FROM THE OFFICE

Dear Parents and Learners

What a magnificent week of celebration and acknowledgement of achievements we have had.  We are proud of our learners' achievements and excited about working with our new Learner Leaders. 

Prefects:  Learner Integration - Morgan Smith & Sabrina Davids

Prefects:  Academics -   Amy White & Akshar Chandarman

Prefects:  Clubs and Societies - Miya Singh & Joshua Da Silva

Prefects:  Culture - Morgan Santo & Talia Papadakos

Prefects:  Events - Zizo Dilima & Yvan Tapon Njamo

Prefects: Equity and Diversity - Khanya Gomba & Brandon Strydom

Prefects:  Houses - Amber Stein & Matthew Hansen

Prefects:  Learner Affairs - Marco Balona, Pearl Mabula, Lavela Tyandela

Prefects:  Service - Amy-Kate Wood & Julia Ligthelm

Prefects:  Sport - Erin Langenhoven, Nicholas Farquhar, Nicole Apsey

Prefects:  Technology - Declan Saul & Joshua Jackson-Smith

College Honours

College Honours – the highest accolade the College awards to a learner - is awarded to candidates who have achieved Colours in at least FOUR of the following six spheres recognised in 2024: Academics, Sport, Culture, Technology, Service and/or Leadership.  This year, a worthy recipient of Colours Honours, is Jean-Michelle De Blanche.

An entire school career at Parklands College and CRPP

Awards Memories

Links to recordings of Events:

Sport Awards

Service, Technology, Culture & Leadership Awards

Honours & Leadership Awards

Valedictory 2024

Souvenir Booklets:

Call for book donations

It has become tradition to award of Top Achievers in each grade a book prize. 

Thank you to Ms Melissa Lopes for sponsoring books for the Matric Top Achievers. 

Parents who are willing to sponsor a book for and Grade 7 - 11 Top Achievers, to be awarded in January at the Academic Awards,  are invited to email Gillian Oppenshaw goppenshaw@parklands.co.za.  

You may either donate a book or give us permission to bill your account for a book from Exclusive Books.

Please note uniform requirements for 2025

All Grade 7s and all new learners are required to wear the new blazer in 2025.

The check trousers are for exclusive use as part of the Hospitality uniform.

Appeal for consideration at drop-off and collection times

Please follow the rules of the road and do not enter the roundabouts from the wrong side.

Please do not block the traffic by stopping at the entrance of the gate.

Please do not park anywhere that can interfere with the flow of traffic.

Interesting article

Here is an article worth reading, written by school principal, Russell Shaw, from Washington DC:

Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids

Device requirements for 2025

Please see the information below in order to plan for 2025.

ACADEMICS

Academic Links

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

🎓 Spring Quarter Timetables,  🎓Assessment Calendars, the  🎓 Tutorial Schedule 

🎓 Exam Timetables, the  🎓Exam Study Guidelines, the 🎓Exam Study Timetables.

🎓 Report Weightings,  🎓 Promotion Requirements 🎓 Regulation Absenteeism 

Grade 12 National Senior Certificate

Matric 2024 - the final stretch

Monday, 21 October: NSC Exams commence

Tuesday, 22 October: IEB FS Physics

Thursday, 28 November: NSC Exams conclude

Gr12 NSC Exam Timetable

GET Study Timetables

The school counsellors have kindly prepared proposed study timetables for all our GET learners. We encourage everyone to start early to reduce exam pressure.

Grade 7 Study Timetable Sample

Grade 8 Study Timetable Sample

Grade 9 Study Timetable Sample

Gr7-Gr11 Examinations

The examination timetable has now been finalised: November Examination Timetable.  

Study Guidelines

Grade 11 Study Guidelines

Grade 10 Study Guidelines

Grade 9 Study Guidelines

Grade 8 Study Guidelines

Grade 7 Study Guidelines

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 includes 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 does not constitute a valid reason.

From the English Department

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”

This quarter’s book lineup is a rollercoaster ride – packed with mysteries, romances, and everything in between! With the cold weather upon us, there is no better excuse to curl up with a hot beverage and a good book.

Your bookworm-in-training should have devoured two personal picks by now, with another two to go, in order to submit enough book reports for the year. We're crossing our fingers these recommendations spark some curiosity to explore beyond your comfort zone.

Get cozy and dive in! Happy Reading!

