Dear Parents and Learners

Another week filled with pride in our learners' achievements - but also their enthusiasm and commitment - has passed.  

The matric music class entertained us on Friday night with their final performance pieces.  Our campus was abuzz on Saturday with the first round of auditions for our production of High School Musical in 2026, while our Counter-Strike teams were competing at Comic Con in Gauteng.  On Wednesday, the Grade 10s impressed us at the screening of their short films, and on Thursday, the Mathematics ...

LOOKING AHEAD

Voting for new Learner Leaders on Monday

Peace Project:  Please open your heart

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 

Assessment Calendars

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

Grade 12 Prelim Study Guidelines

Attendance

The greatest loss of learning occurs when a child is not present in the classroom, which is why regular school attendance is essential to academic progress. 

Consistent attendance supports both continuity of learning and effective monitoring of progress. Frequent absences, even when occasional, can disrupt learning, make it more difficult for learners to keep up, and add unnecessary pressure. While we understand that this time of year often brings illness, we kindly ask for your support in encouraging strong attendance so that every learner can benefit fully from the opportunities provided at school.

The Grade 12s wrote their Final Life Orientation Examination this week

Message from our Student Educators

I am deeply grateful to the staff and learners for welcoming me and supporting me throughout my teaching journey at Parklands College. My time here has been an unforgettable part of my teacher training, and I leave with great appreciation and respect for the teaching profession.

I have gained invaluable classroom experience — from lesson preparation to engaging with learners and creating a positive, meaningful learning environment. I hold in high regard the culture that Parklands has established, and I am proud to have been part of it.

One of the greatest lessons I will take with me is the importance of continual learning, patience, and meaningful connections with learners. I have come to see that teaching is not only about delivering content, but also about inspiring curiosity, guiding understanding, and building confidence.

I would especially like to express my gratitude to my Physical Science mentor, Mr Duffield. Your guidance, dedication, and passion for teaching science have truly inspired me. You have taught me not only how to teach science, but also to never stop learning — to be a flowing stream rather than a stagnant pool of knowledge. The strategies and skills I have gained from you are ones I will carry into my future classrooms.

Thank you all.

Ms Bogacwi (Physical Sciences)

Dear Parklands Secondary Staff,

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Lorraine Roth, Ms. Sylvia Steyn, Mr. Joshua Wyngaard, Ms. Ancia Vosloo, Mr. Prinevin Vardan, and everyone who collaborated with UCT’s School of Education to make this teaching practice possible for Tshepiso and me.

This experience has been one of both professional and personal growth, and I am deeply grateful to the teachers who supported me, especially in the Afrikaans Department. Ms Le Roux, your mentorship gave me confidence and resilience, and I will always value the practical advice you shared. Ms Bester, thank you for your compassion, firm guidance, and invaluable teaching and administrative tips. Ms Hayward, I so enjoyed your engaging lessons and creative approaches, which taught me the power of connecting content to real life. Ms Weigelt-Harvey, your example of setting clear boundaries and your caring nature have left a lasting impression.

To all the teachers I observed across various subjects — thank you for welcoming me into your classrooms and for the many insights you shared. A special mention to Ms Torbet for including me in Hospitality Studies activities and giving me the chance to learn new practical skills, and to Mr Musekene for your kindness in guiding us around the school.

Finally, to every staff member and learner I had the pleasure of meeting: thank you for your warmth and generosity. I will carry these lessons and memories with me as I continue my journey in education.

Ms Apollis (Afrikaans)

Art & Design

Tour de Maths

Last night marked the exciting conclusion of the Tour de Maths 2025, with the final round bringing together enthusiastic learners for one last challenge. Congratulations to Barry John van der Merwe and Henry Hanse, who achieved an impressive third place overall. 

This year, Bishops claimed the top spot, but Parklands College will be back next year!  Beyond the competition, Tour de Maths 2025 gave learners the chance to grow not only in their mathematical knowledge but also to experience different campuses in a safe environment and build lasting friendships. 

With all participating schools already committed to returning, we look forward to an even bigger and better Tour de Maths in 2026 – bring it on!

From the English Department:  Digital Bookshelf

FEEDBACK

Creativity on Display: Learners Shine at the WCED Provincial Skills Competition

This past week, our talented Design learners proudly represented our school at the annual WCED Skills Competition, where creativity, innovation, and problem-solving took centre stage. The competition provided an exciting platform for learners to showcase their abilities in two challenging categories: Product Design and Visual Merchandising. Our participating learners were Zoë Onochie in Grade 11 and Batlile Mahuma and Rebekah Esterhuizen in Grade 10.

