Dear Parents and Learners

This will be the last blog of the very busy Winter Quarter.  We feel incredibly proud and grateful at the end of 10 weeks of achievements, memorable moments and many accolades.  

We hope to see many of you at the Matric Pre-ball event on Saturday evening.  They will be arriving at the Wood Drive Hall between 17:30 - 18:30.  Come cheer them on as they walk down the red carpet.

Monday is the big day for announcing our Learner Leadership team for 2026.  Please feel free to follow the live stream if you are unable to attend in person.

And just because we like to be busy, we are hosting the Gary Kirsten T20 on Saturday morning as well.  If you are a cricket lover, please join us.

LOOKING AHEAD

Upcoming Events

All our Events are live-streamed to ensure our families and extended families can join from home.  Please find the links to the live-streaming below:

Leadership Induction Ceremony 2025

https://youtube.com/live/5lM2e8qUdqo?feature=share

Service, Technology, Culture & Leadership Awards 2025

https://youtube.com/live/aUXmf8KFQ0c?feature=share

Honours Awards 2025

https://youtube.com/live/6jvy2zemP4Q?feature=share

Valedictory 2025

https://youtube.com/live/gwQ5SxvbzYk?feature=share

Call for book donations

We like to reward our Top Achievers in each grade with a book prize and call for donations from parents.  You may either purchase a book or give us permission to bill your account.  We need one donation for the Top Matric Achiever in October, and then for each of the other grades in January 2026.

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 

Academic Report Cards

Grade 7 to Grade 11 Winter Quarter report cards will be release during the first week of the holiday and Grade 12 report cards will be released during the first week of the Spring Quarter.  Parents will be informed via email when the report cards are ready for viewing on the Ed-Admin Multi-Portal App.   

Please see the below instructions to download the app.  If you are having a problem with the app, please feel free to reach out to Ali Yalcin in the IT department, ayalcin@parklands.co.za

1.) Download the Ed-Admin Multi Portal App by using the relevant link below:

●  Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ed-admin-multi-portal/id6469108569

OR

●  Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edana.edadmin&hl=en&gl= US

2.) Enter 230034 (Parklands College Code) and your email address to log in.
 

3.) The next step will require you to enter the login code sent to you via email.

Please ensure that you keep this App updated otherwise you will be logged out and will have to repeat the above process to regain access.

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

NEWS

EMS:  Grade 9 Market Day

As part of Economic and Management Sciences, the Grade 9s had to plan and host a market day.  They rose to the occasion and everyone had a lovely time last Friday.

Food Technology

The Grade 8 Food Technology learners concluded their 'Biscuit Project' by creating their own adaptation on a 'choc chip cookie' and a label to match! We had some very successful creations!   L Torbet

From the English Department:  Digital Bookshelf

FEEDBACK

Physical Sciences

We have a champion! Lutfi Ryklief in 8K just broke the 2-year-old record of building atoms in VR. He built element 100, Fermium’s atom using the quantum mechanical model of the atom and did so in less than 5 minutes!

LEARNER ACHIEVEMENTS

Rethinking Irma Stern Exhibition

Irma Stern was a South African artist who achieved national and international recognition in her lifetime. Irma Stern’s paintings have been sold for prices in excess of twenty million Rand. 

The Irma Stern Museum in Rosebank currently exhibits many of her most acclaimed artworks. 

Each year, the museum hosts an exhibition that is open to Grade 11 Visual Art learners. The exhibition receives hundreds of entries from all around the Western Cape. 

This year, two of our learners were chosen to participate in the group exhibition. Congratulations to Siann Naidu and Jordan Leca for their successful submissions and eventual participation in this prestigious exhibition.

ROBOTICS

Three Parklands College Teams Set to Represent South Africa After Stunning Performance at World Robot Olympiad Nationals

PRETORIA – Parklands College achieved unprecedented success at the World Robot Olympiad National Championships on September 13, claiming two category titles and securing three coveted spots at the international finals in Singapore. Of nine qualifying teams, three have now earned the right to represent South Africa on the global stage.