Digital bookshelf LINK

Ed-Admin Multi-Portal Installation

YOU WILL NEED THIS APP IN ORDER TO ACCESS REPORTS IN THE FUTURE.

We are pleased to inform you that the new Ed-admin Multi Portal App (Ed-admin MP) is now available on the Google and Apple App stores. The features include access to your child’s reports, calendar activities and daily attendance records to mention a few.

To install the App please follow the below instructions:

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. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:
 

3.) The next step will require you to enter the login code sent to you via email. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:

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.

FEEDBACK

Houses

Congratulations to the House Captains for 2025.

Valedictory

The last day at school for the Class of 2024 started with the traditional signing of shirts and then the matrics had the opportunity to "lock the legacy" by adding their personalised lock to the chain with locks from previous years.

The matrics have, from their Matric Fund, made a donation of R10 000 to TLC.  They donated benches for the learners and a comfortable couch for the support staff staffroom.  In addition they also donated money to the Life Orientation Department to spend on Wellness.  Thank you, Class of 2024!

LEARNER NEWS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Hyperion Bots

Who are we?

Hyperion Bots was Parklands College’s FIRST Lego League & FIRST Tech Challenge Team from 2016 to 2020, but it fell apart once covid hit. Since then our team has been pretty quiet, but we are back baby! 

Our team currently consists of:

Yemira Mamdoo: Team Captain

Connor Niske: Team Co-Captain

Liya De Allende: Head of marketing and safety

Joshua Jackson-Smith: Head of Engineering

Shakti Manga: Head of Programming

If you are interested in just being a part of the team, please let us know and we will arrange a follow-up meeting with you.

Tristan Daries: Engineering Dept.

Mkhuseli Mngese: Programming Dept.

Elihle Hadebe: Marketing Dept.

Our story so far

We have participated in 2 scrimmage competitions so far(scrimmages are practice competitions to learn the game and our opponents), where we tied for first place and came second, closely behind the 2023/2024 Global Alliance Winners, Texpand. We were also one of the only teams who had autonomous code ready, which gave us a major points advantage.

We have officially built our drive train to its final prototype, where now we are experimenting with different intake systems, grippers and elevator mechanics to score the most points.

We are extremely excited to announce that we will be hosting a scrimmage competition, in Collab 2 on Friday the 25th of October, after assembly from 3 pm - 6 pm. So feel free to come and watch if you are interested!

We have also been contacting various businesses in regard to sponsorships, as we have to make money for parts and travel if we wish to go to finals in Texas next year. We have been fortunate with a grant from FIRST Inspire, but we are still looking for further assistance. If you or your parents know anyone interested in sponsoring us, please contact us at hyperionbots@parklands.co.za.

Message from the Secondary Head of Sport

Although it was a shortened week for sport, Thursday was packed with activity at the College. We hosted six matches across tennis and softball, alongside the individual school gala. In total, 11 matches were played yesterday.

Some standout performances include our U19 Softball team, who triumphed in a close 7-6 win over Elkanah. Our U19B cricketers secured a solid victory against Islamia High's U19A, while our U15 cricket team narrowly lost by 13 runs to Milnerton. The growth in our tennis programme is evident, with some impressive victories showcasing our increasing depth.

A special mention goes to our Water Polo teams, particularly the U19A girls, who continue their remarkable winning streak that stretches back to the fourth quarter of 2022. Well done to all our learners.

Weekly Sport Video

Looking Ahead

Today, we are excited to host two boys' water polo matches against Pinelands High School, while our girls will face Camps Bay High School next week. In cricket, our U19A team competes in the WP T20 Challenge against Durbanville High School today, followed by a 50-over match against Pinelands High tomorrow.

Next week marks our first full week of sport for the quarter, with a packed schedule across softball, tennis, cricket, and water polo, along with an upcoming swimming gala. We encourage all parents to come out and support our teams, both at home and away. Your presence truly makes a difference!

Physical Education

Get ready to unleash your inner athlete as you dive into the world of physical education from grade 7 to 11! Picture this: the thrill of the diamond as you slide into home base during a heated game of softball, where every swing of the bat could lead to a grand slam. It’s not just about winning; it’s about camaraderie, teamwork, and discovering hidden talents you never knew you had! With each practice, you'll be honing your skills, learning the ins and outs of strategy, and experiencing that rush of adrenaline that comes with making a fantastic play or hitting that perfect pitch.

