Dear Parents and Learners

The end of the academic year is fast approaching and this will be the second last blog for the year.

Please ensure that you are prepared for 2026 by reading all the information below.

Celebrating 45 years of excellence at Christopher Robin Pre-Primary!

A special moment in this year’s Graduation was hearing from our Director, Mr Michael Paul Roth, who addressed the Grade R class with warmth and pride, and who also graduated from Christopher Robin Pre-Primary back in 2001.

Graduation 2025 Director’s Message

Welcome to our 45th Graduation Ceremony.

This morning, we honour our Graduates and bid them a fond farewell as they progress to BIG school and the excitement of Grade 1.

We look forward to observing our futurepreners as they move through the College over the next 12 years and hopefully matriculate with us in 2037.

It is with confidence that we hand them over to Mrs Lamb and her team of specialists.  Riette, we thank you and each member of your team for making our Pre-Primary the wonderful place that it is.

Robert Fulghum wrote the following, which aptly describes how we should live our lives and as parents, you may still recall some of these valuable lessons from your days in Pre-School.

Wisdom was not at the top of the Graduate Mountain, but there in the sandbox where we learned…

1. share everything

2. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your mess

3. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody

4. Wash your hands before you eat

5. Flush

6.   Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you

7.   Live a balanced life

8.   Learn some, think some, draw and paint and sing, dance and play and work some, every day

9. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together

10. Be aware of wonder

11. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup - the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all

like that

12. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup – they all die. So do we.

13.   And then remember the book about Biff and Chip, and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK

14.  Everything you need to know is in there somewhere

15.  The Golden Rules: treat others as you would want to be treated; remember, love and basic sanitation; ecology, politics and sane living

16.  Think of what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had cookies and milk at about 3 o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap.

17.  Or if we had a basic policy in our nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own messes.

18.  And it is still true; no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is better to hold hands and stick together.

The importance of sharing true values such as these with our children, ensures that we continue raising responsible, independent, thoughtful and kind young people.

Our love and best wishes accompany each and every graduate. We are hopeful they will continue to hold hands and stick together on the exciting journey that awaits them.

Our sincere appreciation to our Pre-Primary parent body, for entrusting us with your child's future.  Remember, it is a journey we can all share.

Now finally, a message to our little learners, Pooh said the following to Piglet:

“You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem,

Smarter than you think, And loved more than you know”

On behalf of the family of the College, our Chair, Board, Principals and educators –

May the holiday Season bring you its treasures in abundance,

lasting friendships, family joys, health and prosperity

Michael Paul Roth

Book donations for Academic Top Achievers

If you are prepared to buy or sponsor a book prize for our Grade 6 - 11 Top Achievers at the Academic Awards in January, please email Gillian Oppenshaw (goppenshaw@parklands.co.za)

Free delivery from School & Leisure to the school

For free delivery to school, in the address block, please insert school name and address and add discount code before check out

• Junior Preparatory - 91 Raats Drive, Parklands 7441

• Senior Preparatory - 50 Wood Drive, Parklands 7441

• Secondary Faculty - 1 College Avenue, Sandown 7441

Discount Code : PKLSCHOOL (both upper and lowercase works) 

LOOKING AHEAD

Textbooks and stationery for 2026

Device information 2026

Parent discount

Parent discount flyer.pdf for live links

Grade 8 - 12 Grade Camps in 2026

The Grade 7s will only go on camp at the end of the Summer Quarter, the rest of the school will depart early in the new year.  It is imperative that parents complete the indemnity forms as soon as possible.

Here are the links to the different camp sites:

Grade 8 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026gr8camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 9 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026-gr-9-camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 10 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026-gr10-camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 11 (2026): https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-2026gr11camp-site?usp=sharing

Grade 8 to 11 (2026): Parklands College Online Indemnity Form & Service Provider’s Online Indemnity Form

Grade 12 (2026): Parklands College Online Indemnity Form & Service Provider’s hard copy Indemnity Form

Grade 12 learners please return the hard copy form to your Camp Leader, Mrs Weigelt-Harvey.

French course in 2026

STAFF NEWS

We bid farewell to the following staff members at the end of the year.  These two ladies have been at the College for many years and have made a huge impact.

Thank you for your service and dedication to the College.  We wish you well in your new endeavours.

Grade Heads 2026

The Grade Heads for 2026 are listed below.  We wish them all them a successful year ahead.  Please feel free to contact them using the email address provided.

ACADEMICS

National Senior Certificate (NSC) Matric Results

The 2025 NSC results will be released on 13 January 2026 at 10:00.  Candidates and their parents/guardians are invited to a celebration in the foyer of the Innovation Centre.  Details will be confirmed once we receive information from WCED.  Results can also be accessed online at WCED Exams from 10:00 onwards on Tuesday, 13 January.

November Examination Timetables and Study Guidelines

NOVEMBER EXAM TT 2025 

Grade 11 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 10 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 9 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 8 Study Guidelines: November

Grade 7 Study Guidelines: November

OPPORTUNITY

 Drone Remote Pilot Certification (RPC) Training Program

Helivate is hosting an Open Day on 22 November, from 10h00 to 13h00, and they would love for you and your parents to join them! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about aviation careers, meet their instructors, and experience what helicopter training is all about.

RSVP is required by email:

ops@helivate.com

ALL THE BEST

Celebrating Our WRO Champions! Off to Singapore! 

The excitement is electric on campus this week as we proudly celebrate our World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) learners who are jetting off to Singapore with their coaches for the International WRO competition!

