From the Office

Dear Parents and Learners

The school buildings came alive again this week.  Even the weather couldn't dampen the spirits! On the sports fields, in the classrooms, and in attending to other responsibilities and commitments, our learners have jumped right in, as we all realise how little time there is before we start with mid-year examinations.

We will be sending out a parent survey on Monday, April 14, 2025. This survey is conducted every two years, and we would greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete it as your input is greatly valued and provides us with important feedback.

Please be reminded that the learners will write formal examinations until the very last day of the quarter, which is Wednesday, 25 June.

In one week ...

Robotics in Action! 

Wishing our incredible FTC robotics team the very best of luck as they head off to Houston, Texas to compete in the World Championships! 

Your hard work, teamwork, and innovation have already taken you so far — now it’s time to shine on the global stage! 

We are so proud of you. Go make magic happen!

 
#FTCWorlds #RoboticsInAction #ProudMoment #STEMChampions

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.  In this section you will 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

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 Examination Timetable

JUNE EXAM TT 2025 (DRAFT) - this is a draft timetable that will be finalised next week.

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 

Summer Quarter Academic Achievers

GRADE 7

Achieving 80% and above in Grade 7

Kyla-Jade Thomas, Quinn Viljoen, Gabriella Fredericks, Letlotlo Kgwadi, Thandiwe Radebe, Corbyn Beekmans, Othale Gaviao, Riley Millar, Kishan Murugan, Maximilian Stork, Fabio Florentino, Roch Angel, Riley Athanassiou, Anna Herbert, Scarlett Janse van Rensburg, Diyana Manga, Thoshita Nagendrakumar, Aquila Stevens, Matthew Beukes, HuiQuan Sun, Calvin Tarr, Dariq Karachi, Lexi Torlutter, Levi Le Grange, Luka Reyneke, Hope Diango, Karena Li, Luke Sly

Top Achievers

3rd Position in Grade 7: Lucas de Carvalho Smee, Hayden Naidoo

Achieving 90% and above in Grade 7

2nd Position in Grade 7: Liam Brierton

1st Position in Grade 7: Yihan Dai, Saadhil Rampath

GRADE 8

Achieving 80% and above in Grade 8

Muhammad Adam, Gia Huy Kieu, Leo Davies, Kyle Watson, Isla Lindley, Samuel Dale, Zaariya Ismail, Natasha Jayakody, Isabella Ankiah, Skye Arendse-Martin, Jordan Donnelly, Henry Hansen, Ethan Pieterse, Caitlin Hunt, Nokukhanya Khumalo, Sethu Kunana

Top Achievers

3rd Position in Grade 8: Taylor Watson

Achieving 90% and above in Grade 8

2nd Position in Grade 8: Barry John van der Merwe, Emma Strümpher

1st Position in Grade 8: Haige Zhang

GRADE 9

Achieving 80% and above in Grade 9

Njabulo Maswana, Ruby Nieuwstadt, Priyanka Ramlakan, Luke Louw, Nataniel Manuel, Sofia Adams, Heike du Toit, Jesse Loxton, Kira Maltz Kuhn, Charnel Targwirie, Mila Zozo, Lily Howe, Viraya Pillay, Ryan Smal, Zelda Deiner, Isabela Manickum, Yishira Moodley, Madison Viljoen, Joel Ronaldson, Keagan Beaumont, Mosa Sebapadi, Madison Wehrley, Taziané Botha, Liam Oveshan Govender, Holly Hickman, Jaime Ramalheiro, Christo Strydom, Noah Fick, Caitlin Smith, James Chavik, Meredith Chirnside, Matthew Francke, Ronia Minkoulou, Lufuno Thovhogi, Luca van Tonder, Aidan Chow, Yaseen Salie, Phoenix Srdic, Ferdi Zondagh

Achieving 90% and above in Grade 9

Israa Adam, Keira Chirnside, Waganae Masindi, Luan Odendaal, Luke Cloete

Top Achievers

3rd Position in Grade 9: Veer Atwaru, Clara-Mari Vosloo

2nd Position in Grade 9: Milena Berowsky, Ethan Wüst

1st Position in Grade 9: Carl Scheffler

GRADE 10

Achieving 75% and above in Grade 10

Caterina Frazzitta, Ramabele Sello, Aaron Bouwers, Kylah Fenwick, Yufeng Zhu, Madison Benjamin, Zayn Redelinghuys, Jason Bannon, Luka Rose Begg, Joshua Kalapac, Lesa Pokwana

