From the Office

We have seen lots of happy, smiling faces this week, as new friendships were forged and new adventures experienced at the various grade camps.  The value of spending time in nature - and away from electronic devices - cannot be underestimated.

We are nearing the end of the summer sport season and pre-season training for the winter sport season is starting.  The learners have to juggle many commitments and have to manage studying for end-of-quarter assessment.  Let's combine forces to assist them with time management over the next few weeks.

A reminder that parents are always welcome to attend our assembly on a Friday at 13:15.  

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.)  

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.

FEEDBACK

Please see how much fun the learners had ...  Thank you to Mrs Weigelt-Harvey for the photo compilations.

Grade 12

Everyone told us this was going to be the best camp of highschool. They were right. Apart from the overnight bus trips and 5 hour stops at the border, the enjoyment was endless. Sunrise to sunset was spent with friends and our whole grade bonded in a way we never have before. 

Any good adventure comes with scratches and bruises, and we all have our fair share. Jumping off rocks into the water, floating down rapids and endless time playing in the river. Our paddling was compensated with our body weight in sweets and cries of “Can I have some?” and “Surely you’ll share?” echoed at the end of the trip when stashes ran low. 

At the end of each day, exhausted but content, we saw more stars than we could begin to count. Nights were filled with conversations past midnight and laughing fits that could be heard for kilometres. Although the Orange River is pretty spectacular, what made this trip truly magical was the people we shared it with. This experience is one we’re all going to carry with us for life.

--- Amy White

Grade 11

The Grade 11s kicked off their camp experience bright and early, arriving at school at 5:30 AM before setting off on an exciting journey to the campsite. Upon arrival, we quickly got to work setting up our tents and organizing our luggage. After a warm welcome and a quick briefing from the friendly camp counselors, we were divided into six groups and prepared for three days packed with adventure.

Our activities ranged from thrilling outdoor challenges to team-building exercises. We started with beach games, competing in volleyball, cricket, and other fun activities on the sand. Kayaking was another highlight, followed by an exhilarating session of cliff jumping and a refreshing swim in the river. We also embarked on a scenic mountain walk that led to a challenging hike, culminating in an adrenaline-pumping abseiling experience with support from our counselors and peers.

Another exciting challenge was raft building, where teams used rope and various materials to construct sturdy rafts and test their durability in the river. We also had the unforgettable opportunity to visit a penguin colony, where we observed and admired these fascinating creatures up close.

On our final night, we came together in groups to prepare our own potjies, creating delicious meals and enjoying the teamwork involved. The next morning, we packed up our tents, expressed our gratitude to the camp counselors and teachers for their guidance and care, and reflected on our incredible experience during the bus ride home.

This camp was truly a memorable adventure—one filled with teamwork, courage, and unforgettable moments! - Fabianna Vermeulen

Grade 11 Camp: A Journey of Adventure and Friendship

Our camp adventure began bright and early at 5:30 AM when we arrived at school—mostly tired, but filled with excitement for what lay ahead. The long bus ride kept us on the edge of our seats, eager to see what this year’s camp had in store.

As soon as we arrived, we got straight to work setting up our tents, greeting our instructors, and splitting into groups for the upcoming activities. Over the next few days, we took part in an incredible variety of adventures, including hiking and abseiling, kayaking, raft building, beach games, and even a special visit to see penguins. Each group rotated through these activities, ensuring that everyone had the chance to experience them all.

One thing that never disappointed was the food—whether it was at the start, middle, or end of the day, every meal was delicious and a much-needed energy boost after our action-packed schedule. But beyond the activities and meals, camp was about more than just adventure—it was about connection. We built new friendships, strengthened old ones, and got to know our classmates, teachers, and instructors on a whole new level.

On our final night, after wrapping up the last of our activities, we teamed up to cook our own meals, sharing laughs and stories as we enjoyed our last evening together. By the time the final day arrived, we were all ready to head home, but not without a deep sense of gratitude for the memories we had made.

A huge thank you goes out to our teachers, instructors, and the entire Parklands team for their hard work in making this camp such an incredible experience. We truly appreciate all the effort that went into ensuring we had an unforgettable time. And now, we look forward to the next adventure—the Orange River! - Malik Bunting

Grade 10

The Grade 10 camp was a highlight of the year for the learners and the staff who accompanied them to the VCSV Kleinmond campsite.

On arrival at the campsite, the camp supervisors engaged the learners in some icebreaker activities which had everyone moving, laughing and working together.  After lunch, the first of the rotations began for all of the groups.  The activities included various lawn games, a climbing wall, kayaking and hiking.  The usual cat-and-mouse games followed the ‘lights-out’ call but within an hour (or two!) everyone was asleep and ready for the next day’s activities.  

