From the Office

Next week we are halfway through the Summer Quarter - one of the busiest on our calendar.  

We are looking forward to the Grade Camps next week, which will give everyone a breather before embarking on the final five weeks.  Apart from being an opportunity to relax and spend time in nature, it also provides learners and educators with a chance to get to know one another better.

Please click on the links below to ensure that you have all the information you need and for learners to be fully prepared.

Grade 7 2025:  https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2025-gr-7-camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 8 2025: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2025gr8camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 9 2025: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2025gr9camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 10 2025: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2025gr10camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 11 2025: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2025-gr11-camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 12 2025: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/2025gr12camp-site?usp=sharing

T20 cricket

Read all about our 1st XI Day/Night match against Milnerton High on Monday night in the Sport Section lower down.

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

Mandarin Chinese in 2025

The Confucius Institute at UCT contacted us with an opportunity for learners to learn Mandarin Chinese as a co-curricular activity.  

We are excited to report that we have started a class for beginners.  The lessons take place during the utility session on a Wednesday.

If you are still interested in signing up your child, please mail ssteyn@parklands.co.za The cost will be R1000 per quarter.  

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.

Open Day:  15 February

ACADEMICS

Academic Links

Note the section at the top dedicated specifically to academic links.  In this section you will find: 

🎓 Summer Quarter Timetables,  🎓Assessment Calendars, the  🎓 Tutorial Schedule, the  🎓 Subject Change Deadlines, the   🎓Promotion Requirements and   🎓 2025 Examination Dates.🎓 Absence during Assessments or Exams.

Tour de Maths

The first leg of Tour de Maths kicked off on Thursday, 6 February, marking the third year of this exciting event in the Western Cape. We were thrilled to welcome 132 Grade 8 and 9 learners and 56 Grade 6 and 7 learners to the competition.

The Grade 8 and 9 competition has shown remarkable growth, expanding from 6 participating schools to 9 this year. We were delighted to welcome Rustenburg Girls and The Green School South Africa to the Tour de Maths family for the first time!

The event was officially opened by Mr Paul de Wet, who also delivered an insightful talk to parents about managing the anxiety often caused by Mathematics. For parents who couldn’t attend or those who requested a copy, Mr de Wet’s presentation slides are available in this week’s blog.

A special congratulations to Keira Chirnside and Ferdi Zondagh, who secured second place. Currently, Rondebosch Boys are in the lead, followed closely by Bishops in second position and Rustenburg Girls in third.

During our recent Mathematics Roadshow,  the importance of exposing learners to more problem-solving questions was emphasized, as the matric examiners are shifting their focus toward these types of questions.

As part of our efforts to support this, we’re excited to announce that our Olympiad training sessions will start on 24 February. We strongly encourage your child to attend these sessions, as they provide an excellent opportunity to develop problem-solving skills in preparation for both the Olympiad and future Mathematics challenges.

We are also looking forward to the second leg of Tour de Maths, which will be hosted at Rustenburg Girls on 6 March. It promises to be another exciting event filled with mathematical challenges, teamwork, and fun.

Let’s keep the momentum going, and best of luck to all the learners for the next leg of Tour de Maths!

Grade 9s Maths on Valentines Day ❤️

Miss Van Schaik and her Grade 9 Maths learners are busy with factorisation (grouping)...

Gr11 Business Studies test

Share the ❤️ in Drama class

Additional Support

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.

2025 Exam Dates

Mid-year GET Examinations (Grade 7, 8 & 9):  2 June until 24 June

Mid-year FET Examinations (Grade 10, 11 & 12):  26 May until 24 June

Preliminary Examinations (Grade 12):  25 August until 22 September

End of year GET Examinations (Grade 7, 8 & 9):  11 November until 2 December (last day of quarter 5 December)

End of year FET Examinations (Grade 10 & 11):   3 November until 2 December (last day of quarter 5 December)

Grade 12 Final National Senior Certificate Examination:  We await confirmation of the specific dates and timetable from DBE.  All candidates must be available until the last day of the examination, regardless their subject timetable.

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 include 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 do not constitute a valid reason.

Digital Bookshelf

A Call for Prize Donations

The English Department has launched its first internal Creative Writing Competition and Book Bingo Competition.  We are looking for book vouchers to be donated for the top 3 winners for both FET and GET, as well as 3 additional prizes for the Annual Book Bingo. If you would like some more information about the competitions, please click HERE. 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Mrs J Biermann (jbiermann@parklands.co.za)

Hospitality Department

Grade 12 Hospitality Studies Hosts First Restaurant Evening

Our Grade 12 Hospitality Studies learners this week hosted their first restaurant evening at the school's Connoisseur Restaurant, embracing the theme "Proudly South African." Guests were treated to a delicious three-course meal, starting with flavourful boerewors samosas, then a beautifully curated main course, ending on a sweet note with Malva pudding and Peppermint Crisp Tart ice cream. 