Achieving 80% and above in Grade 10

YuYan Zhang, Kaylee-Jade Mestre, Zakey Mooin, Keren Mulamba-Kiasso, Alecea Vieira, Michelle Chifamba, Puxin Hong, Logan De Araujo, Elijah Le Grange, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Ammiel Kianda Mukalay, Shihan Huang, Luke Le Grange, Teballo Makuzeni, Sesona Mbovane, Lesie van Eck, Tyler Archery, Madison Coleman

Achieving 90% and above in Grade 10

Steffan Hillebrand, Jenna Simpson, Puneet Nagendrakumar, Aden van Rhyn, Zacchary Rawat, Ella Frielinghaus

Top Achievers

3rd Position in Grade 10: Arabella Fox

2nd Position in Grade 10: Liat Demissew

1st Position in Grade 10: Gerhard Vosloo

GRADE 11

Achieving 75% and above in Grade 11

Mischan Francis, Chaihin Naidoo, Wihan Prinsloo, Diya Ramsewak, Mia Bezer, Nika Coetzee, Nikhiel Moodley, Jack Sutherland, Isaiah Kudakwashe Gwaidza, Fabianna Vermeulen, Connor Crighton

Achieving 80% and above in Grade 11

Amelia Anne Bishop, Liam Hills, Jarryd Hunt, Hannah Taylor, Salizwa Mkwananzi, Ka Wai Hou, Emily Hoffman, Maxim McLaughlin, Nicholas Rossouw, Jai Gounden, Dharshana Raja, Shakti Manga, Meera Moodley, Aisha Salie, Dominique Yuill

Top Achievers

Achieving 90% and above in Grade 11

3rd Position in Grade 11: Diederik Van Der Merwe, WanRu Zhou, Kate Stopforth 

2nd Position in Grade 11: Hannah Van Zyl

1st Position in Grade 11: Rayah Moodley, Naeha Naidu

GRADE 12

Achieving 75% and above in Grade 12

Marco Balona, Jordan Black, Tristan Daries, Trinity Rust, Jacob Botes, Nicholas Farquhar, Jake Hutton, Anda Magwaca, Jagger Solomon, Sabrina Davids, Nomvelo Dhlomo, Kevar Mahabeer, Jessica Okor, Hannah Vachaudez, Amy-Kate Wood, Maxine Benjamin

Achieving 80% and above in Grade 12

Leo Adriaanzen, Julia Grasso, Pearl Mabula, Abulele Mhayi, Erin Burke, Miko du Toit, Khanya Gomba, Carolina Grasso, Joshua Jackson-Smith, Andria Mannix, Miya Singh, Morgan Smith, Annika Wellens, Joshua Da Silva, Dean de Jongh, Trent Mc Culloch, Talia Papadakos, Yvan Tapon Njamo, Nicole Apsey, Kayden Biernacki, Talia Folb, Brandon Strydom, Sophia Frielinghaus, Amber Stein, Travis Warren, Eve Bhasera, Carl Gilmour, Loriane Minkoulou Alougou, Mbali Nhuku, Tannah Ronaldson, Declan Saul, Morgan Santo, Kyle Warrender, Alexandra Bester, Jemma Boswell

Achieving 90% and above in Grade 12

Taya Pather, Julia Ligthelm

Top Achievers

3rd Position in Grade 12: Liam Loxton, Keira McLeod 

2nd Position in Grade 12: Akshar Chandarman, Reuben Rietoff, Chanél Ritz 

1st Position in Grade 12: Amy Leigh White

SAMF Maths Training Camp

We are proud of Jennifer Zhou, who was invited to attend the SAMF Maths Olympiad training camp in Johannesburg during the holidays.

Gr12 Digital Electronics

Our Grade 12 Digital Electronics are working hard on their impressive PAT projects:

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.

HOUSES

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.

FEEDBACK

Karena Li

Well done to Karena Li, who participated in the Cape Town Carnival 2025 on 15 March with the Chinese Community. Karena enjoyed the special celebrations of culture, creativity and South African spirit!

