Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
13 June 2025
13 June 2025
Dear Parents,
Please take note of the following important reminders:
Parent-Teacher Meetings
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.
Grade 2 PBL Showcase - Animal Habitats
Parents are welcome to attend the Grade 2 Animal Habitat showcase on Wednesday 18 June between 09h00 - 10h00.
Grade 1 PBL Showcase - 'Why is my School Cool?'
Grade 1 parents are welcome to attend the Grade 1 'Why is my School Cool?' PBL showcase on Friday 20 June between 09h00 - 10h00.
Last Day of School
Wednesday 25 June 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.
QUARTER 3 Co-Curricular Sign-Up
The Grade 1 - 3 culture and sport programme will commence on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. All sport, dance and music will continue as it was this quarter.
Please click on the link below to sign your child up for Quarter 3 Drama, Junior Chefs or Design Society.
👉Sign Up Link👈
Contact:
Staff email addresses: Staffing
General Preparatory email address: prep@parklands.co.za
IT queries: Christian Oertel, Network Manager - choertel@parklands.co.za
DreamWorks Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR. features original music and lyrics by George Noriega and Joel Someillan, and book by Kevin Del Aguila.
As the show opens, we learn that Marty the zebra may be celebrating his tenth birthday at the Central Park Zoo with his friends Alex the lion, Gloria the hippo, and Melman the giraffe, yet he longs to experience life outside of the zoo’s walls. When Marty eventually escapes, his animal friends from the zoo pursue him into New York City. After reuniting, the animals are chased by the police, and ultimately felled by tranquilliser darts. They awake, trapped in crates on a ship, which, through a series of events, is thrown off course. Upon reaching land, the animals discover they have been shipwrecked on the island of Madagascar. Ultimately, it is only in being so lost that they can begin to discover where they really belong.
Every Grade 4 - 6 learner as well as every Grade R - 3 dancer is getting ready to "Move it!" We hope to see you join in the fun too! Ticket sales are now open!
Book here via Quicket.
Dance
Grade 3 PBL: Good Food Fair
As part of an exciting PBL journey this quarter, our Grade Three learners travelled “around the world” by researching a country of their choice and presenting their findings through oral presentations. Along the way, they explored continents, learnt how to write recipes, and discovered unique dishes from different cultures. To celebrate and showcase their learning, they hosted a vibrant Food Fair where each learner ran a food stall representing their chosen country. Learners proudly shared fun facts, traditional recipes, and delicious treats with their peers and parents—it was a truly global celebration of learning!
Super Dad According to Us:
Guess who? Teachers in their Youth
To celebrate Youth Day, we are sharing fun throwback photos of our teachers from their own school days! Click right for the reveal.
Celebrating
International Day of Play
Play is how learners connect and learn. On Wednesday the 11th of June we honoured its magic. You are never too old to play!
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. At the end of quarter Two and Three, parents have the opportunity to meet with the class teacher to discuss their child's academic progress.
Reports will be released on Friday 20 June.
Parent-Teacher Meetings (Friday 20 June-Tuesday 24 June)
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.
The arrival of a new book by one of our favourite authors is always an event to be celebrated. David Walliams’ “World’s Worst” collection is inviting, as each book contains ten short stories, accessible to readers who are not quite brave enough to tackle a longer novel. This time the characters are as hilarious as can be expected from this funny man: meet Wonderqueen, The Incredible Sprout, Dino-Kid, The Astounding Flea-Man, Thunderhound and five more surprising (and unlikely) superheroes. Lots of laughs guaranteed, and what we also love about these books from a library perspective, is the quality: great illustrations in colour, printed on excellent paper. They are built to withstand the rigours of a library book’s hard life!
The Book Club had a Sketchnoting quiz on David Walliams this week - copying the basic drawings and making the connection to the relevant Walliams book. For many of them this is still the start of their journey of exploring this author. Here you can see Furp the Fish (World’s Worst Pets), a rocket (SpaceBoy), Gertrude (Code Name Bananas), ambulance (The Midnight Gang), and another rocket (Astrochimp). These would be really enjoyable books to share with your family.
Ahlumile ( I Will Learn to Share) and Wammy (The Lion and the Clever Little Jackal) both contributed books that share important lessons. Ollie the owl discovers that it is much better to share than to quarrel, and a quick-witted jackal proves once again that it is better to be clever than to be strong. Happy birthday, boys!
The Grade 1 - 3 culture and sport programme will commence on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. All sport, dance and music will continue as it was this quarter.
Please click on the link below to sign your child up for Quarter 3 Drama, Junior Chefs or Design Society.
