Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
12 September 2025
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
This is a heartfelt plea to please drive slowly and with great care when using our drive-through area. Our most precious little people use this area. They are not always aware of cars and can't always judge speed. There is nothing more important than their safety and lives. Please help us protect them and keep them safe.
Please take note of the following important points and dates:
OPEN DAY - Tomorrow, Saturday the 13th of September
SPCA Dress-up - Friday the 19th of September
Come dressed up as your favourite animal.Cake Sale - Friday the 19th of September
The Grade 1P and 1A classes will be having their cake sale this quarter, be sure to send you child with money for a sweet treat!
Last Day of School
Tuesday 23 September is the last day of school and school closes at 13h00. Please make arrangements to collect your child promptly at 13h00 as there are no aftercare facilities on this day.
Please note our learners return to school on Tuesday 14 October in their summer school uniform.
Emergency Contact Details
We would like to remind parents that it is imperative for us to be able to contact you, 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.
Contact:
Staff email addresses: Staffing
General Preparatory email address: prep@parklands.co.za
IT queries: Christian Oertel, Network Manager - choertel@parklands.co.za
iPAD REMINDERS
iPAD REMINDERS
When it comes to educating our little people, it takes a village and a strong partnership with our parent body. It is no different when it comes to helping our learners navigate the world of digital citizenship. This week, we had a productive discussion with the learners about using their iPads responsibly, which included topics like asking for permission before taking someone's photo and understanding the difference between appropriate and inappropriate photos and content. With your support from home, we can continue to encourage our children to make wise choices and have positive interactions.
As our learners are very young, we know that this is an ongoing conversation, and we regularly remind them to make good choices with their devices. While at school, we do our best to ensure a safe environment by monitoring iPad usage through our JAMF system.
Learners are unable to access age-restricted games like Roblox and Fortnite at school. However, if a parent selects the "less restricted" setting when the iPad is configured, their child can play any games the parent has downloaded at home.
We encourage parents to regularly monitor their child's iPad use and camera roll at home. Children should not be left unattended on their iPad and should not be playing games like Fortnite and Roblox.
Thank you to all our families for your support.
UNIFORM
UNIFORM
College blazers
Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer from the start of 2026. 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
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Junior Prep Music Recital
Junior Prep Music Recital
We had such a lovely evening listening to the sweet melodies of our Junior Prep learners. We’re so proud of the effort they put into growing their musical talents. A big thank you to the music department for nurturing these little musicians.
music for blog 1.mp4Music for blog2.mp4music blog 3.mp4music blog 4.mp4
Bok Friday!
To be the 'i' in KIND is Fun!
The Interact Club from the Secondary Faculty visited the Grade 1 classes to host an inspiring Kindness Workshop. Through fun games and lively skits, the Grade 1s were encouraged to see kindness in action. The messages were clear and meaningful: be kind to one another, share generously, include everyone, and care for the environment. Our Grade 1s embraced the activities with enthusiasm and open hearts, showing just how ready they are to make kindness part of their everyday lives.
Thank you to the Secondary Interact Club for a lovely and meaningful morning.
Grade 2 Story Writing
Grade 2 wrote stories about a magic bracelet that they had found. Each stone was unique and they soon discovered that each stone also gave them special superpowers. The middle stone was the most powerful.
Here is a photo of Grade 2P with their beautiful bracelets.
Grade 3P Space Projects
The Grade 3P learners worked wonderfully in their teams, showing creativity and collaboration to create their solar models. 🌍🌟🚀
Library News
Library News
Readathon Week
Readathon Week
Our Readathon Week is planned annually around two important days. Roald Dahl Day, which falls on September 13, marks the birthday of an iconic children’s author who has made a significant contribution to children’s literature with his memorable stories and quirky characters. He also invented 393 new words which are marvellous to say, like scrumdiddlyumptious; crodsquinkled; trogglehumper; gobblefunk and snozzcumber. If you are not sure what they mean, it is reassuring to know that many of these great words can be found in the Oxford dictionary.
Our second celebratory day is International Dot Day, based on a little book by Peter H. Reynolds, titled The Dot, which packs a punch! This year marks the fifteenth Dot Day, a global celebration that takes place worldwide, as schools recognize the values of creativity, kindness, perseverance, and collaboration, which this story promotes.
Our Readathon Week features three interhouse Lit Quiz events, in which every learner competes as part of a team that answers questions in a range of categories - all book-related, of course. Ultimately, we are looking for the winning house, but there are also individual and team prizes up for grabs.
Dot Day AR Fun
Dot Day AR Fun
In Library lessons, learners designed colourful dots and then used the Quiver app to bring them to life. It is always an awe-inspiring moment when they experience the magic for the first time. The dot responds to touch, makes sounds and can do a variety of tricks.
Birthday Books
Vangama celebrated her birthday this week, and added three excellent books to our collection. These explore feelings like being proud, angry and worried, and encourage while providing vocabulary to discuss what is in your heart. Thank you, Vangama.
