Dear Parents and Learners

A quiet atmosphere has descended on our campus with learners writing exams and educators focused on marking during every free moment.  We have just over three weeks of this academic year left and we trust that our learners will make the most of it.

Please ensure that you are prepared for 2026 by reading all the information below.

Book donations for Academic Top Achievers

If you are prepared to buy or sponsor a book prize for our Grade 6 - 11 Top Achievers at the Academic Awards in January, please email Gillian Oppenshaw (goppenshaw@parklands.co.za)

Uniform

Free delivery from School & Leisure to the school

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) 

LOOKING AHEAD

Textbooks and stationery for 2026

Device information 2026

Parent discount

Parent discount flyer.pdf for live links

Grade 8 - 12 Grade Camps in 2026

The Grade 7s will only go on camp at the end of the Summer Quarter, the rest of the school will depart early in the new year.  It is imperative that parents complete the indemnity forms as soon as possible.

Here are the links to the different camp sites:

Grade 8 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026gr8camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 9 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026-gr-9-camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 10 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026-gr10-camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 11 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026gr11camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 8 to 11 (2026): Parklands College Online Indemnity Form & Service Provider’s Online Indemnity Form

Grade 12 (2026): Parklands College Online Indemnity Form & Service Provider’s hard copy Indemnity Form

Grade 12 learners please return the hard copy form to your Camp Leader, Mrs Weigelt-Harvey, by Monday 20 October 2025.

French course in 2026

STAFF NEWS

We bid farewell to the following staff members at the end of the year.  These two ladies have been at the College for many years and have made a huge impact.

Thank you for your service and dedication to the College.  We wish you well in your new endeavours.

Grade Heads 2026

The Grade Heads for 2026 are listed below.  We wish them all them a successful year ahead.  Please feel free to contact them using the email adress provided.

ACADEMICS

National Senior Certificate (NSC) Matric Results

The 2025 NSC results will be released on 13 January 2026 at 10:00.  Candidates and their parents/guardians are invited to a celebration in the foyer of the Innovation Centre.  Details will be confirmed once we receive information from WCED.  Results can also be accessed online at WCED Exams from 10:00 onwards on Tuesday, 13 January.

Grade 12 Exam Timetable

Grade 12 2025 Academic Timeline and Exam Timetables

NSC 2025 Timetable

Gr 8 NS Practical examinations

Gr 9 Food Technology

This week two of the grade 9 Food Technology classes completed their 'Food around the world' project with their practical exam.

This year England hosted the Women's Rugby World Cup. Each learner randomly selected the name of a participating country. They then researched their selected country...

How the following impacts on the food eaten:

Geography, climate, agriculture (crops, farmed animals, fishing, etc.)

Staple food

Customs, tradition and culture (and a little about their rugby team!)

Pictures of well known dishes, recipes of the country, which could be sold from a Food Truck as ‘fan food’.

This research was then presented to the class.

For the exam, they were given this brief - produce a ‘fusion fan food’, which can be sold from a food truck. It must have the base of an English Muffin with a topping which is easy to eat, authentic, and typifies your country's culture.

All the end results were a great success! We look forward to the 9As exam on 3 December!

Grade 9 Painting Exhibition: A Journey into the World of Mythological Creatures

The Grade 9 learners recently showcased their artistic talents in a captivating painting exhibition inspired by mythological creatures. The exhibition transformed the College’s walls into a realm of imagination and symbolism, where dragons, mermaids, phoenixes, and other mythical beings came vividly to life on canvas.

Each learner explored myths from different cultures, interpreting legendary creatures through colour, texture, and expressive brushwork. From fiery dragons representing power and transformation to graceful unicorns symbolising purity and hope, the artworks revealed both creativity and thoughtful research.

The exhibition not only celebrated artistic skill but also encouraged learners to reflect on the storytelling traditions behind these myths.

The Grade 9 Mythological Creatures Exhibition is a wonderful reminder that art can bridge the ancient and the modern, bringing timeless legends to life through the eyes of a new generation.

November Examination Timetables and Study Guidelines

NOVEMBER EXAM TT 2025 

Grade 11 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 10 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 9 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 8 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 7 Study Guidelines: November

OPPORTUNITY

 Drone Remote Pilot Certification (RPC) Training Program

Helivate is hosting an Open Day on 22 November, from 10h00 to 13h00, and they would love for you and your parents to join them! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about aviation careers, meet their instructors, and experience what helicopter training is all about.

