new, we would love to have you join us.

Don’t miss out! Sign up and be part of the energy!

We celebrated Africa Day through a special Homeroom session last Friday, coordinated by our CLE representatives across the GET Phase.

Learners engaged in an interactive Africa Day Kahoot challenge filled with fun, learning and meaningful conversations celebrating the richness, diversity and vibrancy of the continent we call home.

Our Top 3 learners in each class received a chocolate treat for their efforts.

Think you could beat our learners?
If you’d like to try the quiz yourself and see how you do, here it is: CLICK HERE

Dear Future learner leaders; incl. all Grade 11s (particularly those intending to run for leadership), current Class Representatives and to those intending to run for Class Rep in Q3, CLEs and anyone interested .... we encourage you to register and be part of this meaningful and future-focused experience.

This year’s Indaba embraces the idea that inclusion is not simply about representation, but about connection, psychological safety, authentic dialogue, and creating spaces where every individual feels seen, heard and valued.

The Indaba aims to empower you to become a thoughtful changemaker who is equipped to navigate differences with curiosity, compassion and confidence, both within our school and beyond.

“Lead with empathy. Listen with intention. Build belonging.”

We are proud to collaborate with organisations equally committed to youth empowerment and social justice, including The LEAH Foundation, The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, and Rotary Club South Africa.

ENROLMENT FORM LINK: https://forms.gle/GnBJ5vHyHSzqAFxr9 (RSVP by Monday 22 June 2026)

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

Samantha Scott: sjscott@parklands.co.za

Exam Support

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive world, learners are under immense pressure to achieve top results. With university placements becoming increasingly competitive and success often measured by marks and percentages, many young people place enormous pressure on themselves. Some of this pressure comes from external expectations, while much of it is internal, driven by fear of failure or not feeling “good enough.”

Unfortunately, this often leads learners to focus more on the outcome than the process, causing stress, anxiety, and in many cases, underperformance. As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is to celebrate and praise their effort rather than only the result. Effort builds resilience, perseverance, discipline, and character.

These qualities matter far beyond the academic years. In the long run, a mark on a piece of paper will not define a person’s future nearly as much as their ability to work hard, show grit, and keep going even when things are difficult. These are the qualities that truly shape success in life.

EXAM PORTAL - online exam platform for accommodation learners

We are pleased to share that our digital Exam Portal has now been successfully rolled out across the College for formal examination sessions. The system has proven to be secure, accessible, and user-friendly, offering an effective way for learners to receive reading and scribing accommodations without the need for in-person support. We will be moving towards all learners making use of Exam Portal in our efforts to support their potential in a sustainable and efficient manner.

There will be a fee of R150 per exam paper/session, regardless of the length or duration of the paper.

We encourage parents to consider this option as the most efficient support process going forward. If you would like to register your child for the Exam Portal, or if you have any questions, please contact Samantha Scott: sjscott@parklands.co.za. - please see further information below.

Letter to parents for Exam portal.pdf

TERTIARY STUDIES

Public tertiary institution application dates for the class of 2026

OnlineCareerGuidance_TertiaryApplicationsClassOf2026.pdf

Thuthuka Bursary

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

90 Bursaries available in Shoprite's 2026 bursary programme - now open for application

Applications for the Shoprite Group’s 2026 bursary programme are officially open.

Application details and requirements

In order to be eligible, applicants must be South African citizens under 27 years old, and are registered for undergraduate or post-graduate degree study at an accredited university.

Further qualifying criteria is specific to each bursary - for more information or to apply, visit the Shoprite bursary programme page here.

Applications close on 31 May 2026.

https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/90-bursaries-available-in-shoprite-2026-bursary-programme-now-open-for-application-062755a

Staying Active Through Exam Season

On Friday, 29 May, our U14 to U19 rugby players head to Bergvliet High School, where the main match will take place under lights. Kick-off is at 18:30. Our U14 to U19 boys’ hockey teams play against Stellenberg in a home fixture, while our U14A girls face off against Table View, also at home. Matches start at 15:00.

On Saturday, our U16A and U19A girls’ teams play away against Table View.

