Dear Parents and Learners

What a week it has been!

We welcomed our learners and educators back on Tuesday and headed straight into our awards ceremonies and Valedictory on Wednesday.  It didn't stop there.  We had the Prestige Music Concert on Thursday evening and tonight we open the Grade 12 Art & Design Exhibition.  This weekend is a busy one for our Robotics teams who will take part in the FLL Challenge on Saturday.

We wish our matrics all the best for the final examinations.  Some of them have already started, but the majority will write their first papers next week.  We know that they will go on to make themselves, their parents and the College proud.

LOOKING AHEAD

Upcoming Events

 Good Luck to Our FLL Challenge Team!

This weekend, our FIRST LEGO League Challenge team - Project Titan will take to the mat to showcase their hard work, creativity, and teamwork — and we couldn’t be prouder!

At the heart of FIRST LEGO League Challenge is friendly competition. Teams of up to 10 children engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering as they design, build, and program a LEGO robot to navigate the missions of the robot game. Alongside the robot game, teams also participate in an Innovation Project, identifying a relevant real-world problem and proposing thoughtful, creative solutions.

Like all divisions of FIRST LEGO League, this program encourages young people to experiment, grow their confidence, and develop critical thinking and design skills through hands-on learning. Created through an alliance between FIRST and LEGO Education, the program inspires curiosity and collaboration at every step.

This season’s theme, FIRST AGE – UNEARTHED, invited teams to step into the world of archaeology. Through building, coding, and teamwork, our learners explored how artifacts tell the story of our communities, using STEM and collaboration skills to unearth new findings about ourselves and the world around us. Robots, LEGO bricks, game pieces, tools, banners, and engineering notebooks — all part of this season’s journey — became the artifacts of their learning and creativity.

AWARDS CEREMONIES

Valedictory 

Souvenir Booklets and Links

ACADEMICS

Spring Quarter Class Timetables & Day Allocation

2025 Spring Quarter Class Timetables

2025 Spring Quarter Day Allocation

Grade 12 Exam Timetable

Grade 12 2025 Academic Timeline and Exam Timetables

NSC 2025 Timetable

Parent / Educator Meetings

Parents who wish to connect with educators are invited to book an online meeting slot. If none of the available times are convenient, you are welcome to contact the educators or Grade Heads directly via email to arrange a suitable appointment.

Parent / Educator Meeting Slots

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

Tutorial Schedule

Tutorial schedule Spring 2025

Grade 9 Systemic Test

On Friday, 24 October, the Western Cape Education Department will be conducting the Systemic Testing Programme in Languages and Mathematics for Grade 9, Grade 6, and Grade 3 learners.

Grade 9 learners will participate in the testing from the start of the school day until 12:00 and will only return to lessons for Sessions 6 and 7.

No preparation is required for the Systemic Tests, and the results do not contribute to learners’ academic marks. The assessments are conducted solely for the purposes of the Education Department and to provide feedback to the school.

Winter Quarter Academic Achievers

Grade 7

80% Aggregate and above

Kyla-Jade Thomas, Dariq Karachi, Scarlett Janse van Rensburg, Hope Diango, Matthew Beukes, Thoshita Nagendrakumar, Fabio Florentino, Riley Athanassiou, Diyana Manga, Roch Angel, Lexi Torlutter, Luka Reyneke, Calvin Tarr, HuiQuan Sun, Luke Sly, Karena Li, Levi Le Grange, Hayden Naidoo

3rd Position in Grade 7: Lucas de Carvalho Smee, Liam Brierton

90% Aggregate and above

2nd Position in Grade 7: Yihan Dai

1st Position in Grade 7: Saadhil Rampath

Grade 8

80% Aggregate and above

Kyle Watson, Bohlale-Ba-Moréna Mtimkulu, Muhammad Adam, Keilana Dayaram, Yushan Kao, Jame Sieberhagen, Lunje Mlaza, Ethan Pieterse, Gia Huy Kieu, Samuel Dale, Isla Lindley, Natasha Jayakody, Jordan Donnelly, Nokukhanya Khumalo, Zaariya Ismail, Isabella Ankiah, Caitlin Hunt, Skye Arendse-Martin, Henry Hansen

