Secondary Faculty Weekly Memo

23 August 2024

Past learners at the rugby

Pure love for BLUE

Welcoming the First XI

FROM THE OFFICE


Dear Parents and Learners


We are all still on a high after last week's Derby weekend at Somerset College.  Our learners behaved well, displayed pride in the College and tried their best in all the matches they played.  Despite the terrible weather on Saturday, the spirits remained high.  Thank you to all the parents who came out to support us.  Have a look at our war cries below ...

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Please note

For the safety of our learners, we do not allow pets on campus.  Please do not bring your dogs to the sports fields.  Apart from the possibility of a learner being scared by a dog, the dogs unfortunately also leave a mess on the fields where the learners have to play.


Uniforms

Please ensure that learners' blazers are in good quality and looking pristine or replace it with the new blazer.  When a learner represents the College, it is most embarrassing if the colour has faded or the blazer does not fit properly.

Please also note that the blue checked trousers have been replaced by grey trousers.  At the end of the winter season (the start of the Spring Quarter), girls may only wear the dress or grey trousers.  The checked trousers may only be worn by the chefs in the Hospitality kitchen.

First team hockey on Friday and 1st team netball on Saturday

What a welcome!

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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 Preliminary Examinations


Our Grade 12s started their Preliminary Examinations this week. 

Ready for the Exam...

Grade 10 2025 Subjects


The Grade 9 Learners have started the exciting journey of choosing subjects for 2025.  Life Orientation lessons have been a buzz of exploration and discussions about the possibilities out there and discovering possible career fits.  Parents and learners are invited to join us for an information evening on 29 August.

Programming Olympiad


Congratulations to the following Grade 12 and Grade 11 learners who qualified for the Programming Olympiad Round 2:

Callum McKchnie, Carl Gilmour, Dante Balona, Declan Saul,  Denis Ivanov, Erin O'Sullivan

Travis Warren, Jack Baines, Jared Lourens, Liam Loxton, Michael Loram, Miko du Toit

Enjoying the sunshine...

Grade 12 NSC Final Drama Practical

Warming up before the final practical examination...

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From the English Department

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”

This quarter’s book lineup is a rollercoaster ride – packed with mysteries, romances, and everything in between! With the cold weather upon us, there is no better excuse to curl up with a hot beverage and a good book.

Your bookworm-in-training should have devoured two personal picks by now, with another two to go, in order to submit enough book reports for the year. We're crossing our fingers these recommendations spark some curiosity to explore beyond your comfort zone.

Get cozy and dive in! Happy Reading!

Digital bookshelf LINK

Q3 EHL Digital Book Shelf 2024

Life Sciences

What an experience to do a dissection practical in Life Sciences ...

Hospitality


On Wednesday morning, the Grade 10 Hospitality learners walked to Checkers to visit the butcher as part of their 'minced meat & sausages commodity'.


Whilst one half completed a questionnaire on the mince and sausage products in the store, the other half went 'behind the scenes'.  The learners were allowed into the carcass room before they could partake in the process of boerewors making! I'm sure they all found the experience very interesting and informative!  


L Torbet

Derby Day fun for chefs at Somerset College

Our Hospitality learners joined the Consumer Studies learners at Somerset College for a Cup Cake session ...

Derby Day Mathematics at Somerset College

Our Mathematicians had fun finding and debating Maths solutions with Somerset College.

Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair


Proud Parklands Scientists ...

International Science Fair

We are immensely proud to be well represented in the team going to Johannesburg representing the Western Cape.

FLTR:  Jarryd Hunt (reserve) Declan Saul, Mbali Nhuku, Dristhi Ramkelawan 

Ed-Admin Multi-Portal Installation

We are pleased to inform you that the new Ed-admin Multi Portal App (Ed-admin MP) is now available on the Google and Apple App stores. The features include access to your child’s reports, calendar activities and daily attendance records to mention a few.


To install the App please follow the below instructions:


1.) Download the Ed-Admin Multi Portal App by using the relevant link below:

●  Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ed-admin-multi-portal/id6469108569
OR
●  Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edana.edadmin&hl=en&gl= US

2.) Enter 230034 (Parklands College Code) and your email address to log in. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:
 

3.) The next step will require you to enter the login code sent to you via email. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:


Please ensure that you keep this App updated otherwise you will be logged out and will have to repeat the above process to regain access.

Learner Achievements



Talia Papadakos:  Dance Eisteddfod

Congratulations to Talia who entered the Cape Town Eisteddfod through her Dance School and achieved the following:

She achieved 1st pace in all her solos:  Set Solo, Character Own Choice, Character Set.  She made finals for her own choice solo, her Duo and Trio.   Her group dance won gold. 