RSVP is required by email:

ops@helivate.com

FEEDBACK

Christopher Robin Pre-Primary Concert

The principals and the Executive Prefects had the privilege of attending the delightful Christopher Robin Pre-Primary concert in the beautiful amphitheatre on the Raats Drive Campus last week.  It was especially sentimental for some of our learners who used to perform on that very stage many years ago!

LEARNER AFFAIRS

Caffeinated carbonated drinks

We strive to provide nutritious meals and drinks to our learners at the College. We strongly prohibit the consumption of caffeinated canned drinks on our campus.

1. Health Concerns: Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other additives that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of children. 

2. Impact on Learning: High stimulant content may negatively affect a learner's concentration and ability to focus in class, hindering their academic progress. 

3. Behavioural Changes: Reports from schools indicate that energy drinks may alter children's behaviour, leading to concerns from many experts.

Lockers

Our learners have been advised on the following:-

1. A learner can not use a locker that has not been allocated to him/her.

2. A locker that has been allocated to a learner needs to have a lock. This should be locked at all times. Locks can be purchased at reception.

3. We can not be held liable for missing items if a learner is using a locker not allocated to him/her or a locker without a lock.

Learners driving to school

Every year, we receive requests from learners driving themselves to school to park their vehicles on the school grounds.  We will not allow that for the following very important and well-considered reasons:

1. Safety:  Hundreds of younger learners are dropped and picked up in the parking lot daily and the danger of allowing an additional approximate 100 inexperienced drivers (by the second half of the year) onto campus, is a risk too big to take.

2. Insurance:  The school has public liability insurance for injuries due to school-related events.  Driving a car is not a school-related event and will therefore not be covered by our insurance.

3. Necessity:  There is close enough access to public transport (MyCiTi) for there to be no need for learners to drive themselves to school if their parents are unable to do so.

4. Unlicensed driving:  Some parents allow their children to illegally drive vehicles to school.  As learners arrive and leave during peak times, it is impossible for the security guards to check licences without causing massive congestion.

There are parking embayments in College Avenue for learners to park their vehicles and when that is full, there is ample parking space available at Checkers.  The parking area on the East side of the gate is also available for parking.  This can be accessed from Sandown Road.

Learners missing school

The College prioritises academic/ tuition time.  Failure to comply will ultimately compromise a learner's academic performance.

We ask for your cooperation in not arranging activities and appointments during school hours.  Should disruption of the school day be beyond your control, e.g., appointments with a specialist, we ask that you inform the grade head timeously in order for us to make the necessary academic arrangements.  There is no such thing as a "free" lesson.  In the event of an educator being absent, a substitute educator is provided and work is set for that lesson.

Learners should be at school every day until at least the end of the academic day, including until after assembly on a Friday.  

You are reminded to email ssteyn@parklands.co.za directly to obtain permission to miss assembly on a Friday.

Please note that the Learner Attendance Policy has been updated in the Parent & Learner Directory.

College blazers

Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer from the start of 2026, with the obvious exception of those who wear Honours Blazers.  To ensure timely delivery, we advise you to place your order with our uniform supplier, School and Leisure, early.

Second-hand school uniforms

Please contact Tania Fourie if you would like to buy or sell good-quality second-hand uniforms.  She is also the supplier of Froggy School shoes.  Contact details:  +27 83 631 7683 or tania@sportstudio.co.za

Emergency Contact Details

We would like to remind you that it is imperative for us to be able to contact you or a member of your family or a close friend in the case of an emergency. Kindly visit the Edana App and check the contact details in the fields provided. To ensure that the information is complete and correct, it is vital that the contact numbers are accessible at all times by the College.  

This is a very important request, and we are asking you to comply immediately as a safety precaution.  

Please select your profile, then "Contact Information"  update, and "Emergency Contacts" and update accordingly. Please click on the link for step by step guidance.

Communication & Information

Please use secondary@parklands.co.za if you are unsure about who to contact.  Your mail will be directed to the correct person.

