From the Office

What a fabulous week we have had!  Our academic classes are in full swing; we have started with sports matches, cultural activities, and clubs & societies meetings and activities.  To top it all, we received great news at the 2024 Western Cape NSC Awards Ceremony yesterday ...

Thank you and well done to the Class of 2024 and their educators for flying the Parklands flag high.

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 MOVED LINKS TO CAMP INFORMATION PAGES TO THE OPERATIONAL INFO TAB.

Cashless Campus

We try to avoid handling cash on campus, so kindly request that you download the SnapScan App for your children to use.  It can be used at Kauai and we have a QR code for learners to scan when we sell tickets for events (e.g. the upcoming social), cake sales and charity collections.  Read more here:  https://www.snapscan.co.za/user

Social at the Sandown Campus on 7 February 2025

The matrics are inviting our learners to a controlled social dance in Curie Quad next Friday.  For safety reasons, we don't allow any vehicles to enter the premises.  Learners need to be dropped in College Avenue and enter through the pedestrian gate where bags will be checked and to ensure that only authorised young people enter.  The gates will be open from 18:00 - 19:30 after which it will be locked until 22:30.

Parents will be allowed to drive in to collect learners after the dance, which will end at 23:00.

There will be supervision by educators throughout the evening.  Kauai will be open and the prefects will also be selling cooldrinks.  We advise you to load SnapScan on your child's phone to avoid any cash payments.

Learners may buy tickets from the prefects using SnapScan or with permission from you, to bill your account.  Learners wishing to bring a friend from another school will need to provide details to be recorded or they may not be allowed to enter.

We look forward to a fun-filled evening.

ACADEMICS

Maths Talk with Paul de Wet

We are delighted to announce that Paul de Wet will be addressing our parent community on Thursday, 6 February 2025.  The focus of his talk will be on managing stress caused by Mathematics—a topic that resonates with many families.  

Paul brings a wealth of experience and expertise:

• Director of Academics at Hilton College (2011–2019).

• Director of Mathematics at Michael House (2020–2022).

• Currently the Director of The Shaya Izibalo Maths Institute, which is dedicated to improving outcomes in secondary mathematics education in South Africa, particularly in less privileged communities.

This insightful session promises to provide valuable strategies and perspectives to support our learners as they navigate their mathematical journeys.  

We look forward to seeing you there!

Subject Changes - Date deadlines for changes

Please note the following important WCED dates for subject changes:

GRADE 12: Monday, 27 January was the final date for Grade 12 subject changes.  No additional subject registrations allowed.

GRADE 11: March 2025 is the final date for Grade 11 subject changes.  Request to do additional subjects must also be submitted before this date as there will be no opportunity to register extra subjects when the candidate is in Grade 12.

GRADE 10: June 2025 is the final date for Grade 10 subject changes.

In order to initiate a subject change, please submit the subject change request form to Mrs Vosloo.  Forms are available from Reception.

Tutorial Sessions

Our academic staff make themselves available for tutorial sessions at designated times.  This is a free service to all.  Please find the schedule below.  

2025 Summer Tutorial Schedule

External Tutoring Services

Please note that the school is not affiliated with any specific external tutoring services. If you receive advertising that includes the school's name or related photographs, kindly consult with our educators first.

Maths and Science Workshops

Our Grade 10 and 12 learners started the term with dedication, demonstrating their commitment to success through a Grade 10 Mathematics workshop and a Grade 12 Science workshop. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and are confident that their dedication will yield great results.

From the English Department - Digital Bookshelf

We understand that some people are just not 'readers,' but we certainly hope they're not that way because they're under the impression that 'books are boring.'  Seriously, stories are like treasure chests waiting to be opened! Sometimes you just need to go on a little adventure to find that one gem that'll have you hooked for life.

So, in an attempt to whet your appetites here are 10 incredible books for you and your family to venture into this quarter.

When you click on any book of your choosing the link will take you to purchase it for Kindle.

Happy Reading!

Maynardville Open-Air Theatre Outing - 4 February

Attention:  Grade 10 parents and FET Drama parents

Please complete and submit this indemnity form Link for the Maynardville Outing on Tuesday, 4 February 2025.

The Grade 10s, along with the FET Drama learners (only), will be going to watch Shakespeare's The Tempest at the popular Maynardville Open-Air Theatre, in Wynberg.

This is a really enriching experience and a beautiful setting to witness this performance under the stars. It's also essential to witness a Shakespearean play, to fully understand their setwork play for Grade 10 and, inevitably, Grade 12. Learners will not miss any class as this outing occurs in the evening. 

Learners must be dressed neatly in their College uniforms but are encouraged to bring along their Parklands blankets as it can get quite chilly sitting outside at night. 

Please see the indemnity form for all the details. 

Contact Mrs J Biermann if you have any questions. 

Hospitality Studies

Hospitality Studies is an exciting and dynamic subject that prepares learners for the fast-paced world of food service and hospitality. This year, we kicked off early with a waiter training refresher course for our Grade 12 learners, ensuring they are well-prepared for their upcoming restaurant evenings on 12-13 February. 

During these special events, they will showcase their skills by preparing and serving a delicious four-course meal in our state-of-the-art Connoisseur Kitchen. Adding to the experience, we take great pride in our beautiful vegetable and herb garden, which provides fresh, homegrown ingredients that feature in our menus. This hands-on approach not only enhances learning but also instills a deep appreciation for quality, sustainability, and the art of fine dining.

Thank you to Mr Taylor and our ground staff for looking after our stunning herb and vegetable garden ...

