Photo credit:  Chelsye Kawere

Dear Parents and Learners

Our Matrics started their Preliminary examinations this week - which signals the start of the final round of the year for all of us.  We wish them well.

This weekend is filled with LOTS of excitement as we start the audition process for High School Musical.  We have been overwhelmed by the number of learners who have signed up!  Let's get ready to act, dance and sing ...

Matrics in Exam Mode ...

This is what it looks like on the morning before writing.

Here we go!

The Telkom High School Esports League finals kicked off on Thursday with the Parklands A and B team facing off against one another in the first fixture of the day. Both teams played some powerful Counter Strike, with the first team taking the win and booking their place in the finals for an opportunity to defend their title from 2024 against St John's on Saturday morning. 

The B team played their third-place playoff match against Waterkloof High School and showed some immense grit and determination, but unfortunately lost to Waterkloof and placed fourth in the country for high school Counter-Strike. To watch the stream on Saturday morning, please visit: https://www.twitch.tv/telkomvsg

LOOKING AHEAD

Spring Day Civvies

Peace Project

ACADEMICS

Academic Links

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

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

Assessment Calendars

Grade 12 Academic Timeline, Exam Timetables and Important Dates

Please find below a link to the academic timeline, preliminary examination timetable, final NSC timetable, and other important dates for the Class of 2025.  We would like to highlight that there are very few teaching days remaining for our matric students.  These remaining weeks include several critical DBE SBA submission and moderation dates.  We urge all parents to ensure that full attendance and a strong commitment to meeting deadlines remain a top priority during this crucial period.

Grade 12 2025 Academic Timeline and Exam Timetables

NSC 2025 Timetable

Grade 12 Prelim Study Guidelines

Attendance

The greatest loss of learning occurs when a child is not present in the classroom, which is why regular school attendance is essential to academic progress. Consistent attendance supports both continuity of learning and effective monitoring of progress. Frequent absences, even when occasional, can disrupt learning, make it more difficult for learners to keep up, and add unnecessary pressure. While we understand that this time of year often brings illness, we kindly ask for your support in encouraging strong attendance so that every learner can benefit fully from the opportunities provided at school.

More Science EXPO news

Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Mayor of Cape Town, has invited Declan Saul, Madison Coleman, Lyla Crighton and Kayden Biernacki for lunch.  Their Science Expo projects in 2024 and 2025 caught his attention and he wants to discuss their projects with them.  We are proud of our learners representing our school

From the English Department

Unicorn Awards

The Grade 10s are invited to an exclusive screening of the top 10 movies from their English Movie Project. This annual event is a wonderful showcase of the incredible talent this grade has to offer. The top 10 films will be judged by 4 outside judges, who are currently working in the film industry in Cape Town. There will be many prizes and accolades awarded on the evening. 

Please note that this event is not open to the public, but exclusively for the Grade 10 learners. 

We look forward to seeing them there!

Art & Design

From the English Department:  Digital Bookshelf

Hospitality Department

Last week, as part of their 'Minced Meat & Sausages' commodity, the Grade 10 Hospitality Studies learners had the opportunity to visit our local Checkers butchery. The visit was divided into two halves...

One half of the group completed a survey on the minced meat and sausages in the supermarket. They gathered information from fresh, processed, frozen and canned products! Whilst the other half, were behind the scenes in the butchery, getting a first-hand opportunity to make fresh boerewors! They were also allowed into the carcass room, which was a great foundation to their 'meat' commodity in Grade 12, when they must be able to identify all the cuts of a beef and lamb carcass.

I think it is fair to say, this visit was quite an eye-opener for our learners!  L. Torbet

Grade 9 Food Technology

Last week, the Grade 9  Food Technology learners had great fun making their own creation of a vegetable soup! They all came up with their own ideas from a basic recipe and their knowledge from this quarter's project! They also designed a label for their soup!

It was the perfect dish to make in this chilly weather!    L. Torbet

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Exploring Passions, Finding Purpose – Clubs & Societies in Quarter 3

At Parklands College, we believe learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Some of the most meaningful growth happens outside the classroom through conversations, collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. That’s why we’re so excited about our Clubs and Societies programme.