Grade 10 Hospitality Studies Outing

At the end of last quarter, the Grade 10 Hospitality Studies learners had the opportunity to visit some of our famous landmarks and do two hotel site visits. We started the day at the top of Signal Hill, the weather was breathtaking and there was plenty of activity with the paragliders taking off every few minutes. For many, this was a first visit!

We then moved on to the V&A Waterfront, where the learners had to identify and research some landmarks. After a quick bite to eat, we went to our first site visit at the Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel in Long Street. This hotel not only has the oldest working lift in Cape Town (1895) , but has seven individually themed Airstream trailers on their roof. The learners divided into groups and we had a full tour of this unique Hotel.

We then drove to the Fire & Ice Hotel for our second site visit! Here we were able to see a totally different type of Hotel set up, and the learners all left with a take away milkshake for the journey home.

This visit will be very relevant for later in the year when they study the Accommodation Establishments of SA and the Functional Positions within the Hotel sector. 

- Lucette Torbet

Goodbye from Mateo

To everyone at Parklands College:  I really appreciated my stay at this awesome school and town. I learned new things in new subjects and really improved my English skills. I also made some new friends and had a lot of fun going to school here. Since the first day everyone was really kind and helped me out with whatever issue I had. Also big thanks to all the teachers and Mrs Steyn to make a stay abroad possible for students of other countries.  

- Mateo Macherey

Sebastian-Finsterwalder-Gymnasium

Rosenheim, Germany

SERVICE

Caitlin Smith represents Interact at 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

I would just like to firstly thank you for this wonderful opportunity to attend RYLA!

Attending RYLA camp truly was such a phenomenal experience that helped me grow in many ways. I feel like I have gained valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and self-confidence throughout my experience at the camp.

It was definitely intimidating not knowing anyone, but this helped me step out of my comfort zone and make new friends and connections. One of the biggest lessons I think I learned was how to work effectively in a group. Throughout the camp, we were constantly placed in teams, given challenges, and asked to solve problems together. I feel like this has taught me the importance of listening to others and understanding all of their different perspectives. I learnt to compromise and that my ideas aren’t the only thing that makes an impact. We learnt that having a strong team isn’t about one person taking charge but it’s  about everyone contributing their strengths.  

Communication was another key skill I improved on. Although throughout the camp we were challenged with improving this skill by not talking, it helped so much. We were not allowed to talk throughout the whole day on Friday, forcing us to create different ways of communicating. On top of that, some of our team mates were blindfolded in challenges, making us communicate with them through silent guidance or tapping. We learnt the importance of sign language and the importance of communication even when you can’t technically speak.

I learned to speak up for myself. The camp pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I saw that my voice matters. I learned that speaking up is not just about being heard but it’s also about making a difference. I learnt that voicing my opinion was crucial and important in a group. 

The whole of the camp prepared us for the final day, where we were blindfolded and tied to a teammate by the hand and foot. We were forced to trust our partners while they navigated us through obstacles, a hike, and a walk through a deep river. Without the preparation the previous days brought us, this challenge would be unachievable.

Overall, RYLA has helped me grow as a leader and as a person. It has given me a greater sense of confidence, communication and group skills.

From our sports department

END Of QUARTER TOUR FEEDBACK

There’s something powerful about representing your school in a different town or country—hearing that first whistle on unfamiliar ground while proudly wearing your team’s colours. A sports tour is about much more than the matches. It’s about the friendships that grow, the challenges that shape us and the moments we’ll never forget. From long bus rides to tough new opponents, these tours push us to grow—not just as athletes, but as teammates and individuals. Take a look at the feedback from our tours to Sri Lanka for cricket and the Garden Route for netball and hockey, and enjoy the videos. They highlight exactly why these experiences are such a valuable part of every athlete’s journey.

Thank you to all learners, parents, educators and coaches who made these tours both possible and memorable.

WINTER SPORT

Our winter sport programme starts on Monday 14th April for all age groups and teams. Our sports co-ordinators are making every effort to ensure that re-arrange matches and ensure that our learners get to play matches despite the interruption to our Friday, Saturday and Monday match days over the coming weeks. 

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

DH

Feedback

Sri Lanka Cricket Tour by Kyle Warrender (Cricket captain)

Our recent cricket tour to Sri Lanka was a memorable experience both on and off the field. The heat and humidity presented a significant physical challenge, testing our endurance and adaptability in every match. The opposition was highly skilled and approached the game with seriousness and professionalism, pushing us to elevate our own standards.

