22 May 2026

FROM THE OFFICE

As we change seasons, we can take pride in all that has already been achieved since the start of the year. While there is always a focus on what still lies ahead, it is equally important to acknowledge the achievements and progress of our learners and staff thus far.

This week marks the start of the FET examination period. The June examinations should be viewed as a period of consolidation and reflection, carefully designed to prepare learners for the final examinations at the end of the year. It is, in essence, a practice run, an important opportunity to recognise strengths, identify areas that require further attention, and continue building both confidence and resilience in academic abilities. Learners are encouraged not to view this as the end point, but rather as the first step towards their final goal.

We encourage learners to approach this period with consistency and balance, and to remember that assistance is always available. Should learners experience difficulties or feel overwhelmed, we encourage them to reach out to their teachers, Grade Heads, or support staff for guidance and assistance.

We wish all our Jewish families a joyous Shavuot filled with sweetness and light. We also extend our best wishes to all our Muslim families for a blessed Eid al-Adha next week, filled with peace, joy, prosperity, and time shared with loved ones.

TO OUR EDUCATORS

An important part of the academic journey is the educators. Thank you to every teacher who has made a difference in the lives of our learners. The video below, created by our learners, was deeply treasured and greatly appreciated by our educators.

VIDEO-2026-05-15-16-56-31.mp4

"The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see." Alexandra K. Trenfor

SECONDARY CALENDAR

SPORT CALENDAR

FEEDBACK

MATRIC EXAMS

As our Grade 12 learners begin their examinations, they take the first steps towards the final NSC examinations at the end of the year. We wish our matrics every success as they approach this important milestone with confidence, determination, and perseverance.

It has become a tradition for the matric mascot to stand guard over the examinations, offering encouragement and a sense of unity during this important time....

ATKV APPLOUS CHOIR COMPETITION

Well done to Mr Ernstzen and the choir for their beautiful performance at the ATKV Applous Competition, the choir achieved a Gold award for their efforts.

VIDEO-2026-05-21-17-02-55.mp4

VIDEO-2026-05-21-17-04-23.mp4

VIDEO-2026-05-21-17-03-42.mp4

VIDEO-2026-05-21-17-03-47.mp4

SACEE

We are happy to celebrate the following SACEE (South African Council for English Education) feedback

Overall Winning School
Junior Category First Place Champion Scarlett Janse Van Rensburg
Senior Category First Place Champion Caitlin Smith
Honourable mention goes to Diyana Manga, Madison Viljoen and Yihan Angeline
Special mention for the school with most entries

CAT Olympiad

Well done to the CAT department - 21 learners received certificates in the CAT Olympiad, and 7 learners have qualified to progress to Round 2!

TIME TO RELAX

This group of friends has taken on the challenge of exploring different spots around campus to relax and unwind. Last week we featured them as they continued discovering some of the many spaces that make our school environment both welcoming and enjoyable for learners.

TOUR DE MATHS LEG 3

The third leg of the Tour de Maths competition took place at Milnerton High, where learners once again demonstrated determination and mathematical skill. Parklands College currently holds 5th position overall, with Bishops maintaining their lead in the competition. Congratulations to Lucas de Carvalho Smee and Saadhil Rampath, who were the top achievers from Parklands College, both achieving an impressive score of 160 out of 200.

There was plenty of excitement as the team had the privilege of being the first group to travel on the new school bus!

We look forward to the fourth leg of the competition, which will take place on 6 August at Rondebosch.

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.

SPACE EDUCATION

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

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#/

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.

CONSOLIDATION DAY

Our Grade 10 to 12 learners are currently writing their mid-year examinations. We wish all our learners the very best as they continue through this important assessment period.

Please note that the Consolidation Day for our GET learners (Grades 7 to 9) will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Teaching and learning will continue as normal up until this date.

We encourage all learners to make use of this time to revise effectively, organise their study material, and prepare thoroughly for the upcoming examinations.

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.

AFRIKAANS EXAM PREPARATION WORKSHOPS

Please find information regarding available exam preparation workshops. Learners who are interested in attending are invited to email Mrs Bailly directly at abailly@parklands.co.za with the date and session they would like to sign up for.

