Secondary Faculty Weekly Memo
1 November 2024
FROM THE OFFICE
Dear Parents and Learners
We are grateful to report that our matrics have been satisfied with all the papers so far. We wish the rest of our learners all the best in preparing for their final examinations.
Call for book donations
It has become tradition to award of Top Achievers in each grade a book prize.
Parents who are willing to sponsor a book for and Grade 7 - 11 Top Achievers, to be awarded in January at the Academic Awards, are invited to email Gillian Oppenshaw goppenshaw@parklands.co.za.
You may either donate a book or give us permission to bill your account for a book from Exclusive Books.
Please note uniform requirements for 2025
All Grade 7s and all new learners are required to wear the new blazer in 2025.
The check trousers are for exclusive use as part of the Hospitality uniform.
Appeal for consideration at drop-off and collection times
Please follow the rules of the road and do not enter the roundabouts from the wrong side.
Please do not block the traffic by stopping at the entrance of the gate.
Please do not park anywhere that can interfere with the flow of traffic.
Mandarin Chinese in 2025
The Chinese government in collaboration with UCT contacted us with an opportunity for learners to learn Mandarin Chinese as a co-curricular activity. Depending on the interest, we will offer two classes - one for beginners and one for those with basic knowledge of the language. It will take place once a week during one of the utility sessions.
The cost will be R1000 per quarter. Please mail ssteyn@parklands.co.za by the end of the weekend if your child would like to join the class and indicate the level of Mandarin Chinese knowledge.
ACADEMICS
Academic Links
Note the section at the top dedicated specifically to academic links. In this section you will find:
🎓 Spring Quarter Timetables, 🎓Assessment Calendars, the 🎓 Tutorial Schedule
🎓 Exam Timetables, the 🎓Exam Study Guidelines, the 🎓Exam Study Timetables.
🎓 Report Weightings, 🎓 Promotion Requirements 🎓 Regulation Absenteeism
Matric NSC Exam
Start to FET Examinations
Textbooks and stationery for 2025
Kindly read the letter with all the information about placing orders.
Textbooks for 2025
Stationery for 2025
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Device requirements for 2025
Please see the information below in order to plan for 2025.
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.
Grade 12 National Senior Certificate
Gr12 NSC Timetable
GET Study Timetables
The school counsellors have kindly prepared proposed study timetables for all our GET learners. We encourage everyone to start early to reduce exam pressure.
Grade 7 Study Timetable Sample
Grade 8 Study Timetable Sample
Grade 9 Study Timetable Sample
Gr7-Gr11 Examinations
November Examination Timetable.
Study Guidelines
Absenteeism during Exams and Assessments
A complete assessment portfolio (SBA - school based assessment), including all November examinations, is required for promotion into the next grade.
A learner can not be permitted to write the final exam should the SBA component be incomplete.
Should a learner be absent for the final examination without a valid reason, the learner will not be promoted to the next grade. A valid reason in this context includes the following:
a) illness , supported by a valid medical certificate, issued by a registered medical practitioner;
b) humanitarian reasons, which includes the death of an immediate family member, supported by a death certificate;
c) the learner appearing in a court hearing, which must be supported by written evidence; or
d) any other reason as may be accepted as valid by the Head of the assessment body.
Note that extended holiday breaks and travel does not constitute a valid reason.
From the English Department
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
This quarter’s book lineup is a rollercoaster ride – packed with mysteries, romances, and everything in between! With the cold weather upon us, there is no better excuse to curl up with a hot beverage and a good book.
Your bookworm-in-training should have devoured two personal picks by now, with another two to go, in order to submit enough book reports for the year. We're crossing our fingers these recommendations spark some curiosity to explore beyond your comfort zone.
Get cozy and dive in! Happy Reading!
Digital bookshelf LINK
Mathematical Literacy Olympiad
Liya de Allende
Matthäus Papst
Daniel Roux
Over 2300 learners across the country participated in the 2025 MathLit Olympiad. We are most proud of our learners' achievements:
Grade 10: Liya de Allende placed 3rd nationally
Grade 12: Matthaus Papst placed 2nd and
Daniel Roux placed 3rd nationally
Ed-Admin Multi-Portal Installation
YOU WILL NEED THIS APP IN ORDER TO ACCESS REPORTS IN THE FUTURE.
We are pleased to inform you that the new Ed-admin Multi Portal App (Ed-admin MP) is now available on the Google and Apple App stores. The features include access to your child’s reports, calendar activities and daily attendance records to mention a few.
To install the App please follow the below instructions:
1.) Download the Ed-Admin Multi Portal App by using the relevant link below:
● Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ed-admin-multi-portal/id6469108569
OR
● Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edana.edadmin&hl=en&gl= US
2.) Enter 230034 (Parklands College Code) and your email address to log in. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:
3.) The next step will require you to enter the login code sent to you via email. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:
Please ensure that you keep this App updated otherwise you will be logged out and will have to repeat the above process to regain access.
