From the Office

Dear Parents and Learners

Goodness, this whirlwind of "at school/not at school" has been quite disruptive, but hopefully it will all settle down after next week's mid-term break.  With the mid-year examinations just a few weeks away, it is imperative that our learners remain focused and plan their studies well.

It has been a busy week at school on all fronts and everyone is happy for the chance to charge their batteries.  Please be reminded that we change to winter uniform after the mid-term break.

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 28 February with information regarding the security of electronic devices (iPads and Laptops.)  

ACADEMICS

Academic Links

Note the section at the top dedicated specifically to academic links.  Click on the links below to find: 

🎓 Autumn Quarter Timetables,  🎓Assessment Calendars, the  🎓 Tutorial Schedule, the  🎓 Subject Change Deadlines, the   🎓Promotion Requirements and   🎓 Absence during Assessments or Exams and 🎓 Exam Dates 

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT MID-YEAR EXAMINATIONS

Please note that question papers will be written until the very last day of the quarter, Wednesday, 25 June.  Reports will be issued in the third quarter.  Learners who miss question papers for legitimate reasons will have to write on the first day back, 22 July 2025.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT GR12 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS

Please note that question papers will be written until the very last day of the quarter, Tuesday, 23 September.  Learners who are absent for exams will need to submit a doctor's certificate.  Reports will be issued in the next quarter.  

Academic Dates

Please find important academic links to kickstart the academic term planning.

Tutorial Schedule

2025 Autumn Tutorial Schedule

Assessment Calendars

Gr7 Assessment Calendar

Gr8 Assessment Calendar

Gr9 Assessment Calendar

Gr10 Assessment Calendar

Gr11 Assessment Calendar

Gr12 Assessment Calendar

June Examinations

June Examination Timetable

The June Exam Timetable has now been finalised:  JUNE EXAM TT 2025 

June Examination Study Guidelines:

June Grade 12 Study Guidelines,      

June Grade 11 Study Guidelines,       

June Grade 10 Study Guidelines,     

June Grade 9 Study Guidelines, 

June Grade 8 Study Guidelines,    

June Grade 7 Study Guidelines 

Proposed Study Timetables

Our counselling department has thoughtfully prepared proposed study timetables to support our GET learners:

Grade 7 Study Timetable

Grade 8 Study Timetable

Grade 9 Study Timetable

From the English Department

This quarter's digital bookshelf is for true readers, as there is not much time for this leisure in between studying for our mid-year exams coming up. That being said, these suggestions will be sure to immerse you in worlds very different from our own, whether you're choosing from the genres of fiction, fantasy, historical or autobiographical. Delving into a bit of fantasy in order to face reality has proven to be very beneficial for the human (and teenage) brain. 

Happy reading! 

NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) for Grade 12

The NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) are standardised tests written by applicants for SA universities to test academic readiness.  Depending on the institution candidates apply to, they might be required to write these tests as part of the application process.  One test set is written and the results are shared with all the universities. Candidates can also opt to write a second opportunity if they feel they want to improve their results after the first set of tests.

Grade 12 learners are responsible to register for these tests and choose the dates to write them. They are not administered by the school. There are two components to the test, a Maths and a Literacy component.  Below is the link to the website where you will find all the information:  https://www.nbt.ac.za/

NBT Training for Grade 12

There are numerous institutions who offer workshops to help prepare for the NBTs.  Parklands College offers our own preparation sessions for the Maths component during the June exam period.  The dates are on our exam timetable and learners can register via our Maths department. A registration form will be shared after the mid-term break.  We recommend that learners write the NBT shortly after these workshops. This will ensure sufficient content is covered and at the same time it allows time for learners who want to make use of the second opportunity to improve results.

Additional support in 2025: Mathematics

Learners from Grade 7 – 12 have the opportunity to receive additional support in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy on campus, should they feel the need for one-on-one or small group support.  Our Mathematics Department will continue to offer tutorials as per the tutorial schedule and these tutorials are covered by the tuition fees.

Mrs Priscilla Brijlal is an educator with over 40 years experience in teaching Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy at various schools.  Her patient and caring nature, her commitment to her calling and her willingness to go above and beyond what is expected, especially with struggling learners, make her a very valuable Independent Contractor to support our team.

