Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo

14 March 2025

Richard Knaggs (Director), Lorraine and Werner Roth (Founders) and Michael Paul Roth 

Dear Parents,

This week, we marked a special milestone as the school celebrated its 45th birthday. The children enjoyed a cheerful sing-along show, followed by the excitement of cutting the birthday cake and sharing a sweet treat. It was a lovely way to celebrate the school’s journey and create happy memories together.

We asked a few children what they love most about our school…

Mikai - I like the painting 

Baeli - I like the crafting 

Princess - I like art class because today we made a butterfly 

Iman-Genesis - I love the food that Chef Kerry makes 

Mutsa - The classes have nice toys! 

Emeri - Everything! 

MJ - Cake! 

Lihle - I like playing with the playdough in the class and colouring

Avalon - I like going to the big field and playing with the water play toys


We have some exciting events and key reminders to share with you. Please take note of the important upcoming dates below: 

Contact:

Staff email addresses: Staffing
General Preparatory email address: prep@parklands.co.za
IT queries: Christian Oertel, Network Manager - choertel@parklands.co.za

NOTICE

The City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Directorate have advised that they will be commencing construction of a median island and relocation of the speed bump in Wood Drive between Raats Drive and Dorchester Drive. They will be constructing an island opposite the exit gate for the Senior Preparatory Parking lot and moving the speed bump closer to the circle. 

Reports & Report Feedback Meeting

Assessments in Grade 1 – 3 take place daily, in order for teachers to identify and support each learner’s individual needs. 

 

Reports will be released on Tuesday 25 March and report feedback meetings will take place on Tuesday 25 March, Wednesday 26 March and Thursday 27 March. Your child’s class teacher will share the link to their Google Calendar in order for you to book a meeting to discuss your child’s academic progress.

 

Appointments are usually 15 mins in length. 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.

Highlights

Assembly Message

Mrs Hunt shared an important message about words being like toothpaste. In the same way that it is hard to put toothpaste back in the tube, similarly once words have escaped our mouths we can't take it back. She encouraged the learners to THINK before they speak:
T - Is it true?

H - Is it helpful?

I - Is it inspiring?

N - Is it necessary?
K - Is it kind? 

In the Artroom:  Self-portraits in Primary Colours


The Grade 1s have been learning how to draw a self-portrait in primary colours. They completed their masterpieces with a playful border of patterned shapes. 

LIBRARY NEWS

Augmented Reality in the Library

The Grade 3s have enjoyed a wonderful PBL this quarter, exploring the ocean and all its treasures. 


This week their library visit offered another perspective on the giants of the ocean with an augmented reality experience. They could study some large and rare sea predators up close, like the fascinating blue whale (as long as three buses), the mysterious Whale Shark, the magnificent Manta Ray which covers thousands of kilometres and the striking Oarfish, that very few people have seen. 


For the learners, the highlight is “diving” in a submersible, which showcases the ocean giants at the different depths where they live. These experiences are made possible by the iExplore book series, which enhances our learning in a memorable way.

Birthday Books

Congratulations to Keyaan who celebrated his birthday last weekend. 


He brought a book that is great for introducing those important conversations about our feelings. Thank you!

Storytime with Madam Daleena

We are delighted to welcome back Daniella Djan, former Drama teacher at Parklands College, who will be visiting Parklands College as her storytelling character, Madam Deleena. On Monday, 24 March, she will bring an exciting, interactive storytelling experience to our Grade 1 learners, using her expertise as an educator and performer to captivate and inspire a love for reading. The cost of R50 per learner will be debited to your account.

Winter Co-Curricular Time Table

Q2&3 Extra Mural timetable.pdf








Sign-ups for Quarter 2 & 3 co-curricular activities are now open! Please follow the link to sign up for the Winter season:

LINK TO SIGN UP FORM

SPORT

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

Junior Prep Sports Splash & Send-Off!

As we dive into our final week of sport for quarter 1, we’re excited to wrap things up with two exciting match-ups: a mini cricket fixture and an U8 internal softball match! It’s the perfect opportunity to come down to the fields and courts, bring your cheers, and support our young athletes one last time this term! 🏏🥎

📅 Please note: Sport fixtures come to a close on Wednesday, 20 March, but sport is far from over! Our Grade 1–3 learners will continue with their sport during the school day, and Physical Education will continue in the pool until the end of the quarter. We’re still swimming strong! 🏊‍♂️

Here’s to a magical send-off to Quarter 1 Sport—and a thrilling step into Quarter 2!