Genesis turned 7 this week and celebrated with a book full of fascinating information on his favourite superhero, Batman. Did you know that his favourite dish is lobster thermidor? Thank you, Genesis, this book is a treat!
The Book Club ended the quarter with an exhilarating Kahoot! - all about Roald Dahl, of course!
Book Donation
Caleb donated a great story of everyone’s favourite, Bluey. This story is titled Daddy Robot, and is all about what happens when the children try to get Dad to tidy the playroom. Such fun! Thank you, Caleb.
Last Day to Return Books:
On Wednesday 17 September we need all library books to be back. Please make an effort this weekend to find all the missing books!
Digital Citizenship
Outreach News
Outreach News
We are excited to host a fun-filled SPCA Dress-Up Day in support of our local SPCA. Learners may come dressed as their favourite animal, and R10 will be billed to your account if your child participates. The SPCA works tirelessly to care for and protect animals in need, and this is a wonderful way for our learners to show their support while having fun.
Academic Reports Quarter Three
Academic Reports Quarter Three
Foundation Phase (Grade 1 – 3) learners continue to complete both formal and informal assessments throughout the quarter on a regular basis to improve the knowledge, understanding or skills of the learners. They receive the standard report, which reflects codes and a comment from the class teacher.
Reports will be released on Thursday 18 September.
Parent-Teacher Meetings
Report feedback meetings are scheduled from Thursday 18 September to Monday 22 September. If you would like to meet with your child’s class teacher, please arrange a meeting via the Google Calendar link shared by the class teachers.
Appointments are usually 15 mins long. We greatly value our parents’ and teachers’ time and urge parents to be on time in order to ensure that other parents are not kept waiting.
Please contact your child’s class teacher directly should you be unavailable to meet on the specific days and times scheduled.
Summer Co-Curricular Time Table (Quarter 4)
Summer Co-Curricular Time Table (Quarter 4)
Extra Mural Timetable Q4 BLOG.pdfQUARTER 4 Co-Curricular sign-ups
If you have missed the sign-up for Quarter 4 co-curriculars, please email Coach Jared jmargetts@parklands.co.za for any Sport queries and Mrs Buckle rbuckle@parklands.co.za for any Culture queries.
SPORT
SPORT
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Junior Prep Sports Update – Quarter 3, Week 8
Junior Prep Sports Update – Quarter 3, Week 8
As we step into the last full week of sport at the Junior Preparatory, there is a real sense of pride in how far our learners have come this quarter. From those early practice sessions back in June to the matches and festivals that followed, the progress across Rugby, Netball and Hockey has been remarkable.
Each practice has sharpened skills and built confidence, while every match has given our learners invaluable exposure - teaching them resilience, teamwork, and the joy of competition. Whether it was our U7s stepping onto the court for the very first time, our U8s tasting their first fixtures, or our U9s flying the Parklands flag high at festivals, the growth has been both tangible and inspiring.
Now, all eyes turn to one of the most anticipated highlights of the calendar:
North vs South – Friday, 20 September at Golden Grove Primary
This derby is about more than results - it’s about Parkie pride, camaraderie, and spirit. Learners will represent Parklands Junior Preparatory by competing in Rugby and Netball. The energy and excitement around this day are already building, and we know our learners will give their very best.
Alongside the derby, our weekend festivals this quarter have added another layer of magic to Junior Prep sport. From Friday Night Lights Hockey under the stars, to the spirited mini-netball festivals, these moments have created lasting memories and inspired our learners to continue growing in their sporting journeys.
Looking ahead, we begin preparing for the summer season. Soon, the focus will shift to cricket, tennis, softball and swimming. The catching mitts, tennis racquets, and cricket bats are coming out, while the swimming goggles can stay tucked away just a little longer until the pool warms up toward the end of October.
We can’t wait to see everyone loud and proud in blue and white colours at North vs South. Let’s make it a derby to remember and celebrate just how far our learners have come this term!
North vs South Derby
North vs South Derby
20 September @ Golden Grove Primary School
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
JP on the Run – 23 September
Our last big Junior Prep event of the quarter! This fun-filled run will see learners earning extra House Points for their teams. Please wear PE kit with your Parklands College house T-shirt, if you have one.
Parklands College: Mini Cricket Clinic
Parklands College: Mini Cricket Clinic
Summer is on its way!
In preparation for our jammed packed Quarter 4 we are hosting a Mini-Cricket Clinic for the Grade 2's and 3's.
Date: 13 October (Monday)
Time: 09h00-11h00
Sign-up Deadline: Monday, 21 September 2025
West Coast Cricket Academy
West Coast Cricket Academy
If you need even more cricket, we have you covered. The West Coast Cricket Academy is hosting an October holiday cricket clinic, right here on the JP campus. Bring along your friends and sign up for three days of fun before the cricket season starts.
This is open to everyone in the community from Grade 1 right through to Grade 6.
