Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
19 September 2025
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
Please take note of the following important points and dates:
Last Day of School
Tuesday 23 September 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.
Please note our learners return to school on Tuesday 14 October in their summer school uniform.
JP on the Run – 23 September
Our last big Junior Prep event of the quarter! This fun-filled run will see learners earning extra House Points for their teams. Please wear PE kit with your Parklands College house T-shirt, if you have one.West Coast Song Festival - Tuesday, 21 October
The JP Choir will be taking part in the West Coast Song Festival at van Riebeekstrand Primary School.
Parking
We ask Parents to be courteous in our parking lot and drop and go as quickly as possible to allow other parents to drop /collect their children. The outside embayments are available for parking.
UNIFORM
UNIFORM
College blazers
Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer from the start of 2026. To ensure timely delivery, we advise you to place your order with our uniform supplier, School and Leisure, early.
Second hand school uniforms
Please contact Tania Fourie if you would like to buy or sell good quality second-hand uniforms. She is also the supplier of Froggy School shoes.
Contact details: +27 83 631 7683 or tania@sportstudio.co.za
Lost Property will be out on display on Monday. Please help US help YOU by labelling all your child's items.
There are still far too many items without names.
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Lit Quiz
Lit Quiz
The Preparatory celebrated Readathon Week with much excitement, and one of the firm favourite highlights was participating in one of the Lit Quiz events. Learners gathered enthusiastically in their teams, ready to put their general knowledge of literature to the test. The events brought out both teamwork and a love for reading in a fun and engaging way. Thank you to Mrs Crouse for putting these spectacular events together.
Grade 1P & 1A Cake Sale & SPCA Dress Up
What a fun Friday with SPCA Dress-Up Day and a yummy Cake Sale! A big thank you to the Grade 1P & 1A parents for contributing to today's cake sale with such delicious treats - everyone thoroughly enjoyed them! A special thank you to all the special people who assisted at cake sale - we really appreciate your time and love having you here.
Beyond the yummy eats and fun, the cake sale also supports our outreach efforts. An amount of R2641 was raised this morning. Later in the year, we will inform parents which charity has been selected by our outreach committee to receive the proceeds from our cake sales.
Grade 1's Singing at Valedictory on Wednesday 15 October
Our 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.
Heritage Month
In celebration of Heritage Month, our learners reflected on the rich and spectacular natural heritage that South Africa holds. Their artworks shine a light on our five national emblems: the King Protea, Springbuck, Galjoen fish, Yellowwood tree, and Blue Crane. Each piece is a creative tribute to the symbols that represent the beauty of our nation.
Library News
Library News
Readathon Week
Readathon Week
This week, learners participated in three exhilarating Lit Quiz competitions. The aim was to find the winning house in each age category and earn some valuable points towards being the ultimate winning house at the end of the year. Competition was fierce and there were some highlights along the way with individual prizes up for grabs.
In Grades 1 & 2, Cambridge won the day with an unprecedented first-place tie from Team Magic Finger, Team Sophie, and Team BFG.
In Grade 5 & 6, Team Samwise took the lead right from the start and held on throughout to win the competition, closely followed by Team Faramir and Team Tauriel. Once again, Cambridge was the winning house.
On Thursday, the Grade 3 & 4 teams tackled eight categories with great enthusiasm. It seems that the Cambridge crowd are all keen readers, because they won the day. Congratulations to the winning team, aptly named Team Champion, closely followed by Team Magic Finger and Team George.
Congratulations to Cambridge, our 2025 Interhouse Lit Quiz Champions.
Grade 3 & 4 Winning Team
Grade 3 & 4 Winning Team
Outreach News
Outreach News
Visit to Ria Abel Home
This past week, our JP and SP learners joined hands to pack 90 care packages for the elderly at Ria Abel Home. Each package was carefully filled with self-care items and made extra special with a hand-drawn card from the children.
