From the Office

With only three weeks remaining before the end of the Summer Quarter and our sports touring teams in the final stages of preparing for their upcoming tours to Sri Lanka and the Garden Route respectively, our learners and staff are feeling the pressure.  It is important to maintain a balance, for learners to look after every aspect of the Healthy Mind Platter ...

West Coast Sport Festival at Milnerton High

We hope to see many of our parents and learners supporting our rugby, netball and hockey teams this weekend.  Please see the programme for fixture times in the Sports Section below.

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.)  

Above:  Lorraine and Werner Roth      Above Right:  Founding Educators: (Back L-R) J. Booysen, L. Davies, L. Steynberg (Nee Greenway), J. Armstrong, R. Knaggs (Director), G. Douglas, A. Bailly, N. Muller   (Front L-R) H. Kreyenbroek, R. van der Merwe, P. O’Brien, L. Ribaudo and L. Torbet.  (Highlighted names denote staff who are still with us).

We will be celebrating our 45th birthday on Tuesday, 11 March and on this day in 1980, Lorraine Roth, opened the doors of Christopher Robin Pre-Primary School to the residents of Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. The quality of education provided brought about a well – patronised and respected establishment, which offered care and early learning to young children, aged from six months to six years.

The reputation and quality of the school continued to grow and numerous requests by parents, for the Pre-Primary to offer formal education began. Encouraged by the staunch support of parents we were prompted to search for land to grow the school’s academic offering. As a result of a thorough research process, the Western Seaboard was identified as a potential major growth area. This was further supported by growth and population statistics from the City of Cape Town’s Planning Department. The construction of Parklands College commenced in 1998 in the new suburb of Parklands and in July of the same year, proudly opened the doors of the new Campus in Raats Drive, to 32 learners.

The College was built in phases, in order to accommodate the growth in learner numbers. The window period provided during the construction phases enabled the College to acquire additional land for sports and future developments. Parklands College currently operates from three sites, on approximately twenty-six and a half hectares of land. The growth of the College and Pre-Primary required careful strategic planning, and a decision to develop a new campus for the existing Secondary Faculty was formalised by the Board in February 2010. Parklands College, at 1 College Avenue, opened its doors in January 2012.

The College continues to grow as a result of the outstanding education and foundation our learners receive in our Pre-Primary and we are proud of what has been made available, in order to enrich their academic, cultural and sporting interests. We look forward to providing many more years of outstanding innovative education, beginning in the early years. The success could not have been achieved without the outstanding support we have received from our parents.

Lorraine Roth

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.

Air pods

We do not look for missing air pods.  Learners have been told that they should rather not bring air pods to school, as they get lost easily.

Letter from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis

ACADEMICS

Academic Links

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

🎓 Summer Quarter Timetables,  🎓Assessment Calendars, the  🎓 Tutorial Schedule, the  🎓 Subject Change Deadlines, the   🎓Promotion Requirements and   🎓 Absence during Assessments or Exams and 🎓 Exam Dates

Final week of the Summer Quarter

It is imperative that learners attend school until the last day of the quarter.  Due to the number of public holidays and the mid-term break next quarter, we have limited time to finish the syllabus before the mid-year examinations and learners cannot afford to miss lessons. 

Special arrangements have been made with learners leaving on sports tour.

Life Sciences Practical in Grade 11

Learning about the structure of flowers ...

Digital Electronics Grade 10 and Grade 11

Grade 10 and 11 learners etching their PCBs as part of their Practical Assessment Task for the year in Digital Electronics.

Junior Tour de Maths - Grade 6 and 7

Our Grade 6 and 7 Tour De Maths team had their second leg of the Competition at Elkanah this past Tuesday. Our learners came second on the night, but have managed to keep their first place ranking after two legs. We are extremely proud of their efforts. It was once again a highly enjoyable evening and we look forward to seeing our team grow in confidence and mathematical rigour. 

Tour de Maths - Grade 8 and 9

On Thursday evening, our learners took part in the Tour de Maths event hosted by Rustenburg Girls' High. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to collaborate, think critically, and sharpen their problem-solving skills. A special congratulations to Barry John van der Merwe and Bohlale Mtimkulu, who were part of the winning team!

Events like these not only prepare our learners for upcoming competitions such as SAMO and the UCT Olympiad but also foster a love for mathematics beyond the classroom. Well done to all who participated—we are incredibly proud of your efforts!

