11 SEPTEMBER 2026

FROM THE OFFICE

This week, the campus has been a little quieter than usual as our learners wrap up their assessments and projects. While there may not be many events and activities to share, there has been plenty happening behind the scenes as our learners remain focused and committed during this important time.

We would also like to remind parents and learners that support is available to any learner who may need a little extra encouragement or assistance during this busy period. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a subject teacher, Grade Head, Counsellor, Academic Head or any other trusted teacher. Our learners are not alone, and we are here to support them.

Tomorrow we look forward to a busy and exciting Open Day as we welcome our Grade 6 learners to campus. We are excited to introduce them to life in the Secondary Faculty and look forward to giving them a glimpse of the many wonderful opportunities that await them.

CALENDARS

SECONDARY CALENDAR

SPORT CALENDAR

IMPORTANT DATES

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

FEEDBACK

TOUR DE MATHS LEG 5 - A GREAT FINISH TO 2026!

Parklands College finished the final leg of the 2026 Tour de Maths competition in 5th position. Our learners thoroughly enjoyed the evening and once again demonstrated their enthusiasm, teamwork and love for Mathematics. Lucas de Carvalho Smee was Parklands’ top performer, contributing an impressive 630 points to the team’s total, while Saadhil Rampath followed closely in second place with 620 points. This marked the final leg of the 2026 competition, and we are incredibly proud of the commitment and effort shown by our learners throughout the year. We look forward to returning in 2027 with renewed enthusiasm and determination for another exciting Tour de Maths!

LIFE SCIENCE OUTING

Grade 10 learners explored the Heart of Cape Town Museum this week. It was a captivating tour through the history of South Africa's first heart transplant. An inspiring journey with an entertaining tour guide!

ROBOTICS ON THEIR WAY TO NATIONALS

We wish our Robotics team well as they head off to the World Robot Olympiad SA National Finals this weekend.

PREFECT BAKE SALE

The Prefects’ Bake Sale on Friday was wonderfully supported! Thank you to everyone who contributed, baked, bought and supported this successful initiative.

GRADE 8 FOOD TECHNOLOGY

The Grade 8 Food Technology learners had great fun this week as they created their own biscuits. They learnt about three different making methods... they made party biscuits with smarties (creaming method ), crunchies (melting method) and cheese sabels (rubbing-in method).

They then took a choc chip biscuit recipe (creaming method ) and swapped out the choc chips for their own additions and renamed the biscuits. We had some very creative inventions with a variety of sweeties, nuts and fruit being added. We also had very creative names like 'Astromellow' cookies where they added Astros and mini marshmallows. Great fun was had by all and they all tasted delicious! L Torbet

MATRICS GETTING READY TO TAKE THE DANCE FLOOR

Our Matric Class enjoyed a dance lesson this week as they prepared for their upcoming Matric Dance. There were plenty of laughs and smiles as learners practised their moves and looked forward to this very special occasion!

IMG_2836.MOV

IMG_2821.MOV

EXPO FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Congratulations to the young scientists selected from the Cape Town Region to participate in the 2026 Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), taking place from 29 September to 2 October in Boksburg, Gauteng.

Two of the 19 candidates representing the Cape Town Region are from Parklands College: Israa Adam and Phoenix Srdic

Congratulations to all the selected young scientists. The work continues as they strengthen their projects and prepare for the ISF. Start with an idea. See how far it can take you.

Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdG9XFJjYbk/?stkn=MXh6c2cxNmV6NnVlOQ%3D%3D

Israa Adams

A Low-Cost Sustainable Alternative to Mineral-Based E-Waste Filtration (Gold)

Phoenix Srdic

Data Analysis of Galaxy Rotation Curves using Machine Learning (Gold)

A QUIET MOMENT

A quiet moment with a good book in the shade - the perfect way to enjoy a little reading time outdoors.

VISITING THE LOCAL BUTCHER

The Grade 10's have had a very beneficial visit to the butcher at our local Checkers! The purpose of the visit was to extend their knowledge of minced meat and sausages, the commodity they are studying at the moment. In the butcher, they were allowed in the carcass room, where they were shown the different cuts on the carcass. This will be very beneficial for their matric commodity on meat. In addition to this, they were shown how the boerewors was made.

