Dear Parents and Learners

It has been a constructive week of studying and examinations after all the emotions of last weekend.  We were privileged to see Kyle Warrender score his 1000th run for the cricket season, the Springboks won and Laura Wolvaardt batted like the superstar she is!  Have a look at this article and video on News24:  https://www.news24.com/sport/cricket/proteas/laura-wolvaardt-from-straight-as-batting-against-boys-to-carrying-a-nations-hope-20251031-1205

Next week our GET learners start with their final examinations.  We wish them well.  Thank you to our educators for your commitment and dedication in preparing the learners for these final assessments.

We urge parents to take note of the 2026 requirements as set out below.

Uniform

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, by Monday 20 October 2025.

French course in 2026

STAFF NEWS

We bid farewell to the following staff members at the end of the year.  Thank you for your service and dedication to the College.  We wish you well in your new endeavours.

Grade Heads 2026

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.

Spring Quarter Class Timetables & Day Allocation

2025 Spring Quarter Class Timetables

2025 Spring Quarter Day Allocation

Grade 12 Exam Timetable

Grade 12 2025 Academic Timeline and Exam Timetables

NSC 2025 Timetable

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

Tutorial Schedule

Tutorial schedule Spring 2025

From the English Department:  Digital Bookshelf

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

FEEDBACK

Grade 8 Outing to SANCCOB

The learners enjoyed learning about our coastal birds and their conservation and rehabilitation! Please see their website for more information; here is the link. Some learners wanted to know about adopting a penguin as well. There is also a Penguin Palooza this weekend that families might be interested in. 

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.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

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

Prefect Liaisons: Liya De Allende & Mia Bezer

Email: equity@parklands.co.za

SERVICE

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT

Wrapping Up the Season and Looking Ahead

As we reach the final stretch of what’s been a busy and rewarding sporting year, tonight’s 1st Team Braai is the perfect way to bring the season to a close. It’s a chance to relax together, share a few laughs, and celebrate the friendships, memories, and hard work that have defined the year. 

The Chukka Festival – Knysna 2026

Before we shift our focus entirely to the off-season, there’s already plenty to get excited about for 2026. One of the highlights on the horizon is the Chukka Festival in Knysna — a water polo showcase that celebrates skill, strategy, and teamwork in one of South Africa’s most picturesque settings.

The festival brings together some of the country’s top school teams for a week of intense, fast-paced competition. It’s more than just a tournament — it’s a chance for players to develop their game sense, test themselves against strong opposition, and bond as a touring group. For many, the Chukka experience becomes one of the defining memories of their school sporting journey.

Parklands College learners from U16 to U19 (in 2026) have taken part in the trials, and we’ve been encouraged by the level of commitment and effort shown throughout the process. Letters will be sent on Monday 10 November to those selected to attend the tour. As always, selection reflects the needs of the team and festival requirements, and we thank all players for the passion and energy they’ve brought to trials this season.

The Arthur Johnson Sportweek – Mossel Bay 2026

Hot on its heels is the Arthur Johnson Sportweek Festival, hosted by Punt High School in Mossel Bay from 27 March - 1 April.

This is one of South Africa’s longest-running and most respected multi-sport school festivals, featuring the country’s best talent across rugby, hockey, and netball.

The event, now in its 44th year, offers our learners an incredible platform to compete at a high level while embracing the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that defines school sport. Parklands College will be fielding teams in U19 Rugby, U16 Rugby, U19 Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey, and U19 Netball, and planning is already well underway. 

Details to be published soon for sign-ups!

The Arthur Johnson Sportweek also opens the door for international touring opportunities, with past teams travelling to destinations such as France and Italy. These experiences offer unmatched sporting exposure and cultural growth — the kind of adventure that shapes young athletes for years to come.

Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who’s played a part this year — from coaches and managers to players and supporters. Your effort keeps Parklands Sport running and growing.

Here’s to a great evening, a well-earned break, and an even stronger 2026 season. 

Best wishes to all our learners for their upcoming examinations.

DH

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.

First Team Bring and Braai - 7 November 

Sports Tour 2026

Why Sign Up for the Arthur Johnson Sportweek Tour?