We played five competitive matches during the tour, winning two. While the results didn’t always go our way, we gained invaluable experience, learned a great deal, and grew as a team with every game.

Off the pitch, the tour was filled with cultural and educational highlights. We visited two serene Buddhist temples, including the remarkable Sigiriya Rock Castle, where we climbed over 1600 stairs – a true test of perseverance. Other highlights included exploring a turtle hatchery, learning about local agriculture at a tea farm and spice gardens, and our unanimous favourite – the Elephant Sanctuary. Feeding the elephants and watching them bathe was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left a lasting impression.

Mealtimes quickly became a highlight of the day. Every meal was a buffet, and with appetites fired up by cricket and sightseeing, they often turned into friendly eating contests! We enjoyed traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, which featured a delicious variety of curries, fresh fish, chicken dishes, and an abundance of tropical fruits.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Steyn, Mr Hunt, Mr Fortuin and Mr Gilder for making this amazing opportunity possible. 

Your support, guidance and commitment made this unforgettable experience a reality.

Garden Route Sports Tour by Nicole Apsey (Netball captain)

On the 24th of March, the Parklands College winter sports teams set off on what would become one of the most memorable and exciting tours of our high school years. With new faces, unfamiliar places, and the pressure of performing well on court, the netball girls were both nervous and excited as we began our nine-day Garden Route adventure.

After a long but laughter-filled five-hour bus ride, we arrived at the beautiful Wilderness Hotel, which became our home for the next three nights. The hotel was the perfect setting to build strong connections within the team. From friendly tennis matches and pool games to intense yet hilarious putt-putt showdowns, we bonded through every activity. Our team also participated in breakaway sessions with our coaches, where we reflected on our goals, our dreams, and our love for the sport.

On the 25th of March, we made our way to the famous Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn. Exploring the awe-inspiring limestone formations and squeezing through narrow tunnels was both thrilling and unforgettable. Some brave teammates even ventured into the deeper crawl spaces. Later that day, we visited the Cango Ostrich Farm, where we enjoyed a guided tour and a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature.

The following day began with a delicious breakfast before heading to the Knysna Elephant Sanctuary. There, we had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk with elephants, feed them, and learn about their incredible history and behaviour. It was a magical experience that none of us will forget. That afternoon marked our first netball match of the tour, and the nerves were high. We played against Knysna High School in an intense forty-minute game. Many of our players stepped into new positions for the first time, showing immense adaptability and dedication. The hard work paid off with a narrow yet proud victory of 20 to 19. It was a true reflection of our determination and teamwork.

On the 27th of March, we visited the Outeniqua Transport Museum and boarded the scenic Powervan for a breathtaking ride through the mountains. The views were stunning, and the ride offered a much-needed moment of calm. That evening, we arrived at the Point Village Hotel in Mossel Bay. With the ocean right beside us, the next part of our journey began. We ended the day with a relaxing dinner at Delfinos Restaurant, enjoying good food and the calming sound of the waves.

On the 29th of March, we participated in the Point High School Sports Festival. Our first match was against the Kakamas team. After a challenging first half, we came together and secured a victory with a score of 12 to 8. A special congratulations to Annika Wellens, who was named Player of the Match. Our second game against Curro Hermanus was a tough battle, and although we lost by just three goals, we remained proud of our performance. Our final game of the day, against Wolmaransstad, was perhaps the most difficult, but we stayed strong and united even through the loss.

Later that evening, we attended the Mr and Miss Sportweek Competition at HS Punt Hall. It was a fun and lively night where we had the chance to meet students from other schools, enjoy performances, and proudly cheer as our very own Trent was crowned Mr Sportweek of the tournament.

On the 30th of March, we arrived at the beautiful Gourikwa Nature Reserve, where we spent our final two nights. Surrounded by lush greenery and just a short walk from the beach, it was the perfect place to wind down and reflect on our journey.

The next day, we returned to Point High School for more matches. With only two games left in the festival, our team gave it everything we had. We lost one and drew the other, but we played with heart and left everything on the court. By now, we had truly become a team that understood and supported each other, both on and off the court.