This incredible achievement is the result of months of passion, hard work, and innovation. Our learners have pushed boundaries, solved complex challenges, and demonstrated the true spirit of excellence that defines our school.

Now, they have the honour of representing not only the college, but also South Africa on one of the world’s biggest robotics stages. What a phenomenal milestone!

To our brilliant learners and their dedicated coaches - we are cheering for you all the way! May this journey be filled with inspiration, unforgettable experiences, and moments that make you proud of how far you’ve come.

Go shine, go innovate, and go make history.
Singapore, here they come! 

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. Locks 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.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Educator Liaisons: Mrs. Alexis Matsimela & Mr. Peter Bates

Prefect Liaisons: Liya De Allende & Mia Bezer

Email: equity@parklands.co.za

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT

The Arthur Johnson Sportweek – Mossel Bay 2026

An email to the parents of all participants was sent to on Wednesday 26 November confirming your child's attendance at the festival. A further email was sent on Friday 28 November outlining the next steps regarding payment for the tour.

2026 Summer Sport Q1 and Q4 Sign-ups

This link was shared with all secondary faculty parents this week. Kindly complete your child's 2026 Q1 (and Q4) sport sign up.

Kindly contact dhunt@parklands.co.za if you have any questions.

DH

Sports Tour 2026 - AJ Sportweek

The Arthur Johnson Sportweek is South Africa’s premier school sports festival, bringing together top young athletes from across the country to compete in rugby, hockey, and netball. Next year will be its 44th and the week offers high-level competition that sharpens skills, builds mental toughness, and provides exposure to provincial and national coaches. 

Beyond the games, it’s a celebration of team spirit, community, and lifelong friendships, with opportunities for selected teams to tour internationally. In 2026, Parklands College will compete in U19 and U16 rugby, U19 boys and girls hockey, and U19 and U16 netball, promising an unforgettable experience for every learner involved.

Accommodation for the 2026 tour:

A few pics from this year's tour:

Feedback

Our hockey astroturfs have been certified!

The FIH Category 3 field means that both Parklands College’s hockey pitches meet the International Hockey Federation’s standards for national, regional and club-level competition. It offers a consistent, high-performance surface that enhances skill development, ensures player safety and supports competitive play. This certification reflects Parklands College’s ongoing investment in professionally recognised, well-maintained facilities — a clear demonstration of the school’s genuine commitment to sport and to providing young athletes with an environment where they can develop their skills, compete confidently and thrive.

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 

2026 Sports Prefects

• Dominique Yuill

• Matias Munsamy

• Malik Bunting

Q1 2026 Summer Sport Timetable

Are you ready to try something new? 

The Parklands College Music Department offers expert tuition on a variety of instruments, taught by industry specialists. 

Whether you're looking to start your musical journey or try out a new instrument, we've got you covered!

Not sure which instrument suits you best? No problem! 

Email Mrs. Matsimela at amatsimela@parklands.co.za to book a try-out session. 

2026 Enrolment Form: https://forms.gle/P9VACre2GnMWXk9R6 

Find out more: https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/sec-music-department/home 

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! 🎹🎸🥁

🎵 Please Note: If you're already part of the extra-mural music programme,  no need to sign up again for 2026—you’re automatically enrolled! Should you wish to terminate lessons for 2026,  please kindly do so in writing to amatsimela@parklands.co.za by 26 November 2025.

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

TERTIARY STUDIES 

OVC - GAP YEAR OPPORTUNITIES 

We’re hosting two upcoming events on 15 November and 13 December 2025, where we’ll be chatting about Gap Year Opportunities and the different ways learners can work, travel, and gain global experience.

These sessions are all about inspiring learners to think bigger, to see what’s possible beyond matric. From cultural exchange programs and work abroad options to travel experiences that build real-world skills, there’s something for everyone. The events are informative, interactive, and genuinely motivating, perfect for students who are curious about life after school. They’ll hear real stories from South Africans who’ve gone abroad and come home with new skills, perspectives, and confidence. www.ovc.co.za

Join OVC for our in-person presentation on Gap Year Opportunities!

Saturday, 15 November 2025 Mowbray - location provided on RSVP

Saturday, 13 December 2025 Brackenfell - location provided on RSVP

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

On-campus Open Day: Saturday 18 April 2026

On our annual SU Open Day, we welcome grade 11 and 12 learners, their parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to our Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses. View our exhibitions, attend demonstrations and information sessions, and engage with our faculty staff, all while experiencing our vibrant campuses and student communities and exploring the available housing options.

Time: 08:00 - 15:00
Place: SU's Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses
Ticket Bookings: Quicket (available from 18 March 2026)

This is a chance not to be missed!

USA Scholarships ISAM360 webinar: 3 December 2025

USA Scholarship opportunities for Gr 11 & 12 Students

3 December 2025 - Webinar @ 18:00 

We have an online LIVE session for all Grade 11 & 12 students, regarding scholarships and bursaries for overseas study.

This session will be hosted ONLINE by ISAM360 who currently assist thousands of South African students to find scholarships and placements in overseas institutions. There is a level for every student as the goal is to make studying abroad more affordable for everyone. 

Please note that these scholarships are limited and will not be provided again to these grade levels in 2025.

 Please register on the following link - https://event.webinarjam.com/6olq9/register/502q3i4x

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.

2025 Dates

Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December

2026 Dates (subject to change)

Summer Quarter:  20 Jan - 26 March

Autumn Quarter:  8 April - 24 June

Winter Quarter:  22 July - 23 September

Spring Quarter:  14 October - 4 December

CONCLUSION