Our matrics celebrated 40 Days today after a week of dressing up according to themes.  They only have one week of formal lessons left before the Preliminary Examinations commence.

 This coming weekend we host the First Lego League Robotics Regional Championships.  We wish our teams well and invite you to come see what the hype is about.

To our Hindu parents, learners and staff

We wish our Hindu community a happy Varalakshmi Vratham full of devotion, love and divine blessings.

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 specialists, 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.

Matric Dress-up:  Day 1 - Pajamas and Everything But a Bag

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.

LOOKING AHEAD

Derby vs Somerset College

Matric Dress-up:  Day 2 - Dress as your type

Matric Dress-up:  Day 3 - character/meme/celebrity

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

Grade 10 2026 Subject Choice Information Evening

Grade 8 Electronics Mini PAT

Junior Tour de Maths - Leg 4 at Milnerton Primary

Tour de Maths - Leg 4 at Rondebosch

From the English Department:  Digital Bookshelf

ROBOTICS

World Robot Olympiad Regionals

A huge congratulations to our amazing Robosport teams who competed at the WRO Regional event last week and walked away with 2nd and 3rd place finishes!

Their teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking truly stood out, even under the pressure of surprise rules and tough competition. We’re so proud of their commitment and can’t wait to see what’s next as we head toward nationals.

Well done, teams!
#WRO2025 #RobosportProud #FutureEngineers #TeamworkWins

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CompTIA Fundamentals Plus  (Tech+ PLUS) International Certification

In a remarkable display of dedication and accelerated learning, a dynamic group of 25 learners, comprising ten Grade 12s, twelve Grade 11s, and three top-performing Grade 10s, has successfully tackled the CompTIA Fundamentals plus certification, which is equivalent to the latest updated version CompTIA Tech+ certification. This essential certification serves as a powerful launchpad for anyone exploring a career in technology, equipping them with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to navigate today’s digital world. What makes this achievement particularly extraordinary is the timeframe; while learners are generally given a year to complete the course, these students embraced a three-month plan. This ambitious goal was made possible by the strategic integration of 80% of the certification's content into their existing IT class curriculum, proving to be a highly effective model for focused, real-world learning.

The results of this initiative speak volumes about the students' commitment and the program's success. An impressive 15 out of the 25 learners have already surpassed the 72% pass mark to earn their certification. With an additional 6 learners, who experienced technical issues, scheduled to write over the next month, there is strong optimism that the final number of successful candidates will rise to between 18 and 21. This foundational certification unlocks the door to advanced specialisations like CompTIA Network+ and Security+, paving the way for a new generation of skilled and confident tech professionals.

Programming Olympiad Round One Results - Written on 24 July 2025

The South African Programming Olympiad is a national competition that encourages high school learners to develop problem-solving and coding skills. It consists of a first round, a second round (programming problems), and a final round for the top performers. The Olympiad also serves as a selection process for the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) team.

All Grade 11 to 12 IT learners participated in the Programming olympiad with one high flyer from grade 10 who also participated.

We were very pleased with our results with have five Round 2 participants listed below, confirmed this earlier this week, by the South African Programming Olympiad organisers (IITPSA).

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

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

At Parklands College, 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

LEARNER AFFAIRS

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 the parking lot, 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.

BITS Rep Training

LOOKING AHEAD

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

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.

SERVICE

EQUITY & DIVERSITY

Tomorrow, we remember the 9th of August 1956 — a powerful day when over 20,000 women marched in silence to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. They weren’t just marching for themselves — they were marching for justice, freedom, and a future where every person could rise. But Women’s Day is more than a history lesson. It’s a reminder of how far courage can take you. And it belongs to everyone — because strength, resilience, and brilliance aren’t limited by gender. They live in you.  

Just look around South Africa today:

These aren’t just “women doing amazing things” — they are South African Women who dreamed big, worked hard, and refused to give up. Their stories show us what’s possible when we back ourselves and lift each other up.

So no matter your passion remember this:

You are stronger than you think.
You are braver than you feel.
And the world needs what you bring.

Stand tall. Take up space. Dream loudly. Be your own Best Friend.

FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT

Sharpening the Focus: The Derby Day Mindset

In the final lead-up to a major fixture weekend like our two-day Derby Day, the temptation is to do more - train harder, talk longer, fine-tune every last detail. But high-performing teams know that in the last few days, more isn’t always better. 

The key is to sharpen the focus.

What matters now is asking: “What is Important Now?”

This is where the best teams separate themselves - not with grand gestures, but with attention to the 1%:

• A crisp, purposeful training session.

• Clear, concise reminders of roles and expectations.

• Small moments of connection that unify the group.

• Calm, confident communication.

The focus shifts from building to refining. From pushing to clarifying. From doing more to doing what matters.

It’s about showing up on Derby Day mentally switched on, physically fresh, and emotionally ready. Not frantic. Not drained. Just locked in and laser-focused.

The teams that understand this don’t waste energy on the unnecessary. They zero in on the controllables and carry themselves with intent.

Because when the whistle blows and our supporters are cheering, it’s the team that paid attention to the 1% - that sharpened, not scrambled - that steps up and owns the moment.

All the best to all our players as they prepare this week, and to our parents, thank you for your continuing to support your child's sporting journey.

Academic/cultural programme for Friday, 15 August 

Learners who are not playing sport on Friday had the chance to sign up for an academic or cultural activity. This sign-up form closes at 8pm tonight. If they get a spot, they'll be informed before Wednesday, 13 August. The academic / cultural attendance is for learners only.