A group of learners accompanied us to the drop-off, where they had the joy of meeting the wonderful residents of Ria Abel. One lively 94-year-old even challenged the children with a quick maths quiz to see how many years older she was, which led to plenty of laughter and admiration.
What stood out most were the hugs, handshakes, and warm conversations shared on the day. The residents appreciated the care packages, yet it was clear that the time, interaction, and love from the children meant the most.
A heartfelt thank you to our parents who made this special occasion possible, and to our learners who poured their love and effort into every detail, whether through packing, drawing, or simply being present. Together, we were able to bring smiles and connection across generations.
Ria Abel Outreach vid.MOV
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 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.
Thank you for your generosity!
Robotics News
Robotics News
Three Parklands College Teams Set to Represent South Africa After Stunning Performance at World Robot Olympiad Nationals
Three Parklands College Teams Set to Represent South Africa After Stunning Performance at World Robot Olympiad Nationals
PRETORIA – Parklands College achieved unprecedented success at the World Robot Olympiad National Championships on September 13, claiming two category titles and securing three coveted spots at the international finals in Singapore. Of nine qualifying teams, three have now earned the right to represent South Africa on the global stage.
Championship Performances
Championship Performances
The most remarkable achievements came from TechnoBlade and HTDR, who both mastered the "Mars Exploration" challenge and completed the surprise rule to earn an additional 30 points – separating the exceptional from the extraordinary.
An experienced TechnoBlade claimed the Junior category championship with a stunning 196 points in just 72 seconds, while HTDR, a first year team in this category, secured silver with an incredible full score of 196 points in 80 seconds. Both teams achieved full scores twice out of their three attempts for their Singapore qualification.
"Completing the surprise rule is what separates good teams from championship teams," explained Robotics Lead Justine de Wet. "Both TechnoBlade and HTDR showed incredible adaptability under pressure – that extra 30 points represents the kind of innovative thinking that will serve them well on the world stage."
HyperTech 2.0 dominated the Elementary category with a perfect 155 points in 66 seconds during the "Satellites at Work" challenge.
Sweep Across Categories
Sweep Across Categories
Parklands College demonstrated remarkable depth across all divisions: HyperTech 2.0 dominated Elementary, all three Junior teams finished in the national top six (V0rtex 6th, HTDR silver, TechnoBlade champions), while Techtron earned bronze in the challenging Senior "Rocket Assembly" competition. Galactic Girls also captured silver in Future Innovators with their innovative Martian habitat solution.
Historic Achievement
Historic Achievement
This marks Parklands College's 11th consecutive year of WRO International representation – an unprecedented streak demonstrating sustained excellence in international robotics competition.
The three qualifying teams – HyperTech 2.0, HTDR, and TechnoBlade – will compete at the World Robot Olympiad International Final in Singapore from November 26-28, facing the world's brightest young roboticists from over 100 countries.
The coaching team, led by Richard Knaggs along with Robotics Lead Justine de Wet and coaches Austyn Delport and Cai Bridges, has created a culture of innovation and excellence that consistently propels learners to international success.
"These achievements show that South African learners can compete with anyone in the world when given the right opportunities and support," emphasized de Wet.
The World Robot Olympiad International Final takes place in Singapore from November 26-28, 2024, where teams from over 100 countries will compete for global supremacy in robotics and STEM innovation.
Future Innovators
HTDR
Hypertech
Technoblade
Techtron
Digital Citizenship
Academic Reports Quarter Three
Academic Reports Quarter Three
Reports were released on Thursday 18 September.
Report feedback meetings are scheduled from Thursday 18 September to Monday 22 September. 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.
Appointments are usually 15 mins long. 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.
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.
SPORT
SPORT
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Junior Prep Sports Update – Quarter 3, Week 9
Junior Prep Sports Update – Quarter 3, Week 9
Derby Day is here!
This Saturday, 20 September, our Junior Prep community gathers at Golden Grove for a day full of excitement and school spirit. Please come dressed in your blue and white as we cheer on our learners.