90% Aggregate and above

3rd Position in Grade 8: Barry John van der Merwe, Emma Strümpher, Taylor Watson

2nd Position in Grade 8: Sethu Kunana

1st Position in Grade 8: Haige Zhang

Grade 9

80% Aggregate and above

Ferdi Zondagh, Luca van Tonder, Sofia Adams, Chanel Targwirie, Isabela Manickum, Shyla Kurien, Taziané Botha, Joel Ronaldson, Jaime Ramalheiro, Heike du Toit, Lufuno Thovhogi, Njabulo Maswana, Lily Howe, Madison Viljoen, Viraya Pillay, Liam OveshanGovender, Meredith Chirnside, Christo Strydom, Caitlin Smith, Jesse Loxton, Holly Hickman, Matthew Francke, Mosa Sebapadi, Zelda Deiner, Aidan Chow, James Chavik, Keagan Beaumont, Luan Odendaal, Ronia Minkoulou, Noah Fick 

90% Aggregate and above

Israa Adam, Phoenix Srdic, Yaseen Salie, Wanganae Madindi, Luke Cloete, Keira Chirnside

3rd Position in Grade 9: Veer Atwaru

2nd Position in Grade 9: Carl Scheffler, Ethan Wüst

1st Position in Grade 9: Clara-Mari Vosloo

Grade 10

75% Aggregate and above

Levi Scott-Hayward, Nolwazi Ngcobo, Zakey Mooin, Bryce Gilder, Madison Benjamin, Alannah Barlow, Lesa Pokwana, Ithra Brenner, Joshua Kalapac, Levi Cass, Aaron Bouwers, Yufeng Zhu, Keren Mulamba-Kiasso, Jason Bannon, Andrew Williams, Michelle Chifamba, Ryan Arnaudov

80% Aggregate and above

Alecea Vieira, Nikae Persotham, Zayn Redelinghuys, Sesona Mbovane, Puxin Hong, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Elijah Le Grange, Tyler Archery, Luke Le Grange, Kaylee Moodley, Ammiel Kianda Mukalay, Leslie van Eck, Kaylee-Jade Mestre, Teballo Makuzeni, Logan De Araujo, Shihan Huang, Madison Coleman

90% Aggregate and above

Jenna Simpson, Aden van Rhyn, Zacchary Rawat, Steffan Hillebrand

3rd Position in Grade 10: Puneet Nagendrakumar

2nd Position in Grade 10: Ella Frielinghause, Arabella Fox, Liat Demissew

1st Position in Grade 10: Gerhard Vosloo

Grade 11

75% Aggregate and above

Diya Ramsewak, Wihan Prinsloo, Jarryd Hunt, Mischan Francis, Amelia Anne Bishop, Nikhiel Moodley, Connor Crighton, Ka Wai Hou, Nicholas Rossouw, Fabianna Vermeulen, Hannah Taylor, Jack Sutherland, Emily Hoffman, Mia Bezer

80% Aggregate and above

Salizwa Mkwananzi, Jai Gounden, Nika Coetzee, Dharshana Raja, Liam Hills, Maxim McLaughlin, Shakti Manga, Meera Moodley

90% Aggregate and above

Aisha Salie, Kate Stopforth, Diederik Van Der Merwe, Dominique Yuill

3rd Position in Grade 11: WanRu Jennifer Zhou

2nd Position in Grade 11: Naeha Naidu, Hannah Van Zyl

1st Position in Grade 11: Rayah Moodley

NEWS

From the English Department:  Digital Bookshelf

HOUSES

FEEDBACK

Western Cape Essay Writing Competition

Mbali Nhuku and Reuben Rietoff were invited to the Awards Ceremony of the Western Cape Essay Competition as part of a select group of 25 learners who advanced to the final round, where they presented their essays orally. The topic for this year’s competition was: “Critically analyse and examine the impacts of a change in the repurchase rate by the South African Reserve Bank on the economy.” Reuben was awarded a cash prize, while Mbali won a three-year bursary to pursue a Commerce degree at any university in the Western Cape.  Congratulations Mbali and Reuben!

