Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
21 July 2025
21 July 2025
Dear Parents
We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to school tomorrow. We would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the new learners joining us this quarter - we hope you settle happily and soon feel part of the Parklands College family!
The Parklands College family would like to express our heartfelt Congratulations to Jared Margetts on the birth of his baby boy, Liam! We know Liam will bring you many years of happiness and that you will be an incredible father!
The Grade 1 - 3 culture and sport programme will commence tomorrow, Tuesday, 22 July 2025. All sport, dance and music will continue as it was in quarter 2.
Grade 1 outing to Rosen Castle - 28, 29, 30 & 31st of July
The Grade 1s are looking forward to their upcoming outing to Rosen Castle - please remember to sign the consent form: Gr1 Consent Form
Grade 3 outing to Artscape - Wednesday 6 August
The Grade 3s are looking forward to their outing to the Artscape - please remember to sign the consent form: Gr 3 Outing to Artscape
Grade 2 outing to Intaka Island - Thursday 7 August (Grade 2P, 2R, 2L) & Friday 8 August (2A, 2K)
The Grade 2s are looking forward to their outing to Intaka Island - please remember to sign up the consent form: Gr 2 Intaka Island Consent Form
Emergency Contact Details
We would like to remind you that it is imperative for us to be able to contact you or a member of your family or a close friend in case of an emergency. Kindly visit the Edana App and check the contact details in the fields provided. To ensure that the information is complete and correct, it is vital that the contact numbers are accessible at all times by the College.
This is a very important request, and we are asking you to comply immediately as a safety precaution.
Please select your profile, then "Contact Information" update, and "Emergency Contacts" and update accordingly. Please click on the link for step by step guidance.
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.
College blazers
Please be reminded that all learners need to wear the new striped blazer from the start of 2026, with the obvious exception of those who wear Honours Blazers. 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
NOTE: LOST PROPERTY
All lost property will be on display in the foyer, these items do not have names or names that are not clear. On Friday afternoon, these items will be donated. Please make sure you have checked for any missing items.
The Grade One and Two Drama Society learners presented a play entitled, ‘Jam for Tea’. Each learner had dialogue to say on their own, which taught them the importance of listening and responding to each other. They also mimed each of their props, learning how to visualise the weight and size of what they were carrying.
Some of the Grade Two and Three learners entered the Western Cape Virtual Eisteddfod and we were treated to renditions of their individual poems. They also performed a short play based on a Famous Five Adventure.
Performing for an audience was a big step for some of these learners and we are very proud of their growth in confidence and performance techniques
In Design Society this quarter, learners designed a personalised pencil bag. They learnt about different types of shapes namely, organic and geometric shapes and how they can use these to create a striking illustrated design. We looked at different artists for inspiration, like Esther Mahlangu and Henri Matisse and studied their use of shape in their artworks.
Learners created a digital illustration on the Sketches Pro app that was professionally printed onto fabric pencil bags. This hands-on project introduced students to the world of surface design and gave them an insightful opportunity to experience the entire design process, from initial concept to a finished, functional product.
The Grade 2s sculpted clay animals for their PBL animal habitat dioramas.
The Grade 1s sculpted a clay bowl and added details by making impressions in the clay using found objects.
What beautiful radial patterns they created!
The Grade 3s explored the element of art line and the technique of collage. They designed colourful patterned papers, which was used to collage vibrant vase and flower compositions.
Breaktime Fun
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.
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 in the 2nd quarter.
Sign ups for Design Society, Drama Society and Junior Chefs are now closed.
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
Welcome back to Quarter 3! We’re excited to get going with what promises to be a fun-filled and energetic quarter of sport in the Junior Prep.
Sport officially kicks off on Tuesday, 22 July, including Golf, which also resumes this week. Learners will continue with the winter sport they selected last term, and all training times remain the same. Please remember to pack the correct sports attire, gear, and a tracksuit to keep warm during the colder mornings.
👟 Winter Sport Reminder:
A gentle reminder that participation in a winter sport is compulsory for all Junior Prep learners in Quarter 3. These sessions take place during their sports hour in the school day; please double-check your child's timetable.
📅 SAVE THE DATE – DERBY DAY IS COMING!
Get ready for the biggest fixture of the year! Our annual Derby Day vs Somerset College takes place on Saturday, 16 August at Parklands Secondary. This is always a highlight on our calendar and a wonderful celebration of teamwork and school pride – we’d love to see you there!
🗓️ Check the Calendar
This quarter is packed with fixtures, festivals, and opportunities to shine! Many matches are already listed on the Parklands Sports Calendar, so please take a moment to view the dates and plan ahead.
Let’s start Term 3 with energy and excitement – we can’t wait to watch our young athletes continue to grow, compete, and thrive on and off the field.
Jared Margetts
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.
Sport Quick Links
Winter Quarter
Tuesday 22 July:
First Day of the Quarter
Cocurriculars begin!
Sunday 27 July:
Justine’s birthday
Monday 28 July:
Grade 1P (Mrs Duke) and 1L (Mrs Louw) outing to Rosen Castle: Gr 1 Rosen Castle Outing Consent Form
Tuesday 29 July:
Grade 1A ( Mrs May) outing to Rosen Castle: Gr 1 Rosen Castle Outing Consent Form
Wednesday 30 July:
Grade 1R (Mrs Naidoo) outing to Rosen Castle: Gr 1 Rosen Castle Outing Consent Form
International Day of Friendship
Thursday 31 July:
Grade 1k (Mrs Thyssen) outing to Rosen Castle: Gr 1 Rosen Castle Outing Consent Form
Wednesday 6 August:
Grade 3 Outing to Artscape: Gr 3 Artscape Outing Consent Form
Thursday 7 August:
Grade 2P, 2R, 2L Outing to Intaka Island: Gr 2 Intaka Island Consent Form
Friday 8 August:
Grade 2A, 2K Outing to Intaka Island: Gr 2 Intaka Island Consent Form
Saturday 9 August:
Women’s Day
Friday 22 August:
Grade 1 PBL: Occupations
Cape Town Eisteddfod in 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 Birthday Sam Naidoo
Thursday 18 September:
Reports Released
Report Feedback Meetings
Friday 19 September:
Happy Birthday 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
Spring Quarter
Tuesday 14 October: Learners Return
Wednesday 15 October: Grade 1's sing at our Matric Valedictory
Saturday 18 October:
Open day
Siobhan Duke’s Birthday
Friday 24 October: Grade 1R &1K Cakesale
Monday 27 October: Happy Birthday Nadine Marais-Swart
Thursday 30 October: Grade 2 Outing to Kirstenbosch
Friday 31 October:
Grade 2 Outing to Kirstenbosch
Grade 1 PBL: Healthy Eating
Friday 7 November: Grade 3 Outing to Kirstenbosch
Wednesday 12 November: Diwali
Thursday 27 November: JP Growing Minds Celebration
Friday 28 November: Grade 1 Giraffe House Outing
Tuesday 2 December: Candice Holder’s Birthday
Friday 5 December: Last day of the quarter
Sunday 14 December: Happy birthday Mrs Oxley-Simpson and Mrs Thyssen
Wednesday 24 December: Happy birthday Mrs 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
Summer Quarter: 19 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 25 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 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
We hope you had a lovely holiday and look forward to welcoming our learners back to school tomorrow. Madagascar is around the corner-remember to book tickets for the whole family and join in the fun and entertainment!
Please join me in wishing Mrs de Wet a very happy birthday for Sunday the 27 July.