Well done on your hard work and commitment, Talia.


LEARNER NEWS

Our Grade 11s are at Waterval Resort near Tulbagh for the weekend to prepare for their leadership role in the College next year.

COMING UP

Online Bullying talk

On Monday, 26 August we will host Sarah Hoffman, a social media lawyer from Klikd who will deliver a presentation on Online Bullying.  Parents who want to attend are welcome to join us in Curie Hall at 13:00.

Sarah is passionate about technology and education and empowering parents, professionals, children and teens to  foster healthy and sustainable digital behaviours to ensure our productivity, performance, parenting and relationships thrive in an increasingly digital world.


Before founding Klikd, she was a director and speaker at Digital Law Company, South Africa’s thought leader in all matters related to social media and the law. At the Digital Law Company, Sarah assisted hundreds of (mostly teen) victims of revenge pornography and cyberbullying and gave talks to parents, schools and corporates across the country on the legal, reputational and disciplinary risks of using social media.


Sarah also has extensive experience in the education sector. She spent five years running the strategic communications for African Leadership Academy (ALA), a pan-African leadership academy for talented youth from across the continent.


For her sins, Sarah is an admitted attorney. Sarah’s most important job is being a mom to two very cute little people. When she isn’t running Klikd or running after the smalls, she is a wine enthusiast, foodie of note and loves a good trot on the road.


sarah@klikd.co.za

Me? A Bully? Practical Ways to Manage Online Bullying



Grade 9 Market Day


Get ready for our Grade 9 Market Day at school! 

Tuesday, 3 September in the Rec Room and Curie Quad.


With 40 stalls - mostly featuring delicious food - this is an event you won't want to miss. 


It will be a cash-only day, so come prepared. 


Parents are welcome to join in the fun, but please remember to sign in at reception. 


Our Grade 9 learners have put in a lot of effort, and they’re excited to share what they've created. 


Come out and show your support!

Cape Junior Ballet

Three of our dancers, Alexa-Rose Schreuder, Ella Frielinghaus and Clara-Mari Vosloo are members of Cape Junior Ballet and will be performing in their production "Bloom" in September.  

Tickets can be bought from Quicket.

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Supporters at Derby ...

Moments ...

Mascots after a long day ...

Jazz band in chapel

Emotional final match for matrics

Singing in the rain

Happiness is ...

Sunset on the hockey astro

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Support at the netball

Rugby twins ...

Last Derby for the Matrics

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

From the Secondary Head of Sport

As we conclude a highly successful and productive winter sporting season, Derby Day provided the perfect finale to an incredible journey. While we all strive for victory, the reality of sports includes both the thrill of winning and the disappointment of losing. As the season ends, it’s important to reflect on our performance and begin strategising on how we can improve next year. Competing against Somerset College, who play in higher leagues, has given us a solid foundation to build upon but a humbling sense of how much more we need to do to be able to compete at their level.

The Sports Department is already looking ahead to winter 2025. We’re excited to announce the introduction of our High Performance winter sports training programme, which will continue through the spring and summer months. More details on this new initiative will be shared soon.

A special mention must go to our learners, who were the true winners of Derby Day. Their unwavering support for their peers, both on and off the field, was inspiring. From the passionate war cries to singing in the rain, we truly showed Somerset College what it means to be part of our family. I’d also like to thank Kishen Ramkelawan and his Prefect body for creating an unforgettable atmosphere over the two days, moments that will be cherished for a long time.

Sport Awards - Urgent

Please email, external_sports_news@parklands.co.za, (if we don't have this information already) any WP/WC/SA non- college & college achievements together with your certificate or an official letter from your club and/or organisation as confirmation of your achievement.  We need this information for our annual sports awards.  The deadline for all submissions is August 30.

Friday at Somerset College

Saturday

UK visitors at the College

On Wednesday we welcomed Austin Friars on tour with their hockey and rugby teams.  Our matrics are busy with examinations, so we had to make substantial changes to our first teams.  Nevertheless, they played well and enjoyed interacting with the visitors, both on the field and at the social gathering after the matches. 

The girls drew

The boys narrowly lost

Looking Ahead

We will end our Winter sport season with our Girls Hockey teams travelling to Melkbosstrand to compete against Melkbosstrand High School on Saturday.  Next week we are officially opening our Astro Facility.