On the second day of the camp, all of the groups worked their way through the rotation of the activities and there was also time to spend a few hours on the beach.  In the evening, the Grade showed their unity by working together to perform an enthusiastic and very entertaining rendition of their Grade war cry.

The following morning the campers were treated to a hearty cooked breakfast before boarding the buses back to campus, everyone the richer for new friendships formed and wonderful memories of the summer camp.

Grade 9

Camp truly was a wonderful experience and the grade definitely got to know each other a lot better. We’re so excited for the year ahead and will cherish the memories we made together during the course of camp! Yemira Mamdoo

I really enjoyed camp because it was a fun experience filled with exciting activities and spending time with my friends. My favourite activity was archery, where we learned how to properly aim, hold the bow, and hit the balloon target. Wanganae Masindi

Our recent school camp was an incredible experience that allowed for our grade to bond over outdoor activities and learning experiences. I believe that this year’s camp truly brought us all as a grade together. Caitlin Smith

My highlight of the 2025 Gr9 Camp was the massive touchies game that we played and the Red Rover game we played in the pitch-dark. Ethan Wüst

Our Grade 9 camp at Kogelberg Farm was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, laughter, and great memories. From the fun activities such as first aid training and high ropes to the exciting bus rides, every moment was a chance to bond and enjoy time away from school. Noah Fick

Grade 8

A learner's account - By Isabella Ankiah and Caitlin Hunt

During this Grade 8 camp, learners embarked on an adventure full of memories and new friends that are sure to last a lifetime and stay in our hearts. We participated in many exciting (and admittedly nerve-wracking) activities, including sandboarding, trust exercises, lawn games, paddling (though many ended up falling off rather than paddling), challenging hikes, and running from baboons. Throughout the camp, we were given many chances to step into leadership roles and collaborate with one another. This camp challenged us to step out of our comfort zones and try new things, even if that ‘new thing’ was making war cries with half the grade’s boys stating what ‘baddies’ they are. Needless to say, this camp was filled with opportunities to grow and make unforgettable memories.

An unforgettable camp experience - By Mr Clive Wessels

The Grade 8 camp at Disakloof, run by Venture Forth, was an unforgettable adventure packed with outdoor learning and excitement. Learners took on a mix of activities, from sandboarding down towering dunes to paddling across the lake and hiking the stunning Leopard’s Kloof Trail in the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens—winding through forests, crossing streams, and ending at a breathtaking waterfall. The camp wasn’t just about adventure; it also focused on teamwork and leadership skills. The grand finale was a high-energy War Cry competition, where each group gave it their all, proving beyond a doubt that our blood runs blue!

Grade 7

The Grade 7 camp at Bonamanzi Adventures from 19 to 21 February 2025 was an unforgettable adventure packed with laughter, teamwork, and outdoor thrills! From the moment they arrived, students jumped into action—designing team flags, crafting war cries, and diving into hilarious challenges that had them soaked and scrambling after their shoes. Day two brought an epic rafting adventure on the Breede River, where teams paddled, splashed, and mastered survival skills before winding down with a bush walk, skits, and marshmallow-roasting under the stars. By the final morning, tired but buzzing with excitement, campers reflected on their favorite moments before heading home, ready to share their wild stories. Huge thanks to the Bonamanzi team for making this an experience to remember!

Christopher Robin Pre-Primary Visit

The Prefect body visited Christopher Robin Pre Primary on Tuesday, 24 February.  This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year. The Prefects got to visit their old classrooms, play areas, and educators, which was indeed nostalgic. The Pre-Primary learners were excited to see and spend playtime with the Prefects and the mascots, Pegasus and Pegasue. As a whole, the experience was filled with laughs, giggles, and smiles.

To our Muslim families

ACADEMICS

Celebrating excellence

Our Mathematics Department is proud of achieving top position in the Metro North District in the 2024 NSC Exams.  As you can see, they are getting ready to celebrate PI day next month ...

Top Achieving in Metro North in 2024 NSC examinations

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.

2025 Exam Dates

Mid-year GET Examinations (Grade 7, 8 & 9):  2 June until 24 June

Mid-year FET Examinations (Grade 10, 11 & 12):  26 May until 24 June

Preliminary Examinations (Grade 12):  25 August until 22 September

End of year GET Examinations (Grade 7, 8 & 9):  11 November until 2 December (last day of quarter 5 December)

End of year FET Examinations (Grade 10 & 11):   3 November until 2 December (last day of quarter 5 December)

Grade 12 Final National Senior Certificate Examination:  We await confirmation of the specific dates and timetable from DBE.  All candidates must be available until the last day of the examination, regardless their subject timetable.

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 include 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 do not constitute a valid reason.