FEEDBACK
New Prefect Body Assembly
The 2025 Learner Leadership team had the opportunity at last week's assembly to introduce themselves to the school and share some of their plans for the various portfolios. We wish them well for their term in office.
Recap of Last Friday’s Robotics Scrimmage!
This past Friday, the Hyperion Bots hosted an exciting scrimmage at our school, bringing together teams from across the area to compete, connect, and have some fun before exams. The event kicked off Thursday with setup, where we stocked up on snacks and drinks to run our very own kiosk. Sales from the kiosk helped raise funds for our uniforms—a big thank you to everyone who supported!
On Friday afternoon, teams started arriving around 2:45, and by 3:00, we were ready to roll with our opening ceremony. The energy was high as we began the matches, and after six intense rounds, the top two teams earned the chance to choose their alliances for the final showdown. The matches were packed with close calls and big plays, and although the Hyperion Bots didn’t take the top spot, we’re thrilled with how our team performed.
The scrimmage was a fantastic experience, and we loved hosting and sharing the excitement with other teams. Looking forward to more events like this—and even bigger wins—in the future!
On the other front, we’re thrilled to share that we dropped off the stationary donations on Tuesday for the school where we’re working on a colouring book project. We’re designing these books in partnership with a team from New York to make learning about robotics more creative and fun. Thank you to everyone who supported our efforts—we’re looking forward to more days like this and more ways to give back!
SERVICE
Interact Induction Dinner
Congratulations to the 2025 Interact Committee. May your motto “Hands to serve, hearts to change” ring true during your term in office. All of the best for your future endeavours.
Thank you to the outgoing committee whose commitment to service brought joy to many.
President: Naeha Naidu
Vice President: Connor Niske
Secretaries: Fabianna Vermeulen, Sesona Mbovane
Treasurer: Emily Hoffman
Junior Head: Wanganae Masindi
Head of Communication: Logan de Araujo, Teneale Moodley
Head of Environment: Jenna Simpson
Head of Education: Kate Stopforth, Aisha Salie
Head of Gender & Identity: Liya de Allende
Hyperion Bots' visit to Sophakama Primary School.
Some members of the Hyperion Bots visited Sophakama Primary School in Du Noon to tell them about their service initiative: their robot, Dougie C, is going to feature in a colouring in book ...
Thank you to everyone who donated stationery - it was received with so much joy!
SPORT
external_sports_news@parklands.co.za
Head of Sport: tpillay@parklands.co.za
Rugby and Girls Soccer Coordinator: dviljoen@parklands.co.za
Chess, Boys Soccer & Cross Country Coordinator: mviljoen@parklands.co.za
Netball and Hockey Coordinator: sbloem@parklands.co.za
Message from the Secondary Head of Sport
As we approach the conclusion of FET sports for 2024, I am filled with immense pride and joy, witnessing our teams give their all and uphold their commitment to the College.
This past week has showcased some outstanding performances. Our U19A Water Polo girls secured an impressive 13-2 victory against Paarl Girls High, while our U19A Cricket team triumphed over Fairmont High by 5 wickets. A standout achievement came from our U14 cricket team, who earned a hard-fought win against Brackenfell High, avenging their earlier loss in the first quarter—a truly rewarding moment for the boys.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the educators and coaches who have dedicated their time and effort to supporting and guiding our senior teams. Your commitment to our learners is deeply appreciated.
Weekly Sport Video
Looking Ahead
This afternoon, we are excited to host water polo matches, with our girls' teams facing off against Herzlia at home, while our boys' teams will travel to compete against the same opponent. Tomorrow, our U19A and U19B cricket teams will welcome Bellville High to our campus for their matches. We warmly invite all parents to come and show their support for our teams. Your presence and encouragement mean a great deal to our learners.
Next week will be the last week of practice for our GET learners. I urge parents to ensure that all GET learners attend practices next week. Moving forward, we will continue with our successful examination sport sessions which will start on Monday 11 November.
Sessions on offer:
Monday - 12:00 - 13:00 - GET and FET Netball
Tuesday - 12:00 - 13:00 - GET and FET Rugby
Wednesday - 12:00 - 13:00 - GET and FET Water polo
Thursday - 12:00 - 13:00 - GET and FET Hockey
A google form will be sent out early next week to confirm attendance for these session.
Physical Education
U15A final match of season
Weekly Sport Results
Summer Weekly Programme
Sport Uniform
DANCE
Well done to our tap dancers who danced their exams yesterday.
MUSIC
LESSON SCHEDULING
Lessons continue throughout the exam session next quarter. Learners are requested to please ensure that they book their lessons as soon as possible. Lesson are booked on a first come, first served basis.
Are you ready to try something new?
The Parklands College Music Department offers expert tuition on a variety of instruments, taught by industry specialists.