They also completed research on the fresh, processed, frozen and canned mince and sausage products available in the supermarket.

THE SUNSHINE PROJECT: LILY HOWE

As part of my Cape Town Junior City Council (JCC) community service initiative, I have started The Sunshine Project, a youth-led project focused on supporting young children through practical resources, learning and play.

The Cape Town Junior City Council is a youth leadership programme that gives young people the opportunity to learn about civic responsibility, leadership and the needs of their communities. Through the programme, JCC members are encouraged to take an active role in creating positive change and developing projects that address real needs within Cape Town.

For my project, I am working with Sam’s Educare in Table View. After speaking with the educators, I identified several areas where additional resources would be particularly valuable.

I am currently raising funds to provide sports and movement equipment and age-appropriate books. I will also be spending time with the children through activities involving music, creativity and play.

The project is about responding to the needs of the organisations I work with and creating something that is genuinely useful to the children. Sam’s Educare is my project under The Sunshine Project, with the intention of continuing to support other organisations in the future.

If you would like to support The Sunshine Project, you can contribute through my BackaBuddy campaign or get in touch to find out how you can help!

Lily Howe

The Sunshine Project | BackaBuddy My name is Lily Howe and I am a member of the Cape Town Junior City Council , a youth leadership programme that encourages young people to engage ...

CREATIVE ARTS: MUSIC

This quarter, the Grade 7 learner's launched into an epic exploration of sound, diving headfirst into the science of vibrations and sound waves!

They unleashed their inner creators by transforming recycled materials into working musical instruments, crafting homemade guitars from shoeboxes, buzzing oboes from straws and blast-worthy trumpets out of funnels to bring acoustics to life. Shifting the energy into high gear, the class plunged into the world of vocal performance and percussion instruments, learning the traditional South African song "Bhombela", along with its fast-paced, rhythmic stick game.

The grand finale approaches as these talented musicians prepare to take the stage for their practical assessment, where they will light up the room performing "Bhombela" and improvising on the African djembe drum.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO...

Bring something. Wear something. Taste something.

Learn something. Share something.

WORLD AFRO DAY

On Tuesday 15 September, we will acknowledge World Afro Day, an opportunity to celebrate Afro-textured hair and the many ways hair can form part of our identity, culture and self-expression.

We value being part of a school culture that embraces individuality and freedom of self-expression, including the many ways our learners choose to wear and style their hair. At the same time, there is always an opportunity to broaden our understanding, listen to different experiences and create space for meaningful conversations.

Join us as we welcome Kelly from K for Kurls, who will share practical tips on natural hair care and styling; plus the chance to explore and try products from her range.

Whether you have curls, coils, kinks, an Afro, straight or wavy hair, this is an invitation for everyone to come along, learn something new and celebrate the many ways we express ourselves.

Come curious. Come as you are. Come be part of the conversation.

HERITAGE DAY: Bring, Share & Discover

Heritage Day is almost here and what better way to celebrate than through food?

On Monday, 21 September, we’re turning the Rec Room into a little journey around the world with a Heritage Day Bring & Share.

Bring a dish that means something to you, perhaps your granny’s recipe, a family favourite, something from a place you’ve lived, or simply a dish you love and would like others to discover.

You don’t have to bring food from your own cultural background to take part.

Everyone is invited to bring, taste, share and discover something new.

We’ll set up during the Meeting Session and come together to enjoy the feast during 2nd Break.

We also invite you to wear cultural regalia on the day. We’re encouraging intentional and meaningful cultural dress that represents, celebrates or helps us learn about different identities and traditions.

Please sign up via the Heritage Day Bring & Share Google Form:

https://forms.gle/vrgyd4yvezT2iCgS6

Leadership Induction 2026

https://youtube.com/live/M5h3Zm6kVas?feature=share

Sport Awards 2026

https://youtube.com/live/DCcqTdY6jJ8?feature=share

STCL Awards 2026

https://youtube.com/live/Fe8AywiHqpg?feature=share

Honours Awards 2026

https://youtube.com/live/tst-wYNu36o?feature=share

Valedictory 2026

https://youtube.com/live/2N9OHnrlA0o?feature=share

OTHER

GATE TIMES

Please take note of the opening and closing times of the Secondary school gates.