Our final match took place on the 1st of April against Edgemead. It was a bittersweet moment. While we were proud of how far we had come, it was also hard to say goodbye to the tour that brought us so many unforgettable memories. After the match, we began the long journey back to Parklands College, our hearts full and our spirits high.

A huge thank you goes to our incredible Coach Tania for her guidance, encouragement, and belief in us throughout the tour. Thank you also to Mr Hunt for organising such a well-run and unforgettable experience. And of course, to 'SK', our amazing bus driver who was with us every step of the way — thank you for your kindness and for making our travel days smoother and more enjoyable.

As a matric learner, this tour was something truly special. It was my last opportunity to travel and play as part of a school team, and it gave me memories that I will carry with me long after I leave Parklands. Being surrounded by such inspiring teammates and coaches reminded me why I fell in love with sport in the first place. It was not just about winning or losing, but about the friendships, the growth, and the laughter shared along the way. I am so grateful that this was how I got to begin the final season of my school netball journey.

Garden Route Sports Tour by Julia Ligthelm (Girls' hockey captain)

Unfamiliar people, a new team, and unknown places. Everyone was nervous to take off on this sports tour—well, I know I was. Although many people had close friends with them, I don’t think any of us expected to leave the tour with the great connections we made with people we may not have even seen at school before.

After a four-and-a-half-hour bus drive from College, everyone wondered what lay ahead of us for the next eight days. Our first stop, for nights 1–3, was the Wilderness Hotel. Our expectations were exceeded by what the hotel had to offer—from padel to putt-putt, buffet breakfasts, and delicious dinners. On the first night, new friendships began forming: playing tennis, one-touch, and sitting in a circle singing along to the ukulele. Whilst in Wilderness, we had some very exciting outings, including going to the Cango Caves—squeezing through the tiniest of spaces—as well as visiting Knysna Elephant Sanctuary, where we walked with the elephants. We also played our first game as a team, shaking off the rust and getting used to playing with one another before the start of the festival. On our last day in Wilderness, we had the privilege of travelling on the Power Van from the Outeniqua Motor Museum into the beautiful Outeniqua Mountains.

We then left Wilderness and arrived at our next destination: the Point Village Hotel. This hotel allowed for bonding time not only within the respective teams, but amongst all the teams—through more games of padel, snorkelling, swimming in the tidal pool, and meals at the local restaurant. This accommodation was the perfect spot. After a relaxing two days enjoying the area, the long-awaited festival began. Playing three matches in one day was not a regular occurrence for the hockey girls and took massive amounts of energy and dedication. After an intense day of games, we attended the Mr and Miss Sportweek Competition, where our school had four participants—one of the girls placing in the top seven—and we came home with Mr Sportweek: Trent. After a long, exciting day, we all enjoyed the rest once we got back to the hotel.

After three nights at the Point Village Hotel, it was time to depart and arrive at our final destination: Gourikwa Nature Reserve. What a beautiful accommodation—surrounded by luscious trees and just a short walk from the beach. Although it was an hour away from the festival location, it was so worth waking up a little earlier. On Monday and Tuesday, every single team had to dig deep—waking up at 5:00 AM for breakfast at 5:45 and then facing a full day of games.

Sitting on the bus on the way back to Cape Town, the conversation still didn’t stop. Everyone was exhausted, but we knew we’d miss the company once we arrived home. I can, without a doubt, say that this tour surpassed every expectation I had. I will never forget the sportsmanship, the memories, the laughter and the friendships that were created on this tour.

I am so proud of every single athlete. I know we all gave everything we had, and it paid off. The hockey girls played tough opposition—some of us playing out of position—but we didn’t let that stop us. We put in the effort, hard work, and played until the final whistle, which I believe every team should admire. I am so proud to be part of a team that shows such excellent sportsmanship. We are proud of the wins we managed to achieve: the first win against High School Kirkwood, the second against Point High School, and the final win against Edgemead u16.

A huge thank you to Coach Tania, Coach Stewart, Mrs Scott and Mr Hunt. Thank you for your constant support, guidance and positivity—the success of this tour would not have been possible without you. One last thank you to SK, our bus driver, for driving us all over the place and being so friendly and helpful. You played a huge role in making this tour a good one.

As a matric, I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to go on this tour. Myself and the other seniors in my team have played together since Grade 8, and this tour was an amazing way to start our last season together.

