12 June 2026
12 June 2026
Dear Parents
This has been a particularly challenging week in the life of our school community. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our College Head Boy, Connor Niske.
Connor was a remarkable young man who touched the lives of many. His loss is being felt profoundly across our entire school community. School was a place where Connor thrived, and through his leadership, warmth, kindness, and presence, he made a lasting impact on countless learners and staff members.
Throughout this difficult time, we have been reminded of the strength of our community. We have witnessed extraordinary compassion, support, and care from learners, staff, parents, alumni, and friends of the College. We are grateful for the many messages of encouragement and the kindness shown to Connor's family and to one another.
As we continue to support our learners and staff, we keep Connor’s family at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers. We also hold close our Prefect Leadership Body, the Matric Class of 2026, Connor’s friends, and all those who are grieving this significant loss.
While we mourn the passing of a much-loved young man, we also celebrate the positive impact he had on those around him. Connor’s legacy of leadership, friendship, and school spirit will remain a cherished part of our College community.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with all who knew and loved him.
We would also like to remind parents that a dedicated team of support professionals remains available should any learner need assistance during this time.
As we have spent time together as a school community this week, we have chosen to keep this blog brief. We look forward to sharing more of the life of the College in next week's edition. In the meantime, we wish all our families a restful long weekend and thank you for your continued support and care.
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
Monday, June 15, is an official special school holiday in South Africa. The Department of Basic Education added this day off specifically to bridge the weekend with Youth Day on Tuesday, June 16, creating a four-day long weekend.
On 24 June, we will participate in a variety of 67-minute service activities in celebration of Nelson Mandela Day. Learners are requested to select their preferred activity by completing the form below.
As part of our outreach initiatives, we also invite learners, parents and staff to contribute donations of spreads, soup ingredients, and empty coffee jars, or make a financial contribution via SnapScan. Together, we will prepare sandwiches, assemble Jars of Hope, and engage in meaningful acts of service that honour Madiba's legacy of compassion and community.
Donations close: Friday, 19 June | Drop-off point: IC Reception
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/eX8hjywTwYsuEHJV6
🌟 NELSON MANDELA DAY 2026 🌟
67 Minutes Can Change a Life
On 24 June, the Parklands College community will come together to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day through a series of meaningful 67-minute service activities, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
In preparation for our Mandela Day initiatives, we invite learners, parents and staff to contribute towards our community outreach projects by donating any of the following items between now and Friday, 19 June:
🥜 Spreads
Peanut Butter
Flora Margarine
Jam
🥣 Soup & Pantry Ingredients
Rice
Red and/or Brown Lentils
Barley
Split Peas
Dry Soup Powder (Creamy Chicken, Mushroom, Vegetable, Beef & Onion, etc.)
☕ Additional Items
Empty Coffee Jars
💛 Prefer to make a financial contribution?
You are welcome to donate R50–R100 via SnapScan at Reception, and we will purchase the required items on your behalf.
Together, we will be preparing sandwiches, assembling Jars of Hope, and participating in service activities that embody Madiba's spirit of compassion, generosity and community.
Be part of the change. Share your 67 minutes. Make a difference.
Donations close: Friday, 19 June. | Drop Off: IC Reception
Parents are encouraged to download the Ed-admin Multi Portal App. This platform will be used to send important notifications and updates, and it will also provide access to children’s reports when they are released.
SPORT EXAM TRAINING
📝 Exam Timetables
Please see the examination timetables below. Grade's 10 to 12 have also received their timetables in a PDF format.
📑 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
Click here for tickets:
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.
“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.
Enrolment Form: https://forms.gle/gRidchZx8Q5nubVi6
Amidst exams, deadlines, winter weather, sport, culture, and everything else life throws your way, don't forget to check in with the person you spend every day with: yourself.
How are you really doing?
Are you getting enough rest? Taking breaks? Making time to move, laugh, connect with friends, and do the things that help you recharge?
Looking after your wellbeing isn't a luxury reserved for when life slows down, it's something that matters most when life feels busy. This month is a reminder that health includes more than just the physical. Taking care of your mind, your emotions, and your overall wellbeing is just as important.
Be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to pause. And if someone comes to mind while reading this, check in on them too.
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)
Upcoming Youth Day Celebrations
As we approach Youth Day on 16 June, we take time to reflect on the courage and determination of the young people who played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa's history. This important day commemorates the events of 1976 and serves as a reminder of the powerful role that young people continue to play in building a better future.
Youth Day is not only an opportunity to remember the past, but also to celebrate the energy, creativity and potential of today's youth. For today's learners, Youth Day is both a moment of reflection and an invitation to consider how you can contribute positively to your community and the future of our country.
May we continue to encourage our young people to lead with curiosity, compassion and courage as they write the next chapter of South Africa's story.
Public tertiary institution application dates for the class of 2026
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
Students can register for the event here - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sableinternational/2199812
The session is aimed at student-athletes who are considering combining their sporting ambitions with international higher education opportunities.
Date: Tuesday, 17 June 2026
Time: 18:30 – 20:00
Venue: Hamilton Rugby Club
During the evening, students and parents will learn about:
• Sports scholarship opportunities at international universities
• The student-athlete recruitment process
• Academic and sporting pathways abroad
• Eligibility requirements and key timelines
• Practical guidance for families exploring overseas opportunities
There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and engage directly with our Sports Recruitment team.
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
Please follow us on social media
Parklands College & CRPP on Facebook
As we head into the long weekend, we encourage our families to take time to rest, reflect, and be with those who matter most. May the days ahead provide an opportunity for healing, connection, and renewed strength as we continue to support one another as a community.
Ancia Vosloo
Principal: Secondary Faculty