Thank you to the parents who completed the player availability sheet for our hockey home fixtures on Friday, 5 June, against Jan van Riebeeck High School. It promises to be a good afternoon and evening of hockey. Our senior boys’ team came up against Jan van Riebeeck in their final match at the AJ Sport Tour and will be hoping to turn the tables after that result. Matches on Friday, 5 June, will start at 14:00, and there will be a coffee truck on site.

Just a friendly reminder that we have created a schedule that allows for one one-hour practice session per week per sporting code. Our external coaches have made themselves available during this time, and we ask that learners involved in sport commit to this schedule (see below).

Exam training schedule

Home and Away...

Girls hockey matches at Melkbosstrand

Our U14B boys

Our U13 netball girls

The u/13 netball girls have show great sportsmanship and spirit during their matches this season. We thank them for the positive contribution they make to our school.

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.

CRICKET

Friday, 22 May, was a memorable evening at the historic Western Province Cricket Club awards evening, as Joshua Neil (Grade 11) received the Junior (U16) Player of the Year award.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is the reason behind it. At just 16 years and 123 days old, Josh became the youngest player to debut for the club’s senior 1st XI in its incredible 162-year history. That is not just a milestone; it is a statement.

Facing the University of the Western Cape on debut (see memorable clip below of Josh taking his first wicket for the club), Josh showed composure well beyond his years, returning outstanding bowling figures of 7.1 overs, 2 maidens, and 3/34 against senior opposition.

Joshua’s cricketing ability continues to shine through, and, adding to an already outstanding season, he was recently invited to attend the upcoming Cricket South Africa U17 Regional Camp, which took place on Friday, 17 and Saturday, 18 April 2026. Selection to a regional CSA camp is another significant achievement and recognition of the level at which he is currently performing.

A massive congratulations to Josh on an outstanding achievement. WPCC has seen generations of cricketers pass through its ranks over more than a century and a half, and to have your name attached to a 'youngest ever' record in that environment is something truly special. The future looks very bright indeed.

Josh Neil -2026-03-14-19-34-45 (1).mp4

Sports Department

Girls' hockey and netball: Rebecca Walker (rwalker@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)

Sport Results

CHESS

1st vs Melkbosstrand High School Drew 3 - 3 POM: Callum Herbert

BOYS HOCKEY

U14B vs Reddam Durbanville Mixed Ages Lost 0 - 7 POM: Jun Chen Lucas Liu and Matthew Evans

U14A vs SACS U14D Won 6 - 1 POM: Luke Sly

U16A vs Rondebosch U16D Won 4 - 1 POM: Tristan Els

GIRLS HOCKEY

U14B vs Melkbosstrand High School Lost 0 - 1 POM: Katelyn Spence and Thandi Radebe

U14A vs Melkbosstrand High School Lost 0 - 4 POM: Sisipho Mcanyangwa

U16A vs Melkbosstrand High School Lost 0 - 7 POM: Tendeka Njukuya

U19B vs Melkbosstrand High School Lost 0 - 3 POM: Whole Team

U19A vs Melkbosstrand Lost 0 - 6 POM: Dominique Yuill

NETBALL

U13B vs Edgemead Primary School Lost 4 - 11 POM: Perle (Lea) Kipuya

U13A vs Edgemead Primary School Lost 11 - 15 POM: Sophia de Carvalho Smee

RUGBY

U13A vs Milnerton Primary School Lost 7 - 50 POM: Samuel Matekane

U14A vs Primorse RFC Lost 0 - 45 POM: Marang Mamatshele

U16A vs Primrose RFC Drew 7 - 7 POM: Enzo Masseca

U19A vs Primrose RFC Lost 0 - 42 POM: Aiden Pearce

Common Sense Media:

Your Digital Parenting Cheat Sheet Let’s be real: parenting a teen in the age of TikTok and AI feels like trying to build a plane while it’s already mid-flight. Common Sense Media is the manual we never got. It offers unbiased, age-based reviews on the movies, games, and apps your teen is obsessed with, plus "Parents Need to Know" guides that actually explain the risks without the panic. It’s the best way to stay informed without having to spend four hours on Urban Dictionary.

General

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...

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:

Officially registered guide or support dogs (with the necessary harness).
Pets owned by personnel residing on campus for security purposes.

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 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.