Garden Route Sports Tour by Trent Mc Culloch (Boys' hockey captain)

A 9-day trip along the coastline sounds like a nice getaway, but on 24 March, Parklands College’s winter sports teams for Netball and Girls’/Boys’ Hockey set off for one of the best experiences one could ask for—well, at least from my experience. Going on this tour with new teammates with whom I had never played before is confusing and awkward: staying in foreign places as well as having huge responsibilities and expectations, let alone trying to do well in the matches.

But this tour made all of these worries subside and fade away. Conversations struck easily, people were friendly and funny, so new faces became familiar voices. This tour was such a valuable experience for team chemistry and overall life experience. A long bus ride up to Knysna, sitting next to your close friends making inside jokes, not knowing what you may be missing if you just spoke to somebody new. A few snack breaks later, we made it to our first destination: Wilderness Hotel, in the middle of the small town Wilderness, where everything was just a 2-minute walk away. Some of the best nights were spent here, when we all realised that there are new people to meet or new things to try. The days flew by too fast, filled with fun activities such as the Cango Caves, Ostrich Farm and our first pre-tournament game against Knysna High School. Good food and even better company turned the tired nights into endless conversation, united by sport—whether it was the sport we came to play or what the hotels had to offer. From padel to one-bounce, we kept ourselves busy and made a connection to the new faces who came with us on this journey.

On the way to the Point Village Hotel in Mossel Bay, the next stop would be the Knysna Elephant Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, where we got to walk with gentle giants and experience nature's beauty first-hand. Having the next hotel along the sea was refreshing. Dining together at a restaurant like one big family, the nights were never quiet. This also marked the start of the AJ Sports Festival, where the majority of the games would take place. Spanning over four days, this festival would challenge the limits of our players—waking up at 5 to go for a morning run and then eat breakfast at 6:30 was not what I imagined my mornings would look like. Pushing through the first stretch of the festival, we left Point Village and headed for ‘Gourikwa’, a nature reserve where we would be sleeping in the thick of nature and where we anxiously awaited the next two days of matches.

With a few wins under our belt, we wanted to hit the remainder of the festival hard, focusing on our games. I remember at dinner, all I could hear were comments on how everyone played in the games we played—trying to better ourselves and celebrating our successes.
Closing off the tour with a sombre goodbye to Mossel Bay and a long ride home. People slept and people talked, but most importantly, people smiled.

Looking back on this tour, I can only recall happy memories—laughter still cluttering my ears.
I don't think that this tour would have been as successful as it was if it wasn't for our amazing coaches and coordinators: Mrs Scott, Coach Stewart, Coach Tania, Mr Hunt, and most importantly “SK”, our wonderful bus driver who stayed with us throughout the whole trip. He became part of the Parklands family. I am so grateful to have been on such an amazing tour with such wonderful individuals. I’ve made new friends and feel more connected with my team than I have ever been before. So, if you’re ever thinking about not going on a sports tour, I’d reconsider if I were you.

Senior or 1st Team Captains

GARDEN ROUTE SPORTS TOUR - NETBALL, GIRLS' HOCKEY and BOYS' HOCKEY

GARDEN ROUTE SPORTS TOUR VIDEO

NETBALL

GIRLS' HOCKEY

BOYS' HOCKEY

Learner achievements 

Madison Coleman

Madison competed at the South African Schools Swimming Champs held in Bloemfontein from 4-8 April 2025.



She swam 6 individual events and 2 relays. 

Madison qualified for 6 finals where she swam 2 personal best times and achieved the following results:

Gold - 50m Breaststroke

4th - 400m Individual Medley

4th - 100m Breaststroke

4th - 50m Freestyle

7th - 200m Breaststroke (Women 16-18)

8th - 200m Backstroke (Women 16-18)

Madison also achieved an overall ranking of 16 out of 134 Senior female swimmers and an overall ranking of 3rd for the Western Cape Aquatics senior female swimmers.

We are extremely proud of Madison’s perseverance, grit, and resilience in challenging gala conditions and over a very long period of time.

Well done Madison!

Parklands College winter sporting programme 2025

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

Secondary sports calendar 

DANCE

Well done to our dancers who danced the Gold Jazz exam on 25 March.

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 

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