Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
17 April 2026
17 April 2026
CAKE SALE
A heartfelt thank you to all the Grade 2R parents who contributed such delicious goodies and lent a hand at today’s cake sale. We truly appreciate the time and effort you gave.
Although it was a rainy morning, it was filled with sweet treats and a cheerful atmosphere, all in support of our outreach programme. Together, we raised R2570.
We look forward to sharing, later in the year, which charity will receive the proceeds.
FIRST ASSEMBLY FOR QUARTER 2
The first assembly of Quarter 2 set a positive tone for the term, with our Grade 1 learners confidently taking the stage to share an important message about our Growing Minds ethos.
They highlighted the key values we strive to live by each day, being responsible citizens, creative agents, purposeful collaborators, effective communicators, and critical thinkers. Learners are encouraged to demonstrate these values in their daily behaviour and are recognised with merits when they do. The Grade 1s also shared simple ways to earn merits and reminded us that these values are proudly reflected in our school song. Well done to our brave Grade 1 learners for delivering such a meaningful message to the whole school!
WE LOVE OUR SCHOOL
We love our school and wanted to hear from our learners what they love best about being at Parklands College:
CONGRATULATIONS
We would like to congratulate Khanya Mbikwana, our isiXhosa teacher, who is expecting a baby in July. We are absolutely delighted for Khanya as she prepares to welcome her baby into her family.
We are very pleased to welcome Mrs Sandisiswe Dlakavu. Please join us in making Mrs Dlakavu feel very welcome.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM SCHOOL AND LEISURE
If parents opt for free delivery to the school, the correct campus must be specified in the address block. Please insert the school name and address and add PKLSCHOOL as the discount code before check-out.
Junior Preparatory Faculty (Grade 1-3) - 91 Raats Drive, Parklands 7441
Senior Preparatory Faculty (Grade 4-6) - 50 Wood Drive, Parklands 7441
Secondary Faculty (Grade 7-12) - 1 College Avenue, Sandown 7441
On Tuesday the Grade 2P & 2R learners enjoyed a wonderful outing to SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). During their visit, they learned about the vital work SANCCOB carries out to protect coastal birdlife and discovered how individuals can contribute to caring for the environment.
The learners thoroughly enjoyed trying to spot different species of birds on a nature walk with their peers. It was a meaningful and inspiring experience that deepened their understanding of wildlife conservation.
Grade 2A used prompts to guide Gemini in creating a story inspired by Thing 1 and Thing 2, and also generated a matching image. Learners explored how to give clear instructions, shared their ideas, and saw how their prompts could shape both writing and visuals. This engaging activity encouraged creativity while introducing learners to the exciting possibilities of AI.
Here is what they wrote:
One sunny morning, a big red box sat in the middle of the Grade 2 and Grade 3 quad. Suddenly, the lid popped open and out jumped Thing 1 and Thing 2!
With a loud giggle, they ran straight toward the Art room. They grabbed every bottle of paint and squeezed them until the floor looked like a giant rainbow puddle!
Thing 1 and Thing 2 zoomed into the library and threw the books high into the air like birds. Mrs. Crouse was horrified to see a giant mountain of stories all over the floor!
Thing 1 and Thing 2 looked at the mess and said, "We are very sorry for the big disaster!" They gave Ms. Hartley and Mrs. Crouse a giant hug and started to tidy up right away.
Some of our teachers had the best afternoon with Brent from Care for Education. Everyone was given a challenge to work through. The process was much more important than the end result and no two Tinker Boards looked the same!
We are excited to announce that Parklands College Secondary Faculty will be hosting a Space Educators Conference during World Space Week in October.
LIBRARY NEWS
World Book Day Celebrations
Excitement is at an all-time high as we count down to our World Book celebrations which will take place next week. We kick off on Tuesday with two performances by the vibrant Hooked On Books theatre company when they showcase a selection of books for the junior and senior preparatory learners.
Our Book Sale which will feature a special selection for the preparatory age groups, will be found in the back of the hall on Wednesday and Thursday. This is a great opportunity to stock up on an all-important supply of current children’s books. Parents are welcome to visit the sale before school from 07:30, and after school till 15:00 each day.