Important Dates

End of Winter - Saturday 24 August

Start of Summer  - Monday 2 September

Astro Grand Opening

After a few months of fine tuning we are ready to officially open our double Astro facilty.  We would like to invite our Parklands family to celebrate this momentous occasion with us.  Our boys and girls will compete against Edgemead High whilst the highlight for all learners will be the guest appearance of Erin Christie, the South African Hockey Captain.  Both our National Hockey teams have made South Africa proud with their performance at the Olympics.  Erin will bring along Kayla de Waal together with team manager Lynn Abrahamse. 

Unbeaten Season!!

Rugby:  U/14A Sea Hawks Season Summary 


Saturday’s Derby Day match brought the curtain down on a brilliant season for the Sea Hawks. From the first match to the very last, the Sea Hawks demolished their opposition with their narrowest margin of victory being the 0-19 win over Somerset College at Derby Day.  The only time that the Sea Hawks ever found themselves trailing during the season was for the first ten minutes of their home match against Elsies River, which they eventually won 45-10.  It was ten-out-of-ten for the Sea Hawks of 2024, making them the first ever Parklands rugby team to go undefeated in a season.  They deserve to be called The Invincibles.


In all of the matches, the boys worked well together and the results could be credited to the commitment of every member of the team.  The big challenge after every match was trying to decide on the man-of-the-match, and every player can be proud of their contribution to  the team’s success.  


Here are some key statistics from the 10 matches played in the season:


Total points for:  391

Total points against:  15 (three tries)

Total tries:  64


Leading try scorers:  


Leading overall points scorers:  Christo Strydom (75 from 15 tries), Matthew Smith (75 from 5 tries and conversions)


What is truly remarkable about the team’s performance was that they were always determined to keep their opponents off the score board.  Only two teams (Curro Durbanville and Elsies River) were able to score any points against the Sea Hawks.  Even when they were leading by a wide margin, whenever the opposition were on attack the entire team worked to defend their try line as if they were defending a one-point lead in the final minute of a game.   Well done to Captain Lizwilenkosi Thomas and stand-in captain, Christo Strydom for their contributions in leading the team.

We look forward to next year’s season when this team will surely dish up week after week of more great rugby as the Wild Dogs.  A big thank you to the coaches, Ripley Evans and Kyle Levin, for their guidance and commitment to the boys throughout the season.

Netball

The under 13 netball teams have had a great season and ended with a win  against Reddam Durbanville.

Learner Sporting Achievements

Adam Muller and Blaine Fisher

CPL Hockey


The 6th edition of CPL Hockey returns in September, with the top hockey players showcasing their skills from the Western Province and Boland region.

Through the selection process the best 100 players per age group are selected and have the opportunity to be coached by top-notch renowned Olympic, SA, and Provincial coaches.  Competition for selection with each franchise was fierce with over 1800 players signing up.

The exciting CPL "NBA-style" Player Selection Draft took place on 28 July and our very own Adam Muller and Blaine Fisher been selected in this year’s tournament in the U16 age group.  Adam will be playing for the Rebels team and Blaine for the All Stars.

 

Training Sessions kick off soon -  August 30, 31 & September 1 and the tournament takes place 13 - 15 September.

Well Done Boys.  We wish you all of the best for the tournament.

Learner Sporting Achievements

Josh Neil and Steffan Hillebrand

CPL Cricket

Our U15 Spin twins have been chosen to represent the top Franchise in the CPL League - the Bookaap Phantoms.  They were both retained in the draft which happened at Newlands cricket club late last month.  The U15 division was the most keenly contested, with most boys vying for positions out of all of the age groups.  This will be Josh's 4th season for the Phantoms  and Steffan's 3rd for the same team.

The tournament starts in the first week of December.  Well Done boys and good luck for the tournament.

Weekly Sport Results

Weekly Sport Programme

Sport Uniform

DEBATING

WP Provincial trials

Congratulations to our debaters, who after a weekend of debates at the Provincial trials, came out tops!

Liat Demissew - Reserve for the Junior Provincial Team

Joshua Da Silva - Reserve for the Senior team

Aisha Salie - Senior Team

DRAMA

Derby Day Collaboration with Somerset College

Our Drama learners enjoyed collaborating with the Drama learners from Somerset College.  We love this aspect of the Derby weekend - not everything is about competing!

MUSIC

Derby Day Concert

Our jazz band had a great time performing in the chapel at Somerset College and collaborating with the SC jazz band for a wonderful combined performance.  Some of our multi-talented musicians had to run between sports matches and performing in the band - as you can see from their attire.

Everyone was impressed with our band's entertaining performance.  Well done!

