11 April 2025

Dear Parents,

We have had a good start to the quarter, kicking off with a very well attended hockey clinic on the astro at the Secondary Faculty. A special thank you goes to our sports department for hosting this.

We will be sending out a parent survey on Monday, April 14, 2025. This survey is conducted every two years, and we would greatly appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete it as your input is greatly valued and provides us with important feedback.

Please take note of the following important upcoming dates and reminders:

Individual Photo Day for Grade 2 & 3: Tuesday 15 April
Please make sure learners are dressed smartly in their uniforms and wearing their blazers.

Outings and Consent Forms:

Grade 2A & 2P Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB - due by Wednesday 16 April

Grade 2R, 2K & 2L Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB- due by Thursday 17 April
Grade 1 Outing to the Science Centre Consent Form: Gr 1 Outing to The Science Centre - due by Thursday 24 April

Library dates to note:
Hooked on Books - 11 April at 08:30
World Book Day (Dress-up) - Wednesday 23 April
Bargain Books Book Sale (Day 1 & 2) - 23 & 24 April

Upcoming Public holidays & Mid Term Break
Friday 18 April: Good Friday
Monday 21 April: Family Day
Monday 28 April - Friday 2 May: Mid Term Break
Winter Uniform - Monday 5 May:
Please note that we will transition to Winter uniform on the 5th of May.

Highlights

The Autumn quarter began with stormy weather, nevertheless the classrooms were full of cheer! Learners returned excited to reconnect with friends and teachers.

The Grade ones had great fun in Robotics. They created a main character in Scratch that could speak and move. They created various scenes and had to think of a story about the character. (left)

Grade 3 isiXhosa lesson with Miss Mbikwana (right)

Learner Code of Conduct

Building a positive and supportive school environment is central to our vision at Parklands College. Our Code of Conduct is regularly discussed during assemblies and class teaching. We are committed to guiding and supporting our learners, alongside their parents and guardians, to understand what behaviour is appropriate and what is not. This is an important part of fostering a respectful, safe and happy learning environment for us all.

We would like to remind our Parklands College family about our Code of Conduct, which is included in the Parent and Learner Directory. It outlines our shared expectations and helps us maintain a safe and happy space for both learners and staff.

LEARNER CODE OF CONDUCT .pdf

While we prioritise positive reinforcement — as seen through the many merits awarded — we also recognise the importance of issuing appropriate consequences for unacceptable behaviour. These might include warnings or demerits, depending on the situation. Please note that, just as parents are not notified before a merit is awarded, we are unable to contact parents in advance of issuing a consequence, i.e. a demerit, as it is important that we act swiftly and appropriately to prevent further behavioural issues.

We appreciate our parents' support in helping us create a happy and safe environment where positive interactions and behaviour are the expectation and the norm.

Outreach to Fallen Angels

Fallen Angels.mp4

We had another wonderful opportunity to extend our support to our beloved furry friends at Fallen Angels Pet Rescue Haven. Fallen Angels, a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), champions the bond between humans and animals, recognising every Forgotten, Abandoned, Lost, Lonely, Emaciated, and Neglected animal as a FALLEN ANGEL.

Our enthusiastic group of 12 learners, from Grades 1-6, eagerly delivered the generous donations of dog and cat food to the shelter, an experience that touched our hearts deeply. The team at Fallen Angels expressed overwhelming gratitude for these contributions, knowing firsthand the impact they will have on the animals under their care.

During our visit, we had the privilege of exploring the sanctuary, meeting some of the adorable dogs and cats. Their irresistible charm left us enchanted, and witnessing the dedication of the Fallen Angels team in providing a safe haven for these animals was truly inspiring.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support and contributions.Thank you Parklands Family!

Our Culture department has been designing the costumes and set for our production of Madagascar Jr. Please help us by collecting and sending the following recyclable materials to school (see poster). We would also appreciate help in finding old scout uniforms.

Uniforms

Please take note that the Goodwood School & Leisure schoolwear branch will be temporarily closed from the 10th of April and will reopen on the 15th April.