All learners are encouraged to support the band in Curie Hall from 6:00 to 7:30pm, and then cheer for our U19 hockey teams from 7:30pm under the lights at the astro.

Supporters must wear full school uniform. 

Hockey should end around 21h00.

Sport programme for Friday, 15 August:

Sport programme for Saturday, 16th August:

Please note - Preparatory match times will be shown on the official programme going out next week

SECONDARY SPORTS CALENDAR

Please remember to subscribe to the Secondary sports calendar for upcoming fixtures.

DH

Feedback

Netball u/13

Our U13s took on Reddam Durbanville on Thursday, and both teams delivered superb performances. The A team played with grit and flair, coming out on top with a 17–5 win. The B team followed suit, securing a confident 4–0 victory.

Well done to all our players – Mrs Hayward is incredibly proud of your teamwork and determination!

Learner Achievements

Karate

Sabina Angel (Grade 10) won gold in her division at the Western Province Karate Championships held in March this year, and went on to earn silver at the SA & African Championships in May, which took place in Johannesburg.

Sabina began karate at the age of 6, and by 7, she had already claimed double gold at both the WP and SA Championships. Since then, she’s continued to perform consistently, earning a mix of gold and silver medals each year.

In 2025, she competed as a Senior Brown Belt, which involves full-contact sparring - a step up in intensity and challenge. She took gold at the Western Province event and silver at the combined SA & African Cup Championships in May.

We’re very proud of Sabina’s steady progress and commitment. With the path she’s on, we’re confident that her black belt is well within reach.

Baithle / Triathle

This past weekend, Steffan Hillebrand (Grade 10) competed in the Western Cape Biathle and Triathle Championships held in Somerset West. True to form, he delivered another strong performance — claiming gold in the Triathle and bronze in the Biathle.

With these results under his belt, Steffan now turns his focus to the SA Championships in Nelspruit this October, where he’ll once again test himself against the best in the country.

Sports department coordinators

For general enquiries about specific winter sports, contact:

• Chess, Boys' soccer, cross country, golf and First Aid mviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Rugby and Girls' soccer dviljoen@parklands.co.za

• Netball and Girls' hockey sbloem@parklands.co.za

• Head of Cricket and Boys' hockey ggilder@parklands.co.za

• Head of Sport dhunt@parklands.co.za 

2025 Sports Prefects

• Erin Langenhoven

• Nicole Apsey

• Nic Farquhar

Winter sports managers (educators)

Winter sports captains 

Winter sports timetable

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

Secondary sports calendar 

Culture Assembly

And then .....

The Class of 2025 introduced the proposed musical production for 2026:  High School Musical 2!

Learner Achievements in Culture

NIDPSC 2025

Please click on the link:  https://sites.google.com/parklands.co.za/parklandscollegedance/home

Three of our dancers, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Ella Frielinghaus & Clara-Mari Vosloo will be performing as part of the Cape Junior Ballet company in their production "Elements".  Tickets are available via Quicket.

Cape Town Eisteddfod

FEEDBACK

This past weekend, our Music Department hit all the right notes with its very first Piano Masterclass — and what a performance it was!

Led by the legendary Professor Nina Schumann, 18 talented young pianists dived into two unforgettable days of music-making. From Baroque brilliance to smooth Jazz grooves, each session unpacked the magic behind the music — with hands-on tips, tricks for better technique, and deep dives into how to really bring a piece to life.

Professor Schumann didn’t just teach — she transformed. Learners, observers and educators alike left inspired, energised, and ready to take their playing to the next level.

It wasn’t just a class. It was a musical experience. And we can’t wait to do it again.

Huge congratulations to our 25 Marimba Band players who took part in the Guinness World Record event at GrandWest this past weekend!

It was an incredibly joyful and unforgettable experience as we joined forces with nearly 1,200 marimba players from schools across South Africa in a full-day celebration of rhythm, unity, and music. We had the best time making history and proudly representing Parklands College!

A heartfelt thank you to Ms Johannes for chaperoning and taking such great care of our group throughout the day.

What a moment to remember! 

There's lots of buzz in the Music Department ...

LEARNER SUPPORT 

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

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

TERTIARY STUDIES 

Open Days and Application Dates 2025 for Universities and Colleges 

ISAM360 Scholarships for the USA...  

We invite you to join our LIVE online session on Sunday, 10 August at 18:00 and discover how South African students like you are landing scholarships to study in the United States! 

What’s in store during the session?

• Learn how scholarships for U.S. universities work

• Understand the full overseas study process

• Find out if this is the right path for YOU

• Hear from SA students currently on the program

Discover how YOU can become eligible for a bursary worth over R160,000!

Get inspired now — check out real stories here: 

https://youtube.com/@isam360scholarships?feature=shared

 Seats are limited — Secure yours now!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: 

https://event.webinarjam.com/register/311/zgovrfkq

Bonus: Attend with a parent or guardian and you’ll automatically qualify to apply for an internal bursary valued at R160,000+ — applications open LIVE during the session! Plus, head over to our Instagram and explore the journeys of SA students already on the program — chances are you’ll recognize a few familiar faces. We’ve already reached 250+ schools across South Africa! 

We can’t wait to see you online!

Financial Aid Opportunities - Stellenbosch University 

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.