But wait, there’s more! Grab your rackets and get ready to serve up some serious fun with tennis. Whether you’re perfecting your forehand or smashing those volleys, the court is where friendships blossom and competition ignites. And let’s not forget the splash-tastic excitement of water polo! Channel your inner mermaid or merman as you navigate the pool, combining swimming prowess with strategic gameplay. Every session is a chance to try something new, push your limits, and uncover the star athlete within you. So gear up, gather your friends, and let the games begin—because physical education is all about making unforgettable memories while staying active and having a blast!

Learner Achievements

Jemma Stearns

Water Polo

As mentioned last week, Jemma Stearns has been selected to represent the U19B Water Polo team to compete in East London later this year.  On Tuesday, Jemma attended the capping ceremony which is the official ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate all successful players.

Well done, Jemma!

Learner Achievements

Steffan Hillebrand

Biathle and Triathle

Steffan competed in the UIPM Biathle and Triathle World Championships last week in Port Said in Egypt – 600 athletes from 28 countries.  Biathle includes swimming and running, and Triathle swimming, running and laser pistol shooting. He gave his best, and came 5th in the Biathle and 11th in the Triathle finals.  

The top 3 athletes of each country also qualify for the team medals, and he was part of the South African teams that received gold for Biathle and silver for Triathle.

Amazing news and achievement Steffan.

Learner Achievements

Zackary Day

Trail Running

Zackery Day is the name to watch in trail running circles. This year, he competed in all four of the Wildrunner Super League short course races: 

1. Kirstenbosch Gardens 5,2 km race

2. Paarl Rock 7,5 km race

3. Kleinmond Biosphere 7,2 km race

4. Oak Valley 5,5 km race

Zackery consistently had podium finishes which also secured him the overall first position for the entire series. Zackery not only places first in the Junior Category (for under 18 runners), but places first overall - despite some serious competition from adult runners. 

We are extremely proud of Zackery's performance and can't wait to see what the future holds for this young athlete. 

These popular family events are truly something for the entire family. We would like to invite our Parklands family to have a look at the Wildrunner Trail Series website for next years' dates and we hope to see many more of our Parkies on the trails. 

Dr.Randewijk

U13 Softball

The u/13s lost their match, but I am so proud of the amazing team spirit they showed. They cheered each other on, had fun and played their hearts out until the last minute.

Mrs Anri Hayward

Weekly Sport Results

MUSIC

PRESTIGE CONCERT

Last night, our talented Music Learners absolutely captivated the audience with their electrifying performances! The evening was a musical journey, taking everyone from the timeless elegance of Mozart to the captivating world of Musical Theatre, and right to the soulful rhythms of South African jazz. 

With tributes to legends like Judith Sephuma and Moses Khumalo, and even local favourites like Liquideep, it was an unforgettable celebration of diverse sounds and talent! Here are some of the performances ... more to follow

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

Psychometric Assessments 

The learner support department offers psychometric assessments at the school for subject choice and career counselling. This process includes an initial interview with the learner, aptitude, personality and interest assessments, as well as a feedback session with an assessment report that is a useful guidance tool for informed decision making and clarity in one’s career or subject choice process. The assessments are done at school and during school time. 

Please contact Samantha Scott sjscott@parklands.co.za for more information or to make a booking. There are limited assessment slots each quarter so please enquire early in 2025 to avoid disappointment. (Please note assessments are a billable service). 

EDUVOS WEBINAR 

"Staying Safe Online: A Guide for Parents and Educators on Social Media Management and Cyberbullying."

Date: Thursday, 24 October 2024

Time: 18:00 till 19:00

Venue: Microsoft Teams

In this session, we will explore effective strategies for managing social media use and addressing cyberbullying. Join us to learn how to create a safer online environment for our children.

RSVP here 

Rotary Youth Exchange

TERTIARY STUDIES

PARENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary parents who are in business are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/

LISTINGS ARE FREE and include contact information as well as the opportunity to include a business logo or advert.  Listings are available 24/7 on the College website and will be updated each quarter.

Should you be interested in marketing your business to over 1000 families, email: marketing@parklands.co.za to get started.

All listings will be subject to the College’s final approval.

This week's feature business is...

CONCLUSION

We wish our Matrics all the best for their final examinations.

Enjoy the 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