Digital Bookshelf

A Call for Prize Donations

The English Department has launched its first internal Creative Writing Competition and Book Bingo Competition.  We are looking for book vouchers to be donated for the top 3 winners for both FET and GET, as well as 3 additional prizes for the Annual Book Bingo. If you would like some more information about the competitions, please click HERE. 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Mrs J Biermann (jbiermann@parklands.co.za)

Life Sciences

Gr 10 Practical

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Club and Society Leadership Training

On Wednesday, 26 February, our newly elected club and society chairpeople gathered for an exciting and insightful leadership training session. The workshop, led by Joshua da Silva and Miya Singh, was designed to equip our leaders with the skills and confidence needed to run their clubs effectively.

Through engaging activities and interactive discussions, the session covered essential leadership principles, teamwork strategies, and creative problem-solving techniques. Joshua and Miya brought energy and enthusiasm, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

The newly elected leaders left feeling inspired and prepared to take their clubs and societies to new heights. This session was just the beginning of what promises to be a fantastic year of student-led initiatives and collaboration.

We look forward to seeing the impact of their leadership in the months ahead!

From our sports department

As seasons change, so do sporting opportunities. Summer brings cricket, swimming and athletics, while winter challenges us with rugby,

hockey and netball.  Each season offers a fresh start, a chance to develop new strengths and embrace different challenges.  Success in sport is

not about staying the same - it’s about growing, adapting, and seizing every opportunity.  We encourage our learners to stay consistent, 

embrace change and let every transition shape them into the athlete that they aspire to be. 

Next week concludes our summer sporting programme.  We will switch to our winter sports which begins on Monday, 10 March.

Winter sports

• A letter regarding winter sport was sent to all Secondary Faculty parents on Wednesday 19 February.

• Use this link (or the link in 2025 Winter Sports Sign Up letter) to sign your child up to their winter sport of you have not yet done so:  

2025 Winter Sports Sign Up

West Coast Festival

The West Coast Festival will be hosted by Milnerton High School on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th March. 

Our u16 and u19 Girls' Netball Teams as well as our u13/14, u15, u16 and u19A rugby teams are participating.

Please see the dedicated drop down tab which provides further information regarding match schedules.

Hockey training (Garden Route Tour), Netball Trials and Rugby Training

In order to best facilitate trials and training for our upcoming tours and festival, we initiated Netball trials, Girls' and Boys' Hockey as well as 

Rugby training this week. 

Please note the following training plan for Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th March.

Swimming - according to Summer Sports Timetable.

Cricket - u13 have a match against Sunningdale at home on Monday 3rd March. 1st XI practice according to Summer Sports Timetable with a 

match to play on Saturday 8th March (A).

Water polo - Girls' practices only next week.

Swimming- according to Summer Sports Timetable.

Fitflex - according to Summer Sports Timetable

Netball - u16/u19 only on Wednesday and Thursday 15h00-16h30

Girls Hockey - Tuesday 4th, 15h00-16h30

Boys Hockey - Wednesday 5th, 15h00-16h30

Rugby - Monday to Thursday for all age groups, 15h00-16h30

Waterpolo Girls!

We wish our u19 Water polo girls all the very best as they play Herzlia in the semi-final play-offs for their league this coming Monday, 3rd March at Herzlia. The finals will be contested on Wednesday evening at South African College High School.

DH

Softball

The U13s had an amazing match against Milnerton and won 12-3.

Looking Ahead

Learner achievements 

Steffan Hillebrand

Steffan competed in the Xterra Triathlon this past weekend and came 2nd in the 16-17 yrs race category. He has qualified for the Xterra World Champs in Trentino, Italy, which will take place from the 25 - 28 September later this year. 

Congratulations Steffan!

Xterra World Champs 

Parklands College summer sporting programme 2025

Parklands College winter sporting programme 2025

Starts Monday, 10 March.

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

🎶 Open Day Ensemble Rehearsals: Music, Momentum & Moments of Fun! 🎵

Open Day continues to be a fantastic opportunity for our ensembles to come together, refine their repertoire, and make the most of extended rehearsal times. These sessions are more than just practice—they’re where the magic happens! 

With the extra time, musicians fine-tune their sound, strengthen their teamwork, and build the kind of musical synergy that makes every performance unforgettable.

But don’t be fooled—it’s not all hard work! 

Within the fine-tuning, there’s plenty of laughter, inside jokes, and those priceless moments that make being in an ensemble so special. It’s where friendships grow, confidence soars, and the joy of making music together truly shines.

Here’s to more music, more progress, and of course, more fun! 🎶✨

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

TERTIARY STUDIES 

Open Days and Applications Dates 2025 for Universities and Colleges 

CONCLUSION

More Camp photos

Have a great weekend!

Kind regards

Sylvia Steyn

ssteyn@parklands.co.za

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