Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
10 October 2025
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Dear Parents,
We are excited to welcome the learners back to school on Tuesday 14 October for the final quarter of the year. We would like to extend an extra special welcome to all our new learners and hope they settle happily and feel part of the Parklands College family very soon. #ourbloodrunsblue!
Please note we have switched over to our Summer uniform.
As the weather warms up we would like to remind Parents to please apply sunblock on all exposed parts of your child’s body before they come to school in the morning. All learners must wear the Parklands College cap/hat for break time and sports. In order to protect your child’s skin from the harsh rays of the sun, we have a “no hat, no play” policy.
The next two weeks are very busy...
Grade 1 Singing at Valedictory - Wednesday 15 October:
Our Grade ones are looking forward to singing a special farewell song to our Matrics on Wednesday 15 October. Please ensure the consent form has been completed and that your child comes to school looking very smart in their winter uniform and blazer. This is a very special event and we promise to share a video of their singing with our parents. Consent: Gr 1s singing at Valedictory
Gr 1R & 1K are hosting the cake sale on Friday 17 October. If you are able to assist from 09h40, please notify your child’s class teacher. 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.
Please send in R10 for your child to enjoy two treats.
West Coast Song Festival - Tuesday, 21 October
The JP Choir will be taking part in the West Coast Song Festival at Van Riebeeckstrand Primary School.
Grade 3 Outing to Babylonstoren - Friday 31 October: Consent: Gr 3 Outing to Babylonstoren
We would like to extend our special Congratulations to the Prefects and Executive Prefects of 2026:
Executive Head Girl - Aisha Salie
Executive Head Boy - Connor Niske
Deputy Head Girl - Naeha Naidu
Deputy Head Boy - Jarryd Hunt
We wish them everything of the best in their leadership roles for the remainder of this year and 2026.
Braiding for Blazers
We are delighted to inform you that the special braiding for our striped blazers has finally arrived. We are now ready to begin the process of adding this distinctive touch to every learner's blazer.
Please ensure your child's blazer is:
Dry cleaned or cleaned.
Clearly labelled with your child's name and surname.
Sent in to the class teacher on Wednesday 22 October.
The braiding process will take a few weeks, after which the blazers will be returned to our learners. Should the weather be a little chilly, your child is welcome to wear their school jersey.
Don’t miss this opportunity as it is a once-off service for our Grade 1-3 learners with striped blazers. After this there will be an additional cost to have the blazer braided. In the future, any blazers purchased from School and Leisure will include the braiding.
Celebrating World Teacher's Day
Outreach
Outreach
Santa Shoebox Project
As part of our Quarter Four outreach, we are excited to support the Santa Shoebox Project, a wonderful initiative that provides personalised gift boxes to children in need. Each class is responsible for preparing two boxes – one for a girl and one for a boy. Your child's class teacher will be in touch with details about what is needed for these boxes and how you can contribute. Completed boxes are due by 5 November 2025.
If you would like to donate an additional box on your own, please reach out to Mrs. De Aguiar at cdeaguiar@parklands.co.za to pledge a box and receive further details.
SPCA Dress-up Day
Library News
Library News
Happy Birthday, Greg!
The month October heralds an exciting time for all the fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. The new book, titled Partypooper, arrives worldwide on Tuesday, 21 October. This year is extra special as it is the 20th book in the series. Not only does this milestone warrant a celebration, but the story itself is about Greg’s birthday, with all the fun and chaos that you can imagine.
As we know that a number of our readers are avid collectors of the series, we always give our learners the opportunity to get their own copies when the first boxes are opened. We will fetch the books, bring them back to school, take some photos and enjoy the excitement. All collectors are invited to bring their R250 by Monday, 20 October, and their books will be delivered on the day!
SPORT
SPORT
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Junior Prep Sports Update – Quarter 4 Kicks-off
Junior Prep Sports Update – Quarter 4 Kicks-off
Summer Sports are here!
We are thrilled to welcome you to the final quarter of 2025 – one that promises sunshine, action, and plenty of opportunities for our learners to showcase their skills.
Before we get going, a reminder that our Cricket Clinic takes place this Monday, 13 October on the Junior Prep fields, starting sharply at 09h00. This clinic will give our young cricketers a solid platform of batting, bowling, and fielding skills in preparation for a busy and exciting cricket season.
This quarter promises an action-packed programme where learners will experience:
🎾 Tennis smashes – learners building hand-eye coordination and enjoying fast rallies.
🏏 Cricket – teamwork, striking skills, and plenty of runs!
⚾ T-ball hits – fun and fundamentals as our younger athletes develop confidence.
🏊 Swimming strokes – starting with water confidence and basic stroke work as we head towards gala season.