Grade 12 Outing to Montebello Design Centre and Metro North Workshop

On Monday 3 March, the Grade 12 learners embarked on an inspiring educational outing to the Montebello Design Centre. On a previous occasion they had the opportunity to attend the Metro North workshop hosted by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) at Stellenberg High School. These enriching experiences aimed to expose learners to creative industries and provide valuable insights into career development and innovation.

The day consisted of a visit to the Montebello Design Centre, a hub for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs located in the heart of Newlands. Learners were given a guided tour of the various studios, where they observed artisans at work in fields such as ceramics, jewellery making, and graphic design. The centre’s dedication to fostering local talent and sustainable practices left a lasting impression on the learners, sparking curiosity about the possibilities within the creative sector.

Learners proceeded to the Metro North workshop organized by the WCED on Monday 10 February.  The workshop focused on equipping learners with essential skills for their Grade 12 academic year in Design, including career guidance, digital literacy, and self-empowerment. The DCES for Design from the education department shared her expertise, offering practical advice on navigating the platform, providing extra resources for learners to utilise.

The combination of creativity and practical career knowledge made the outing both educational and inspiring. Learners returned with a greater appreciation for the creative industries and a renewed sense of purpose as they prepare for their futures.

We extend our gratitude to the WCED and the Montebello Design Centre for providing our learners with this invaluable opportunity to learn, grow, and envision their future paths. 

- Carike Cass

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.

LEARNER AFFAIRS

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)

FEEDBACK

Robotics in Action: Girls Leading the Way! 

This week, the HyperionBots girls have been putting in incredible effort, tackling coding, engineering, and problem-solving as they refine 'Dougie the robot' for the World Championships in Houston!  We’re proud to see our young innovators pushing boundaries and breaking barriers in STEM! 

#HyperionBots #GirlsInSTEM #Teamwork #Innovation

Inter-house War Cries

And the winners ...  GRADE 10

From our sports department

West Coast Festival

The West Coast Festival is an annual sports event in Cape Town that brings together numerous schools for a day of spirited competition in rugby and netball.  Parklands College hosted the festival for the first time on 10 March 2018, marking a significant milestone in the school's commitment to promoting youth sports.  The 2018 edition featured 28 rugby teams and 10 netball teams from 15 schools, making it one of the largest festivals the College had ever organised.  Parklands College hosted the festival again on 18 March 2023.

The festival has grown in size and reputation, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among participating schools in the region.  This year, 40 rugby teams and 15 netball teams from 10 schools are taking part.

Today and tomorrow, Milnerton will play host to what promises to be an amazing event, where our U16 and U19 girls’ netball teams, as well as our U13/14, U15, U16, and U19A rugby teams, are competing.

Please see the dedicated drop-down tab for further information regarding match schedules.

Please come and support our players!

Sri Lanka Tour Kit Presentation Ceremony

On Thursday, 13 March, the cricket players touring Sri Lanka will receive their playing kit in an evening ceremony at the Pavilion.  We look forward to welcoming their parents to this special event as well.  The Sri Lanka tour runs from 21 March to 2 April.

Garden Route Sports Tour

A group of our senior netball players and boys’ and girls’ hockey teams will be touring the Garden Route from 24 March to 1 April, where they will also take part in the Point High School Sports Festival.

Winter Junior Cricket Training

An email to all U13 parents regarding a winter cricket programme to be held on Thursday afternoons was sent on Wednesday, 5 March.  This programme aims to enable Mr Gilder to develop the skills of our junior cricketers and align them with our broader Parklands College cricket vision. Please contact Mr Gilder (ggilder@parklands.co.za) as learners will need to sign up to attend.

Winter sports

Winter sport link:  2025 Winter Sports Sign Up

Our winter sports programme begins on Monday, 10 March.

DH

Friday and Saturday sport!

This past Friday marked the culmination of many of our final water polo matches for the season, bringing an exciting close to weeks of dedication and competition in the pool.  Then, on Saturday, 1 March, the College was abuzz with activity as we hosted a jam-packed day of sport.  The U13 Softball Tournament saw some fantastic displays of teamwork and enthusiasm, while our U19B and U19A cricket teams took to the field for competitive matches.  Meanwhile, our rugby players prepared well during training as they gear up for the highly anticipated West Coast Festival.  It was a weekend filled with energy, passion and great sportsmanship across all codes!

Learner achievements 

Swimming

Congratulations to Joshua Kalapac and Madison Coleman for making the Western Cape SA Schools swimming team. Joshua and Madison will compete in Bloemfontein from 6-8 April.