World Book Day is on Thursday, and staff and children will transform into book characters for the morning. We can’t wait to welcome all our little characters to school for a memorable day.
Birthday Books
Happy birthday and thank you to Charlotte for a lovely collection of princess stories. It is beautifully illustrated and the font is large, which makes it easily accessible to beginner readers. Rocco also donated a copy of David Walliams’ award-winning Demon Dentist, which promises a great adventure and lots of laughs. Thank you, Rocco!
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
2027 Provisional Dates
Summer Quarter: 19 January - 18 March
Autumn Quarter: 7 April - 23 June
Winter Quarter: 21 July - 22 September
Spring Quarter: 6 October - 3 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 04 September: Grade 1P & 1A Cake Sale
Friday 30 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake Sale
HEADS-UP: QUARTER 2 DATES
Please note the change of the Grade 3 Outing to the Secondary Faculty to Thursday 28 May.
Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Junior Preparatory learners.
The winter chill might be settling in, but things are heating up on the fields! It has been an absolute joy to watch our Junior Prep learners flourishing across the Astro, rugby fields, and netball courts. There is a certain magic in seeing that much energy and enthusiasm in action.
Get those kits ready and those water bottles filled! Next week, we go again with a full schedule of:
Netball
Hockey (Boys and Girls)
As we move out of the initial "warm-up" phase of the season, our coaches are shifting focus toward fine-tuning skills and tactical play.
Whether it’s mastering a new pass on the netball court or holding the line on the rugby field, the real victory lies in perseverance. We want to encourage every player to embrace a "never give up" attitude. A Note to Our Athletes: Sports can be tough - sometimes you’re tired, sometimes the score isn't in your favour, and sometimes a new skill feels impossible to learn. But remember: The only way to fail is to stop trying. Every time you get back up, chase down a ball, or cheer for a teammate, you are winning at the game of life.
Keep that fire burning, Junior Prep! We can’t wait to see you shine in the league matches next week.
Grade 3 parents: A reminder that if you have signed your child up for hockey, learners must be dropped at the Astro at the Secondary Faculty by 07:30 every Friday where teachers and coaches will be to welcome them. Learners who have not signed up for hockey may not arrive at the Astro, as coaches and buses are booked according to the sign-up sheet.
Here are a few important reminders specifically for hockey:
Clothing: As the weather can be unpredictable, please pack a change of PE clothes and white socks for after practice.
Transport & School Day: Learners’ school bags will be kept safe and dry. School buses will transport them back to the Junior Preparatory, where they will begin their school day at 09:00.
Matches: Boys' and girls' hockey matches take place on Thursday afternoons on either grass or AstroTurf. You will receive an email if your child has been selected to play.
Required Equipment for all practices and matches: All hockey players must have a gum guard, shinpads, and a hockey stick. If learners do not have their kit for practice, they will not be selected for matches.
If your Grade 3 child has been signed up for rugby or netball ONLY, these practices are at 07:30 on the Junior Preparatory campus. Rugby boys must have gum guards for every session.
This is a reminder to check that your child has the correct items for hockey and rugby that will take place in this quarter and next quarter.
The Under 9s played their first match of the quarter against CBC. They worked well together and scored a goal to secure a well-earned win. Congratulations, girls! The player of the match was Jasmine.
Hockey on the Astroturf at the Secondary Faculty.
➡️ EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS ⬅️
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.
Marais Kroon took part in his very first Lifesaving South Africa National Championships 🇿🇦 and what an incredible debut!
Over three intense days of competition, he competed in more than 10 events, battling through multiple heats against top athletes from across the country.
A standout achievement was placing 5th in South Africa in the board race, competing against over 29 athletes from more than 20 clubs. 👏
Not only is this an amazing personal milestone, but Marais also contributed valuable points to his club - a fantastic effort all round. 💙
Contact information:
All the staff and their email addresses are included in the tab called staffing and on the link below:
The general Preparatory email address is prep@parklands.co.za
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...
Next week, we look forward to all the festivities around books for World Book Day!
A reminder that we will switch to winter uniform on Monday, 4 May 2026.
We wish Karen Hunt a very happy birthday for Monday, 20 April and hope she has a fabulous celebration.
Wishing all our families a wonderful weekend!