If you take a walk around the campus during utility or after school, you’ll feel the energy.  Whether it’s learners deep in strategy during a gaming tournament, sharing ideas in an Interact Club meeting, or debugging code in App Development, there’s a real sense of purpose and passion. These clubs are more than just activities; they're safe spaces for learners to explore who they are and what they love.

In Quarter 3, we have made slight changes to the Clubs and Societies Timetable, which is attached below. From wellness and creative arts to innovation and outreach, there’s something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing even more learners get involved this Quarter. It’s not about adding another item to a to-do list, but it’s about belonging, leading, and growing.

Let the exploring continue.

Link to timetable

SERVICE

ROBOTICS

Robotics Department Update – An Exciting Week!

It has been another very busy and exciting week in the Robotics Department at the College!

On Saturday, our team robotics learners attended an inspiring workshop on Shapr 3D. They discovered how this tool can be used not only for creating 3D models of everyday objects but also for designing parts for robots, making gears, and so much more.

Alongside this, our teams have been working tirelessly in preparation for the upcoming WRO National Competitions. We are thrilled to announce that all of our teams have qualified to attend Nationals – and even more exciting, Parklands College is entering with exceptionally strong national rankings after the regional events:

• Robomission Elementary: 1st place and 2nd place

• Robomission Junior: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place

• Robomission Senior: 1st place

• Future Innovators: 5th place

• RoboSports: both of our teams have qualified!

These outstanding achievements are a testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work of our learners and coaches. We are so proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to cheering them on at Nationals.

To add to the excitement, our FLL teams also received their kits this week. With the season officially launched, they are already hard at work, beginning to build their elements – and their enthusiasm is contagious!

Exciting times truly lie ahead for Robotics at Parklands College!

LEARNER AFFAIRS

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 specialists, 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

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

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

Kindly scan the QR code to reply if you are interested.  This tour is going ahead, but we would love a few 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

This Indaba left us with new insights and a renewed sense of responsibility to lead with courage, empathy, and inclusivity..

Feedback

Hockey

This week saw many of our hockey teams play their final matches for the season at home.

The u14 boys and girls teams have improved tremendously this year. This team features many of our Grade 7 (u13s) and we are looking forward to what lies ahead in 2026.

Netball

Our netball players wrapped up their season with a lively round robin mini-fest against the coaches and managers at their final training session on Wednesday. The players gave it their all, but in the end, the coaches and managers proved too strong, claiming victory in every match. The banter, laughs, and friendly rivalry made for a memorable finale! See the action pictures below.

Learner Achievements

Cape Premier League Hockey and Cricket and Maties Super League Cricket

Michael Enslin (Grade 8) has excelled in both hockey and cricket this year, earning selection for the CPL Hockey All Stars, the Hoeri Kwaggo Bulls in CPL Cricket, and the Spartans in the MSL.

What makes his hockey journey remarkable is that he only started playing in March this year on joining Parklands College.

His dedication – from extra lessons to club training – has fast-tracked his growth and shown he belongs at a high level. We wish Michael every success as he represents in the CPL Hockey All Stars this September and in the MSL U14–U19 cricket tournament from 7 - 15 December 2025.

Upcoming Event

Sports department coordinators

For general enquiries about specific winter sports, contact:

• Chess, Boys' soccer, cross country, golf and First Aid mviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Rugby and Girls' soccer dviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Netball and Girls' hockey sbloem@parklands.co.za

• Head of Cricket and Boys' hockey ggilder@parklands.co.za

• Head of Sport dhunt@parklands.co.za 

2025 Sports Prefects

• Erin Langenhoven

• Nicole Apsey

• Nic Farquhar

Winter sports managers (educators)

Winter sports captains 

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

Debating

Debating Success at the Rotary Quarterfinals

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of both our Senior and Junior Debate Teams, who delivered outstanding performances in the Rotary Quarterfinals at DF Malan High School on Monday.