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Just like that, all Junior Prep sports matches for Quarter 2 have come to a close! But don’t hang up those tackies just yet - we’re not done for the term! PE lessons and sports practices will continue right up until the final day of the quarter. So please keep packing those sports bags, equipment, and don’t forget the warm tracksuit - we’re deep into winter now!
What an incredible second quarter it’s been - and what a way to kick off the first quarter of winter sport! Our 2025 programme has already seen exciting firsts, especially for our U8s. With U8 Netball and Hockey blazing a trail, we’re proud of the progress, excitement, and development these young athletes have shown. And guess what? U8 Rugby is up next - watch this space!
A huge shoutout to our U8 and U9 netballers, who rounded off the term in style with a strong fixture against Curro Burgundy on Wednesday. The girls played with determination, spirit, and skill - well done on ending the quarter on a high!
🔔 What’s coming in Quarter 3?
Get ready - because it’s going to be BIG! We’re hosting our Annual Sports Derby against Somerset College on 15–16 August at the Parklands Secondary campus. This will be our biggest derby yet, and you’re all invited to come support, cheer, and celebrate our Prep sporting community in action. It’s going to be a weekend to remember!
⚽ Sport will kick off in Week 1 of Quarter 3, so we hit the ground running!
🧤 Our Friday Sports Hour for Grade 3 will remain the same, so make sure your child is geared up for a cold July and August - winter sport is in full swing!
Thank you, parents and supporters, for your energy, encouragement, and presence this term - we couldn’t do it without you!
Let’s keep the momentum going! 💙💛
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.
We’re wrapping up our final week of fixtures with huge smiles and big wins!
Our U8 Netball team took to the court for their second official match - but for many of our learners, it was their very first! And what a match it was… a 3-0 win and a performance filled with energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork.
🌟 Players of the Match? Everyone! What an awesome effort from our young stars!
Our U9 Netballers also brought their A-game with a solid 2-0 victory against Curro Burgundy.
🌟 POTM: Alessandra – fantastic positioning and great awareness on court!
We couldn’t be prouder of the growth, effort, and spirit shown this term. Let’s carry this momentum into Quarter 3!
U8 Netball vs Curro Burgundy
Some Physical Education fun!
Congratulation to Ashlyn who competed in the Celebration of Dance, Modern Dancing group Dance in the U8 category. Her group achieved Highly Commended which is 70-79%.
Congratulations to Charlie-Rose for receiving her Hamiltons RFC female rugby kit. A first in 150 years at Hamiltons RFC!
Sport Quick Links
Autumn Quarter
Sunday 15 June:
Father’s Day
Monday 16 June:
Public Holiday- Youth Day
Happy Birthday Thurloe Ernstzen
Wednesday 18 June:
Grade 2 PBL: School Showcase (Parents invited)
Friday 20 June:
Grade 1 PBL: School Showcase (Parents invited)
Reports released
Monday 23 June:
Madagascar Run-through
Report Feedback Meetings
Tuesday 24 June:
Madagascar Photographs
Report Feedback Meetings
Wednesday 25 June:
Last Day of the Quarter, school closes at 13:00
Winter Quarter
Tuesday 22 July:
First Day of the Quarter
Sunday 27 July:
Justine’s birthday
Monday 28 July:
Grade 1 outing to Rosen Castle
Tuesday 29 July:
Grade 1 outing to Rosen Castle
Wednesday 30 July:
Grade 1 outing to Rosen Castle
International Day of Friendship
Thursday 31 July:
Grade 1 outing to Rosen Castle
Thursday 7 August:
Grade 2P, 2R, 2L Outing to Intaka Island
Friday 8 August:
Grade 2A, 2K, 2L Outing to Intaka Island
Saturday 9 August:
Women’s Day
Friday 22 August:
Grade 1 PBL: Occupations
Cape Town Eisteddfod on Senior Preparatory Hall
Monday 1 September:
First Day of Spring
Wednesday 3 September:
Happy Birthday Sharon Louw
Friday 12 September:
Funky Socks Day
Saturday 13 September:
Roald Dahl Day
Open Day
Monday 15 September:
International Dot Day
Tuesday 16 September:
Happy Brthday Sam Naidoo
Thursday 18 September:
Reports Released
Report Feedback Meetings
Friday 19 September:
Happy irthday Amy Dean
Grade 1P and 1A Cake Sale
Saturday 20 September:
Happy Birthday Efraim Cupido
Tuesday 23 September:
Last day of the quarter
Wednesday 24 September:
Public Holiday-Heritage Day
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
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
Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Junior Preparatory learners.
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 24 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake Sale
A very happy birthday to Mr Ernstzen for Monday, 16 June.
Warm wishes to all the fathers and father figures in our school community for a wonderful Father’s Day! May you feel truly celebrated.
May all our Parklands families enjoy a fabulous long weekend! See you on Tuesday!