FROM THE OFFICE

As we move steadily through the term, it is hard to believe that we have only four weeks remaining. This is an important and often busy time of the academic calendar, with assessments and key activities still ahead. 

This blog is yet another testament to the wonderful things happening at the College and to the commitment of our staff and learners, who continue to make our school community proud. We encourage our learners to remain focused and consistent in their efforts as we work purposefully towards the end of term.

As we head into the weekend, may it be a time of rest, connection and joy for each of our families. Whether you are catching up on quiet moments, supporting your children on the sports field, or simply sharing a meal together, we hope the days ahead are filled with warmth and balance. 

CALENDAR

GENERAL

STAFFING

We extend our very best wishes to Mrs Kistan as she prepares to begin her maternity leave at the start of April. We are excited for her as she embarks on this special new chapter and wish her much joy as she welcomes her little one. From all of us at Parklands College, congratulations and every happiness during this precious time.

During Mrs Kistan’s absence, we welcome Mrs Lara Rust, a qualified Registered Counsellor, who will join our support team on specific days to ensure continued care and support for our learners.

Mrs Rust will be stationed in Mrs Kistan's office on Mondays and Thursdays from 09:00 to 11:00.  Should learners wish to schedule appointments, they can do so via email at lrust@parklands.co.za.

EDANA MULTI-PORTAL PARENT APP

Parents are encouraged to download the Ed-admin Multi Portal App. This platform will be used to send important notifications and updates, and it will also provide access to children’s reports when they are released.

KOEBERT SIREN TEST - 3 MARCH

FEEDBACK

ROBOTICS - Hyperion Bots First Tech Challenge (FTC)

The Hyperion Bots First Tech Challenge (FTC) Team will represent South Africa at the World Festival in Houston, Texas

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A ROBOT! 🚀🇿🇦 - We're World Championship Bound!

We are beyond proud to announce that Hyperion Bots #18011 has officially qualified for the FIRST World Championships in Houston, Texas! This past weekend at the South African National Championships at the Amazon Offices in Cape Town  we competed against the Top 23 teams in the country. The Hyperion Bots put in a high-performance show that earned us:

3rd Place Overall and the 2nd Place  Inspire Award

Securing the 2nd Place Inspire Award is a dream come true. It recognizes our technical consistency, our engineering documentation, and our commitment to spreading STEM through our First Like a Girl initiative which encourages girls to follow careers in STEM.

What’s next? From April 29th to May 2nd, we will be representing South Africa on the global stage at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. We are ready to show the world what Parklands College, Cape Town engineering looks like!

To our school Parklands College & Christopher Robin Pre-Primary, our coaches and mentors Cai Bridges Justine De Wet Devendree Ankiah Richard Knaggs, and our incredible sponsors Rockwell Automation and Dragonfly Tri; we wouldn't be packing our bags for the USA without you.

The countdown to Houston starts now!

#FTC   #RoadToHouston  #F IRSTWorldChampionship #STEMSouthAfrica #HyperionBots #WorldBound #EngineeringExcellence FIRST

VICTORY ON GLOBAL STAGE: AIDPSC 2026 SUCCESS!

What an incredible weekend for the College’s public speaking and debate program! On 21 and 22 February, two of our standout learners, Jorja Hoppé and Liat Demissew, represented us at the African Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship (AIDPSC).

This online global tournament brought together top-tier speakers from South Africa, Morocco, Malaysia, Singapore, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Lithuania. With a panel of international judges and a field of fierce competitors, the bar was set incredibly high.

The competition was a marathon of mental endurance. Over two days, Jorja and Liat completed roughly 24 hours of total competition time, navigating a rigorous structure of Preliminary Rounds, Semi-Finals, and Grand Finals. Competitors competed in four demanding categories: After-Dinner / Persuasive Speaking, Impromptu Speaking, Interpretive Reading, and Debate.

After intense rounds lasting late into the night, the results are spectacular:

• Liat Demissew: 3rd Place Overall in Interpretive Reading.

• Jorja Hoppé: 3rd Place Overall in Debate, 2nd Place Overall in After-Dinner Speaking, 1st Place Overall in Interpretive Reading, and crowned the Grand Champion of the Tournament.

We are immensely proud of Jorja and Liat. Their success reflects their tireless work ethic, the late nights of debate practice, and the courage to compete against the world’s finest. Walking away with top honors in a global field is a testament to their dedication.

Congratulations to our champions! You have made the College community incredibly proud.