Championship Performances

The most remarkable achievements came from TechnoBlade and HTDR, who both mastered the "Mars Exploration" challenge and completed the surprise rule to earn an additional 30 points – separating the exceptional from the extraordinary.

An experienced TechnoBlade claimed the Junior category championship with a stunning 196 points in just 72 seconds, while HTDR, a first year team in this category, secured silver with an incredible full score of 196 points in 80 seconds. Both teams achieved full scores twice out of their three attempts for their Singapore qualification. 

"Completing the surprise rule is what separates good teams from championship teams," explained Robotics Lead Justine de Wet. "Both TechnoBlade and HTDR showed incredible adaptability under pressure – that extra 30 points represents the kind of innovative thinking that will serve them well on the world stage."

HyperTech 2.0 dominated the Elementary category with a perfect 155 points in 66 seconds during the "Satellites at Work" challenge.

Sweep Across Categories

Parklands College demonstrated remarkable depth across all divisions: HyperTech 2.0 dominated Elementary, all three Junior teams finished in the national top six (V0rtex 6th, HTDR silver, TechnoBlade champions), while Techtron earned bronze in the challenging Senior "Rocket Assembly" competition. Galactic Girls also captured silver in Future Innovators with their innovative Martian habitat solution.

Historic Achievement

This marks Parklands College's 11th consecutive year of WRO International representation – an unprecedented streak demonstrating sustained excellence in international robotics competition.

The three qualifying teams – HyperTech 2.0, HTDR, and TechnoBlade – will compete at the World Robot Olympiad International Final in Singapore from November 26-28, facing the world's brightest young roboticists from over 100 countries.

The coaching team, led by Richard Knaggs along with Robotics Lead Justine de Wet and coaches Austyn Delport and Cai Bridges, has created a culture of innovation and excellence that consistently propels learners to international success.

"These achievements show that South African learners can compete with anyone in the world when given the right opportunities and support," emphasized de Wet.

The World Robot Olympiad International Final takes place in Singapore from November 26-28, 2024, where teams from over 100 countries will compete for global supremacy in robotics and STEM innovation.

Grade 11 Science Practical

SERVICE

International Day of Peace:  21 September

Interact's year so far ...

LEARNER AFFAIRS

Caffeinated carbonated drinks

We strive to provide nutritious meals and drinks to our learners at the College. We strongly prohibit the consumption of caffeinated canned drinks on our campus.

1. Health Concerns: Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other additives that may be detrimental to the health and well-being of children. 

2. Impact on Learning: High stimulant content may negatively affect a learner's concentration and ability to focus in class, hindering their academic progress. 

3. Behavioural Changes: Reports from schools indicate that energy drinks may alter children's behaviour, leading to concerns from many experts.

Lockers

Our learners have been advised on the following:-

1. A learner can not use a locker that has not been allocated to him/her.

2. A locker that has been allocated to a learner needs to have a lock. This should be locked at all times. Lockers can be purchased at reception.

3. We can not be held liable for missing items if a learner is using a locker not allocated to him/her or a locker without a lock.

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.

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 specialist, 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.

We will be sharing snippets from our Directory with learners in the daily notes, and those same snippets will be included in the weekly memo to parents under Operational Info.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Three 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.

Young Naturalist Tournament in Greece:  March 2026

We are delighted to share an exciting international learning opportunity for learners aged 12–16 (born on or after 1 January 2010).

During the March holiday in 2026, students will begin their journey with a six-day cultural programme in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Highlights include visits to Body Worlds, a canal cruise, Micropia, Artis Zoo, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Botanical Garden, offering an enriching exploration of the city’s history and culture.

The group will then travel to Thessaloniki, Greece, to participate in the Young Naturalist League. This unique science tournament challenges participants to collaborate in solving nine natural science problems, present their research, and engage in thought-provoking discussions with peers from around the world. The event fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and scientific curiosity - while offering the thrill of friendly competition.