Junior Prep Week that was
Junior Prep Week that was
This past week saw a quieter sports programme for our Junior Prep, with Rugby taking centre stage while Netball fixtures were unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather on Wednesday.
🏉 Rugby Results
🏉 Rugby Results
U8 vs Rallim – Lost 0–6
U9 vs Rallim – Lost 0–3 | POTM: All the boys deserved a mention
Despite the results, there was plenty to celebrate in terms of progress and spirit on the field.
"Our U9 Rugby boys showed great determination and team spirit in their match against Rallim on Wednesday. Although the game ended with a 3–0 loss, the boys played with heart and never gave up. What stood out most was their growth and progression as a team – their improved teamwork, confidence, and skills were evident on the field. We are proud of their effort and the way they represented our school." – Mrs Martch
👏 A big well done to all our Rugby boys for their grit, sportsmanship, and continued improvement this season!
Weekly Memo Blog Netball Fun.MOV
If your little one has excelled in a sport outside of school, we would love to celebrate their achievements. Please use the link below to fill in the external achievements form to make us aware of their shining moment.
➡️ EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS ⬅️
Sport Quick Links
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
Winter Quarter
Saturday 13 September:
Roald Dahl Day
Open Day
Monday 15 September:
International Dot Day
Tuesday 16 September:
Happy Birthday Sam Naidoo
Thursday 18 September:
Reports Released
Report Feedback Meetings
Friday 19 September:
Happy Birthday Amy Dean
Grade 1P and 1A Cake Sale
SPCA Dress-up: Come dressed up as your favourite animal
Saturday 20 September:
Happy Birthday Efraim Cupido
Monday 22 September
Report Feedback Meetings
Tuesday 23 September:
Last day of the quarter
Wednesday 24 September:
Public Holiday - Heritage Day
Wednesday 1 October:
Happy Birthday Cindy Mey
Thursday 2 October:
Rosh Hashanah
Saturday 4 October:
Happy Birthday Cara de Aguiar
Sunday 5 October:
World Teachers' Day
Happy Birthday Tammy Labuschagne
Tuesday 7 October:
Happy Birthday Roché Buckle
Thursday 9 October:
Happy Birthday Licia Hammond
Spring Quarter
Tuesday 14 October: Learners Return
Wednesday 15 October: Grade 1s sing at our Matric Valedictory: Consent: Gr 1s singing at Valedictory
Friday 17 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake sale
Saturday 18 October:
Happy Birthday Siobhan Duke
Monday, 20 October: Diwali
Monday 27 October: Happy Birthday Nadine Marais-Swart
Friday 31 October:
Grade 3 Outing to Babylonstoren: Consent: Gr 3 Outing to Babylonstoren
Friday 21 November: Funky Sock Day
Thursday 27 November: JP Growing Minds Celebration
Friday 28 November: Grade 1 Giraffe House Outing: Consent: Gr 1 Outing to Giraffe House
Tuesday 2 December: Happy Birthday Candice Holder
Friday 5 December: Last day of the quarter
Sunday 14 December: Happy Birthday Emma Oxley-Simpson and Carmen Thyssen
Wednesday 24 December: Happy Birthday Caressa Manickum
Dates for 2025
Summer Quarter: 20 January - 28 March
Autumn Quarter: 08 April - 25 June
*Mid-term break: 29 April - 2 May
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December
2026 dates (subject to change)
2026 dates (subject to change)
Summer Quarter: 20 January - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 25 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
QUICK LINKS
QUICK LINKS
PARENT & LEARNER DIRECTORY
PARENT & LEARNER DIRECTORY
Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Junior Preparatory learners.
Information Directory
Information Directory
2025 Junior Preparatory P&L Information Directory.docx.pdf How to update the Edana app
with emergency contact details:
How to update the Edana app
with emergency contact details:
PARENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
PARENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
College parents are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory for free – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/.
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...
Cake sales
Classes will all have an opportunity to host a cake sale and there is much excitement as the children eagerly look forward to this treat. Cake sale money is used to support various outreach projects.
We request that items such as cupcakes, popcorn, crisps, muffins, etc. are sent in by the classes that are hosting the cake sale. Please ensure that items donated for cake sales do not contain nuts. We love healthy goodies, especially popcorn!
Parents are welcome to send the year's money in advance to be kept safely locked away (i.e. 6 cake sales x R10=R60.00) or send in R10 on cake sale days.
If you are able to assist at your class cake sale from 09h40, please notify your child’s class teacher.
Friday 19 September: Grade 1P & 1A Cake Sale
Friday 17 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake Sale (Please note this change)
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
We have a number of birthday celebrations this coming week: please join us in wishing Mrs Naidoo a happy birthday for Tuesday the 16th; Miss Amy Dean for Friday the 19th and Mr Cupido for Saturday 20 September.
Tomorrow is Open Day, and we warmly invite anyone who would like to stop by between 10:00 - 13:00 to see what our school has to offer.
Wishing all our Parklands families a fantastic weekend.
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