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Arthur Johnson Sportweek such a big deal in South African school sport, here’s the inside scoop — and why it’s an opportunity your child shouldn’t miss.

1. It’s a Premier Sporting Event

The Arthur Johnson Sportweek is a prestigious and long-standing annual sports event hosted in Mossel Bay, South Africa. It has developed into the country's largest schools sports week, drawing hundreds of learners from schools throughout South Africa to compete in various sports such as rugby, hockey, and netball. 

The sport week started 43 years ago with just 6 teams but has since expanded to include 74 teams from all over South Africa. The event is traditionally hosted by Punt High School at the Van Riebeeck Stadium and typically runs over several days, with rugby matches scheduled on alternating days to allow rest.

Arthur Johnson Sportweek is highly regarded as an opportunity for the best young athletes in rugby, hockey, and netball to showcase their talents and compete at a high level. It has also been linked to selections for further representative tours, such as U19 rugby tours abroad, underscoring its importance in the development pathway for young athletes.

2. Real-World Learning Through Sport

The week offers far more than match experience. Learners are exposed to intense, high-level competition, which sharpens technical skills, decision-making, and mental resilience. The festival also provides valuable exposure to provincial and national coaches, helping players understand the level of discipline, commitment, and consistency required beyond school sport.

3. Beyond the Borders – The International Tour

One of the unique features of the Arthur Johnson Sportweek is that selected teams get the chance to tour internationally. In recent years, the U19 teams have travelled to France and Italy, competing against international schools and clubs while experiencing new sporting cultures. These tours are once-in-a-lifetime experiences — combining competition, travel, and personal growth in equal measure.

4. Building Community and Lifelong Bonds

The Sportweek isn’t just about what happens on the field. It’s a celebration of team spirit, sportsmanship, and community. Learners connect with peers from different schools and regions, families come together to support from the sidelines, and friendships are formed that last long after the final whistle.

5. Parklands College participation in 2026

Parklands College will participate in U19 and U16 divisions for rugby, and U19 divisions for hockey (boys and girls) and netball. The countdown to Arthur Johnson Sportweek 2026 is already on. If your child is eager to compete, grow, and experience something truly memorable, this is the tour to be part of.

Details regarding the tour and sign ups will be shared soon!

A few pics from this year's tour...

Accommodation for the 2026 tour...

Learner Achievements

Kyle Warrender

Kyle Warrender has had a phenomenal season at the crease, amassing 1003 runs in just 17 innings while remaining not out four times. This consistency saw him finish with an outstanding batting average of 77.2 runs (across all formats), underlining his composure and skill under pressure. Whether anchoring an innings or taking the attack to the bowlers, Kyle has shown remarkable maturity and flair, establishing himself as one of Parklands College’s most prolific and reliable batsmen of 2025.

Gabriella Fredericks

During the school holidays, Gabbi travelled to Johannesburg to compete in the Dance Sport Club League Finals, where she delivered an outstanding set of performances. She achieved Provincial Colours and placed in the top eight in her solo category, while securing an impressive 2nd place in the duo category and 4th place with her quartet. To top it all off, Gabbi’s hard work and talent earned her selection to the Allstar Team for South Africa, where she’ll represent the country at the World Championships in Georgia in 2026.

Well done Gabbi!

Cricket match report

Fielding catches:  Carl Scheffler, Kyle Warrender, Joshua Neil, Jayden Lamb, Blaine Fisher

Man of the match:  Bryce Gilder

Parklands won the toss and chose to bowl first.  The Vikings got off to a great start with debutant Carl Scheffler taking a catch off the bowling of Bryce Gilder in the first over.  However, the visitors were not rattled at all and proceeded to produce some good partnerships, most notably the 2nd wicket partnership of 52 runs and then the third wicket partnership of 75 runs to put them on course for a good total when they were 131/3 in the 28th over.  At 156/5 in the 33rd over, the Vikings managed to put the brakes on the scoring but another good partnership, for the 6th wicket, added 51 runs off 54 balls to accelerate the run rate and help take the visitors to a total of 275/10 in the allotted 50 overs.  The Vikings inadvertently helped their opponents by conceding 38 extras and fumbling three catches.  Whether a total of 275-38 (237) would have seemed less daunting, is of course debatable and probably would not have changed the course of the match and its result. From the visitors’ perspective, and for anyone who appreciates good cricket, it was a pleasure to watch the Durbanville debutant, Farrel Leigh Dido, go about his business, building good partnerships and ending on 49 (not out) off 55 balls. There would probably be a hint of disappointment for not being able to convert his last 4 balls faced of the innings, into the runs needed to get his first fifty for the Durbanville 1st XI.