Whether you're looking to start your musical journey or try out a new instrument, we've got you covered!
Not sure which instrument suits you best? No problem!
Email Mrs. Matsimela at amatsimela@parklands.co.za to book a try-out session.
2025 Enrolment Form: https://forms.gle/QhYkKxrBxFLt7ipNA
🎵 Note: If you're already part of the extra-mural music programme, no need to sign up again for 2025—you’re automatically enrolled!
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! 🎹🎸🥁
Want to learn an instrument? Let's Go!!!!!
Should you be interested in starting an instrument. Please complete this form: https://forms.gle/MMYD7bH2Ak2iVXgL7
LEARNER SUPPORT
Mrs Scott (C block): sjscott@parklands.co.za
Mrs Kistan (Resource Centre): skistan@parklands.co.za
Psychometric Assessments
The learner support department offers psychometric assessments at the school for subject choice and career counselling. This process includes an initial interview with the learner, aptitude, personality and interest assessments, as well as a feedback session with an assessment report that is a useful guidance tool for informed decision making and clarity in one’s career or subject choice process. The assessments are done at school and during school time.
Please contact Samantha Scott sjscott@parklands.co.za for more information or to make a booking. There are limited assessment slots each quarter so please enquire early in 2025 to avoid disappointment. (Please note assessments are a billable service).
Yale International Relations Global Essay Competition
We are excited to share an exceptional opportunity for students in Grades 8 to 12 who are passionate about international relations and essay writing—the Yale International Relations Global Essay Competition. Developed in collaboration with YaleUndergraduate Mentors, this prestigious competition offers a unique platform for you to showcase your analytical and writing skills on a global stage.
It offers participants a chance to delve into complex global issues, guided by the expertise of Yale students. Participants will enhance their critical thinking and research abilities while connecting with a global network of peers and mentors dedicated to understanding and solving the world's pressing challenges.
Why This Essay Competition?
Global Recognition: Participants will receive a certificate from Yale International Relations Association and Learn with Leaders, boosting their academic profiles.
Guidance from Yale Mentors: Participants will be mentored by talented Yale students, helping them refine their writing and analytical skills.
Real-World Impact: This competition encourages participants to tackle pressing international relations issues, providing them with a deeper understanding of global challenges.
Skill Building: Participants will develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills, essential for their academic and professional futures.
Portfolio Development: Participants will build a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their analytical abilities, setting them apart in college applications.
Networking Opportunities: The competition connects students with a global community of like-minded peers and Yale mentors, establishing a robust foundation for future academic growth.
Program Overview
Over the course of the competition, you will explore various international relations topics, gain insights from Yale mentors, and have the chance to present your work to a global audience. This experience will not only sharpen your skills but also provide you with invaluable exposure to the world of diplomacy and global studies.
Apply Now: https://t.ly/jA9Sr
Key Details
Format: Online
Registration Period: September 10 - December 31, 2024
Eligibility: Grades 8–12
Registration Fee: USD 25
Theme for the Essays Announced: First week of January 2025
Webinars on Essay Writing
January 11, 2025: Understanding Important Global Issues and Perspectives
January 18, 2025: Crafting a Competitive Essay
January 25, 2025: Tackling Global Issues
February 1, 2025: Top Tips for Editing Essays
Essay Submission: February 3-9, 2025
Top 20 Finalists Announced: March 9, 2025
Final Submissions: March 21-23, 2025
Top 3 Winners Announced: March 31, 2025
For more details, visit the Yale International Relations Global Essay Competition website: https://ivycomp.com/
TERTIARY STUDIES
Exciting News: The Western Cape Issue of SA Career Guide is Now Live!
Discover your future with the latest issue of SA Career Guide! Packed with valuable insights, expert advice, and career opportunities tailored for you, this digital magazine is your free resource for making informed decisions about your next steps. Don’t miss out—open it today and start planning your path to success!
Open Magazine: https://www.sacareerguide.co.za/archive/2024/wc/index.html
ACT OPEN DAY 23 NOV
23 November 2024 Open Day
Time: 10am-12pm/2pm-4pm
Address: Act Cape Town, First Floor, Sunrise House, 55 Morningside Street, Ndabeni, Pinelands
Ticket price: R50
Available to purchase through the following links:
PARENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary parents who are in business are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/
LISTINGS ARE FREE and include contact information as well as the opportunity to include a business logo or advert. Listings are available 24/7 on the College website and will be updated each quarter.
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...
CONCLUSION
Enjoy the weekend.
Kind regards
Sylvia Steyn
Please follow us on social media
Parklands College & CRPP on Facebook
Parklands College & CRPP on Twitter
www.instagram.com/parklandscollege/?hl=en
Blogs from other faculties:
PP: https://ppblog.parklands.co.za
JP: https://jpblog.parklands.co.za
SP: https://spblog.parklands.co.za