DEVICES

Parents are reminded that cellphones are not a substitute for a MacBook or iPad.  Where a device is required for academic purposes, learners must bring the appropriate device to school as specified.

AFRIKAANS 7P - ASSEMBLY

PROBLEM SOLVING MATHS

"The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics" Paul Halmos

A large group of our learners signed up for Problem Solving and Olympiad training and dedicated their evening to practising and mastering these important skills.

Clubs and societies at the College have been buzzing with energy this Quarter! It has been wonderful to see so many learners getting involved, developing their talents, and enjoying time with like-minded people.

Our eSports players have shown impressive focus and teamwork as they sharpen their strategic thinking and compete in a fast-paced, ever-growing field. Meanwhile, debating continues to challenge learners to think critically, structure strong arguments, and confidently engage with current issues. In Public Speaking, students are finding their voices, building confidence, and learning how to communicate with clarity and impact. The Sound Engineering team has also been working on their skills.

Beyond the skills being developed, what stands out most is the enthusiasm in each space. Clubs provide learners with an opportunity to grow outside the classroom, build friendships across grades, and discover new passions.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL  2

🗓 23–25 July | Save it | Screenshot it | LOADING ...

Yesterday was a moment.

Our High School Musical 2 cast and crew officially received their production jackets ... and the excitement? Absolutely next level. 

From the squeals to the proud smiles to the immediate “put-it-on-and-never-take-it-off” energy, it was clear: this production is something special.

These jackets aren’t just merch. They represent commitment, rehearsals that run late, choreography counts on repeat, harmonies finally locking in, backstage teamwork, and the courage to step into the spotlight. They’re a badge of belonging, and this team has earned it.

If the energy around the jackets is anything to go by, you are not going to want to miss this show.

Watch this space for ticket details!

Dance

Please find the link below to enrol for Secondary Dance 2026.

Dance Enrollment 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!

PREFECT VISIT TO CRPP

The Prefects of 2026 made the traditional visit to Christopher Robin Pre-Primary to bridge the connection between the learners starting their journey and the learners at the zenith of their Parklands journey. It was a morning of heartfelt moments and a rekindling of some of our Prefects time at the Preparatory - a precious tribute to continuity and legacy.  

GRADE 7 & 12 BUDDIES

At Parklands College, we do not allow initiation practices of any kind. Instead, we focus on mentorship, belonging, and welcoming one another with kindness and respect.

Each Grade 7 learner is paired with a Grade 12 buddy. Our Matrics act as mentors who guide their younger partners in the Parklands Way—helping them settle in, feel included, and grow in confidence.

Through Buddy Connect events and everyday moments around campus, we look forward to seeing these friendships develop. Our goal remains simple: that every learner feels seen and supported, and truly belongs at Parklands.

Results from the last few House events:

Inter-house Athletics Results Big Brag Bake Off

1. Oxford 1. Harvard 1. Oxford

2. Yale 2. Oxford/Yale 2. Cambridge

3. Cambridge 3. Cambridge 3. Yale

4. Harvard 4. Harvard

Public tertiary institution application dates for the class of 2026

Actuarial Science Career 

We are contacting you on behalf of SANCAS at Sanlam Life Insurance.

We would like to extend an invitation to your high school learners doing Mathematics and Science to an Actuarial Science Information Session. This is a session held annually by the SANCAS team from Sanlam. For teachers registering on behalf of students in their class, we request that you limit the number of students to 5.

*Note that this Information Session invites grade 11 and 12 students who would be interested in the Actuarial career path.

This session aims to inform learners of the broad and fruitful career path of Actuarial Science.

The session will comprise of a variety of speakers from qualified actuaries to university students doing Actuarial Science, with panel discussions where learners can ask any questions about becoming an actuary.

For those attending virtually, a phone or laptop and internet connection will be needed to join.

The date and time of the session are as follows:

•  Date: 26 March 2026

•  Time: 12h00 for 12h30-16h00

Attached is the invitation (Act Sci Info Session 2026) with a link to register and RSVP for the session where learners can indicate if they will be joining us virtually or in person.

Kindly RSVP by 13 March 2026.

Please distribute the invite to all who will benefit from the session.

Sanlam also offers bursaries to learners wanting to pursue Actuarial Science, the bursary applications are still open and close on the 30 June 2026.
For more information, please click on Bursary Application

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Sanlam SANCAS Committee

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. Come 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: Open to all, free of charge, but remember to book your tickets for information sessions on Quicket (available from 18 March 2026, from 09:00)

This is a chance not to be missed!