Support sessions will work as follows:

1. Remedial/extra sessions may be scheduled before school or during the utility session.  Evidence shows that morning sessions are more conducive for such sessions.

2. Learners who fall behind may be withdrawn from some Mathematics sessions during the academic day to assist them with catching up.

3. Individual sessions cost R250.

Should you be interested in signing up for this or need more information, kindly mail  secondary@parklands.co.za

Additional support in 2025: English for Second Language Speakers

Mrs Angel will be assisting Foreign Language learners who need extension classes in English as an Independent Contractor. She is well-known to many of our existing learners who got to know her as a member of the Preparatory Faculty. She is knowledgeable about teaching the foundation of language acquisition, she is kind and she is patient.

Remedial/extra sessions will be scheduled during the utility slot on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or in the mornings before school and will cost R250 per session.

Kindly mail secondary@parklands.co.za if you would like to sign up for lessons.

UCT Mathematics Olympiad

On Wednesday evening, 74 of our Grade 8 to 12 learners took part in the annual UCT Mathematics Competition, joining over 7,500 participants from schools across the Western Cape. It was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to test their problem-solving skills while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the UCT campus. The excitement continues as lively discussions about the challenging questions fill our classrooms. We are proud of our learners’ enthusiasm and dedication, and we’re holding thumbs for another year of excellent results!

Science Expo

Our recent Internal Science Expo was a great success, showcasing the creativity and scientific curiosity of our Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners. Every learner participated with enthusiasm, and the standard of the projects presented was truly impressive. Congratulations to the following learners whose outstanding work has been selected to represent the College at the District Science Expo on Saturday 17 May. We are proud of your hard work and look forward to seeing your projects shine at the next level!

The participants:

Keagan Michel, Aaron Bouwers, Logan De Araujo, Gerhard Vosloo, Caterina Frazzitta, Jenna Simpson, Kaylee-Jade Mestre, Liat Demissew, Madison Coleman, Lyla Crighton, Noah Abbott, Ella Frielinghaus, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Puneet Nagendrakumar, Aden van Rhyn, Shihan Huang, Arabella Fox, Zacchary Rawat, Zayn Redelinghuys, Ashley Machine

From the Afrikaans Department

Matric Orals

From the Life Sciences Department

Gr 9 Heart Dissection Practical

From the Science Department

Building Rockets! 

The STAR Trek learners and Senior Prep Science enthusiasts joined together to learn more about Rockets. Thank you to Nikolai Nielsen who hosted the workshop. We are looking forward to launching our rockets in the next few weeks. 🚀

FEEDBACK

Hyperion Bots Shine at FIRST Tech World Championships in Houston

The Hyperion Bots’ participation in the FIRST Tech World Championships in Houston was a thrilling blend of competition, learning, and unforgettable experiences. The team proudly represented South Africa, delivering a strong judges’ presentation and passing both robot and field inspections with ease. On the field, they fought hard in the Edison Division, earning exciting wins in matches Q-11, Q-25, Q-139, and Q-158, and tackling technical challenges—including a broken robot arm—with impressive perseverance and teamwork. 

The vibrant atmosphere at the competition was electric, with learners enjoying the mascot dance, trading team memorabilia, and cheering on alliances from around the world. Beyond the competition, the team explored the wonders of space at Johnson Space Centre, discovered cutting-edge space travel technology at Limitless Space Institute, and capped off their trip with a fun visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences. 

From presenting like professionals to dancing with mascots and learning about nanotechnology, every moment was packed with energy, inspiration, and pride.   Well done to the team who placed 47th in the Edison division an outstanding achievement for a first year team.

WORLD BOOK DAY

Thank you to all who went out of their way to dress up for WBD and celebrate the awe-inspiring characters we love the most. There certainly were some very interesting ensembles. The prize winners are:-

Grade 7 - Emma Jiang as the Cheshire cat

Grade 8 - Taygen Manson as Dobby, with Hedwig

Grade 9 - Meredith Chirnside & Madison Viljoen as Wednesday Adams & Cousin IT

Grade 10 - Leo Cass as a dinosaur

Grade 11 - Zoë Onochie & Lutendo Monokofala as Dr Seuss’ Thing 1 & Thing 2

Grade 12 - Matthew Hansen - Little Mr Bump / Special Mention: Nikhil Govender as a Stormtrooper

Teachers - Mr Bridges as Shakespeare & Mrs Johannes as Alice in Wonderland.