Public Speaking and Debating

Parklands College Shines at the NDL High School National Championships

From 6–9 October, our Senior and Junior Debating Teams represented Parklands College with distinction at the NDL High School National Championships, achieving remarkable results and making us incredibly proud. This Championship was between the top teams from every province and the competition was at a very high level. 

In the National League Speaker Rankings (Top 60 nationwide), our debaters truly made their mark:

Senior Team

• 52nd – Kaylee-Jade Mestre

• 23rd – Liat Demissew

• 14th – Aisha Salie

• 5th – Connor Crighton

• 2nd – Joshua Da Silva

Junior Team

• 33rd – Haige Zhang

• 12th – Caitlin Smith

• 5th – Lily Howe

• 1st – Jorja Hoppé

As teams, their collective excellence was equally impressive:

• Senior Team – 5th in South Africa

• Junior Team – 4th in South Africa

• Both teams named Top Team from the Western Cape

These achievements are a testament to months of dedication, teamwork, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. Every debate, from late-night preparation sessions to the intense final rounds, reflected their passion for reasoned argument and persuasive communication.

As the 2025 debating season draws to a close, we extend heartfelt thanks to all our debaters, parents, staff, and supporters who stood by us through early mornings, late evenings, triumphs, and near misses alike. Your encouragement has made every moment of this journey worthwhile.

Here’s to another season of critical thinking, collaboration, and courage — and to the voices that continue to inspire us all.

South African Literacy Association Public Speaking Results

All our learners placed in the Top 15 in the country!  Well done!

International Science Fair

During the holidays, three of our Parklands College Expo teams proudly represented the Cape Town region at the International Science Fair (ISF) in Johannesburg.

The ISF is the premier science competition on the African continent, providing a platform for learners from across Africa and beyond to showcase their innovative ideas and research. With a strong focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI), the ISF empowers young minds to engage in meaningful scientific inquiry, transforming curiosity into impactful research that addresses real-world challenges.

Our teams performed exceptionally well: Naeha Naidu and Dristhi Ramkelawan received a silver medal for their project “How Space and Gravity Affect the Growing Potential of Seeds.”

Zacchary Rawat also earned a silver medal for his project “Piezoelectric Rain Energy Harvesting.”

The standout of the competition was Gerhard Vosloo, who achieved a gold medal for his project “Gravitational Wave Detection Using Deep Learning.” Gerhard was further honoured with the Meiring Naudé Award for the Most Inspiring Project (including a medal and a R5 000 cash prize) and the AI for Impact Award, receiving an additional R2 000 for his innovative AI-driven research.

We are incredibly proud of all our learners for their hard work, creativity, and commitment. Congratulations on these outstanding achievements, you have represented Parklands College and Cape Town with excellence!

You can read Gerhard’s interview after the prize-giving by clicking on the link below:

https://exposcience.co.za/cape-towns-gerhard-vosloo-wins-big-at-the-45th-eskom-expo-isf/ 

Breakfast with the Mayor!

Fisantekraal High Visit

The Science Department invited Fisantekraal matrics to our laboratory to assist them with their preparations for finals.

Science Expo

All our teams achieved awards at the Regional Science Expo this year.

Maths Olympiad 

Congratulations to everyone who participated and achieved top positions at the UCT Mathematics Olympiad.

Staff Development

On Monday, the Mathematics and Physical Science departments attended an insightful training session on the CASIO calculator. The session provided valuable tips and techniques to help us use the calculator more effectively in teaching and learning. We are grateful for the opportunity to enhance our skills and look forward to applying what we learned in the classroom.

SERVICE

Peace Project Awards

LEARNER AFFAIRS

GRADE CAMPS 2026

Please find all the information about the 2026 Grade 8 to 12 Camps, scheduled for January 2026, by clicking on the links below.

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 12 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/2026-gr12-camp-site?usp=sharing

We kindly request that you complete both indemnity forms by Monday 20 October 2025:

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.

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. Lockers 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.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Three opportunities for international travel in 2026

To travel and explore different countries and cultures with your friends is an experience you carry with you for the rest of your life.

Young Naturalist Tournament in Greece:  March 2026

We are delighted to share an exciting international learning opportunity for learners aged 12–16 (born on or after 1 January 2010).