For more information, contact us:
WhatsApp "Hi" to 061 729 8858
Call us on 021 808 9111
Email info@sun.ac.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.

Read more: bursary, Shoprite Group, bursary programme, bursary applications, Shoprite Group bursaries programme

https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/90-bursaries-available-in-shoprite-2026-bursary-programme-now-open-for-application-062755a

ISAM360 - Considering Studying in the USA? Join us to find out how!

Are you ready for an incredible opportunity that could change your future?

We invite you to join our LIVE online session on Wednesday, 4 March 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 scholarship 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/6olq9/register/wg3z1f3k?webinar_id=371

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!

We can’t wait to see you online!

The ISAM360 Team

Empowering South African students to study in the USA

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.  

Sailing

Benjamin competed in the Hermanus Cape Classic Regatta from 14 to 15 February 2026. Sailing in the Optimist A fleet, he completed five races over the weekend and finished 5th overall. A highlight of his regatta was a 3rd-place finish in the third race, followed by a strong finish in 2nd place in the final race.

Winter Sport Sign Up

Please sign your child up for a Quarter 1 and 4 summer sport if you have not yet done so.

Link: 2026 Q1 and 2 winter sport sign up form 

KINDLY COMPLETE THE SIGN UP BY WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY.

Winter Sport Timetable 2026

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

Secondary Faculty Uniform 2026

Sports Department 

Girls' hockey and netball

Rebecca Walker (rwalker@parklands.co.za)

Chess, cross country, golf 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)

Home and Away...

The Under 15B Softball girls secured a fantastic 12–3 victory against Edgemead! For some of the players, it was their very first match, but that certainly did not deter them. They played with heart, determination, and true team spirit, making us incredibly proud. Well done, girls!

U19A Cricket

U/19A CRICKET

PARKLANDS COLLEGE 1st XI vs CHISLEHURST & SIDCUP GRAMMAR  SCHOOL 1st XI 

FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY 2026

MATCH REPORT

GRAMMAR SCHOOL won the toss and chose to bat first.

Batting first, GRAMMAR SCHOOL scored 107/10 in 28.4 overs. 

Batting second, PARKLANDS scored 109/2 in 17.2 overs.

PARKLANDS WON BY 8 WICKETS

Fielding catches:  Ethan Randall (2), Bryce Gilder, Adam Muller, Liam Russell, Blaine Fisher, Jayden Lamb

Man of the match:  Bryce Gilder

The Vikings delivered a polished all-round performance to secure an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, chasing down 108 in just 17.2 overs.

The visitors from the UK won the toss and decided to bat first. The Vikings bowlers set the tone early, as Bryce Gilder struck in the opening over, and the attack maintained steady pressure throughout. Mackenzie Newman was the standout performer, claiming an excellent 4/22 in 4.4 overs to dismantle the middle and lower order. He was well supported by Blaine Fisher, Carl Scheffler, Adam Muller and Joshua Neil, who each claimed a wicket as the Vikings bowled the visitors out for 107 in 28.4 overs. Despite conceding 30 extras, the home side controlled the innings effectively and prevented any major partnerships from developing.

In reply, the Vikings’ batting was authoritative. After Ethan Randall fell for 9, Joshua Neil anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 29. The second wicket partnership of 83 runs between Bryce and Joshua ensured that the Vikings were in a commanding position throughout their innings.  The decisive contribution came from Bryce, who struck a fluent 52 off 38 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. His aggressive strokeplay ensured the target was reached comfortably, taking the Vikings to four wins out of five matches so far in 2026.

U/19A CRICKET

PARKLANDS COLLEGE 1st XI vs THE SETTLERS 1st XI 

THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2026

MATCH REPORT

THE SETTLERS  won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Batting first, PARKLANDS scored 218/6 in 20 overs. 

Batting second, THE SETTLERS scored 72/7 in 20 overs.

PARKLANDS WON BY 146 RUNS

Fielding catches:  Liam Russell, Julian Gardiner

Man of the match:  Ethan Randall & Jayden Lamb

The Vikings produced a dominant all-round display at home to defeat The Settlers by a commanding 146 runs, delivering a performance built on explosive batting and disciplined bowling.

After being sent in to bat, Parklands immediately seized control. Captain Ethan Randall set the tone with a blistering 53 off just 23 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 230. His opening partnership of 72 with Joshua Neil (16) laid the platform for a massive total. The momentum continued through Bryce Gilder (21) and Liam Russell (13), before Adam Muller added a powerful 34 from 18 deliveries, with 30 of his 34 runs coming from boundaries. The late onslaught came from Jayden Lamb, who hammered an unbeaten 51 off only 19 balls, including seven sixes, propelling the Vikings to an imposing 218/6 in their 20 overs.  Luck was on Jayden’s side, as he was on 45 with two balls remaining in the innings.  Off the second-last ball, he survived a dropped catch but then hammered a six off the last ball of the innings to secure his half-century to the delight of the spectators.

