Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
23 May 2025
23 May 2025
Dear Parents,
Please take note of the following important reminders:
Grade 3 Outing Consent Forms
The Grade 3s have two outings lined up - one at the Secondary Faculty for an Afrikaans culinary experience on 28 May and the other to Alpaca Loom on 29 May. Follow the links below to sign the forms:
Afrikaans culinary experience consent form
Alpaca Loom consent form
🧁 Grade 2P and Grade 2A Cake Sale - Friday 30th May
A reminder that we have cake sale on Friday and each child is welcome to bring R10 for two treats. We look forward to all the tasty goodies.
Open Day - 31st of May between 10:00 - 13:00
We are looking forward to our school's Open Day and hope to see many of you there!
Outreach: Slipper day - Friday 30th of May
By simply buying a sticker, wearing your slippers, and showing your support, you can help us bring joy to children with life-threatening illnesses.
Winter Uniform
Please note that we have transitioned into winter uniform.
Important Change Regarding Aftercare Collection Procedures
To further enhance the safety and security of our learners, all learners must be personally collected from aftercare and signed out on the register by their parent(s), designated lift service, or caregiver.
Parking
Please make use of the Junior Preparatory parking area only and not the Pre-Primary drive-through.
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.
Elmer Day: Spot the Butterflies
In Art this week, the Grade 3s listened to the 'Elmer and the Butterfly' story by David McKee. The story highlights the importance of friendship and kindness, recognising the value of everyone's unique contributions. In celebration of this beloved picture book series for Elmer Day, the Grade 3s created their own digitally coloured and drawn Elmer elephant with his butterfly friends. Can you spot the butterflies?
Classroom highlights
While completing a task, Mrs De Aguiar's class enjoyed the peaceful outdoors.
Mrs Rabe's class are working on Mathseeds, a money activity and finding letters to make 'oa' words in English.
Grade 2 learners are hard at work on their PBL project about animals and their habitats. In Art class, they are painting their clay animals and getting ready to place them into their constructed habitat dioramas. Stay tuned to see the final creations!
Once a year, South Africans join forces for Slipper Day, in the name of fun, hope, and making dreams come true! By simply buying a sticker, wearing your slippers, and showing your support, you can help us bring joy to children with life-threatening illnesses.
These simple acts of kindness serve as a poignant reminder of the daily struggles faced by these brave children, many of whom spend their days in slippers while undergoing treatment. By purchasing a R20 Slipper Day sticker, you can help us turn their biggest dreams into realities, giving them precious moments of joy and hope when they need it the most.
Supporting Slipper Day is about so much more than simply wearing slippers to work or school. When you purchase a sticker, you invest in the hopes of brave children fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Every sticker sold helps turn dreams into reality, whether it’s meeting their hero, flying in an airplane, or receiving something they’ve dreamed of. And the impact doesn’t stop there! A fulfilled dream lifts an entire community, from loving parents and siblings to dedicated doctors and nurses.
Together, we can show these children that their Dreams Matter. Reach for a Dream
Your child is encouraged to wear slippers with their sports kit and tracksuit on Friday 30 May to join in on this day. R20 will be billed to your school account. Reminder to pack in shoes for sports lessons! (Grade 3s playing hockey at the Astro can pack the slippers in their bags and pop them on when they arrive at school.)
This quarter we are also collecting instant oats, Cup of Soup and instant noodles. Please add these to your shopping list for next time you go shopping so we can continue to support those less fortunate than us. Items can be sent to your child's class.
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.
This year Elmer Day is celebrated on Saturday, 24 May. The patchwork elephant has been around for 36 six years, with 30 Elmer books, written and illustrated by David McKee, which have been translated into 50 languages. We love Elmer for his kind heart, sense of humour and the life lessons that his stories communicate so well.
Elmer was woven into the fabric of this school week. Books travelled to and from the library as classes listened to Elmer stories every day. Learners got creative and involved in Elmer activities. The library shared a book on the iPad with a wide variety of fun challenges. In the Art Room an animated Elmer came to life. Book Club members chatted about what it means to be unique and created their own keepsake of this memorable birthday.
Here is an Elmer story to enjoy tomorrow on Elmer Day: LINK TO ELMER STORY READ ALOUD
We enjoy celebrating birthdays with our learners.