WORKSHOP AFRIKAANS FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE workshops (1)

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 LESSONS

What a fantastic Brunchtime Concert we enjoyed this week!

The audience was treated to an incredibly diverse programme showcasing a wonderful range of musicians, from experienced performers to many exciting debut appearances on stage.

We loved welcoming our parents and families, and are always so grateful for a warm, receptive and encouraging audience who help create such a supportive performance space for our learners.

Well done to all our performers who shared their talents so confidently and authentically. Pianists, guitarists, drummers and vocalists all took to the stage, making for a vibrant and memorable afternoon of music-making.

MARIMBA FESTIVAL | AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT | 167 MARIMBA PLAYERS

Our Senior and Grade 9/10 Marimba Bands joined schools from across the Cape Peninsula for an incredible mass marimba experience filled with rhythm, energy and connection through music.

Here’s our Senior Band performing a Rihanna Medley — specially arranged by the band together with their coach, Mr Grant Adams

Creative Arts: Music

Our Grade 8s have been exploring all things Piano this quarter 🎹

We’ve seen so many budding musicians showing real determination, practising consistently and even racing to find available practice venues during breaks and after school.

Here are two learners, Madison Van Tonder and Olivia Salvador who have worked really hard these past 4 weeks to produce a lovely duet together for their Creative Arts Assessment. We are immensely proud of their dedication to practice.

Upcoming Quarter 2 Music Events & Opportunities

Cape Town Eisteddfod (Live Performance at Parklands College)
Taking place in Quarter 3 (20–21 August), this is a wonderful opportunity to perform live and grow in confidence and stage presence.

Entries close: Today, Friday 22 May
Please refer to the Entry Form link for entry details: https://forms.gle/GuuUhWt7ZvxptFAq6

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

📚 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! 🎹🎷🎤

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!

As we approach Africa Day on 25 May we’re gearing up to celebrate the continent we call home, its history, creativity, and global impact.

Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 (now the African Union), created to unite African nations following independence movements across the continent. It was built on the idea of unity, identity, and a shared future.

But Africa’s story is not only historical, it’s very much alive and shaping the world today:

Ancient brilliance: Civilisations such as Kush, Great Zimbabwe, and the Mali Empire were global centres of trade, architecture, and learning long before the modern era.

Knowledge heritage: The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Morocco (founded 859 CE) is recognised as one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.

Language diversity: Africa is home to over 2,000 languages, making it one of the most linguistically rich continents on Earth.

Modern innovation: From mobile money systems like M-Pesa in Kenya to rapidly growing creative industries, Africa continues to lead in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Global music influence: African music continues to shape the world stage. South African DJ and producer Black Coffee made history as the first South African solo artist to win a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album for Subconsciously, while performing on some of the world’s biggest stages from Ibiza to New York. His work highlights how African sound, rhythm, and identity are influencing global music culture.

As we head into Africa Day, we encourage learners and families to take a moment to explore, share, and celebrate African culture — listen to African music, learn a new fact about a country on the continent, or wear something that represents your heritage with pride. Let’s make it a day of curiosity, connection, and celebration

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

Samantha Scott: sjscott@parklands.co.za

Lara Rust: lrust@parklands.co.za (Counselling support Mondays and Thursdays 09:00-11:00)

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.

MAY/JUNE EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS -

Please note this is only for Approved accommodations for READERS/SCRIBES/PROMPTER/PLANNER or SEPARATE VENUE

Google form to confirm accommodations (link)

Please note that Readers and Scribes for exams must be organised directly by the parents and an external qualified Reader and Scribe. The College is not responsible for sourcing Readers and Scribes, nor for any financial arrangements.

Please contact Michelle Holdsworth: 0827209970 if you are looking for a certified Reader/Scribe for the upcoming exams. Please ensure that all Readers and Scribes have the correct certification and please forward that certification to the College (sjscott@parklands.co.za) before exams start.

(All learners who make use of extra time or spelling accommodations will still receive their accommodation stickers and will write in their class venue as per usual - this form is just for separate venue arrangements.)