Our Junior Team debated the motion “This House Regrets the Rise of the True Crime Genre” with skill and confidence, while the Senior Team tackled the challenging motion “This House Regrets the Perception of Envy as a Vice”. Both teams not only rose to the occasion but secured convincing wins. A special congratulations goes to Conor Crichton, who was awarded Best Speaker in the Senior debate.

With these victories, both teams now advance to the semifinals:

• Junior Semifinal against Elkanah: Monday, 1 September at Parklands College (Grand Central) - Debate starts at 18:45

• Senior Semifinal against Melkbosstrand: Monday, 8 September at St. Cyprian’s. Debate starts at 19:45

We encourage parents, learners, and supporters to come along and cheer our debaters on. The atmosphere at these events is always inspiring, and your presence makes a real difference.

The Finals will take place on 15 September at Rondebosch Boys' High School, and we are hopeful that both teams will progress to this stage. Whatever the outcome, we are incredibly proud of the dedication, hard work, and passion our debaters have shown to reach this point. Their success is a reflection not only of their talent but of their commitment to the craft of debating.

Outstanding Achievements at the National Debating League

This past Sunday, our debating teams competed in the National Debating League (NDL) finals at the beautiful Stellenbosch University Medical Campus, concluding a season that spanned from February to August. Our debaters entered the competition full of energy and determination, and we could not be prouder of what they have accomplished.

The Junior Team had a remarkable run, advancing through the quarterfinals and semifinals with confidence and flair. A special mention must go to Lily Howe, who was awarded Best Speaker in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. The team’s hard work culminated in the NDL Junior Division Final, where they triumphed and were crowned Junior Division Champions of the 2025 National Debating League.

The Senior Team also delivered excellent performances, reaching the semifinals where they faced a tough and closely contested debate against Bishops. Although their journey ended there, their dedication and the high quality of their debating throughout the season, were clear for all to see.

Individual rankings further highlight the talent across our teams:

• Junior Division Rankings (out of ~200 speakers):

  • Oyin Doyinsola – 47th

  • Caitlin Smith – 25th

  • Jorja Hoppe – 8th

  • Lily Howe – 7th

• Senior Division Rankings (out of ~250 speakers):

  • Mbali Nhuku – 47th

  • Aisha Salie – 34th

  • Kaylee Mestre – 30th

  • Connor Crighton – 18th

  • Joshua Da Silva – 7th

  • Teneale Moodley – 1st overall speaker

These achievements reflect months of commitment, growth, and passion for debating. Both our Junior and Senior Teams now look ahead to the NDL Nationals in Durban this October, where the top four teams from each province will compete for the national title.

No matter what happens next, we are already immensely proud of our learners. Reaching this stage is the result of an extraordinary journey, and everything from here is simply the icing on the cake.

Western Province Colours

Last but certainly not least, we are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of Aisha Salie and Mbali Nhuku, who have both been selected to join the Western Province Debating Team.

This is a remarkable accomplishment, reflecting their hard work, talent, and commitment to the art of debating. Over the coming weekends, they will take part in intensive training sessions in preparation for the National Schools Debating Championships in December. From there, they will have the incredible opportunity to trial for the South African National Team, with the possibility of representing the country at the World Schools Debating Championships next year.

We are immensely proud of Aisha and Mbali, and we look forward to seeing all that they will achieve as they take this next exciting step in their debating journey.

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

Dance

Well done to Alexa-Rose, Ella and Clara-Mari on their beautiful performance at the Cape Junior Ballet's performance, Elements!

Cape Town Eisteddfod

There's lots of buzz in the Music Department ...

Supporting our Musicians at The Cape Town Eisteddfod
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the Cape Town Eisteddfod performances. Please note: a R20 entry fee applies for non-performers. SnapScan and card facilities will be available.

We kindly ask all audience members to kindly observe concert etiquette:

• Please put your cellphones on silent 

• Please stay for the full duration of the performance class 

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

Financial Aid Opportunities - Bursaries 

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.

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.

TERTIARY STUDIES 

Open Days and Application Dates 2025 for Universities and Colleges 

CONCLUSION