Main Gate: Monday-Friday 07:00-08:00, 14:00-15:30 and 16:30-17:30

Exit Gate: 07:15-07:45, 14:30-15:00 and16:30-17:00

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.

DIGITAL BOOKSHELF

Q3 EHL Digital Book Shelf 2026

LEARNER SUPPORT

CONTACT

Please contact us for any learner support queries or information:

Samantha Scott: sjscott@parklands.co.za

Serlina Amy Kistan: skistan@parklands.co.za

DIVAS & DUDES IN DATA SCIENCE - 22 SEPTEMBER

SPORT

FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT

This weekend, three of our teams will take part in tournaments, providing our learners with another opportunity to compete, test themselves and represent Parklands College.

Our U19 boys’ and girls’ water polo teams will compete in the 5-a-side Polo Tournament, an exciting and fast-paced format that demands excellent communication, teamwork and decision-making. We wish all our players the very best as they take on the challenge and encourage them to compete with energy, discipline and pride.

Our cricketers will also be in action at the annual Gary Kirsten T20 (GKT20) Tournament, which will be hosted at Parklands College. T20 cricket brings plenty of intensity and excitement, and we look forward to seeing our players embrace the challenge and enjoy the opportunity to compete against strong opposition.

Looking ahead, next Friday is our annual Sports Awards Ceremony. This is an invitation-only event, and learners who have been selected to attend have already been notified. We look forward to celebrating the achievements, commitment and contribution of our learners across Parklands Sport.

A reminder to all learners that they must be appropriately dressed for sport practices and matches. Afternoon training begins at 15:00, but learners are expected to report for registration by 14:55 so that training can start promptly.

Sport Awards 2026 Live Stream Link

https://youtube.com/live/DCcqTdY6jJ8?feature=share

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.

CPL HOCKEY

Congratulations to our Parklands learners who represented their CPL hockey teams during the season. It is fantastic to see our players competing at a high level and contributing to teams across the various age groups and competitions.

Adam Müller – U18 Raptors Cup
Blaine Fisher – U18 Raptors Plate
Amy Müller – U16 Royals Bowl
Michael Enslin – U16 Raptors Shield
Connor Swartz – U16 Royals Shield

Well done to all five learners on their achievements and for continuing to develop their hockey beyond the school environment. We are proud to see Parklands players taking on new challenges, competing strongly and gaining valuable experience at CPL level.

CRICKET

U/19A CRICKET

PARKLANDS COLLEGE 1st XI vs ELKAHAH HOUSE 1st XI

SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2026

MATCH REPORT

ELKANAH won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Batting first, PARKLANDS 1st XI scored 453/7 in 50 overs.

Batting second, ELKANAH scored 136/9 in 34.3 overs.

PARKLANDS 1st XI WON BY 317 RUNS

Fielding catches: Yaseen Salie, Mackenzie Newman, Blaine Fisher

Player of the match: Ethan Randall

The Vikings had a great start to the season and delivered a masterclass performance, with a victory over Elkanah House 1st XI by 317 runs. Elkanah won the toss and decided to bowl first. The Vikings top order unleashed an aggressive batting display to post a mammoth 453 for 7 in their 50 overs.

The innings was defined by an exceptional double-century partnership between opening batsmen Ethan Randall (captain) and Joshua Neil. Ethan led from the front, blasting a phenomenal 174 runs off just 86 balls, which included 25 boundaries and 7 sixes at a blistering strike rate of 202.3. Joshua provided magnificent support, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 151 off 122 deliveries. The openers put on a fantastic first wicket partnership of 250 runs. Later in the innings, Mackenzie Newman provided a destructive finishing touch, hitting an unbeaten 44 off 28 balls to push the total well out of reach.

Defending 453, the Parklands bowlers executed their plans perfectly, dismantling the Elkanah House batting line-up for just 136 runs in 34.3 overs.

Sabelo Ntuli was the star with the ball, picking up remarkable figures of 4 for 10 in 5.3 overs at an incredibly economical rate of 1.82. Opening bowler Blaine Fisher set the tone early with a tight spell, claiming 2 for 23. Newman, Adam Muller, and Yaseen Salie chipped in with one wicket apiece to cap off a flawless, dominant team performance by Parklands College.