LOOKING AHEAD

Matric Variety Show:  9 May

Two 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.

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, or require further information, please email Mme A Bailly at abailly@parklands.co.za.  A truly memorable cultural experience awaits!

Cultural tour for Seniors to Budapest and Vienna in March 2026

Based on exchange rate of R19.70 to EUR 1, the price per person will be around R52 000 (excluding VISA costs) for 10 days. It is also dependent on the number of learners signing up. Learners presently in Grade 8 - 11 who are interested in attending this tour, must please mail ssteyn@parklands.co.za

LEARNER AFFAIRS

Random drug screening and vape testing

As included in our Substance Abuse Policy in the Parent and Learner Directory, we make use of professional services to conduct random screening for substance abuse from time to time.

The idea is not to vilify those learners who do not get a clean report after such screening, but to rather help the learner cease his/her use of the prohibited substance and at the same time deter our learners from submitting to peer pressure to experiment by citing the random screening as their reason.

We make use of SA MOBILE DRUG TESTING:  https://samobiledrugtesting.co.za/

Should you have any queries or concerns, kindly contact pvardan@parklands.co.za You may also contact Mr Vardan if you want to request a screening for your child.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Mandarin Club – New Members Welcome

The Mandarin Club, which meets every Wednesday in Room C22, is currently seeking additional members. The group is quite small, and we hope to increase its numbers to ensure the club remains a viable and enriching opportunity for our learners.

This is an excellent chance to explore the Mandarin language and Chinese culture in an engaging and supportive environment. Interested learners are encouraged to speak with Mr Steinmann for more information.  No prior experience is required – just a genuine interest and willingness to participate.

From our sports department

COMMUNICATION, COMMITMENT, COMPETITION and COMMUNITY

These four principles - communication, commitment, competition and community - are at the heart of our Sports Department’s vision this year. They guide how we invest our time, energy and resources as we continue shaping a dynamic and inclusive sports programme.

Central to this is the balance between rights and responsibilities. While our learners remain the focus of all decision-making, we also recognise that understanding and honouring responsibilities, on and off the field, are key to achieving successful outcomes.

The past quarter has presented some scheduling challenges, particularly due to public holidays disrupting our regular training and match calendar. Despite this, 33 of our 34 teams across various sport codes have already competed, with only the U19B rugby side yet to play.

This term has also seen a number of exciting developments. We launched our first-ever 1st Team for golf, and have been able to field a second team for both U19 girls’ and U16 boys’ hockey. Winter cricket net sessions are underway, and 25 of our cross country athletes competed in the first league race of the season last week.

In addition to regular fixtures, learners have had the opportunity to attend trials for chess, netball, hockey and rugby.

A sincere thank you to our Sports Department Coordinators for their tireless work in creating opportunities for our players to train, compete and grow.

WINTER SPORTS CAPTAIN TRAINING on 5 MAY

All learners who have been selected as captain for their team (all age groups) are expected to attend our Winter Sports Captains training which will take place on Monday 5 May from 17h00 - 18h15 in Collab 2. They have received a calendar invite already.

CORRECT PRACTICE / MATCH ATTIRE

Players must wear the correct uniform to practices and matches. Where necessary, we have addressed issues by speaking to players directly and have informed all learners through a notice in the Learner Daily Notes. Please assist us by ensuring that your child has the correct sports kit for their code. A reminder that non-school items are not permitted at practices or matches. Thank you for your support.

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

Enjoy the week break.

DH

Feedback

1st Golf Team (L-R): Thomas Welsh, Alexander Ivanov, Dylan Wood, Ethan Randall, Matthew Jennings and Nicholas Strydom (captain).

Thursday 24 April netball training (videos)

Senior or 1st Team Captains

Sports video of the week

Learner achievements 

SWIMMING AND LIFESAVING

Erin Langenhoven

Our sports prefect, Erin Langenhoven, has been incredibly busy this year. Here are some of her accolades:

Open Water:  

Azzura Foundation Open Water 2025  Champs and Elgin Grabouw,  January 2025

      5km placed 1st in age group (Time: 1:14.17)

      3km placed 1st in age group (Time: 41:11.57 PB)

Qualified for SA Nationals Open Water 2025: Marina Martinique Jeffreys Bay 8th March 2025 where she swam the 3km and placed 5th (age group) with a PB of 41.50.92

Swimming: 

Western Cape Provincial Colours 2023/2024 season. 