Please click on the tabs at the top of the Memo to access useful information:  Calendars, Academic info and Assessment Calendars, Uniform requirements and Operational Information (including Parent&Learner Directory, EDANA app instructions and KARRI app guidelines for use at Kauai)

We have updated the Parent & Learner Directory on 7 August 2025 with a revised Learner Attendance Policy.

We will be sharing snippets from our Directory with learners in the daily notes, and those same snippets will be included in the weekly memo to parents under Operational Info.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Educator Liaisons: Mrs. Alexis Matsimela & Mr. Peter Bates

Prefect Liaisons: Liya De Allende & Mia Bezer

Email: equity@parklands.co.za

SERVICE

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT

First Team Braai

Thank you to all who came out and enjoyed a relaxed end-of-season braai, creating a positive atmosphere for players, parents and coaches to connect away from the field. It was a fitting way to acknowledge the team’s efforts throughout the year and to close the season on a constructive note. Your support means a great deal to us, and it was wonderful to share this time together as a community.

The Arthur Johnson Sportweek – Mossel Bay 2026

Invitations to the AJ Sportweek Festival were shared with all Grade 9 to 11 parents and learners on Monday, 10 November. A reminder that sign ups for the teams listed below close this Sunday, 16 November.

While the festival is open to any learner who would like to be considered, it might naturally appeal to those who represented the following age groups this year:

• Boys who played U15 this year, to be considered for the U16 Rugby tour team in 2026.

• Boys who played U16 and U19 rugby this year, to be considered for the U19 Rugby tour team in 2026.

• Boys who played U16 and U19 hockey this year, to be considered for the U19 Hockey tour team in 2026.

• Girls who played U16 and U19 hockey this year, to be considered for the U19 Hockey tour team in 2026.

• Girls who played U15, U16 and U19 netball this year, to be considered for the U19 Netball tour team in 2026.

Scroll down to see further information regarding this festival and links to the sign up forms.

Kindly contact dhunt@parklands.co.za if you have any questions.

DH

Sports Tour 2026

Arthur Johnson Sportweek Festival 2026 – Tour Confirmation and Details

It gives us great pleasure to inform you that Parklands College will be entering teams into the AJ Sportweek Festival, hosted by Punt High School in Mossel Bay, from 27 March to 1 April 2026. This will be the 44th edition of the festival and our second appearance.

We will be entering:

• U19 Rugby team

• U16 Rugby team

• U19 Boys’ Hockey team

• U19 Girls’ Hockey team

• U19 Netball team

Logistical arrangements are in place, and there are 90 places available across the five teams, each accompanied by a manager and coach in accordance with festival rules.

Age banding eligibility:

• Netball (U19 team): U19 Netball teams will be finalised after the trials process, to be completed by the end of November. i.e., learners aged 15 to 18 on 1 January 2026 can sign up.

• Hockey (Boys' and Girls' U19 teams): Players in the U16 to U19 age groups are eligible, i.e., learners aged 15 to 18 on 1 January 2026. 

• Rugby (U16): Players eligible for the U16 team will be drawn from the U15 and U16 age groups (14–15 years old on 1 January 2026). 

• Rugby (U19): U19 Rugby players must be 16–18 years old on 1 January 2026.

We kindly request that parents of learners eligible for the tour view the itinerary below:

LINK: AJ Sportweek Festival 2026

To sign up, please complete the Google Form before the deadline, which is Sunday, 16 November 2025, to enable us to proceed with the next steps in the selection process. The sign up form also outlines the payment schedule. No payment is required now, a separate letter/email will be given with further details.

LINK: Sign up and Declaration

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an enriching and memorable experience for our learners. 

Mr Hunt

Accommodation for the 2026 tour:

A few pics from this year's tour:

Feedback

First Team Bring and Braai - 7 November 

On Friday 7 November, families of our 1st team learners enjoyed a relaxed end-of-season braai, creating a positive atmosphere for players, parents and coaches to connect away from the field. It was a fitting way to acknowledge the team’s efforts throughout the year and to close the season on a constructive note.

Our hockey astroturfs have been certified!

The FIH Category 3 field means that both Parklands College’s hockey pitches meet the International Hockey Federation’s standards for national, regional and club-level competition. It offers a consistent, high-performance surface that enhances skill development, ensures player safety and supports competitive play. This certification reflects Parklands College’s ongoing investment in professionally recognised, well-maintained facilities — a clear demonstration of the school’s genuine commitment to sport and to providing young athletes with an environment where they can develop their skills, compete confidently and thrive.

