From the Office

Dear Parents and Learners

With only one week remaining before the FET learners start with the mid-year examinations, with the GET learners following shortly after, we trust that our learners are following a structured study programme.  Please be reminded that the counsellors are always willing to assist with time management planning.

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 the parking lot, 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 (MyCity) 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.

Collection Times

We kindly ask that parents are courteous and note that the school officially closes at 17:00. 

All school activities taking place after this time require learners to be collected promptly at the end of the activity. For the safety of our learners, any collections outside of these scheduled arrangements will require parents to sign learners out at security. 

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 28 February with information regarding the security of electronic devices (iPads and Laptops.)  

Parklands College Preparatory Faculty presents

DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. features original music and lyrics by George Noriega and Joel Someillan, and book by Kevin Del Aguila.  

As the show opens, we learn that Marty the zebra may be celebrating his tenth birthday at the Central Park Zoo with his friends Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, yet he longs to experience life outside of the zoo’s walls. When Marty eventually escapes, his animal friends from the zoo pursue him into New York City. After reuniting, the animals are chased by the police, and ultimately felled by tranquilliser darts. They awake, trapped in crates on a ship, which, through a series of events, is thrown off course.  Upon reaching land, the animals discover they have been shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar.  Ultimately, it is only in being so lost that they can begin to discover where they really belong.

Every Grade 4 - 6 learner as well as every Grade R - 3 dancer is getting ready to Move it! We hope to see you join in the fun too! Ticket Sales are now open!

Book here via Quicket.

ACADEMICS

Academic Links

Note the section at the top dedicated specifically to academic links.  Click on the links below to 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 

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT MID-YEAR EXAMINATIONS

Please note that question papers will be written until the very last day of the quarter, Wednesday, 25 June.  Reports will be issued in the third quarter.  Learners who miss question papers for legitimate reasons will have to write during the first week back, starting on Monday, 21 July 2025.

Gr12 June Exams commence on Friday, 23 May with NBT Training

Gr11&Gr10 June Exams commence on Monday, 26 May

Gr9&Gr8 June Exams commence on Monday, 2 June

Gr7 June Exams commence on Tuesday, 3 June

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT GR12 PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS

Please note that question papers will be written until the very last day of the quarter, Tuesday, 23 September.  Learners who are absent for exams will need to submit a doctor's certificate.  Reports will be issued in the next quarter.  

Academic Dates

Please find important academic links to help plan the academic term.

Tutorial Schedule

2025 Autumn Tutorial Schedule

Assessment Calendars

Grade 7 Assessment Calendar

Grade 8 Assessment Calendar

Grade 9 Assessment Calendar

Grade 10 Assessment Calendar

Grade 11 Assessment Calendar

Grade 12 Assessment Calendar

June Examinations

June Examination Timetable

The June Exam Timetable has now been finalised:  JUNE EXAM TT 2025 

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 

Proposed Study Timetables

Our counselling department has thoughtfully prepared proposed study timetables to support our GET learners:

Grade 7 Study Timetable

Grade 8 Study Timetable

Grade 9 Study Timetable

Gr12 Digital Electronics

The Gr12 PAT (Practical Assessment Tasks) are well underway and learners are making good progress.

Tour de Maths Leg 3 at Milnerton High

Tour de Maths Leg 3 took place at Milnerton High last night, and our 16 participating learners were outstanding ambassadors for our school. Learners eagerly shared how much they gained from working with their group members, and many expressed their disappointment that only two legs remain for the year – a clear sign of how much they value the experience. 

A special congratulations to Yaseen Salie and Christo Strydom for securing first place on the night – an excellent achievement!

AstroQuiz

The second round of the SAASTA AstroQuiz Competition took place this week. This team-based astronomy quiz, designed for Grade 7 learners, aims to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of basic astronomy concepts. It also seeks to inspire pride in South Africa’s rich legacy of scientific achievement.

Congratulations to the following Grade 7 learners who proudly represented the College in this round of the competition:

Cohen Domingo, Levi Le Grange, Saadhil Rampath, Liam Brierton, Hui Sun, Calvin Tarr, Nathan Bazin, and Hayden Naidoo

We’re keeping our fingers crossed for fantastic results – well done to all participants!

SAMO Round 2

36 learners participated in the SAMO (South African Maths Olympiad) Round 2 on Thursday afternoon.

Hard at work in isiXhosa class ...

Revision in Afrikaans class ...

From the English Department

This quarter's digital bookshelf is for true readers, as there is not much time for this leisure in between studying for our mid-year exams coming up. That being said, these suggestions will be sure to immerse you in worlds very different from our own, whether you're choosing from the genres of fiction, fantasy, historical or autobiographical. Delving into a bit of fantasy in order to face reality has proven to be very beneficial for the human (and teenage) brain. 

Happy reading! 

NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) for Grade 12

The NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) are standardised tests written by applicants for SA universities to test academic readiness.  Depending on the institution candidates apply to, they might be required to write these tests as part of the application process.  One test set is written and the results are shared with all the universities. Candidates can also opt to write a second opportunity if they feel they want to improve their results after the first set of tests.

