Secondary Faculty Weekly Memo

8 August 2024

FROM THE OFFICE

Dear Parents and Learners

We love being busy! This past week saw the matrics celebrating their last 40 days of school, an assembly to celebrate the start of Women's Month and our August Awareness Month, as well as many sports matches. Last Saturday we were proud to show many prospective parents and learners around our campus on Open Day and we hosted the World Robot Olympiad's Regional competition on our campus.

We are gearing up for the annual Derby against Somerset College next week. Learners will be transported by bus to Somerset West for the events on Friday and Saturday. Please find the programme under the sport section lower down.

Individual photographs

The individual photographs taken by professional photographers were handed out to the learners on Monday. We are delighted to let you know that there’s still time to place re-orders, should you wish to do so! You have until the end of August to make your request. Kindly email secondary@parklands.co.za to place an order.

Social media abuse

We are aware that there are many platforms on which cyber-bullying is taking place, but there is an Instagram account of which we would like to make parents aware. It is named "Ship or Dip" and a great many of our Parklands learners follow the account. We are utterly shocked by the content posted on this platform. Please have a discussion with your child to make them aware that even if they are not active in this account, the mere fact that they are following the account (the names of followers are visible) makes them accountable and severe legal consequences may follow. We are actively investigating the origin of the account and have called in professionals to assist us in this regard.

Parking lot

Please assist us with the traffic flow in the afternoons and do not double park in front of the Admin building.

Staff news

We would like to congratulate Mr Mayers on his appointment as Principal of the Senior Preparatory Faculty in 2025. While we will be sad to bid him farewell, we wish him well and are confident that he will continue to make a difference in the lives of young people

FEEDBACK

Robotics

The Robotics Club proudly had three of our teams participate in the World Robotics Olympiad Regional Competition, held at Parklands College. Competing under the RoboMission Junior category, all three teams excelled, securing the gold, silver, and bronze medals.

TechTron, consisting of Aiden Chow, Ashley Machine, and Priyanka Ramlakan, clinched the first place and earned the gold medal with their outstanding performance.

The TechnoBlade team, made up of Matthew Francke, Luan Odendaal, and Veer Atwaru, demonstrated impressive skills and teamwork to win the silver medal.

In third place, TechnoMind, represented by Arcanjo Mwini and Daniel Spuhler, showcased their dedication and talent, earning the bronze medal.

Congratulations to our teams for their hard work and perseverance. We are eagerly looking forward to the national competitions in Johannesburg this September. Let's continue to strive for excellence and bring home more victories!

TechTron

Gold

TechnoBlade

Silver

TechnoMind

Bronze

SPACE Outing

20240807 IAU Astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor

ACADEMICS

Academic Links

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

🎓 Winter Quarter Timetables, 🎓Assessment Calendars, the 🎓 Tutorial Schedule, the 🎓 Grade 12 Prelim Exam Timetable, the 🎓Grade 12 Prelim Study Guidelines and the 🎓Grade 12 NSC Timetable.

Grade 10 2025 Subjects

The Grade 9 Learners have started the exciting journey of choosing subjects for 2025. Life Orientation lessons have been a buzz of exploration and discussions about the possibilities out there and discovering possible career fits. Parents and learners are invited to join us for an information evening on 29 August.

Mathematical Literacy Olympiad

Our FET Mathematical Literacy learners took part in the FEMSSISA Mathematical Literacy Olympiad on Tuesday.

From the Mathematics Department

Grade 9s having fun and collaborating on understanding straight lines

Grade 7Rs collecting Matific Level Awards

7R spent 113 hours on the Matific platform and collected 2525 stars, earning a top ranking in the grade. Collectively, they spent 113 hours on the platform to earn their top ranking.

Ruby - Highest Tier (250 stars each)

8th in the grade Taylor Watson who spent almost 25 hours on the platform

7th in the grade Georgiana Villiers

6th in the grade Kayla Fundira

4th in the grade Bohlale Mtimkulu

2nd in the grade Caitlin Hunt

1st in the grade Nokukhanya Khumalo who also spent almost 25 hours on the platform.

Silver & Gold

Onako Makapela ranked 14th in the grade with 144 stars on silver tier

Kiana Naidoo ranked 12th in the grade with 172 stars on silver tier

Barry John van der Merwe ranked 10th in the grade with 180 stars on gold tier

Grade 7P helping each other with Number Patterns

Grade 7A focussed on Rate and Ratio Problem Solving

From the Life Orientation Department

Grade 7 Life Orientation using the break-away Pods to collaborate on their projects.

Grade 8 Technology Coding Drones

In Grade 8 Technology learners have been learning about rhino conservation and how rhinos are relocated between African parks. They have each made a paper origami rhino and then have been working out how to attach it to a drone to relocate safely. This simulates how rhinos are currently relocated using helicopters. In the coming weeks they will gain skills to successfully map out the camps of the Kruger National Park and code an autonomous flight to avoid flying over any of the camps. This activity integrates skills and content across subject disciplines.

Simulating Relocating Rhinos with Drones.mov

Even during breaks, while having fun, you can get work done!

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

Q3 EHL Digital Book Shelf 2024

LEARNER NEWS

Matric 40 Days Breakfast

Last Friday the matrics celebrated the start of the final stretch of their school career with a breakfast at MacPherson's.

Class of 2024.MOV

EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Women's Month

At Friday's assembly, we launched Women's month by welcoming a guest speaker, actress Cristal Donna Roberts, who spoke to us about the power of perseverance and self-belief.