Goodwood Renovation Letter.pdf

LIBRARY NEWS

World Book Day is Coming!

Lots of laughs, huge excitement and that unstoppable urge to get hold of these books: it can only mean an encounter with Hooked On Books, our favourite theatre company. This morning we had a roaring start leading up to World Book Day as these talented actors gave us a peek into a few amazing books. There was Dudley, the dog who magically swaps bodies with ten-year-old Danny. Have you heard about the pencil case that became a time machine? And then there was great enthusiasm for one of our favourites, Disaster at Gogo’s Spaza. Add in some funky poems and we are all set to read!

Book Club Recommendations

This week the Book Clubbers were tasked with finding that one special book that lives in their memories, has brought happiness and joy, and that they would like to read again and again. These will be shared in the library to inspire other readers.

Birthday Books

Shen, Aleksander and Jonathan celebrated their birthdays recently and visited the library with some delectable books to share. We have cool monsters, a heart-warming lion rescue (all true!) and three wonderful books about learning to deal with those big emotions. Thank you so much, and happy birthday, boys!

We also celebrated with the twins, Oyama and Thando, who Brought two gorgeous Look and Find books. Happy birthday to you!

Winter Co-Curricular Time Table

Q2&3 Extra Mural timetable.pdf

Please follow the link to sign up for the Winter season:

LINK TO SIGN-UP FORM

SPORT

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

Welcome Back to Junior Prep Autumn Sport – Let the Fun Begin! 🏉🏑🏐

Welcome back, Junior Prep families, to an exciting Quarter 2 – and what a start it’s been! Sport kicked straight back into full swing this week with our learners eagerly diving into Rugby, Hockey, and Netball sessions. It’s been incredible to see the energy, smiles, and sports spirit return to the fields and courts of Parklands Prep!

We’re also thrilled to announce that Golf will be teeing off next week, adding even more variety to our co-curricular line-up.

As we gear up for a busy and action-packed term filled with fixtures, festivals, and firsts, we want to inspire every learner to take a bold step this term. Whether it’s trying a sport for the first time or giving something another go, there’s always room to grow, learn, and most importantly – have fun.

✨ “Every champion was once a beginner who refused to give up.” ✨
So lace up those boots, grab your stick, or step onto the netball court – you never know where your first step might take you!

Here’s to a term full of learning, laughter, and loud cheers from the sidelines. Thank you, parents, for your continued support – we can’t wait to see you field-side, court-side, and everywhere in between.

Let’s go, Parklands Prep! 💙💛
#AutumnSportIsHere #JuniorPrepPride #TrySomethingNew #OurBloodRunsBlue

For their safety, learners are required to wear a gum guard and shin pads for hockey, and a gum guard for rugby. They may NOT PARTICIPATE in practices or games without this.

Hockey Clinic: U8 & U9 Hockey Clinic – A Fantastic Start to the Season!

On Monday, 7 April 2025, our Grade 2 and 3 learners kicked off the term with an energetic and exciting U8 & U9 Hockey Clinic at Parklands College Prep! With a wonderful mix of boys and girls, the clinic was aimed at introducing the basic skills of hockey in a fun, engaging, and development-focused environment.

Our young hockey stars, aged 8 and 9, participated in a well-structured afternoon of learning and movement. The clinic was broken down into three skill-based circuits, each lasting 15 minutes, giving learners the opportunity to rotate through various activities and focus on different areas of the game. These included dribbling, passing, and shooting, all designed to build confidence and promote teamwork.

The field was buzzing with excitement and determination as learners embraced the challenge of learning new techniques, all while smiling, laughing, and growing their love for the sport.

It was fantastic to see both boys and girls working together, showing incredible enthusiasm and effort at each station. Coaches were blown away by the talent and eagerness on display, and we’re excited to see this group develop further in the weeks to come.

Well done to all our U8 and U9 learners for bringing their energy and passion to the field - we are so proud of your efforts and can’t wait to see your skills shine in the upcoming season!

Here’s to an amazing start to our Autumn sports journey! 🏑💙💛
#ParklandsHockey #JuniorPrepSport #SkillsAndSmiles #OurBloodRunsBlue

JP Sport Returns!