Sizwe brought Speak out, Leonard!, which is all about not being a bystander, but rather making yourself heard when there is a problem with a bully. Great advice!
Lillabet is introducing the Isla Adventure series. Isla lives on an island and her best friend is a gecko. The two of them have great adventures.
These books are perfect for our beginner readers who are ready to read chapter books. Happy birthday, Sizwe and Lillabet, and thank you for these thoughtful contributions.
We are extremely grateful to each family who has diligently sent through boxes, bottle tops, paper bags, tins, leather pieces and other bits and pieces to help with the creation of our props and costumes.
Every bag that we open is a treasure trove. We appreciate your help and support.
FROM THE SPORTS DESK
We’ve reached the final part of Quarter 2, and what an incredible sporting journey it’s been so far! From festivals to fixtures, our Junior Prep learners have shown outstanding commitment, skill, and - most importantly - team spirit. 🌟
Next week brings an exciting milestone as we kick off our first U8 fixtures! Learners will participate in internal hockey matches and a netball showdown vs Edgemead. The energy is high; we can’t wait to see our youngest athletes in action!
And we’re not slowing down! On Friday, 30 May, our U8 and U9 Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey teams head to Curro Durbanville for a festival of fun, fitness, and fast-paced hockey. Good luck to all players -make sure your voices are ready to scream and cheer from the sidelines! 🎉🏑
Then, it’s the big one - Open Day on Saturday, 31 May! We’ll be showcasing the very best of Parklands sport:
U9–U12 Netball (except for our superstar Madagascar cast) with the ever-passionate Coach Nadine
Rugby Skills with our energetic Coach, Liam
Sport at Junior Prep is not just surviving the final stretch - it’s thriving! Thank you, parents and guardians, for your ongoing support. Let’s keep the momentum going as we finish Quarter 2 on a high! 💙💛
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.
What a fantastic week of sport from our Junior Preparatory learners - filled with determination, teamwork, and proud performances!
🏐 U9 Netballers took to the courts at the Camps Bay Netball Tournament on Saturday, 17 May, and what a spirited effort they delivered! The girls played 4 matches in just 2 hours, walking away with 2 losses, 1 win, and 1 draw. Every player gave their all, and we are incredibly proud of your resilience, attitude, and sportsmanship. Well done, girls - you flew the Parklands flag high!
🏑 U9 Hockey Boys absolutely smashed it against Blouberg Ridge with a dominant 5–0 win! Player of the Match: Leon-Matthew – great work!
🏑 U9 Hockey Girls went down 3–0 to a strong Blouberg Ridge team, but their effort never wavered. Player of the Match: Rume – keep up the hustle!
It’s incredible to witness the growth in our hockey skills, confidence, and teamwork - our players are improving with every match!
🏉 U9 Rugby Boys narrowly lost 4–1 against Blouberg Ridge, but the structure, rucking, cleaning, and sealing on display showed just how far this team has come!
Player of the Match: Miyolo – fearless and focused!
From the netball courts to the hockey fields and rugby pitches, our learners continue to inspire us with their passion and progress. Let’s keep the energy high as we tackle the final weeks of Quarter 2! 💙💛
Our U9 Rugby boys showed incredible heart in their match against Blouberg Ridge. Despite a 4–1 loss, their energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship were outstanding.
They played with passion and supported each other throughout — a true reflection of growth and character.
Well done, boys – you made us proud!
Mrs. Martch
Team Manager
Sport Quick Links
Autumn Quarter
Monday 12 May - 12 June Dance Eisteddfod (dates will be confirmed with Parents)
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 (Grade 3's celebrate this day with author Helene Booyens and "Mammal Safari"; Book Sale)
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: Grade 3 PBL: School Showcase (Parents invited)
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
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 30 May: Grade 2P & 2A Cake Sale
Friday 19 September: Grade 1P & 1A Cake Sale
Friday 24 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake Sale
We wish all our dancers well in the continuing Dance Eisteddfod over the coming weeks till 12 June.
Make a note to send R10 - the grade 2P & A will be serving sweet treats for next Friday's cake sale.
May all our Parklands families enjoy a wonderful weekend!