Sports department coordinators

For general enquiries about specific winter sports, contact:

• Athletics, Softball and First Aid mviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Cricket and tennis     dviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Aquatics (swimming and water polo) sbloem@parklands.co.za

• Head of Cricket ggilder@parklands.co.za

• Head of Sport dhunt@parklands.co.za 

2026 Sports Prefects

• Dominique Yuill

• Matias Munsamy

• Malik Bunting

Summer sports managers (educators)

Sport                           Contact email

• Athletics

Coach (sprint) cwessels@parklands.co.za

Coach (middle distance) dduffield@parklands.co.za / erandewijk@parklands.co.za

• Cricket

U13 fhuman@parklands.co.za

U14 arossouw@parklands.co.za

U15 lmakhohlisa@parklands.co.za

2nd XI mengelbrecht@parklands.co.za

1st XI     cfortuin@parklands.co.za

• Softball

U13 ahayward@parklands.co.za

U15A/B pbates@parklands.co.za

2nd cconradie@parklands.co.za

1st     mviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Swimming

GET&FET rismail@parklands.co.za

GET&FET kgoliath@parklands.co.za

• Tennis

1st Girls and/or Boys lbaker@parklands.co.za

2nd Girls sdube@parklands.co.za

2nd Boys rnieuwenhoudt@parklands.co.za

• Water polo

U13 & U14 Boys kfalake@parklands.co.za

U13/14/15 Girls cdelport@parklands.co.za

U15 Boys     rviljoen@parklands.co.za

U19 Boys csteinmann@parklands.co.za

U19 Girls rpillay@parklands.co.za

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

Are you ready to try something new? 

The Parklands College Music Department offers expert tuition on a variety of instruments, taught by industry specialists. 

Whether you're looking to start your musical journey or try out a new instrument, we've got you covered!

Not sure which instrument suits you best? No problem! 

Email Mrs. Matsimela at amatsimela@parklands.co.za to book a try-out session. 

2026 Enrolment Form: https://forms.gle/P9VACre2GnMWXk9R6 

Find out more: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-music-department/home 

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! 🎹🎸🥁

🎵 Please Note: If you're already part of the extra-mural music programme,  no need to sign up again for 2026—you’re automatically enrolled! Should you wish to terminate lessons for 2026,  please kindly do so in writing to amatsimela@parklands.co.za by 26 November 2025.

LEARNER SUPPORT 

Mrs Scott (C block):  sjscott@parklands.co.za

Mrs Kistan (Resource Centre):  skistan@parklands.co.za

TERTIARY STUDIES 

OVC - GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITIES 

We’re hosting two upcoming events on 15 November and 13 December 2025, where we’ll be chatting about Gap Year Opportunities and the different ways learners can work, travel, and gain global experience.

These sessions are all about inspiring learners to think bigger, to see what’s possible beyond matric. From cultural exchange programs and work abroad options to travel experiences that build real-world skills, there’s something for everyone. The events are informative, interactive, and genuinely motivating, perfect for students who are curious about life after school. They’ll hear real stories from South Africans who’ve gone abroad and come home with new skills, perspectives, and confidence. www.ovc.co.za

Join OVC for our in-person presentation on Gap Year Opportunities!

Saturday, 15 November 2025 Mowbray - location provided on RSVP

Saturday, 13 December 2025 Brackenfell - location provided on RSVP

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

On-campus Open Day: Saturday 18 April 2026

On our annual SU Open Day, we welcome grade 11 and 12 learners, their parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to our Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses. View our exhibitions, attend demonstrations and information sessions, and engage with our faculty staff, all while experiencing our vibrant campuses and student communities and exploring the available housing options.

Time: 08:00 - 15:00
Place: SU's Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses
Ticket Bookings: Quicket (available from 18 March 2026)

This is a chance not to be missed!

Please note

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 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.

2025 Dates

Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December

2026 Dates (subject to change)

Summer Quarter:  20 Jan - 26 March

Autumn Quarter:  8 April - 24 June

Winter Quarter:  22 July - 23 September

Spring Quarter:  14 October - 4 December

CONCLUSION