SPORT

external_sports_news@parklands.co.za

Head of Sport: tpillay@parklands.co.za

Rugby and Girls Soccer Coordinator: dviljoen@parklands.co.za

Chess, Boys Soccer & Cross Country Coordinator: mviljoen@parklands.co.za

Netball and Hockey Coordinator: sbloem@parklands.co.za

From the Secondary Head of Sport

We've had another fantastic week of sport at the secondary faculty! Our Rugby teams excelled, winning two out of three games against Kraaifontein High School. The U19 Boys Hockey team continues their winning streak, securing their third consecutive victory. It's been incredible to witness their improvement over the season. Despite a loss to Fairmont High, our U19 Girls Soccer team looked fantastic in their new kit and played with great spirit. Yesterday, our Netball teams faced Settlers in highly competitive matches, providing excellent preparation for our upcoming Derby.

Derby Weekend

Derby Weekend is finally upon us! Our sports teams, learners, and educators are ready to take on Somerset College next weekend. After hosting last year, it’s now our turn to return the favor. Although it will be logistically challenging, I’m confident we will all come together to make this weekend a success for both sets of learners.

Important Notice: This is one of our "red letter" events of the year, and attendance on Saturday, 17 August is compulsory for all Secondary faculty learners. This event has been on our calendar for many months, and I have reminded parents and learners via our weekly blog.

Transport: We will provide transport for all learners on both days of competition. Learners playing matches on either or both days must travel with College transport, as Saturday starts very early and Friday finishes very late. A Google form has been sent out for learners who need transport as spectators/supporters on Friday and Saturday. Please complete it promptly.

Please click on the link below to see the programme for next week. This is a live document so please read over daily to see if there are any amendments.

2024 Derby Day Programme

Weekly Sport Video

Weekly Video Q3 Week 4.mov

Physical Education

We continue to actively promote our various sporting codes and integrate engaging ball games that enhance hand-eye coordination. These activities are not only enjoyable for the learners but also foster a lively and fun environment for everyone involved.

U19 Boy Hockey Photos

Courtesy of Mrs McCulloch

Netball

Both our u/13 netball teams were victorious against Curro Century City. Well done!

Weekly Sport Results

Weekly Sport Programme

Sport Uniform

MUSIC

Want to learn an instrument? Let's Go!!!!!

Should you be interested in starting an instrument. Please have this form completed: https://forms.gle/MMYD7bH2Ak2iVXgL7

Music Department Educator Contact Details

SERVICE

During August Awareness Month we are celebrating women: the mothers, sisters, daughters, caregivers and breadwinners.

We are collecting clothing, blankets, tea, coffee, sugar, long life milk and cleaning products. The three communities we are supporting are all largely influenced or led by women.

Thank you in advance for your kindness.

Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star: Walking towards a Hunger-Free Future

The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is delighted to announce that our much-anticipated annual family fun walk, Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star will take place on Sunday 25 August at the Green Point Cricket Club.

Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star is not just a walk; it’s a symbol of solidarity and commitment to ensuring that no child goes to school hungry. With the generous support of our participants, sponsors, and volunteers, PSFA aims to raise awareness of childhood hunger and funds to provide nutritious meals to impoverished children at schools across the Western Cape.

The event, which will start in Stephan Way, Green Point and end at the Green Point Cricket Club, will include two routes along the scenic Sea Point Promenade, a 10km walk starting at 07h30 and a 5km walk starting at 08h15. Every person who enters will receive a medal and refreshments sponsored by Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages.

In addition to the walk, participants can look forward to exciting entertainment featuring top Cape Town singer, Jarrad Ricketts, food stalls, and activities for all ages, making it a perfect morning out for the whole family. Plus, every step taken and every Rand raised will make a tangible difference in the lives of children who rely on PSFA’s feeding programme.

Entries are now open, with various registration options available to accommodate individual and group entries. The entry fee is R100 which will enable PSFA to provide 28 school children affected by poverty with a nutritious breakfast and lunch for an entire day. Only online entries will be accepted. Entries are limited to 6,000 people, so please enter early to avoid disappointment.

For any enquiries, contact Top Events at info@topevents.co.za or WhatsApp at 0661394210.

LEARNER SUPPORT

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

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

Psychometric Assessments - currently a waiting list available

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 to avoid disappointment. (Please note assessments are a billable service). The assessment slots for Quarter 3 and 4 are fully booked

If you are interested please let us know and we will put you on the waiting list should an assessment slot become available.

TERTIARY STUDIES

GVI (international volunteering, gap year and internship provider) is hosting a Virtual Open Day on Tuesday, 13 August, and you’re invited! They’ll be sharing details about their programs in some pretty incredible locations. You'll hear firsthand stories from alumni about their experiences and have a chance to ask your questions live. It’s a great way to discover what GVI is all about and connect with like-minded people. Register on their website to join in!

STELLENBOSCH SPORTS BURSARIES

Maties Sport Performance Bursary Applications are now open

If you would like to apply, be sure to read the below criteria and guidelines on our website regarding our sport bursaries for 2025.

Apply here >> https://sport.sun.ac.za/bursary-applications/

For more details and enquiries, contact the Maties Sport office.

#matiessport #whoyoubecome

CRIMSON EDUCATION

Join us for the webinar:

Former Admissions Officer Tour - Cape Town 2024

Friday 30 August 2024 17:00 - 19:00 (SAST/CAT)

Click HERE to register for the event

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...