This event marks the beginning of many more, serving as valuable preparation for the learners' year-end Practical Assessment Task. Well done to our young chefs on a successful evening!

FEEDBACK

Robotics in Action! 

This week, Mr. Cai Bridges led an insightful workshop on gears, exploring their uses, ratios, compound gearing, and real-world applications. Students learned how gearing improves efficiency, speed, and power in robotics designs! 

We’re also inviting parents with expertise in engineering, electronics, coding, or robotics to host a Skills Workshop for our robotics teams. If you’re interested, please email Justine de Wet at jdewet@parklands.co.za. Your knowledge and experience can help develop our learners' problem-solving and technical skills!

Finally, we send our best wishes to our First Tech Challenge team, Hyperion Bots,  as they compete in the National Competition at Amazon’s Head Office in Black River this weekend! 

We would also like to wish Isabella Ankiah all the best to her and her team, Texpand, for the FTC National Competition.

#RoboticsInAction #STEM #FutureEngineers #FTC #RoadToNationals

Kids' Lit Quiz 2025

On Wednesday afternoon, our two Lit Quiz teams from Grades 6 and 7 joined 35 teams from Western Cape schools, participating in the annual Kids’ Lit Quiz, a literature competition that takes place in various countries worldwide and culminates in a world final in July. Teams faced 100 questions in 10 categories, including escapees, legends, acronyms and abbreviations, confectionery, body parts, and hats.   As always, this was a wonderful experience for our enthusiastic readers, who got to share their impressive book knowledge together with a crowd of like-minded peers.  

We are so proud of Lucas De Carvalho Smee who won an individual prize when he answered an intricate question from the 2024 World Final in record time. Watching these participants celebrate every correct answer, debate each interpretation and finding joy in their love for books is heartwarming, as this will have a lasting impact on their lives.

LEARNER NEWS

Grade 11 Valentine's sale

Kauai

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

From our sports department

As we complete another full week of sport across all age groups, we find there is much to celebrate—and not all of it is results-based. 

At the beginning of this year, we requested clear communication from parents and learners when learners needed to be excused from training. Thank you for keeping in touch and supporting our teams in this way.

Every second week, our sports department acknowledges learners who have attended every training session during that cycle. Regular attendance not only builds discipline but also helps players understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, which ultimately makes the team more effective.

The highs of victory and the lows of defeat both offer valuable lessons. By staying humble, adapting to change, and focusing on the present, every sporting opportunity becomes a chance to grow.

Next week, we take a short break from the sporting programme (from Tuesday afternoon) as all our learners will be attending their grade camps. After camp, we begin our pre-season winter programme, which will run alongside the summer programme for a short time.  

This programme will primarily cater to learners attending the Garden Route Tour from 24 March to 1 April, as well as our rugby and netball players preparing for the West Coast Festival starting on the evening of Friday the 7 March and continuing on Saturday the 8 March.

Thank you for your support—here’s to more learning, growth, and enjoyment on and off the field.

DH

Sports video of the week

Feedback

Thank you!

New metal cricket stumps

A huge thank you to Mr Rudi Muller and Mrs Lesley Muller from Rules Steel for their generous contribution of five custom-made metal cricket stumps for our practice nets. Their support enhances our training facilities and benefits all our cricketers.

Some highlights from home and away...

Western Province Table Bay Zone - Section D meeting at Green Point Stadium

On Friday, 7 February, 28 Parklands athletes participated in our zonal athletics meeting at Green Point Stadium. This was the first phase of meetings where athletes who finished in the top four positions (based on recorded times) were selected to attend phase two, which will be held at Green Point Stadium from 21-22 February, for those who qualify on the Friday.

The following athletes have been selected to compete on Friday 21 February:

U14 Girls

Scarlett Janse Van Rensburg, 800m

Lexi Torlutter, 400m 

U14 Boys

James Rheeder, 800m and 400m

U15 Boys

Ayden Sudoi, 100m

Daniel Yema-Y'Okungo, 400m

U17 Boys

Josh Rheeder, 200m and 400m

Alexander Petersen, 100m

Steffan Hillebrand, 1500m and 3000m

Malik Bunting, 800m

Matthew Margetts, 800m

Josh Rheeder, Tristan Strümpher, Jason Byrnes and Alexander Petersen 4x100m

U19 Girls

Amy Leigh White, 400m and long jump

Annika Wellens, long jump

Sophia Frielinghaus, 800m and 1500m

U19 Boys

Trent McCulloch, Liam Loxton, Otlotleng Nkgabe and Andrew Cheng, 4x100m 

Boys u17 4 x 100: Tristan Strümpher, Jason Byrnes, Alexander Petersen and Josh Rheeder (49.84 seconds)

Chukka festival tour, Knysna (13 - 16 February)

Our Chukka festival players departed at 4am on Thursday morning to travel to Knysna. Our team of 24 is accompanied by Ms Pillay and Mr Steinmann and coaches Mrs Scott and Mr Brookes. 