Learner Survey Feedback

Last year our Quality Assurance Team conducted an assessment of the College through a Learner Survey. The questions covered teaching and learning, the school environment and sporting and cultural activities. In summary, the feedback received an overwhelmingly positive response across all campuses, indicating that Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary offer an authentic and progressive learning environment in which the learners thrive.

The vast majority of learners indicated that they are happy at school and are treated well. We once again received positive results regarding communication and the school environment. What we found particularly pleasing was the high percentage of learners who indicated that they are proud of their school.

The areas where learners added comments are under review and, where possible, will be improved upon.  We value any feedback that assists us in providing Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary learners with an exceptional learning environment.

The Quality Assurance Team

FEEDBACK

Robotics in Action!

Our FTC teams recently held an exciting outreach session with the 1st Table View Scout Group, inspiring eager scouts with a passion for robotics and STEAM learning. It was an evening filled with innovation and enthusiasm!

Also a huge shoutout to our incredible robotics parents and learners who generously gave up their Saturday morning to help our new robotics teacher, Mr. Bridges, get the lab ready and organised for this year’s competitions. Thank you!

Class Rep Training

LEARNER NEWS

Caterina Frazzitta

During the holiday, Caterina attended and completed a 4 day 'Immersion into Medicine Program' offered to aspiring medical students by the Apprentice Corporation. 

Karena Li

Recently, Karena Li participated in a series of performances to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

On 21 Jan 2025, participated at the Consulate of P.R.China in Cape Town;

On 25 Jan 2025, participated at V& A Waterfront:

On 29 Jan 2025, participated at SABC3 Morning Expresso.

Karena loves Chinese culture and traditions and we commend her on representing her heritage this beautiful display.

Ziyu  Yan was also part of the performance on Espresso.  Well done!

Kauai

Please note that the KARRI app will be fully operational from Monday.  Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

For your convenience, the Karri App can be used to place an order at Kauai.  Please see the poster below.

To opt out of receiving notifications, please click on the link and enter your information:  https://forms.gle/atv84QQ8LureNScn9

For information about what is on offer:  PC Menu & Prices_Jan 25.pdf

HOUSES

Inter-house War Cries

The College’s Inter-house Big Brag event is a spirited and vibrant tradition that brings together learners from different houses in a display of unity and competitive spirit. This year’s edition was hosted in the Curie Hall, with each house preparing and performing unique war cries, embodying their house's values, spirit, and determination. This event creates a sense of belonging and pride among students but also serves as a thrilling prelude to Inter-house competitions, igniting a friendly yet fierce rivalry.

The results from Big Brag were: 

1. Yale

2. Oxford/Cambridge

3. Harvard

Congratulations Yale!

Inter-house Swimming Gala

It was a classic hot summer’s day on Tuesday as the new house captains proudly showcased their war cries to the rest of the College before the competitive swimming events began.

Singing and shouting echoed throughout the pool area as learners enthusiastically cheered on their respective houses.

Each swimmer put in a tremendous effort, with the exciting traditional house captain race closing out the gala. The first Inter-house event for the year turned the College into a sea of unforgettable memories and we look forward to many other exciting events to follow.

Harvard emerged victorious for the swimming gala, as well as bringing home the spirit award. 

The results from the swimming gala were: 

1. Harvard

2. Oxford

3. Cambridge

4. Yale

From our sports department

With the first week behind us, we are thrilled to see our learners settling into their sporting routines, with cricket, tennis, and water polo matches already underway. Our swimmers also competed in a combined swimming gala on Thursday.

On Friday, the Sports Prefects hosted our first Sports Assembly for the year, where we announced the captains of the respective junior and senior teams for athletics, cricket, softball, trail running, and tennis. We announced the 1st team captains and acknolwedged the players selected to attend the Chukka Festival in Knysna from 13 - 16 February. 

Congratulations to all who were selected as captain for their team and who are scheduled to attend sports captains’ training on Wednesday, 5 February, from 16h45 - 18h00 in the Innovation Centre.

On Friday, 7 February, approximately 30 athletes will be competing in the WP High School (Table Bay Zone) Athletics Champs at Green Point Stadium. Athletes across all the age groups will compete in sprint, middle-distance, relay, and long jump events. 

Catch all the action by subscribing to the Secondary sports calendar 

DH

Senior or 1st Team Captains 

Parklands College Summer Sporting Programme 2025

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

Secondary sports calendar 

FEEDBACK

Creative Arts

Grade 9 Creative Arts Class, lesson 1 and already playing as if it were lesson 3. 😊

Signing up for Dance in 2025

Please complete the Google Form:  Secondary Dance Entry Form 2025

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

Music Department Update: A Fantastic Start to the Year!

The first week back has been absolutely wonderful, with lessons in full swing and learners diving into their musical journeys with enthusiasm! 🎶✨

We are thrilled to see so much energy and excitement as our musicians settle into their routines. Ensembles kick off next week, so now is the perfect time to get involved! Whether you’re a vocalist, an instrumentalist, or eager to explore new musical opportunities, there’s a space for you.

Keep an eye on our updates for upcoming workshops, performance opportunities, and special events throughout the term. Let’s make this a year filled with music, growth, and creativity!

🎵 Stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep making music! 🎵

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

TERTIARY STUDIES 

CONCLUSION

Photo credit for the beautiful mood photo of one of the quads in the Innovation Centre:  Joshua Jackson-Smith

Have a great weekend!

Kind regards

Sylvia Steyn

ssteyn@parklands.co.za

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