💙💛 #JuniorPrepSports #SplashTacular #MakingWaves #ParklandsProud

Yours in sport,
Jared Margetts
Head of Preparatory Sports

🏏 The week that was – Junior Prep Cricket Highlights!

Another awesome win on the cricket field for our young cricketers, who continue to impress and inspire! With the season winding down, we've been hard at work arranging final fixtures so our learners can enjoy every last moment on the pitch.

🎉 U8 Internal Match
 Our U8s played their final game of the season in an exciting internal showdown that had everyone on their feet! The Blue Team clinched victory by just 3 runs, with Rhyker earning Player of the Match for an all-round performance. A fitting end to a special first season of cricket for this group - we’re so proud of their growth and spirit!

🏏 U9 vs West Riding
 Another fixture, another win! Our U9s took on West Riding and came away winners by 8 runs in a close contest that showed great teamwork and determination. Luke and Iwenose were jointly named Players of the Match for their standout efforts. What a way to head into their final fixture next week!

👏 Well done to all our young athletes for their hard work, energy, and love for the game - it’s been a thrilling ride, and we can’t wait for one more celebration on the pitch! 💙💛
 

#ParklandsPrepSport #CricketSeasonFinale #FutureStars

U8 Cricketers

U9 Cricketers

Congratulations JP Swimmers!

💦 A Gala to Remember
 Coach Nadine reflects on a highlight from last week:

“On Friday, 7 March 2025, Parklands College proudly hosted the final Inter-Schools Gala of the quarter, welcoming three visiting schools for an action-packed, water-splashing showdown!”

This gala was extra special—it was the first time that Friday Galas counted for points. Starting from 4th place in our opening event and climbing to an impressive 2nd place in the final gala shows just how much our swimmers have grown! 💪🏽🏅

The biggest moment? Our U8 swimmers made their debut, diving in with excitement and courage in their very first inter-schools gala—and they made a massive splash doing it!

Well done to our U8 and U9 swimmers who took part in the gala - we are so super duper proud of you!

Coach Nadine shared:

“Friday reminded us how lucky we are to have world-class facilities where learners can train, grow, and shine in front of an energetic crowd. Thank you to every swimmer who gave their all—you’ve made us incredibly proud!”

 Here are a few clips from the event:

Gr2&3 Gala 1.MOV
Gr2&3 Gala 3.MOV
Gr2&3 Gala 2.MOV

Reminder:

Final week of U9 cricket vs Curro Burgundy (Away)

Sport Calendar:

Marais

Congratulations to Marais winning 4x Gold in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly at the Splash Gala. What a champion! We’re so proud of him!

Sport Quick Links

IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS




Link to Quicket for ticket purchases

OR

scan the QR code below:

Friday 14 March

Happy Birthday Nadia Rabe

Grade  3 Splash-tacular from 14:00-15:00
Final Day for outreach collection: Fallen Angels

Monday 17 March

Monday Gr 1 "My First  Photograph in Gr 1" in JP library

Tuesday 18 March

Grade 2 and 3 Individual Photographs

Wednesday 19 March

18:00 'Autumn Awakening' Choir Concert 

Friday 21 March

Public Holiday: Human Rights Day

Tuesday 25 March

Reports Released

Report Feedback Meetings

Wednesday 26 March

Report Feedback Meetings
Thursday 27 March

Report Feedback Meetings

Friday 28 March

Last day of the Quarter

Saturday 29 March: 

Happy Birthday Sisanda Mvulana



Autumn Quarter


Tuesday 8 April: First Day of School

Friday 11 April: Hooked on Books at 8:30

Tuesday 15 April: Happy Birthday to Meagan Petersen

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)
 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

Wednesday 7 May: Happy Birthday Kerri-leigh Illman
 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

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: JP Music Concert

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. Rabe a very happy birthday for today! 

Looking ahead, we have a short school week due to the upcoming public holiday next week on Friday, 21 March.  The following week will be the last week of the quarter closing on 28 March at 13:00. Please make arrangements for learners to be collected from school promptly at 13:00, as there will be no aftercare provided. 

A reminder that all learners need to wear their blazers for photographs (Grade 1: Monday; Grade 2 and 3: Tuesday).

Wishing all our Parklands families a happy and restful weekend.

Chantel Lamb

Junior Preparatory Principal

clamb@parklands.co.za