Secondary Faculty Weekly Memo
19 July 2024
FROM THE OFFICE
Dear Parents and Learners
What a week!
We had our spectacular Matric Ball last Saturday, saw our jazz band performing on Expresso (SABC 3), hosted a touring UK hockey side and put the final touches to the Wizard of Oz for Opening Night tonight! We are beyond excited.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhD8RkiHBRM
UK touring team
Get your tickets!
Friendly request
We remind parents of the exit gate east of the WG Grace pavilion and ask you to be considerate when picking up your children in the afternoons. Please do not park in the roundabout or anywhere that will affect the traffic flow.
Please treat our security guards with respect when they ask you to move your vehicle. They are following instructions to assist with traffic flow and do not deserve the abusive responses they unfortunately often get.
ACADEMICS
Academic Links
Note the section at the top dedicated specifically to academic links. In this section you will find:
🎓 Winter Quarter Timetables, 🎓Assessment Calendars, the 🎓 Tutorial Schedule, the 🎓 Grade 12 Prelim Exam Timetable, the 🎓Grade 12 Prelim Study Guidelines and the 🎓Grade 12 NSC Timetable.
Matric 2024
This past week our matric group concluded significant academic milestones as they engaged in the final English oral moderation and the final Afrikaans oral moderation. They made us proud and the external moderators were impressed with their proficiency.
We also received the Portfolio Assessment Task (PAT) for most of our subjects with practical components such as Visual Arts and Design. Keeping up with the scaffolding and deadlines provided by educators are key components to managing and successfully navigating these exams.
We encourage parents to monitor the matric timeline which can be found in the academic link section of the blog. Each academic item on the timeline contributes towards the final SBA mark and each social item is a highlight of concluding the school experience.
At the end of the matric year the SBA (school based assessment) component will count 25% of the final mark and the NSC examinations will count 75%.
Matric Candidates busy with NSC Afrikaans Oral Moderation
A Busy Day at the College
Despite the busy schedule and the cold weather, the school was buzzing with academic activity and engagement - a happy place of learning.
Hospitality Gr 10
This week, our Grade 10 Hospitality Studies learners had the privilege of welcoming George Hadjidakis, an alumnus from the Class of 2015 and the proud owner of George's Coffee Bars. George shared his journey and invaluable insights on starting a successful coffee business, inspiring our learners with real-world experiences and practical advice. We extend our heartfelt thanks to George for taking the time to bring the realities of the business world into our classroom and for motivating the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Gr 10 Chefs
Learning about Coffee
Afrikaans Department
The learners are reading about folding paper boats in their setwork and tried their hands at it ...
LEARNER AFFAIRS
Safety and security
We remain concerned about unmarked bags being left unattended all over the campus, which presents a security risk. Furthermore, bags are misplaced and end up in lost property where they can sometimes stay for the entire year.
Every learner has been given two blue luggage tags – one for the school bag and one for the sports bag. Black luggage tags have been given to those with EGD boards. No excuses will be accepted for unmarked bags. Demerits will be issued to learners whose bags are placed in restricted areas and bags without tags will be confiscated.
Winter uniform
All learners need to wear winter uniforms. Here are a couple of important reminders:
Girls change to black opaque stockings.
Only the official Parklands scarves are allowed.
Absolutely no headgear is allowed with the school uniform.
Sport uniform items may not be mixed with the school uniform.
We advise learners to dress warmly against the skin. Should they need a raincoat, please purchase one in navy blue.
Knee blankets are available for purchase from the Innovation Centre reception desk for learners to use when sitting still for extended periods of time, like during the exams. No other blankets are allowed on campus, please.
Grooming
Only one pair of earrings to be worn on the lobe/lobules. A small stud or sleeper should be worn.
All FET boys need to be clean shaven.
Substance abuse: Vaping
Substance abuse among teenagers remains a concern at the College. The use of vapes or e-cigarettes is on the rise. Our concern is the addictiveness, abuse and health complications associated with vape products, especially in teenagers. The legal age for purchasing and using vape products is 18 years.
Our Substance-Using Policy is designed to inform parents/ guardians of the College’s intent to protect each and every learner. We have determined that random drug screening/vape testing will take place periodically without prior warning.
The idea is not to vilify those learners who do not get a clean report after such a screening, but rather to help the learner cease his/her use of the prohibited substance and at the same time, deter our learners from submitting to peer pressure to experiment by citing the random screening as their reason.
