To set the tone ...

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.

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

Grade 9 General Education Certificate (GEC)

The Grade 9 GEC Project is a Department of Basic Education (DBE) initiative aimed at recognising and developing learners’ skills at the end of compulsory schooling. Taking place in Term 3, it replaces some individual subject projects and brings together Mathematics, Science, Technology, EMS, Life Orientation, History, and Languages in one integrated, real-world project.

Learners work collaboratively to apply their knowledge across subjects while building essential skills such as research, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. This project forms part of the School-Based Assessment for Term 3 and serves as both a learning experience and an assessment tool, guiding learners towards academic, vocational, or occupational pathways.

The GEC assessment model also includes standardised DBE end-of-year exams in core subjects (integrated into our normal timetable) and an Inclinations Assessment to identify learners’ interests and strengths, informing future subject and career choices.

More details will be shared at our upcoming Subject Choice Evening, but parents with specific questions are welcome to contact Mrs Kirsty Tromp at ktromp@parklands.co.za.

Grade 10 2026 Subject Choice Information Evening

From the Life Sciences Department

Grade 11 Practical: Dissection

From the English Department:  Digital Bookshelf

ROBOTICS

Our Robotics Teams Take Gold at the WRO and Head to Nationals

This past weekend, our talented Parklands College robotics teams competed in the World Robotics Olympiad Western Cape North event, tackling exciting and challenging missions that tested their robot design, programming, and problem-solving skills.

We are incredibly proud to share their outstanding results:

RoboMission Elementary:
Gold – Barrier Breakers
Silver – HyperTech 2.0

RoboMission Junior:
Gold – TechnoBlade
Silver – HTDR
Bronze – v0rT3x

RoboMission Senior:
Gold – TechTron
Silver – Li² (Edgemead High School)

Future Innovators Elementary:
Gold – GALACTIC GIRLS

Our teams showed remarkable creativity, teamwork, and resilience as they navigated surprise challenges and complex tasks throughout the competition.

Congratulations to all our learners for their dedication and hard work. We now look forward to supporting them at the National Championships in Pretoria on 13 September.

Well done, Parklands College! 

#ParklandsCollege #WRO2025 #RoboticsExcellence #OnToNationals

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

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.

LOOKING AHEAD

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

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT

Let the games begin...

As we head into our two-day Derby Day, the best teams know this is not the time to do more – it’s the time to do what matters most. Sharpen the focus. Be clear on your role. Stay connected as a team. Arrive fresh, switched on, and ready to own the moment.

To all our players – give your all, play with pride, and remember the 1% details make the difference.

To our spectators – thank you for bringing your energy and support. Cheer loud, encourage often, and always respect the game, the officials, and everyone on the field.

Let’s make this a weekend of great sport, great spirit, and memories we’ll talk about for years to come.

Sport Uniform

A reminder to all our learners that representing the College is both a privilege and a responsibility.  Please ensure you are appropriately dressed in the correct, full kit for your sport or activity – from warm-up to match day. 

Wearing the right kit not only shows respect for your team and coaches, but also reflects our school’s pride and professionalism. 

Let’s set the standard, on and off the field.  All uniform should be correctly named so that we can easily trace the owner of items that have been misplaced.

Derby Day Notices - For our supporters

PARKING SPACES ARE LIMITED 

CAMPUS MAP

PARKIES FUN RUN ROUTE

PROGRAMME - FRIDAY 15 August

PROGRAMME - SATURDAY 16 August

SECONDARY SPORTS CALENDAR

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

DH

Feedback

Learner Achievements

Karate

Luke le Grange (Grade 10) is back from Japan as the newly crowned World Champion for Kumite in his age and weight category, after winning Gold at the World Karate Championships! His outstanding performance on the mat was the result of months of dedication, focus and discipline.

His younger brother, Levi (Grade 7) also represented with pride and skill, earning an impressive 5th place in the world in his age and weight category. While he didn’t place on the podium, his ranking puts him among the very best globally – an exceptional achievement.

Both boys worked incredibly hard in their various disciplines this year in preparation for the World Champs, and we are exceptionally proud of their achievements, sportsmanship and unwavering commitment.

Karate

Sabina Angel (Grade 10) won gold in her division at the Western Province Karate Championships held in March this year, and went on to earn silver at the SA & African Championships in May, which took place in Johannesburg.

Sabina began karate at the age of 6, and by 7, she had already claimed double gold at both the WP and SA Championships. Since then, she’s continued to perform consistently, earning a mix of gold and silver medals each year.

In 2025, she competed as a Senior Brown Belt, which involves full-contact sparring - a step up in intensity and challenge. She took gold at the Western Province event and silver at the combined SA & African Cup Championships in May.

We’re very proud of Sabina’s steady progress and commitment. With the path she’s on, we’re confident that her black belt is well within reach.

Baithle / Triathle

This past weekend, Steffan Hillebrand (Grade 10) competed in the Western Cape Biathle and Triathle Championships held in Somerset West. True to form, he delivered another strong performance — claiming gold in the Triathle and bronze in the Biathle.

With these results under his belt, Steffan now turns his focus to the SA Championships in Nelspruit this October, where he’ll once again test himself against the best in the country.

Derby Day - Golf

On Wednesday, six of our golfers teed off against Somerset College in their Derby Day match-up. From left to right: Matthew Jennings, Ethan Randall, Nicholas Strydom, Alex Ivanov, Thomas Welsh and Dylan Wood.

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 

Winter sports timetable

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

Thank-you!

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr and Mrs Wood of Grid Interiors for their generous support of our golfers this year, providing them with white and blue golf playing shirts. Your contribution has been greatly appreciated by the team and sports department.

Our Debaters continue to shine

Over the weekends of 26–27 July and 9–10 August, our debating teams competed in the Provincial Debating Tournament, facing off against the very best schools in the province. The tournament was a showcase of skill and strategy, and our learners truly rose to the occasion.

Our junior team delivered outstanding performances, with three speakers placing in the Top 10 in the province:

Lily Howe – 10th place

Jorja Hoppe – 5th place

Caitlin Smith – 4th place

In addition, Caitlin Smith earned a place as a reserve for the Junior Western Province Trials.

The senior team also made us proud, with Mbali Nhuku, Joshua Da Silva, and Aisha Salie all qualifying for the Western Province Trials. A truly remarkable achievement at such a competitive level.

These results are a testament to the hard work, commitment, and dedication our debaters have shown throughout the season. Debating is an intense and demanding activity, and we are incredibly proud of every member of our teams for representing Parklands College with such passion and excellence.

With the National Debating League and Rotary League coming to an end soon, there will surely be more results to be proud of. We wish the teams luck as they give the final push through to the final rounds. 

Dance Department

Drama Department

A Big Congratulations to Our Drama Learners!

A huge congratulations to all our Drama learners who took part in the Cape Town Eisteddfod last Monday. You all performed exceptionally well, and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of you.

A special mention goes to Joshua Carrington and Dean de Jongh, who won the Grade 11–12 Dialogue category. As part of this outstanding achievement, they were given the wonderful opportunity to perform their piece at the Awards Ceremony held last Friday.

Well done to all our talented performers for representing the College with such skill, dedication, and passion!

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

Three of our dancers, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Ella Frielinghaus & Clara-Mari Vosloo will be performing as part of the Cape Junior Ballet company in their production "Elements".  Tickets are available via Quicket.

Cape Town Eisteddfod

FEEDBACK

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

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 

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.