During the March holiday in 2026, learners will begin their journey with a six-day cultural programme in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Highlights include visits to Body Worlds, a canal cruise, Micropia, Artis Zoo, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Botanical Garden, offering an enriching exploration of the city’s history and culture.

The group will then travel to Thessaloniki, Greece, to participate in the Young Naturalist League. This unique science tournament challenges participants to collaborate in solving nine natural science problems, present their research, and engage in thought-provoking discussions with peers from around the world. The event fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and scientific curiosity - while offering the thrill of friendly competition.

This exceptional opportunity promises an unforgettable combination of cultural discovery and academic challenge.

If your child is interested in participating in this wonderful opportunity, please email, Mrs Gibson at: jgibson@parklands.co.za

Cultural Tour for Juniors to Paris in September 2026

Parklands College is planning a Cultural Tour to Paris in September 2026 for our current Grade 5, 6 & 7 learners.  (Grade 7 and 8 learners from the Secondary Faculty).  

Should you be interested in your child participating in the tour, please se the updated information and tour costs below. Feel free to mail Mme A Bailly at abailly@parklands.co.za with any further queries.  A truly memorable cultural experience awaits!

2026 French Tour Online Information Meeting - Tuesday 21 October

If you are interested in finding out more information on the proposed French Tour for current grade 5, 6 and 7s in the September holidays next year join on Tuesday, 21 October at 18:00 online using Google Meet.

Google Meet joining info - Video call link: https://meet.google.com/pqh-dgqa-xsk

Cultural tour for Seniors to Budapest and Vienna in March 2026

Mr Baker (lbaker@parklands.co.za) is the tour leader for this tour.

Kindly scan the QR code to reply if you are interested.  We have 15 learners signed up, but would love more learners to join.

• This tour is for Parklands College learners only and they will be accompanied by our own staff members in addition to the tour guide.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

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

Prefect Liaisons: Liya De Allende & Mia Bezer

Email: equity@parklands.co.za

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT

Congratulations to all our sports awards recipients who were acknowledged at our Sport Awards on the 19th September. Certificates were presented for achievements in non-College sport and half colours and certificates and medals were presented for achieving colours, honours, and trophy awards – well done to each learner for their dedication and hard work. We value the contribution of all who participate in sports at the College as well as learners who support their peers at matches. 

We were honoured to have Mr Andrew Breetzke, CEO of the South African Cricketers’ Association, as our guest speaker. 

Key takeaways from his address:

• Skill – Your talents open doors.

• Hard Work – Effort keeps you in the room.

• Professionalism – How you conduct yourself sets you apart.

• Values – Integrity, honesty, and character protect everything else.

He reminded us that success is personal, mistakes happen, and what matters is learning and growth. Cherish opportunities, pursue excellence, appreciate support, and celebrate achievements – success is part of your journey, not your identity.

Congratulations to our 2026 sport prefects on their selection: Dominique Yuill, Malik Bunting, and Matias Munsamy. We wish them a successful term in office!

Summer sport training is back in full swing. Please communicate any concerns and learners must ensure that they arrive in the correct training kit.

SECONDARY SPORTS CALENDAR

Please remember to subscribe to the Secondary sports calendar for upcoming fixtures.

DH

Sport Prefects 2026

Feedback 

Sport Awards 

Sportsman of the year: Steffan Hillebrand

Sportswoman of the year: Madison Coleman

Luminary Award: Kyle Warrender

College Honours: Madison Coleman

Gary Kirsten T20

1st match:  Parklands vs Cash Fund Trust team (Gary Kirsten Invitational team)

Cash Fund Trust won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Batting first, PARKLANDS scored 106/4 in 20 overs. 

Batting second, CASH FUND TRUST scored 108/7 in 19.4 overs.

CASH FUND TRUST WON BY 4 WICKETS

Man-of-the-match:  Kyle Warrender

Our first match was against the Gary Kirsten Invitational Team, now known as the Cash Fund Trust team.  

The flip of the coin went the opponent’s way, and choosing to bowl first they restricted the Vikings to a score of 106/4 in the allotted overs.  The top scorers were Kyle Warrender (43 off 55 balls) and Blaine Fisher (38 off 39 balls) for a partnership of 70 off 69.