Sport Calendar:

Sport Quick Links

SPORT INFO

TRAVEL CONSENT

EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS

SPORT CALENDAR

IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

Autumn Quarter

Friday 11 April: Hooked on Books at 08:30

Tuesday 15 April: Happy Birthday to Meagan Petersen

Retake of Grade 2 and 3 photographs (Summer uniform)

Wednesday 16 April: Grade 2A & 2P Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB

Thursday 17 April: Grade 2R, 2K & 2L Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB

Friday 18 April: Public Holiday - Good Friday

Sunday 20 April: Happy Birthday Karen Hunt

Monday 21 April: Public Holiday - Family Day

Wednesday 23 April:
World Book Day (Dress up as your favourite character from a book)
Bargain Books Book Sale (Day 1)
Happy Birthday Sylvia Stander

Thursday 24 April:
Bargain Books Book Sale (Day 2)

Grade 1 Outing to the Science Centre Consent Form: Gr 1 Outing to The Science Centre

Friday 25 April: Happy Birthday Coach Liam

Saturday 26 April: Happy Birthday Anine De Lange

Sunday 27 April: Freedom Day

Monday 28 April - Friday 2 May: Mid Term Break

Monday 5 May:
Change to Winter Uniform

Author Visit: Roslynne Toerien (Books for sale)

Tuesday 6 May: JP Dancers to Sea Point Civic Centre - Eisteddfod rehearsal
Friday 9 May: Grade 2R and Grade 2K Cake sale

Sunday 11 May: Mother’s Day

Monday 12 May - 12 June Dance Eisteddfod (dates will be confirmed with Parents)

Tuesday 13 May: Happy birthday Jared Margetts

Thursday 15 May: International Day of Families

Saturday 17 May: Camps Bay Netball Festival

Tuesday 20 May: Happy Birthday Serena Domingo

Saturday 24 May: Elmer Day

Wednesday 28 May: Grade 3 visit to Secondary for an Afrikaans Culinary Experience
Consent Form Gr 3 Outing to the Secondary Faculty

Thursday 29 May: Grade 3 Outing to the Alpaca Loom Consent Form Gr 3 Outing to Alpaca Loom

Thursday 29 May – Thursday 5 June: Child Protection Week

Friday 30 May: Grade 2P & 2A Cake Sale

Saturday 31 May: Open Day

Sunday 1 June:
International Children’s Day & Child Protection Week

Happy Birthday Chef Kerry

Tuesday 3 June: Happy Birthday Chantel Lamb

Wednesday 4 June: Happy Birthday Elise Crouse

Thursday 5 June: World Environment Day (Grade 3's celebrate this day with author Helene Booyens and "Mammal Safari" Book Sale)

Wednesday 11 June: International Day of Play

Friday 13 June: Grade 3 PBL: Food Fair (Parents invited)

Sunday 15 June: Father’s Day

Monday 16 June:
Public Holiday- Youth Day

Thurloe Ernstzen’s birthday

Wednesday 18 June: Grade 3 PBL: School Showcase (Parents invited)

Friday 20 June: Grade 1 PBL: School Showcase (Parents invited)

Monday 23 June:
Madagascar Run through

Reports released
Report Feedback Meetings

Tuesday 24 June:
Madagascar Photographs

Report Feedback Meetings

Wednesday 25 June: Last Day of the Quarter

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

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 9 May: Grade 2R and Grade 2K Cake Sale

Friday 30 May: Grade 2P & 2A Cake Sale

Friday 19 September: Grade 1P & 1A Cake Sale

Friday 24 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake Sale

QUICK LINKS

PARENT & LEARNER DIRECTORY

Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Junior Preparatory learners.

Junior Preparatory Parent & Learner 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

We would like to wish Mrs Petersen, a very happy birthday for Tuesday 15 April.

A reminder that the Grade Twos and Threes will have a retake of their individual photos on Tuesday 15 April. Please ensure learners are dressed smartly in their summer uniforms and wearing their blazers.

Have a wonderful weekend!