If you need more information about the procedures, please consult our Parent and Learner Directory. Random drug screening is covered by the Enrichment Fund. Vape tests (cotinine tests) can be purchased from the College. The cost for the test is R100. If you want your child to be part of the next random drug screening or would like more information, please contact Mr Vardan: pvardan@parklands.co.za
LOOKING AHEAD
FEEDBACK
Ms Dodders talk about Oz on Fine Music Radio
Matric Ball
RESOURCE CENTRE NEWS
THANK YOU TO OUR PUBLISHERS
On Tuesday, Ms Mkhatshwa and other book besotted library staff attended a presentation by Penguin Random House, our local publishers. These wonderful people do not only get excited about books like we do, but they are our first port of call for making contact with authors to visit our school. They also provide information on new publications every six months which is so valuable for planning our library programme and book shopping.
Children’s literature is a vast industry, with Young Adult books (ages 13 - 19) being the fastest growing genre worldwide. We were blown away by the sheer number of new books expected for the next few months. We also met inspiring authors and nibbled on delicious treats, while enjoying the display of new books. Our keen readers will be delighted to see books from two of their favourite authors, Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Inheritance Games series) and Karen M. McManus (One Of Us Is Lying) expected soon.
SPORT
external_sports_news@parklands.co.za
Head of Sport: tpillay@parklands.co.za
Rugby and Girls Soccer Coordinator: dviljoen@parklands.co.za
Chess, Boys Soccer & Cross Country Coordinator: mviljoen@parklands.co.za
Netball and Hockey Coordinator: sbloem@parklands.co.za
WHAT AN AWESOME TEAM!!!
From the Secondary Head of Sport
It has been a wet but amazing start to the second half of the season. Our Hockey girls started with a bang hosting Dame Allen (UK) on Monday afternoon. Our rustiness showed as we lost both games but competing against a school from abroad taught our girls more valuable lessons than just winning. Dame Allen showed great sportsmanship and our girls truly enjoyed the matches. Both teams had an opportunity to chat and connect after the match at a post match celebration and both teams exchanged memorabilia. We hope to see them again soon. Once again I encourage parents to make use of our Secondary Sport Calendar to keep abreast of what is happening in our department.
Weekly Sport Video
Weekly Sport Video Q3 Week 1.movLooking Ahead
This weekend our Boys Hockey teams take on CBC St. Johns whilst our girls take on De Kuilen. Our Rugby boys travel to Somerset West to take on Hottentots Holland. Next week is another busy week with all winter sport teams participating in matches. The highlight for the U19 Soccer Boys will be them taking on Elkanah at home.
Our major sporting event for next week, will be the hosting of the Western Cape Cross Country League 7 race that will take place on Wednesday afternoon around our magnificent campus. Parents are most welcome to come and show their support.
Cross Country: Results from Jan Kriel League 6 race
U14
Keagan Beaumont 31st
Luke Cloete 17th
U15
Steffan Hillebrand 3rd
Zackery Day 11th
U17
Allen Li 63rd
Carolina Grasso 19th
LEARNER ACHIEVEMENTS
Hannah Burke: Swimming
Hannah Burke took part in the Western Cape Short Course Champs Gala held in Somerset West last weekend. She swam in 7 events, made 6 finals and swam 6 personal best times.
Well done, Hannah. Keep it up!
Weekly Sport Programme
CULTURE
Debating Feedback
Debating has started with a bang with three back to back debates and loads more to come.
In the National Debate League Round 5, the junior team proposed the motion of 'THW make criminal records freely available online.' There were a lot of detailed arguments from both sides, but Parklands College came out victorious, with Liat Demissew being awarded Best Speaker.
The senior team also took part opposing the motion of THBT South Africa should use a jury system to determine judgements. It was an intense debate with really intricate and compelling arguments from both sides. The adjudicators took a while to decide the winner, but ultimately Parklands emerged as the more convincing team.
The Grade 7 team also made their fellow debaters and the College proud by continuing their winning streak, presenting a phenomenal argument on "Why Legal hearings should not be televised". The adjudicators stated that it was one of their favourite debates they had seen all league. A true credit to the performance by both Parklands and our opposition.
This weekend begins the first leg of the Provincial Debating League. Teams from around Western Cape will gather to claim the ultimate prize. Parklands College is sending their best to take on this challenge.
In the Junior Team - Jorja Hoppe, Caitlin Smith, Liat Demissew, Kaylee-Jade Mestre, and Aden van Rhyn, and in the Senior Team - Imrah Salie, Aisha Salie, Joshua Da Silva, Connor Crighton, and Mbali Nhuku. Provincials is a gruelling mental game over two full weekends, starting at 08h00 and ending at around 18h00. We wish our teams all the best and know that they will show that their blood runs blue.
Coming up next week we also have the Rotary League Octofinals which both our senior and junior teams will be partaking in, but we will report back on that next week!
Wizard of Oz
Please make sure you have secured your tickets for The Wizard of Oz.