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

Crimson event - Acing the SAT for Top US Universities- 27 May 2026.pdf

Staying Active Through Exam Season

As we move into the exam phase, we wish every learner the very best in the weeks ahead. This period requires balance, discipline, and routine, and we believe that continued involvement in sport plays an important role in supporting learners both physically and mentally during this time.

We have created a schedule that allows for a one-hour practice session per week per 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).

At the start of each sports season, we enter teams into Western Province leagues where we are assigned matches to play. Other schools do not necessarily start examinations at the same time as us, nor do they stop their sports program entirely.

Commitment is one of our school values.

On Wednesday we sent an Google Form to parents of our hockey players asking that their child commits to a match we have scheduled for both our boys and girls teams, on Friday, 5 June.

Matches will start at 14h00

Exam training schedule

Home and Away...

Our hockey players against Wynberg Girls High School and Settlers High School at home on Friday 15 May

Our cross country squad at Saxonsea on Wednesday, 20 May

Lexi Torlutter

1st Place Overall

Girls U14/15

Steffan Hillebrand

3rd Place Overall

Boys U17

Zackery Day

9th Place Overall

Boys U17

Our rugby players took on Scottsville away on Saturday 16 May

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.

Duathlon

Steffan Hillebrand (Grade 11), delivered an outstanding performance at the Western Province Duathlon Championships this past weekend.

Duathlon, a demanding multi-discipline sport combining running and cycling, tests both endurance and versatility, and Steffan rose to the challenge in impressive fashion. He not only claimed first place in his age category, but also finished as the overall winner of the Sprint Duathlon event.

A phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for Steffan and the Parklands College sporting community.

Swimming

Benjamin Fourie (Grade 7) recently competed at the South African Level 3 Regional Age Group Swimming Championships, held in East London from 9 to 12 April 2026.

Competing against strong swimmers from across the country, Benjamin delivered an impressive performance across a demanding programme of 11 individual events, achieving 8 personal best times along the way.

Benjamin also played an important role in three relay events, helping his team secure a bronze medal in the Boys 12 & Under 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay, as well as a silver medal in the Boys 12 & Under 4 x 50m Medley Relay, where he swam the butterfly leg.

Well done Benjamin.

Winter Sport Timetable 2026

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

Please contact Mr M Viljoen (mviljoen@parklands.co.zas) to enquire about Golf lessons and practice days.

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

CROSS COUNTRY - TOP 20 PLACING

RACE 5 - Saxonsea Secondary School

U14 Girls

1st - Lexi Torlutter

U17 Boys

3rd - Steffan Hillebrand

9th - Zackery Day

BOYS HOCKEY

U14A vs Settlers High School Won 2 - 0 POM: Riley Millar

U16A vs Settlers High School Won 4 - 0 POM: Yaseen Salie

U19A vs Settlers High School Drew 1 - 1 POM: Jarryd Hunt

GIRLS HOCKEY

U14B vs Wynberg Girls High School Lost 0 - 1 POM: Thandiwe Radebe

U14A vs Wynberg Girls High School Lost 0 - 4 POM: Emma Chow

U16A vs Wynberg Girls High School Lost 0 - 3 POM: Amy Muller

U19A vs Wynberg Girls High School Lost 2 - 7 POM: Owethu Motau and Emma Lilienfeld

NETBALL

U13B vs Rallim Prep Lost 4 - 8 POM: Mihlali Mdudu

U13A vs Rallim Prep Lost 8 - 25 POM: Nia Morule

RUGBY

U15A vs Melkbosstrand Private (7s) Won 27 - 5 POM: Connor Lockhart

U13A vs Rallim Won 53 - 5 POM: Karis Nyabadza

U14A vs. Scottsville High School Won 44 - 7 POM: Marang Mamatshele

U15A vs Scottsville High School Lost 7 -22 POM: Tata Nzonde

U16A vs Scottsville High School Won 26 - 0 POM: Ethan Wüst

U19A vs Scottsville High School Lost 7 - 44 POM: Gabriel Kayser

BOYS SOCCER

U16A vs DSK (Cup match) Lost 1 - 5 POM: Tiro-Entle Gaetsewe

U19A vs Settlers High (Cup match) Lost 0 - 3 POM: Liam Hills

U19A vs Generations (League) Won 3 - 1 POM: Malik Bunting

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.