The Vikings managed to keep the visitors to a low run rate throughout their innings and by the end of the 19th over, the visitors had the scores tied at 106.  Bryce Gilder gave the Vikings hope with three dot balls off the last over, but the visitors managed to score the winning runs (2) with two balls to spare, taking them into the Final against Curro Durbanville where they eventually finished off the day with two wins out of two to take the trophy.

2nd match:  Parklands vs Pinelands High School

Parklands won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Batting first, PINELANDS scored 126/7 in 20 overs. 

Batting second, PARKLANDS scored 130/6 in 20 overs.

PARKLANDS WON BY 4 WICKETS

Man-of-the-match:  Joshua Neil

In the afternoon we played against Pinelands High School, who were the winners of the tournament last year.  The Vikings won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pinelands got off to a good start, scoring 29 runs before the fall of the first wicket for 29 runs at the start of the 5th over.  Another wicket fell in the 8th over, (Adam Muller bowling) and this was immediately followed by a devastating over by Joshua Neil, the over reading:  W1WW1dot to put the visitors under pressure at 66/5 in the 9th over. However, they managed to steady the ship and eventually posted a decent total of 126/7 in the allotted 20 overs.

The Vikings innings got off to a nightmare start as a first ball run-out saw Blaine Fisher run out from the non-striker’s end from the first delivery.  The nightmare did not last long though, as opener Joshua Neil and #3 Bryce Gilder put on a partnership of 64 off 47 balls, and this was followed by a good partnership of 42 off 44 balls between Joshua and Julian Gardiner who made a welcome return to form with his score of 28 off 21 balls.  The Vikings scored at a steady rate and by the 9th over, were ahead in terms of run rate and looked to be cruising to a win with only three wickets down.  However, the run rate was slowed down with the loss of two wickets;  one in the 16th and one in the 17th over.  By the end of the 18th over, the Vikings still needed 12 runs to win, scoring 7 runs in the 19th (thanks to two wides) and thus needed 5 runs off the last over.  A wicket off the first ball of the 19th gave Pinelands hope and the game was now on a knife-edge.  With one ball remaining, the scores were tied at 126.  With the Vikings needing one run for victory, and Pinelands needing a wicket, facing batsman Adam Muller showed his class and nerves of steel to send the final delivery away for four runs, to ensure that the Vikings secured their first win of the 2025/26 season.  Joshua Neil was not out on 38 off 51 balls.

Learner Achievements

Swimming

Congratulations to Joshua Daniels (Grade 9) on a stellar season in the pool, marked by consistent performances, steady improvement, and a growing list of achievements. Josh has competed at several top-level meets throughout 2025, showcasing both his skill and his deep commitment to the sport. Earlier this year, Josh competed at events such as the WC Elite Gala, the Bridgehouse Mile Open Water event, and the SA Level 3 Regional Championships, where he raced across multiple strokes and distances. He also took part in the CTA SC Invitational Meet, continuing to build valuable experience and demonstrate his versatility as an all-round swimmer.

Most recently, Josh shone at the Freda Barnard Invitational Gala held in Oudtshoorn from 9–12 October 2025, where he delivered an exceptional set of results in the Boys 15 years division:

• 2nd – 50m Backstroke and 50m Freestyle

• 3rd – 100m Backstroke and 200m Individual Medley

• 4th – 100m Freestyle, 200m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly

• 2nd – 200m Freestyle Relay and 200m Medley Relay

These results follow his outstanding showing at the Winelands SL2 Gala in September, where he earned 1st place in the 100m Freestyle with a personal best time and two additional top-six finishes.

Josh’s passion for swimming, dedication to training, and pursuit of continual improvement have made him a standout performer this year. 

His focus and sportsmanship embody the spirit of Parklands College sport. Congratulations, Josh — keep chasing those PBs and making a splash!

Triathle and Triathlon

During the recent school holidays, Parklands College's Sportsman of the Year, Steffan Hillebrand (Grade 10), took on a demanding series of triathlon and triathle events that tested his grit, composure, and determination.

At the Xterra Triathlon World Championships in Italy, Steffan made his international debut — a valuable learning experience that included adapting to high-altitude conditions and recovering bravely from a fall to finish 31st in his age category.