Parklands and Somerset College performing together 

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Flashback to our Matric Prelim Music Exam Recital

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Collaborative Ensemble Item with The Settlers High


Serena Govender-Neon.MP4

Serena Govender

Daniel Roux-Rush.MP4

Daniel Roux

Jemimah Tshabalala-Take the A train.MP4

Jemimah Tshabalala

LIVE EISTEDDFOD @ Parklands College

We are excited to announce that the Cape Town Eisteddfod will take place next Friday, 30 August, at Parklands College in the Minor Hall. Please refer to the schedule by clicking this Cape Town Eisteddfod Programme.


Supporters Welcome: We encourage our performers to invite family and friends to enjoy their performance! A R20 entrance fee applies to all non-performers. If you leave the venue, an additional entrance fee will be required upon re-entry. Payments can be made via Snapscan or Credit Card (no cash). 


Performing for Judges: You’ll perform in front of an external adjudicator. It’s normal to feel nervous, but remember that their feedback is meant to help you grow, not just to assess your performance.


Feedback: After all performances in a category, the adjudicator will provide feedback, which may be written or spoken, to help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback will be shared with the audience, so everyone benefits from the learning experience.


Participating is a major accomplishment! Demontrating courage, skill, and dedication—be proud of your journey.


We look forward to seeing you there and wish you all the best for your performances!

Want to learn an instrument? Let's Go!!!!!

Should you be interested in starting an instrument.  Please complete this form: https://forms.gle/MMYD7bH2Ak2iVXgL7

Music Department Educator Contact Details

EQUITY & DIVERSITY

SERVICE





During August Awareness Month we are celebrating women: the mothers, sisters, daughters, caregivers and breadwinners. 

We are collecting clothing, blankets, tea, coffee, sugar, long life milk and cleaning products. The three communities we are supporting are all largely influenced or led by women.

Thank you in advance for your kindness.

This annual civvies day is in aid of Home of Hope. 

Home of Hope is a registered non-profit organisation that provides care services for abused, abandoned and neglected children in our country, with a focus on those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which is permanent brain damage caused by pre-natal exposure to alcohol. 

R10 for this worthy cause will be billed to your account.



Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star: Walking towards a Hunger-Free Future


The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) is delighted to announce that our much-anticipated annual family fun walk, Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star will take place on Sunday 25 August at the Green Point Cricket Club.


Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star is not just a walk; it’s a symbol of solidarity and commitment to ensuring that no child goes to school hungry. With the generous support of our participants, sponsors, and volunteers, PSFA aims to raise awareness of childhood hunger and funds to provide nutritious meals to impoverished children at schools across the Western Cape.


The event, which will start in Stephan Way, Green Point and end at the Green Point Cricket Club, will include two routes along the scenic Sea Point Promenade, a 10km walk starting at 07h30 and a 5km walk starting at 08h15. Every person who enters will receive a medal and refreshments sponsored by Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages.

In addition to the walk, participants can look forward to exciting entertainment featuring top Cape Town singer, Jarrad Ricketts, food stalls, and activities for all ages, making it a perfect morning out for the whole family. Plus, every step taken and every Rand raised will make a tangible difference in the lives of children who rely on PSFA’s feeding programme.


Entries are now open, with various registration options available to accommodate individual and group entries. The entry fee is R100 which will enable PSFA to provide 28 school children affected by poverty with a nutritious breakfast and lunch for an entire day. Only online entries will be accepted. Entries are limited to 6,000 people, so please enter early to avoid disappointment.


For any enquiries, contact Top Events at info@topevents.co.za or WhatsApp at 0661394210.

LEARNER SUPPORT 


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

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


Psychometric Assessments - currently a waiting list available


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 and 4 are fully booked.


If you are interested please let us know and we will put you on the waiting list should an assessment slot become available. 


TERTIARY STUDIES

STUDY ABROAD EXPO

I want to invite you and any interested students, parents and teachers to our free international Study Abroad Expo that is happening in Stellenbosch on 5 September 2024. 


We are bringing out 15 of our international university partners from the UK, Canada, the USA and Australia who will be available to chat with any interested students and parents. This is also an opportunity for your students to meet our team of expert advisers who will be available for consultations on the day and can offer advice about studying in over 24 countries worldwide. We are happy to meet with students and parents at any stage of their journey from grade 8 to matric so everyone is welcome. 

 





CRIMSON EDUCATION

Join us for the webinar:


Former Admissions Officer Tour - Cape Town 2024

Friday 30 August 2024 17:00 - 19:00 (SAST/CAT)

Click HERE to register for the event



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