Product Design: Hats for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

In the Product Design challenge, learners were tasked with crafting a hat made entirely from raw materials, inspired by the whimsical theme of Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The results were nothing short of spectacular. From towering, eccentric creations to carefully structured, detailed designs, each hat reflected originality and imagination. Learners pushed their creative boundaries by experimenting with texture, form, and balance, transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary works of wearable art.

Visual Merchandising: Bringing Stories to Life

The Visual Merchandising challenge invited learners to select a book and design a display that captured its essence. This task tested not only their creative skills but also their ability to communicate meaning visually. Displays ranged from bold, eye-catching arrangements to thoughtful, thematic interpretations that drew viewers into the story. The competition highlighted the importance of storytelling through design and demonstrated how visual presentation can inspire curiosity and engagement.

Beyond the excitement of the event, learners gained valuable experience in teamwork, time management, and design thinking. They learned to take risks, solve problems creatively, and express their ideas with confidence. For many, this was not only a chance to showcase talent but also to explore potential career paths in the growing creative industries.

Celebrating Achievement

We are incredibly proud of all our learners who participated in the WCED Skills Competition. Their creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm shone through in every design challenge. Events like these remind us that design is more than just aesthetics; it is about communication, innovation, and finding imaginative solutions to everyday problems.

Carike Cass - Design Subject Leader

Digital Electronics Skills Test

The Animation School – Online Short Courses

The Animation School invited Chiara Saunders (Grade 10) and Mr Chaise Frederick (Visual Arts and Animation Educator), to participate in a six-week online short course. Chiara chose a course in 2D animation, and Mr Frederick chose a course in 3D modeling and animation.

The course began with entry-level content and gradually increased in complexity as it progressed. Each weekly lesson provided new material, a live webinar, and several tasks to be completed and submitted.

Each course culminated in a portfolio-ready short animation that was critiqued by the course leader. The lessons were easy to follow, and the information provided was highly useful.

Chiara and Mr Frederick enjoyed their respective courses and would recommend these offerings to other animation enthusiasts.

More information about the courses can be found at the following link:  https://theanimationschool.co.za/short-courses/

e-sports

Parklands College made their mark in the recent HSEL Counter-Strike tournament with both the A and B sides delivering standout performances. The event began with a thrilling clash between our very own teams, with Parklands A edging out Parklands B in a 2-0 victory. Parklands B fought hard throughout the competition, eventually finishing 4th after a tough 3rd place playoff loss to Waterkloof High. Meanwhile, Parklands A advanced all the way to the final, where they went down 2-0 to St John’s College in a closely contested match. With the A side securing 2nd place and the B side earning 4th, the trip proved both fun-filled and competitive, with our players earning praise for their skill, teamwork, and determination, only narrowly outdone by some strong opposition.

We are most proud of our players and having 2 teams in the top 4 in the country!

- Ryan Horsley

High School Musical 2 Auditions

On Saturday, 150 learners auditioned for a place in the cast of High School Musical 2. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with energy and excitement. Keep your eyes peeled, as the full cast and crew list will be announced very soon!

Unicorn Awards

Please find the Unicorn Awards Site to view the top 11 films

Awards

Best Actor(s):  Gerhard Vosloo from ‘All in my Mind’ & Aphelele Momoti from ‘A Time to Remember’

Best Actress (x2): Liat Demissew from ‘(bitter)sweet’ & Logan De Araujo from ‘Mirror Mirror’

Best Director:  “All in my Mind” AND

Best Editing:  “All in my Mind” by Gerhard Vosloo, Sesona Mbovane, Alexa-Rose Schreuder & Madison Coleman

Best Cinematography: “(bitter)sweet” by Liat Demissew, Alecea Viera, Ella Frelinghaus & Kaylee-Jade Mestre

Best Original Animation: “Quality Markers” by Chiara Saunders

Most Wholesome Message: “The Button” by Emma Lilienfeld, Josh Crosson, Sophia De Sousa & Zakey Mooin

Favourite Character(s): Logan de Araujo - “Mirror Mirror”; Luke Le Grange - “The Glass”; Aphelele Momoti - “A Time to Remember”

Best Expressive Voice: Dhiya Mathadeen & Gabriella Valjee in “A Look Through the Glass Eye”

Unique Script Development: “Crossroads” by Arabella Fox, Zacchary Rawat, Navdi Naidoo & Leigh Pijoos

Outstanding Creative Concept: “The Cost of Speed” AND

Best Visual Effects: “The Cost of Speed” by Tristan Strumpher, Ryan Arnaudov, Noah Abbott & Adam Muller

Best Artsy/Nouveau Moment: “No One Noticed” by Aden Van Rhyn, Steffan Hillebrand & Puneet Nagendrakumar

Most Wholesome Moment: The final friendship scene in “The Glass” by Luke Le Grange & Primo Hong

Congratulations to all of the winners for the various categories. 