To follow the Chukka events this weekend register here: IH Sports  

Learner achievements 

U15A cricket bowlers - Joel Ronaldson and Carl Scheffler 

In their match against Westerford, U15A opening bowlers Joel Ronaldson and Carl Scheffler took 5 wickets each for a total of 11 runs. Carl finished on 5/3 and Joel 5/8. These are remarkable achievements and both have been in fine form this season. Keep up the great effort!

1st XI cricket reports

U/19A Cricket match v Westerford U/19A 

On Saturday 8 February, Parklands 1st XI defeated Westerford 1st XI by 83 runs after setting a target of 193. 

Batting first, Parklands scored 192/10 in 44.1 overs, with a strong third-wicket partnership between Darshan Kistan and Joshua Neil, who struck nine fours on his way past 50. 

Despite middle-order struggles, Jayden Lamb and Adam Muller added crucial runs.

Westerford, having bowled Parklands out, hoped to chase the total but collapsed early, losing four wickets for just eight runs. 

A 64-run fifth-wicket partnership provided some resistance, but the team was eventually bowled out for 109 in the 33rd over. 

Parklands avenged their 2022 loss at the same ground and secured their third win in a week.  

Player-of-the-Match:  Joshua Neil.

U/19A Cricket match v Milnerton U/19A 

On Monday 10 February, Parklands Parklands 1st XI edged out Milnerton 1st XI by one run in a thrilling day-night match. Batting first, Parklands posted 145/4 in 20 overs, with Liam Russell and Ethan Randall providing a strong opening stand of 54. 

Kyle Warrender’s unbeaten 66 off 49 balls, including three fours and four sixes, ensured a competitive total.

Milnerton’s chase started cautiously, but an 81-run second-wicket partnership kept them in contention. 

With 16 runs needed from the final over, Mackenzie Newman, a late replacement, conceded a six off the first ball but responded with a crucial wicket off the next delivery. 

Milnerton required three runs off the final delivery after a wide was called, but Mackenzie held his nerve, conceding just one, sealing Parklands’ narrow victory in a match to remember.  

Player-of-the-Match:  Kyle Warrender 

The team has gone from strength to strength this season, having won four matches in a row.  This weekend’s home match against Parow High School will certainly be a stern test for our boys, and we hope to see many supporters coming to enjoy a great day of cricket at the WG Grace oval.

Craig Fortuin

U/19A Cricket Manager

Parklands College summer sporting programme 2025

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

Secondary sports calendar 

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

This weekend three of our dancers, Alexa-Rose, Ella and Clara-Mari are performing as part of the Cape Junior Ballet company in the Rare Talent for Rare Disease showcase.  It promise to be an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and art in support of rare disease patients and families. Tickets can be bought at Quicket: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/294312-rare-talent-for-rare-disease/#/

Information from Quicket: 

Experience stunning performances by the Cape Junior Ballet company, the Cape Choral Academy, and the Stellenbosch University Wind Band. Marvel at the musical artistry of award-winning pianist Gerhard Joubert, jazz virtuoso Jason Marshall, and the talented owners of The Music HQ in Cape Town.  The evening will also feature the grand finale of a virtual art auction, with all proceeds going to support rare disease patients and families.  Rare diseases often leave patients and families feeling invisible. By attending Rare Talent for Rare Disease, you are helping to shine a light where it is desperately needed.

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

TERTIARY STUDIES 

🎤 Spotlight on Black Excellence in Africa
 

This week, our Learner Morning Announcements featured a Spotlight Segment, celebrating incredible Black contributors who have made a lasting impact in music, science, activism, sports, and beyond.

🚶🏾‍♂️ Freedom Walk to Freedom Exhibit – Limited Spots Available!

We’re excited to offer learners the opportunity to visit the Walk to Freedom Exhibit—a powerful, interactive showcase of South Africa’s journey to democracy.

📅 Date: Friday,  7 March (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE)
💰 Cost: R60
🚌 Transport: The school bus will depart at 13:20 and return by 16:00.
🔗 Sign up: Spots are limited to 40 learners—secure yours by completing the Google Form!

Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/LtYQzuzE9tuBhiqm8 

🛋️ Couch Conversations – Let’s Talk!
Also happening on Friday, 28 February, our first Couch Conversations of the year! This is your chance to join a thought-provoking discussion on topics that matter. Stay tuned for details!

We’re looking forward to an engaging and inspiring month ahead! Get involved, join the conversations, and make your voice heard. 🎤✨

Your Voice Matters

Being part of the Learner Equity Council (LEC) is not limited to its elected members—we can all be agents of change. Creating an inclusive and thoughtful community is a shared responsibility, and each of us has a role to play.

This is more than just a celebration—it is a call to action. We encourage all learners to participate, share their ideas, and help shape these events. Whether you're an LEC member or simply passionate about making a difference, your voice matters.

We look forward to an impactful month of learning, sharing, and celebrating together. 

🔹 For any questions or to get involved, contact the Learner Equity Council.

CONCLUSION

Have 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