This exceptional opportunity promises an unforgettable combination of cultural discovery and academic challenge.

If your child is interested in participating in this wonderful opportunity, please email, Mrs Gibson at: jgibson@parklands.co.za

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, please se the updated information and tour costs below. Feel free to mail Mme A Bailly at abailly@parklands.co.za with any further queries.  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.  We have 15 learners signed up, but would love 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

Grade 9 Market Day – 12 September

On Friday, 12 September, our Grade 9 learners brought their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to life at this year’s Market Day. After weeks of hard work developing full marketing and business plans, the students put their ideas into action with an array of colourful stalls and clever concepts.

The staff and learners were treated to a mouth-watering selection of sweet treats, delicious food, and a variety of unique goodies each product carefully planned and promoted by the learners themselves. The sun shone brightly, adding to the festive atmosphere as learners, staff, and parents enjoyed the vibrant buzz of buying, selling, and socialising.

The day was not only a celebration of fun and flavour but also a valuable learning experience, giving our Grade 9s real insight into budgeting, marketing, teamwork, and customer service. Well done to all our young entrepreneurs for making Market Day 2025 such a success!

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT

SECONDARY SPORTS CALENDAR

Tonight, we gather for one of the highlights of the sporting calendar – the annual Sport Awards. This is always an opportunity to recognise not only the results and achievements of the past year, but also the values and lessons that sport instils in us.

From the quiet moments of dedication at practice to the loud celebrations on Derby Day, every sporting code has its own stories of perseverance, growth and teamwork. These stories remind us that sport is never just about a final score, but about the character it builds along the way.

As we honour our learners, coaches, managers and parents this evening, we’ll also reflect on the bigger picture: the way sport shapes leaders, unites teams and strengthens our community. Our College offers learners the opportunity to excel in many different spheres.

We look forward to celebrating these moments together tonight.

Please note that there are is no sport training next week. We trust that our learners will use the break as an opportunity to rest and recover and we will see you at training on Tuesday, 14th October.

We wish our U19 cricket team all the best in the Gary Kirsten T20 Quadrangular that we are hosting tomorrow, Saturday 20th September. 

The event opens at 8am.

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

DH

Feedback

Cricket umpiring

Jayden Lamb (Grade 9) recently demonstrated both initiative and maturity by taking on the role of umpire in a midweek U13 cricket fixture. Jayden, who has already achieved his Western Province Level 1 umpiring certification, offered his services and handled the responsibility with confidence and composure.

His willingness to step into an official role not only reflects his passion for cricket but also sets a positive example of leadership and service for his peers. It’s encouraging to see young learners like Jayden, who is also a keen cricketer and plays for the U19A team, contributing to the game in ways that go beyond playing, showing that sport offers many avenues for growth, learning and giving back.

Water Polo

Cuan Swartz (Grade 10) recently participated in the Western Province U16 trials. While he was not selected this year, the experience was invaluable. With approximately 60 boys competing for just 26 spots, the standard was incredibly high. Cuan thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and is already motivated to train harder for next year.

He also represented the Kings Team in the Polo Premier League (PPL) tournament, South Africa’s largest water polo event, held in Cape Town at Herzlia High School and St Cyprians from 30–31 August. Competing in the U18 division, Cuan and his team played two matches on Saturday, progressed through the semi-finals on Sunday, and went on to win both the semi-final and final, emerging as champions.

Congratulations to Cuan on his outstanding efforts. His hard work and love for the sport continue to inspire!

Training

It was a chilly start for our water polo learners who have attended training over the past two weeks, showing impressive commitment and dedication despite the challenging conditions.

U16s awarded 1st Team Caps

Five of our U16 cricket players received their 1st Team caps prior to their match on Saturday, 13 September. Each player was presented with their unique Parklands College cricket ‘number for life’.