1st XI cricket report

U/19A CRICKET

PARKLANDS COLLEGE 1st XI vs MILNERTON 1st XI 

SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2025

MATCH REPORT

Parklands won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Batting first, MILNERTON scored 229/5 in 50 overs. 

Batting second, PARKLANDS scored 221/8 in 50 overs.

MILNERTON WON BY 8 RUNS

Fielding catches:  Liam Russell, Blaine Fisher 

Man of the match:  Kyle Warrender

Parklands won the toss and chose to bowl first.  The visitors made a slow start to their innings but scored 70 runs before their first wicket fell in the 20th over. Joshua Neil took another wicket in the same over, which had an energising effect on the Vikings.  Tidy bowling between the 20th and 34th overs ensured that the visitors were only able to add 31 runs in that time, taking them to 103/2.  As expected, with only two wickets down after 34 overs the Milnerton batsmen decided to accelerate their run rate and despite losing three wickets in the remaining 16 overs, managed to take their total to 229/5 after 50.

The Vikings knew that the target of 230 was reachable and they would have been confident of scoring the total within their 50 overs, given the excellent form of the top order in recent matches.  Although the Vikings had lost their second wicket with their total of 39 by the end of the 14th over, the ship steadied with a solid third wicket partnership of 86 by Darshan Kistan and Kyle Warrender, which took the total to 123/3.  With Darshan dismissed for 67 (off 95 balls), Joshua Neil went in and supported Kyle for a 4th wicket partnership of 49.  With the fall of the 5th wicket in the 43rd over, the Vikings still needed fifty runs and tried to accelerate their run rate.  By the end of the 48th over, 25 runs were needed to reach the target and by the start of the last over 16 runs were needed.  The Vikings scored seven runs, losing two wickets off the last two balls, thus falling short of the total by eight runs.

It was a well-deserved win for Milnerton, but the Vikings will know that they could have had this one in the bag, if all the catching opportunities had been taken and if fewer runs had been conceded as extras or if two more boundaries had been scored. As we have seen so many times, in cricket there is often a thin line between victory and defeat.  This was a tough match and from a spectator's point of view, it certainly delivered the excitement that one expects from two evenly-matched teams.

Thank you to all of the parents who came to support the boys.

Parklands College winter sporting programme 2025

Starts this 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

Dancer siblings, the video highlights dancers from across campuses who share a dance journey. 

Dance Siblings - Parklands College Dance 2025

🎶 Mid-Quarter Music Check-In! 🎶

We’re officially halfway through the quarter, and there are so many exciting opportunities ahead! Whether you're just starting out or already mastering your craft, the Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod is the perfect chance to showcase your talent and get valuable feedback on your performance.

🥪 Brunchtime Concerts are just around the corner, and we can’t wait to hear what you’ve been working on! It’s your time to shine, so get ready to share your music with friends and fellow musicians.

🎻 Ensembles are in full swing! Remember, being part of an ensemble isn’t just about playing together—it’s about teamwork, commitment, and supporting one another. Plus, prioritising your ensemble rehearsals is key if you're working towards music awards.

Let’s keep the energy up and the music flowing—see you at rehearsals and on stage!

SERVICE 

54 loaves of bread = +/- 540 sandwiches! Interact's Sandwich Drive was a success and donations were made to the Green Point Haven. 

Thank you to everyone who donated bread and spreads AND to all the sandwich makers.

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 

This past Saturday marked the start of Human Rights Awareness Month. 

In South Africa and across the world, Human Rights Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the fundamental freedoms and dignity that every person deserves. It serves as a reminder of the struggles people have faced throughout history in the fight against oppression, inequality, and discrimination. 

In South Africa, we celebrate this month to acknowledge the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals, ensuring that no one is denied their freedom, safety, or identity. It is a time to educate ourselves and others about the value of human rights and to recognise that these rights must be upheld in our daily lives, schools, communities, and beyond. On the 20th of March, we will be having our annual Freedom Bell Ceremony, where we commemorate the rights that we have and to become conscious of those who still have to fight for their rights. 

Be Part of the Freedom Bell Ceremony! 🔔✨

Join us in honoring Human Rights Day at our Freedom Bell Ceremony—a powerful moment of reflection, unity, and action. This is your chance to make your pledge, amplify your voice, and stand for what matters.

Ready to be involved? Sign up now by completing the Google Form: https://forms.gle/Rji5LKWVnfCAe16W6 

CONCLUSION

Have a great weekend!

Kind regards

Sylvia Steyn

ssteyn@parklands.co.za

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