💪 PE sessions – a balanced programme that supports fitness, agility, and sporting confidence across the board.
Parents, please make sure your child has their sunscreen, hats, and water bottles ready – the summer heat is here, and staying safe and hydrated is a top priority.
While many schools wind down, Quarter 4 at Parklands is short, sharp, and full of energy. It’s the perfect way for learners to wrap up the year on a high.
📌 Upcoming Mini Cricket Festivals
18 October – Bridge House
8 November – Parklands College (Secondary Faculty)
We look forward to seeing our learners shine in Blue and White and to having your support on the sidelines and poolside throughout this quarter. Let’s make it one to remember!
PE AND SWIMMING
PE AND SWIMMING
Swimming during PE will only begin near the end of October when the weather and our pool water is a little warmer. Please keep an eye on the blog and grade-specific consolidation slides, as we will let parents know when swimming will begin.
Please take note that although coaches guide and support learners during swimming in Physical Education lessons, we are not a Learn to Swim School, and for their own safety, it is critical that learners are water safe and able to swim. Please reach out to the coaches if you need contact details for LEARN TO SWIM schools for your child to attend.
JP on the Run
JP on the Run
WHAT A WAY TO END QUARTER 3!
A massive shout out to all the learners and teachers who joined in on the fun! Learners clocked in some massive house points on the last day of the quarter. An awesome but tough day out with loads of laughter, music and fun amongst the Junior Prep - congrats boys and girls!
North VS South Derby Day
North VS South Derby Day
Learners proudly represented Parklands Preparatory as they showcased their skills in Rugby and Netball matches against Golden Grove Primary. We are incredibly proud of their teamwork, dedication, and the sportsmanship they displayed on the field and court.
GRADE 3 Squad Swimming trials are here!
GRADE 3 Squad Swimming trials are here!
Monday 20 Oct '25 at 14h00 - 15h00 at our JP pool!
This is not to be missed!
All Grade 3s are welcome - please note to qualify for Swim Squads Quarter 4 2025, learners are required to swim a length of the pool and complete all strokes unassisted and unaided (without floating devices.)
No exceptions will be made for learners who miss trials unless for exceptional circumstances.
Grades 1 and 2 will be assessed in their weekly Sports Hours and personally invited via email.
WCCA
WCCA
During the holidays, some of our learners attended the West Coast Cricket Academy's three day cricket clinic.
There were various stations and drills, with lots of fun in between!
Howzat!
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.
The last week of last quarter saw a quieter sports programme for our Junior Prep, with Rugby taking centre stage while Netball fixtures were unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather.
🏉 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!
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 ⬅️
Isla Rose.mp4Spot Isla-Rose!
Isla-Rose Roux in Grade Three was chosen to be in the latest Checkers Sixty60 advertisment. Look out for this ad and for Isla-Rose on the TV.
Well done Isla-Rose, we are so proud of you!
Sport Quick Links
Grade 2 Ming Vase and Flowers Artworks
Last quarter the Grade 2s learnt about Chinese Ming vases and painted their own, adding a lovely bunch of flowers. Aren't these stunning!
Grade 2As Reading Ken Nesbitt Poems
Grade 2A had fun sharing their favourite poems from Kenn Nesbitt.
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
Dates for 2025
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 05 December
Growing Minds Celebration
We are looking forward to our Growing Minds Celebration.
We invite all parents to attend our Growing Minds Celebration—a special time where every learner will receive a certificate recognising their hard work and progress throughout the year. We anticipate this celebration will last just over one hour.
Learners may go home with their parents after the celebration should they wish.
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
Tuesday, 21st October: JP Choir West Coast Song Festival
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 Socks 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. School closes at 11am
Sunday 14 December: Happy Birthday Emma Oxley-Simpson and Carmen Thyssen
Wednesday 24 December: Happy Birthday Caressa Manickum
2026 dates (subject to change)
2026 dates (subject to change)
Summer Quarter: 20 January - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 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...
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Grade ones are looking forward to singing a special farewell song to our Matrics on Wednesday 15 October. Please ensure their consent form has been completed and that your child comes to school looking very smart in their winter uniform and blazer. We promise to share a video of their singing with our Parents.
On Friday 17 October Grade 1R and 1K will supply some yummy treats for their cakes sale. Please remember to send R10 cash for your child to enjoy two treats.
We wish Mrs Duke a very happy birthday for Saturday 18 October.
See you all on Tuesday 14 October. Please note that Co-curriculars will start from the the first day. Enjoy the last few days of the holiday.
Contact Details
Staff email addresses: Staffing
General Preparatory email address: prep@parklands.co.za
IT queries: Christian Oertel, Network Manager - choertel@parklands.co.za
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