Upcoming Event

🏆 ATA SINGLES TOURNAMENT

📅 Date: 24 September (Heritage Day)

 📍 Venues:

• Section 1: Atlantic Beach

• Section 2: Van Riebeeckstrand Primary

• Sections 3–5: Table View Tennis Club

🎯 SECTIONS & AGES

• Section 1 (Red Ball): 6–8/9 yrs

• Section 2 (Orange Ball): 8/9–10 yrs

• Section 3 (Green Ball): 11–13 yrs

• Section 4 & 5 (Hard Ball): 13–17 yrs

(Note: Sections may vary depending on experience—ask your coach if unsure.)

👉 Register by 22 September: SMS or email your name + section to Jason.

📞 Contact: Jason – 083 488 5897

Sports department coordinators

For general enquiries about specific winter sports, contact:

• Athletics, Softball and First Aid mviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Cricket and tennis     dviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Aquatics (swimming and water polo) sbloem@parklands.co.za

• Head of Cricket     ggilder@parklands.co.za

• Head of Sport         dhunt@parklands.co.za 

2025 Sports Prefects

• Nic Farquhar

• Nicole Apsey

• Erin Langenhoven

Summer sports managers (educators)

Sport                           Contact email

• Athletics

Coach (sprint) cwessels@parklands.co.za

Coach (middle distance) dduffield@parklands.co.za / erandewijk@parklands.co.za

• Cricket

U13 fhuman@parklands.co.za

U14 arossouw@parklands.co.za

U15 lmakhohlisa@parklands.co.za

2nd XI rhorsley@parklands.co.za

1st XI     cfortuin@parklands.co.za

• Softball

U13 ahayward@parklands.co.za

U15A/B pbates@parklands.co.za

2nd cawessels@parklands.co.za

1st       rpillay@parklands.co.za

• Swimming

GET&FET rismail@parklands.co.za

GET&FET kgoliath@parklands.co.za

• Tennis

1st Girls and/or Boys lbaker@parklands.co.za

2nd Girls sdube@parklands.co.za

2nd Boys rnieuwenhoudt@parklands.co.za

• Water polo

U13 & u14 Boys cgoldstone@parklands.co.za

U13 & u14 Girls kfalake@parklands.co.za

U16 Boys     rviljoen@parklands.co.za

U16 Girls pbara@parklands.co.za

U19 Boys csteinmann@parklands.co.za

U19 Girls cconradie@parklands.co.za

Summer sports captains 

Summer Sport Programme (Q4: 14th October - 7 November)

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

Debating

Senior Debating Team Shines at Rotary Final

Our senior debating team represented Parklands College with excellence at Monday’s Rotary Final against SACS. Facing a formidable opponent, the debate proved to be a close contest. The adjudicators deliberated at length before reaching their decision, with the result ultimately turning on the smallest of margins. While the team narrowly missed out on victory, their performance showcased the depth of their skill, preparation, and teamwork.

We are incredibly proud of Mbali - who participated in her very last debate -  and the entire senior team (Connor Crighton, Aisha Salie, Liat Demissew, Kaylee-Jade Mestre, and Joshua Da Silva) for their achievements, commitment, and the spirit with which they represented Parklands College throughout the year.

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

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

Financial Aid Opportunities - Bursaries 

TERTIARY STUDIES 

Open Days and Application Dates 2025 for Universities and Colleges 

AFDA OPEN DAY 

We would like to extend a warm invitation to you and your learners to attend the AFDA Cape Town Open Day, this a chance to step into the world of film, performance, business innovation, and creative writing!

 Saturday, 4 October 2025

 10:00 AM – 13:00 PM

 AFDA Main Campus, 18 Lower Scott Road, Observatory, Cape Town

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Tour our studios & state-of-the-art facilities

• Meet our inspiring lecturers & current students

• Discover our degree & higher certificate programmes

• Experience the energy of campus life and the creative industries

Bring your curiosity. We’ll bring the lights, cameras & action. We look forward to welcoming you to AFDA Cape Town!

Please note

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.

CONCLUSION