Grade 12 learners are responsible to register for these tests and choose the dates to write them. They are not administered by the school. There are two components to the test, a Maths and a Literacy component.  Below is the link to the website where you will find all the information:  https://www.nbt.ac.za/

NBT Training for Grade 12

There are numerous institutions who offer workshops to help prepare for the NBTs.  Parklands College offers our own preparation sessions for the Maths component on 23 May (part 1/2) and 20 June (part 2/2).  The learners can register via our Maths department. A registration form will be shared by the Mathematics Department.  We recommend that learners write the NBT shortly after these workshops. This will ensure sufficient content is covered and at the same time it allows time for learners who want to make use of the second opportunity to improve results.

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.

Mr Duffield's article in Independent Education Magazine

FEEDBACK

Mother's Day Breakfast

Last Friday, we celebrated all the 'special ladies in our lives'  with a brunch hosted by the Grade 10 Hospitality Studies learners.  The lovely weather allowed the ladies to sit in the beautiful garden or inside the restaurant, where they were treated to a wide variety of food and entertained with live music from our talented music department. It was a very special event that doubled up as their first official PAT, and I am very proud of all that they achieved!!  

Lucette Torbet

Mental Health Assembly

Matric Variety Show

Last Friday the matrics entertained us with dancing, singing and some interesting costumes!  Thank you to everyone who came out to support them.

STAR Rocket Launch

The field was buzzing with excitement this week as members of the 'StarTrek Club' in collaboration with Grade 6 learners, attempted to launch rockets they had constructed during a workshop lead by Nikolai Nielsen.

STAR Week Excursion

As part of our STAR Week, a group of 30 from Parklands College, including learners and teaching staff, were privileged to participate in an excursion through the Two Oceans Marine and Balance Catamaran Manufacturing plants.  

The science and art of boat building was experienced firsthand.  We were mesmerised by the complexity of the design and manufacturing processes required to build catamarans and monohull vessels.  Our tour guide, Mr Mark Wehrley, passionately exposed us to the wonders of boat building!

The excursion concluded with a luncheon and cruise on the Mirage Catamaran which was magnificent!  Our hosts Tara Shabonda and Mark Wehrley, parents of two of our Secondary Faculty learners, were excellent hosts.  It was an amazing experience, and we would like to thank Tara and Mark for their hospitality and generosity in hosting us.

Class Representative Tea

The Class Representative tea, hosted by the Learner Affairs Prefects, took place at the Pavillion on Thursday, 8 May.  It was a fantastic opportunity for Class representatives and Prefects to interact socially, play a few games, chat about pertinent issues and partake in the delicious treats.  

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

Based on exchange rate of R19.70 to EUR 1, the price per person will be around R52 000 (excluding VISA costs) for 10 days. It is also dependent on the number of learners signing up. Learners presently in Grade 8 - 11 who are interested in attending this tour, must please mail ssteyn@parklands.co.za by 16 May (without obligation).  If we have enough learners showing an interest, an online information meeting will follow.

LEARNER AFFAIRS

SERVICE

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

From our sports department

FINISHING THE QUARTER - #StrongerTogether

We've had an incredibly busy week of sports fixtures and events across the various disciplines on offer at our College, with more matches scheduled for this Friday - both home and away - and on Saturday at Table View High School for rugby. Please come and show your support!

As we wrap up this sporting quarter, our core sporting values still stand tall: communication, commitment, competition and community. 

The shift into exam season brings changes, but it doesn’t stop our momentum. Our skeleton timetable will be designed to keep learners moving, grounded and mentally sharp. Sport remains a space for growth, balance and connection.

Let’s keep doing the small things right: reply to invites, communicate if you’ll be absent, and always show gratitude. These habits matter - they build team culture and individual character.

To our coordinators, coaches, players and families - thank you for showing up and showing heart. Let’s finish the quarter as we started.

CORRECT PRACTICE / MATCH ATTIRE

It was great to see improved practice attire this past week - thank you.

Players must wear the correct uniform to practices and matches. Where necessary, we have addressed issues by speaking to players directly and have informed all learners through a notice in the Learner Daily Notes. Please assist us by ensuring that your child has the correct sports kit for their code. A reminder that non-school items are not permitted at practices or matches. Thank you for your support.

COLLECTION AFTER SPORT PRACTICES, MATCHES OR SPORTING EVENTS

To ensure your child’s safety and wellbeing, please take note of the expectations around collection times after practices and matches.

PRACTICES

Sports practices end at 4.30pm. Please ensure that your child is collected by 5.00pm at the latest.

AWAY MATCHES

We do our best to give an accurate estimate of when your child will return to campus. As soon as we board the bus to return from an away venue, we will check Google Maps and/or Waze to determine the estimated time of arrival. Your child should communicate any delays with you directly. 

This is especially relevant for sports such as golf, cross country, and fixtures 30–60 minutes away from school, where timing is unpredictable due to how play is paced by individuals rather than fixed schedules.

Please be punctual when collecting your child. Being early is always better — it’s not fair to expect your child or the educator manager to wait more than 10–15 minutes after returning to school.