Defending the total, the Vikings bowlers backed up the batting effort with control and intensity. Early wickets from Bryce Gilder and Joshua Neil disrupted the chase, while Adam Muller and Sabelo Ntuli maintained pressure through the middle overs. Julian Gardiner’s superb spell of 2/11 in the penultimate over further dismantled the lower order, as Settlers were restricted to just 72/7 from their 20 overs. Of course, Julian would surely have been wishing for one more ball to grab a hat trick! 

It was decided that Ethan’s 53 off 23 was influential in setting up the large total, and Jayden’s entertaining 51 at top strike rate of 268 were both deserving of the man-of-the match award.

The comprehensive victory reflected a clinical performance in both departments from the Vikings who have been in superb form in the 2026 leg of the season.

Thank you to all of the parents who came to support the boys.  For those who love their stats, I have attached the detailed scorecard.

Our last U19A league game of the season will be an away match against Fairmont High School on Saturday 28 February. 

Milnerton Hockey Club Junior Team

For junior players in Grades 7 to 9 who are interested in playing hockey at club level, Milnerton Junior Hockey Team will be hosting trials.

Please note that once our College hockey programme begins, school training sessions and matches take priority over any club commitments. We ask parents and players to plan accordingly to ensure that participation in club sport does not conflict with school obligations.

ICT ACCEPTABLEE USE POLICY

Every month we will look at our ICT Acceptable use policy and highlight an area. For February we will look at Social Media:

Navigating the Digital World: A Shared Responsibility

At Parklands College, we pride ourselves on being at the cutting edge of technology. From our Innovation Centre to our dual status as an Apple Distinguished and Google Reference School, our learners are constantly pushing boundaries. However, with great digital power comes the need for great digital responsibility.

Social media is more than just a place for "likes", it’s where our learners build their first professional reputations. We believe that digital citizenship isn’t just a school subject; it’s a partnership. While our educators provide the technical and ethical foundations, our parents provide the real-world wisdom.

The following checklist is intended as a conversation starter. For learners, it’s a guide to navigating these platforms safely and respectfully. For parents, it’s a reminder of the boundaries that protect our community's privacy and your child's future.

📱 Social Media Checklist: A Guide for Learners, A Reminder for Parents

1. The "Public Forever" Rule

• Learners: Before you hit post, ask: "Would I be okay with this appearing on the Innovation Centre's main TV for everyone to see?"

• Parents: Remind your children that "Private" settings are never 100% secure. Screenshots can live forever.

2. The Power of the Disclaimer

• Learners: If your bio mentions you attend Parklands College, you should include a disclaimer: "I attend Parklands College. Everything here, however, is my personal opinion."

• Parents: Help your child understand that even personal accounts reflect back on their school community and their own future professional brand.

3. Respect the Privacy of Others

• Learners: Never post photos or videos of others, especially in school uniform or on campus, without express written permission from all parties and a Director.

• Parents: Reinforce that data privacy is a legal and ethical boundary. Proprietary info about learners or staff is strictly off-limits.

4. Constructive vs. Antagonistic

• Learners: Disagreements happen. Stay polite. If a conversation turns "toxic," step away and ask an educator for advice rather than becoming defensive.

• Parents: Encourage your child to "think before they type" and to represent themselves as a respectful member of our digital community.

5. Protect Your Personal Brand (and IP)

• Learners: Don't use the College logo on personal sites without permission. Keep your home address, phone number, and personal email private to stay safe from identity thieves.

• Parents: Audit your child’s profiles occasionally to ensure they aren't over-sharing personal data that could compromise their safety

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 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.

2026 DATES

Summer Quarter:  20 Jan - 26 March

Autumn Quarter:  8 April - 24 June

Winter Quarter:  22 July - 23 September

Spring Quarter:  14 October - 4 December

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Please follow us on social media

Parklands College & CRPP on Facebook

Parklands College & CRPP on Twitter

www.instagram.com/parklandscollege/?hl=en

MEMOS FROM OTHER FACULTIES

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

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

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

CONCLUSION

Wishing you all a happy and restful weekend.

Ancia Vosloo

Principal: Secondary Faculty

avosloo@parklands.co.za