Now for top 3 movies as decided by our judges. 

Unicorn Awards for Best Movie 

3rd Place: “Mirror Mirror” by Logan De Araujo, Shihan Huang, Ammiel Kianda & Jenna Simpson 

2nd Place: “(bitter)sweet” by Liat Demissew, Alecea Viera, Ella Frelinghaus & Kaylee-Jade Mestre

1st  place:  “All in my Mind” by Gerhard Vosloo, Sesona Mbovane, Alexa-Rose Schreuder & Madison Coleman

Flashback to successful Guiness Book of Records Attempt

Past Learners continue to make us proud

This week Likhona Mbovane performed with the UCT Symphony Orchestra at the Baxter Theatre.

Helping out at Blouberg Marathon

Thank you to the learners, staff members and parents who supported the runners at our water station this past weekend.

ROBOTICS

A Busy and Exciting Week in Robotics!

It’s been a fantastic week in the robotics labs! All our learners participated in a highly engaging workshop on diversity and equity, where they developed important skills through games and discussions led by our school’s Diversity and Equity Committee.

Our WRO teams have been working tirelessly, putting in long hours as they prepare for nationals. With just one week to go, the excitement—and a little bit of pressure—is definitely building!

Meanwhile, our FTC team got hands-on last week with an engineering workshop on the engineering design process, led by their Captain Connor Niske. This week, they’ve been busy getting their drive train up and running, creating profile pics, and looking super smart in their Hyperion Bot kits.

It’s been a week full of learning, teamwork, and pure robotics excitement!

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Exploring Passions, Finding Purpose – Clubs & Societies in Quarter 3

We believe learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Some of the most meaningful growth happens outside the classroom through conversations, collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. That’s why we’re so excited about our Clubs and Societies programme.

If you take a walk around the campus during utility or after school, you’ll feel the energy.  Whether it’s learners deep in strategy during a gaming tournament, sharing ideas in an Interact Club meeting, or debugging code in App Development, there’s a real sense of purpose and passion. These clubs are more than just activities; they're safe spaces for learners to explore who they are and what they love.

In Quarter 3, we have made slight changes to the Clubs and Societies Timetable, which is attached below. From wellness and creative arts to innovation and outreach, there’s something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing even more learners get involved this Quarter. It’s not about adding another item to a to-do list, but it’s about belonging, leading, and growing.

Let the exploring continue.

Link to timetable

SERVICE

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

Two 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.

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, or require further information, please email Mme A Bailly at abailly@parklands.co.za.  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.  This tour is going ahead, but we would love a few 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

Feedback

Learner Achievements

Indoor cricket

Mackenzie Newman captained the Western Province U16 team at the Interprovincial Action Tournament from 3–7 July 2025 at Atterbury Action Arena in Pretoria.  The team secured bronze, and Mackenzie was selected for the South Africa U17 trial squad, taking place on 1–2 November 2025 in Johannesburg. 

These trials will determine the squad for the 2026 Indoor Cricket World Cup, to be hosted in South Africa.

We wish Mackenzie every success at the trials!

Upcoming Event

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

• Erin Langenhoven

• Nicole Apsey

• Nic Farquhar

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

U15B cawessels@parklands.co.za

U15A pbates@parklands.co.za

2nd mesterhuizen@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

• Water polo

U13 & u14 Boys mengelbrecht@parklands.co.za / 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 (Q3: 8 September - 19th September)

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

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

Our incredible Grade 12 dancers have achieved Gold Medals in their ISTD Jazz exams in their final year — a true testament to 

their hard work, passion, and dedication. We are so proud of them!

Supporting our Musicians at The Cape Town Eisteddfod
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the Cape Town Eisteddfod performances. Please note: a R20 entry fee applies for non-performers. SnapScan and card facilities will be available.

We kindly ask all audience members to kindly observe concert etiquette:

• Please put your cellphones on silent 

• Please stay for the full duration of the performance class 

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

Financial Aid Opportunities - Bursaries 

CONCLUSION

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.

TERTIARY STUDIES 

Open Days and Application Dates 2025 for Universities and Colleges 

CONCLUSION