HOME MATCHES

These are more predictable in terms of timing. Under no circumstances should a child be picked up late after a home match.

Please arrive on time. Again, earlier is better - it’s unreasonable to leave your child or the educator in charge waiting more than 10–15 minutes after the match has ended.

SECONDARY SPORTS CALENDAR

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

DH

Feedback

Sports Video of the week

Sports video of the week

Learner achievements 

LIFESAVING

Zackery Day

Zackery competed at the WC Life Saving Competition in Strand earlier this quarter and came home with three awards:

🥇 First in the Long Run
🥈 Second in Flags
🥉 Third in Beach Sprints

He also competed in the school cross country event this past Wednesday, finishing 13th in the Boys U17 race.

Well done, Zackery!

TRIATHLON

Steffan Hillebrand

Steffan Hillebrand competed in the Race 2 Hermanus Sprint Triathlon this past weekend. It was the third and final triathlon in the season series this weekend.  He won his U17 age category and came 4th overall out of 191 athletes.

Steffan also competed in a school cross-country event this Wednesday at Stellenberg High School where he finished in 1st position for the Boys U17 event.

Steffan, these are remarkable achievements. Well done!

Parklands College winter 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

Coaching Highlights for our Eisteddfod Dancers

We were proud to offer our Secondary Dance Study learners focused coaching in expression and performance for their Eisteddfod ballet solos, guided by the insightful and dedicated Mr Wyngaard. His deep understanding of Dramatic technique and performance brought a fresh perspective, helping our dancers elevate their interpretation and stage presence.

The Ballet Solos and Trio were equally privileged to receive coaching from the distinguished Professor Elizabeth Triegaardt — a celebrated figure in the South African ballet world. A Fellow of the Royal Academy of Dance, Professor Triegaardt is closely associated with the Cape Junior Ballet Company and is a former principal dancer of CAPAB Ballet. She also served as CEO of Cape Town City Ballet and was the long-standing head of the UCT Dance Department. 

Learning under such a remarkable mentor is a tremendous honour and a defining moment in our dancers’ training journey.

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

ENRICHING MINDS TUTORING/REMEDIAL SERVICES 

Janice Human is a dedicated educator with thirty-three years teaching experience offering specialised remedial and tutoring services. 

Throughout her career, she has taught a wide range of subjects, with a special focus on English, Afrikaans, and Mathematics. She has extensive experience working with foreign students, helping them develop their English reading, writing, and speaking skills. Additionally, she has worked closely with students of diverse abilities, tailoring her teaching methods to suit their unique learning needs. She has also lectured Mathematics to teachers at the Teachers’ Centre in Kuils River. A cornerstone of her teaching philosophy is the importance of building strong, personal connections with her students. By understanding their unique strengths, challenges, and interests, she looks to create a supportive learning environment that fosters both academic growth and personal development. 

If you are interested in Janice's remedial/tutoring services please feel free to email her at janice@enrichingminds.co.za or contact her at 082 865 5242 with any questions. 

TERTIARY STUDIES 

Open Days and Application Dates 2025 for Universities and Colleges 

New Bridge Graduate Open Day 10 May: 

Date: Saturday, 10 May 2025

Time: 08:00 – 13:00

Venue: NewBridge Graduate Institute, Tygervalley Campus

Address: 24 Bella Rosa Street, Rosenpark, Cape Town, 7550

This event offers an ideal introduction to our programmes, facilities, and vibrant student community.

What to Expect:

• Interactive Tours: Explore our state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and recreational spaces.

• Meet Our Team: Engage with Student Advisors, lecturers, and current students.

• Engaging Activities: Enjoy hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and fun activities.

• Information Sessions: Learn about our curriculum, admissions process, and scholarship opportunities.

Students will also have the chance to ask questions about our programmes and discover how NGI can support their career aspirations. They’ll get a true sense of life on campus and the dynamic student experience we offer.

RSVP:

Students can RSVP here: https://www.ngi.ac.za/open-day-booking/

Stellenbosch University BEng Chemical Engineering Webinar

The Department of Chemical Engineering at SU is hosting a webinar on Thursday, 15 May, from 19:00 to 20:00. We invite all prospective students and their parents/guardians to join us online to discover more about our BEng Chemical Engineering programme and the diverse career paths it offers. An electronic invitation is attached to this email – please feel free to share it on your school platforms.

To register for the webinar, click here:
Webinar Registration Link

We are also pleased to announce that applications for 2026 are now open and will close on 31 July 2025. We encourage interested Grade 12 learners to apply.
Access the application portal here. Attached you’ll find a detailed breakdown of admission requirements and selection criteria – feel free to distribute this to learners, parents, and teachers.

To explore more about our department, visit our website and follow us on social media:

• Website: https://chemeng.sun.ac.za/

• Facebook: SUChemEng

• Instagram: chem_eng_sun

• TikTok: chemengsu

Want a glimpse of what it’s like to study Chemical Engineering at SU?
Click here for a sneak peek!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at undergradchem@sun.ac.za.

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

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