After lunch, Ethan Randall and Joshua Neil went in to open the batting and Ethan was sent back to the stands in the second over.  All attention was now focused on the oval with it being common knowledge that the incoming batsman, Kyle Warrender, was on a total of 996 runs for the 2024/25- 2025/26 season (i.e. the past year) and about to serve the College in his last innings.  Everyone was keen to see if the ‘old king’ could cut and thrust his way through the deliveries to make the 1 000 run milestone.  Tension mounted as he faced off six dot balls, got one, another dot, got one, two more dots and then, thankfully, sent one over the boundary for 4 runs to etch his name (once again) into the College’s cricketing history.  He managed to add one more run before being caught out but he had done enough to gladden the hearts of the fans and could walk off through the guard of honour with his head held high.

Other than that golden moment, the scorecard confirms that there is not much to write about as the Vikings went down to a sobering defeat. Bryce Gilder’s 23 off 20 balls, Blaine Fisher’s 21 off 29 balls and 17 off 19 for Jayden Lamb provided some entertainment and we can look forward to seeing them develop further in the new year.  Today’s match was a memorable moment as we bade farewell to Kyle and Mrs Steyn, who was always a keen supporter at our matches over the years. I am sure that everyone will be in front of the television tomorrow as we watch Parklands’ most famous cricketer, Laura Wolvaardt, lead the Proteas Women in the World Cup final.  

Thank you to all of the parents who came to support the boys throughout the season and, of course, for the wonderful lunch served up today. 

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

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 mengelbrecht@parklands.co.za

1st XI     cfortuin@parklands.co.za

• Softball

U13 ahayward@parklands.co.za

U15A/B pbates@parklands.co.za

2nd cconradie@parklands.co.za

1st     mviljoen@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 rnieuwenhoudt@parklands.co.za

• Water polo

U13 & U14 Boys kfalake@parklands.co.za

U13/14/15 Girls cdelport@parklands.co.za

U15 Boys     rviljoen@parklands.co.za

U19 Boys csteinmann@parklands.co.za

U19 Girls rpillay@parklands.co.za

Summer sports captains 

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

Please remember to subscribe to our Secondary sports calendar using this link:  Secondary sports calendar 

Debating

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

Exclusive Invitation | Information Webinar on Prestigious Winter Camps at Harvard, Salamanca and Geneva

We are pleased to extend an exclusive invitation to attend our Winter Camps Information Webinar, a complimentary session introducing three extraordinary international learning experiences for high school students at Harvard University, the University of Salamanca, and the University of Geneva.

 Date: 1st November
Time: 10:00 am EST
Format: Online Webinar (Free Registration)

Featured Winter Camps:

1. Harvard College Union Society Young Global Leaders Winter Camp at Harvard University
   
   A 7-day immersive program at Harvard University designed to cultivate global citizenship, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Website link

Application Form

2. University of Salamanca – Entrepreneurship Powered by AI Winter Camp (Spain)

Led by NYU’s top-rated faculty, this program empowers students with creative, analytical, and entrepreneurial thinking skills.

Website link

Application Form

3. University of Geneva – Future Sustainability Innovators Winter Camp (Switzerland)

In partnership with the SDG FabLab, this program unites global youth leaders to address real-world sustainability challenges alongside organizations such as the UN, WHO, and CERN. 

Website link

Application Form

Why Attend the Webinar:

• Learn about program eligibility, deadlines, and application benefits

• Get exclusive access to early-bird discounts and scholarship information

• Opportunity for schools to nominate student delegations

This is a by-invitation-only event, and there is no participation fee.

Register here to confirm your spot: https://forms.gle/25NxUgTUL5B8iNzS9

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!

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