Western Cape Age Group Full colours.

Lifesaving: 

Selected for the LWC Team 2025 for both WC IP Surf Open team (Mossel Bay) and LWC Stillwater Youth team

Surf swim 3rd, board rescue 3rd, tube rescue 2nd, taplin 3rd

Stillwater: 

Captain of the WC JNR team which won the event.

Participated in four relay events, placing 2nd, 4th, 4th and 5th and four individual events placing 5th, 3rd, 3rd, 4th

Commonwealth National team announced:  

Erin has been selected to represent the South African Presidential Team 2025 at the 2025 RLSS Commonwealth Championships and will compete in Swansea, Wales, from 10-13 July 2025.  

Erin, these are phenomenal achievements, well done and all the best. We wish you continued success.

Thank you!

For our recent Garden Route Sports Tour, all players were sponsored a pair of these creative playing socks. If you didn't notice our players wearing them in one of the previous tour photographs, here is one again. Thank you to Only Realty for the kind gesture.

Parklands College winter sporting programme 2025

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

Secondary sports calendar 

DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING

Debating

On Thursday, we hosted 300+ learners who participated in the National Debating League Round 3. Parklands had five teams competing, and they all did us proud. Thank you to the learners who assisted in making this a successful event. We received many compliments from other schools.

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

We encourage all learners to participate in this incredible opportunity! This is a LIVE eisteddfod adjudication that will take place at Parklands College, Minor Hall on 22 August between 13:00-19:00.

Parents and Family are welcome to attend. Please discuss your entry with your music educator to find the best category and complete this

 Google Form Link by 23 May: https://forms.gle/J5fTycbMeX9mxEzs7 

🎹 A PIANO MASTERCLASS EXPERIENCE WITH THE EXCEPTIONAL PROF. NINA SCHUMANN

Parklands College proudly presents an exciting opportunity to learn from one of South Africa’s most celebrated pianists and educators. Join us for a 2-day piano masterclass led by the extraordinary Professor Nina Schumann, renowned for her virtuosic artistry and dynamic teaching.

🎼 WHAT TO EXPECT:
From interactive workshops to live performances and personalised coaching, this experience promises to challenge, inspire, and transform pianists at all levels. Whether you're a performer or a passionate observer, prepare to be immersed in the world of expressive, technical, and refined piano playing.

Application Link: https://forms.gle/1dWhP99Hoqr36BuJ7 

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

TERTIARY STUDIES 

Open Days and Application Dates 2025 for Universities and Colleges 

Stellenbosch University BEng Chemical Engineering Webinar

The Department of Chemical Engineering at SU is hosting a webinar on Thursday, 15 May, from 19:00 to 20:00. We invite all prospective students and their parents/guardians to join us online to discover more about our BEng Chemical Engineering programme and the diverse career paths it offers. An electronic invitation is attached to this email – please feel free to share it on your school platforms.

To register for the webinar, click here:
Webinar Registration Link

We are also pleased to announce that applications for 2026 are now open and will close on 31 July 2025. We encourage interested Grade 12 learners to apply.
Access the application portal here. Attached you’ll find a detailed breakdown of admission requirements and selection criteria – feel free to distribute this to learners, parents, and teachers.

To explore more about our department, visit our website and follow us on social media:

• Website: https://chemeng.sun.ac.za/

• Facebook: SUChemEng

• Instagram: chem_eng_sun

• TikTok: chemengsu

Want a glimpse of what it’s like to study Chemical Engineering at SU?
Click here for a sneak peek!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at undergradchem@sun.ac.za.

CONCLUSION

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.

Air pods

We do not look for missing air pods.  Learners have been told that they should rather not bring air pods to school, as they get lost easily.

Enjoy a great weekend.

Kind regards

Sylvia Steyn

ssteyn@parklands.co.za

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Blogs from other faculties:

PP: https://ppblog.parklands.co.za

JP: https://jpblog.parklands.co.za

SP: https://spblog.parklands.co.za