He then went on to dominate the Triathle South African Championships, winning the U19 category and achieving the qualifying time to earn his Protea Colours — a remarkable milestone.

Capping off an impressive run, Steffan claimed overall victory in the Prison Break Sprint Triathlon, proving that consistency and resilience remain his strongest allies.

The next chapter awaits from the 8-11 December, when he’ll represent South Africa at the World Championships, hosted on home soil, Mossel Bay, for the very first time. We wish him every success!

Xterra Triathlon - The Ultimate Off-Road Challenge

Xterra Planet - One last dance beneath the Dolomites (click link to site)

The Xterra Triathlon is no ordinary race. It takes athletes off the smooth roads and into the wild — with open-water swims, rugged mountain bike trails, and demanding trail runs that test endurance, balance, and grit. 

Originating in Maui, the Xterra series has grown into a global circuit that celebrates adventure and resilience over pure speed. It’s a true test of body and mind, where every race is as much about conquering the elements as crossing the finish line.

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

Summer sports captains 

Summer Sport Programme (Q4: 14th October - 7 November)

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

Debating

Please click on the link:  https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/parklandscollegedance/home

The Prestige Concert was nothing short of spectacular — a true showcase of the diverse musical talent that lives within our Parklands College community. From classical piano to powerful vocal performances and electrifying ensemble moments, the evening offered a dynamic journey through genres, styles, and emotions, leaving the audience inspired and uplifted.

Each performance reflected the dedication, artistry, and confidence our learners have developed through their musical journeys. The night celebrated not only skill and showmanship but also the joy of performing together — a spirit that could be felt in every note played and every lyric sung.

This year’s concert was extra special as we bid farewell to some of our matric musicians who took the stage for their final performance as Parklands learners. A heartfelt thank you to Miya Singh, Amy Kate Wood, Brandon Strydom, and Morgan Santo for their incredible contributions and commitment to the Music Department. You have left an unforgettable mark on audiences, inspired younger learners, and made your music teachers immensely proud. 

As our Culture Prefect, Kate, shared: “A special thank you to Miya for her contributions to the Marimba Band; to our singers Amy Kate, Brandon, and Morgan for shining in the Euphonics Ensemble and countless assembly performances; and to Brandon and Morgan for their dedication and leadership in the Jazz Band.”

Your performances were a reminder of what makes music at Parklands so special — passion, collaboration, and the courage to express yourselves fully. As we look ahead, we know this group of young musicians will continue to make music that moves people — wherever their paths may lead.

Grade 12 Music Department 2025 Learners

Jordan Yuill, Maxine Benjamin, Luke Le Grange, Dean de Jongh, Lavela Tyandela, Bophelo Mtimkulu, Pearl Mabula, Sesethu Molemohi, Khanyisile Njobe, Zizo Dilima, Asiyolise Moni, Nomvelo Dhlomo, Yvan Tapon Njamo, Liam Loxton, Mia Chen, Mishka Ramsein, Michelle Mubadiro, Uchy Obinwa, Miya Singh, Amy Kate Wood, Brandon Strydom, and Morgan Santo

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

TERTIARY STUDIES 

ISAM360

Dear Student and Family,

We invite you to join our LIVE online session on Wednesday, 22 October at 18:00 and discover how South African students like you are landing scholarships to study in the United States! 

What’s in store during the session?

• Learn how scholarships for U.S. universities work

• Understand the full overseas study process

• Find out if this is the right path for YOU

• Hear from SA students currently on the program

Discover how YOU can become eligible for a bursary worth over R160,000!

Get inspired now — check out real stories here: 

https://youtube.com/@isam360scholarships?feature=shared

Seats are limited — Secure yours now!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: 

https://event.webinarjam.com/register/349/pg715f0y

Bonus: Attend with a parent or guardian and you’ll automatically qualify to apply for an internal bursary valued at R160,000+ — applications open LIVE during the session!

Plus, head over to our Instagram and explore the journeys of SA students already on the program — chances are you’ll recognize a few familiar faces. We’ve already reached 250+ schools across South Africa!

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

On a personal note

Thank you for the well-wishes I have received over the past few days.  I am beyond grateful to have been a part of the Parklands College journey.  My blood will forever run blue.  However, I am still around till December ... ;-)