Wizard of Oz Behind the Scenes.movBehind the Scenes of Oz
Take a look at what has been happening over the past few weeks.
MUSIC
We are trying something new..
If you would like to chat with your child's music instructor, feel free to book an ONLINE meeting time with them. Please see their calendars for availability. Due to their part time nature, we request that bookings be made with 24 hour notification for planning purposes.
Music Educator Meeting Slots (please click on the link)
It's been a great first week back!
We would love to encourage our musicians to set goals and work towards making lessons productive, fun and to stretch themselves.
20 Minutes a day will do just that!
Please avoid coming to lessons unprepared!
Five Motivational Techniques for Self-Motivation Include:
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Don't Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
Finish What You Started
Educate Yourself
Believe In Yourself And Never Give Up
Jazz Band Making their TV Debut!
SERVICE
Collection for flood victims
Thank you to everyone who made a contribution to aid the people who lost their homes during the recent floods.
Interact dropped off bags and boxes of clothing and blankets for the TLC Project. This donation will be delivered to the people at the Wolwerivier Settlement.
Thank you lettter TLC.pdfMandela Day 67 minutes
The Interact Club joined Blouberg Rotary on Mandela Day to make 1000 sandwiches in 67 minutes to feed those in need.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Please have your parent complete this indemnity form to join us do the drop off:
https://forms.gle/CCtduckvEpn2AgMt8
LEARNER SUPPORT
Mrs Scott (C block): sjscott@parklands.co.za
Mrs Kistan (Resource Centre): skistan@parklands.co.za
Psychometric Assessments - currently a waiting list for Quarter 3
The learner support department offers psychometric assessments at the school for subject choice and career counselling. This process includes an initial interview with the learner, aptitude, personality and interest assessments, as well as a feedback session with an assessment report that is a useful guidance tool for informed decision making and clarity in one’s career or subject choice process. The assessments are done at school and during school time.
Please contact Samantha Scott sjscott@parklands.co.za for more information or to make a booking. There are limited assessment slots each quarter so please enquire early to avoid disappointment. (Please note assessments are a billable service). The assessment slots for Quarter 3 have already been filled.
If you are interested please let us know and we will put you on the waiting list. Assessment slots in Quarter 4 are available.
Eduvos Webinar on Stress management for Parents and Educators
You are invited to join our upcoming webinar on Stress Management, hosted by Eduvos. This webinar aims to provide valuable insights on how to support high school students in effectively managing stress.
Date: Thursday, July 25th
Time: 18:00 - 19:00
Platform: Microsoft Teams
During this one-hour session, you will learn practical strategies and techniques to help your child or children navigate and cope with stress in a healthy manner. Our experts will share valuable tips and insights that can make a positive difference in your child's well-being.
Tertiary Studies
ACTUARIAL SCIENCE INFORMATION SESSION WITH SANLAM
We would like to extend an invitation to your high school learners doing Mathematics and Science to an Actuarial Science Information Session. This is a session held annually by the SANCAS team from Sanlam. This session aims to inform learners of the broad and fruitful career path of Actuarial Science.
The session will comprise of a variety of speakers from qualified actuaries to university students doing Actuarial Science, with panel discussions where learners can ask any questions about becoming an actuary.
The session will be held both in-person at the Sanlam Head office in Cape Town and virtually through a webinar.
For those attending virtually, a phone or laptop and internet connection will be needed to join.
The date and time of the session are as follows:
Date: 13 August 2024
Time: 08:30 for 09:00-13:00
Kindly RSVP by 1 Aug 2024.
Sanlam also offers bursaries to learners wanting to pursue Actuarial Science, the bursary applications are still open and close on the 30 June 2024.
STELLENBOSCH SPORTS BURSARIES
Maties Sport Performance Bursary Applications are now open
If you would like to apply, be sure to read the below criteria and guidelines on our website regarding our sport bursaries for 2025.
Apply here >> https://sport.sun.ac.za/bursary-applications/
For more details and enquiries, contact the Maties Sport office.
#matiessport #whoyoubecome
Parent Business Directory
Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary parents who are in business are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/
LISTINGS ARE FREE and include contact information as well as the opportunity to include a business logo or advert. Listings are available 24/7 on the College website and will be updated each quarter.
Should you be interested in marketing your business to over 1000 families, email: marketing@parklands.co.za to get started.
All listings will be subject to the College’s final approval.
This week's feature business is...
CONCLUSION
Have a great weekend! It is filled with many activities!
Kind regards
Sylvia Steyn
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Blogs from other faculties:
PP: https://ppblog.parklands.co.za
JP: https://jpblog.parklands.co.za
SP: https://spblog.parklands.co.za