Our U9 Rugby and Netball teams kick off at 09h00 sharp – be sure to arrive by 08h30 so the players are ready to go. Families are encouraged to stay and enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities, but please remember that learners must remain under the care of a parent or guardian throughout.
This special day also marks the conclusion of Quarter 3 sport. What a quarter it has been! Thank you to all parents and supporters – your encouragement has been phenomenal. Our learners have grown in leaps and bounds across Rugby, Netball, and Hockey, gaining both confidence and skill through practices, matches, festivals, and Derby Day preparation.
Now we turn our eyes to the summer season. 🌞
Out come the cricket bats, tennis racquets, and swimming goggles as we prepare for an action-packed Quarter 4. Please remember to sign up for our Cricket Clinic on 13 October, which will be a perfect warm-up. We also look forward to the Swimming Gala, Cricket and Softball fixtures, and thrilling tennis rallies ahead.
Here’s to ending the winter season on a high and welcoming the summer games with energy and enthusiasm!
North vs South Derby
North vs South Derby
20 September @ Golden Grove Primary School
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
JP on the Run – 23 September
Our last big Junior Prep event of the quarter! This fun-filled run will see learners earning extra House Points for their teams. Please wear PE kit with your Parklands College house T-shirt, if you have one.
Parklands College: Mini Cricket Clinic
Parklands College: Mini Cricket Clinic
Summer is on its way!
In preparation for our jam-packed Quarter 4 we are hosting a Mini-Cricket Clinic for the Grade 2s and 3s.
Date: 13 October (Monday)
Time: 09h00-11h00
Sign-up Deadline: Monday, 21 September 2025
West Coast Cricket Academy
West Coast Cricket Academy
If you need even more cricket, we have you covered. The West Coast Cricket Academy is hosting an October holiday cricket clinic, right here on the JP campus. Bring along your friends and sign up for three days of fun before the cricket season starts.
This is open to everyone in the community from Grade 1 right through to Grade 6.
Don’t miss this chance to sharpen skills, have fun, and enjoy the game!
Book your child’s spot today by emailing westcoastcricketacademy@gmail.com
External Achievements
External Achievements
Congratulations to Amelia for her first external Splash Gala with the Blouberg Marlins on Saturday. Here's to many more galas on the horizon! Well done, Amelia, you've made us proud.
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 ⬅️
Sport Quick Links
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
Winter Quarter
Saturday 20 September:
Happy Birthday Efraim Cupido
Monday 22 September
Report Feedback Meetings
Tuesday 23 September:
Last day of the quarter
Wednesday 24 September:
Public Holiday - Heritage Day
Wednesday 1 October:
Happy Birthday Cindy Mey
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
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 Sock 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
Sunday 14 December: Happy Birthday Emma Oxley-Simpson and Carmen Thyssen
Wednesday 24 December: Happy Birthday Caressa Manickum
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
2026 Dates (subject to change)
2026 Dates (subject to change)
Summer Quarter: 20 January - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 25 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...
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 17 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake Sale (Please note this change)
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
To all our Jewish Families, we wish you a Happy Rosh Hashanah for next week.
Happy birthday to Miss Amy Dean for today and Mr Cupido for Saturday 20 September.
We are looking forward to our Derby Day at Golden Grove tomorrow and hope it is a great day of sporting fun.
Tuesday 23 September 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.
Please note our learners return to school on Tuesday 14 October in their summer school uniform.
We would like to wish the following staff members a very happy birthday. We hope they enjoy celebrating in the holidays.
1 October: Cindy Mey
4 October: Cara de Aguiar
5 October: Tammy Labuschagne
7 October: Roché Buckle
9 October: Licia Hammond
This is the last blog for the quarter, the next blog will be published on Monday 13 October.
We wish all our families a wonderful holiday, full of fun, relaxation and lots of sunshine.
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