Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
24 April 2026
24 April 2026
We have had such cold weather on campus but our week was filled with warmth with all the festivities of World Book Day. There has been a feast of activities each day, a fabulous interactive show, shopping for books and the ultimate dress-up day!
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP TALK
On Monday, we hosted our quarterly Digital Citizenship Chats and took the opportunity to remind all our learners about being a Responsible Citizen when using their iPad. We reminded everyone:
Do not share any passcodes with friends.
You must ask permission to take a photograph.
Adult eyes must be watching when you are on your iPad.
Whenever you feel unsafe, you must tell an adult you trust, so they can help you.
All apps have an age restriction and it is important that we follow that.
We reminded everyone of the 'Billboard Test': If you would not put the photo or video on a BIG billboard, with your name and surname as well as your school's name, then it is a photo or video you should not have. This 'test' is often shared by Emma Sadleir, a leading digital law expert in South Africa.
Emma is the founder of The Digital Law company and her Facebook and Instagram accounts are worth following, as she keeps South Africans up to date with all things digital law. She recently shared the following posters with some vital reminders.
MAKE YOUR MARK
This week we spoke to all the grades about leaving a GOOD mark on those around us. We reminded everyone that the words we say to each other really matter and those words, whether good or mean, stay with someone for a very long time.
We discussed different scenarios and it was clear, that our Parkies all want to leave GOOD marks ( and not horrible stains) and leave friends feeling loved.
isiXhosa lessons are lots of fun. Our Grade ones are learning the days of the week and learnt a new song. Just listen to how awesome they sound!
The Grade 2 classes have been keeping warm in a cold week with lots of movement in their Drama classes.
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
We are excited to announce that Parklands College Secondary Faculty will be hosting a Space Educators Conference during World Space Week in October.
Mrs Thyssen's class busy with a Maths lesson.
LIBRARY NEWS
World Book Day Celebrations
A joyful celebration of books was enjoyed by all as we experienced a variety of book events this week.
Hooked On Books entertained their audiences with song, dance and vibrant excerpts from children’s books. The learners loved seeing some of their friends on stage as well and this was a memorable event that they will talk about for a long time.
We are indebted to the staff of Bargain Books in Table Bay Mall who go to great lengths to acquire a wonderful selection of books from a wide price range to give our learners a great book shopping experience. The learners were amazed at the variety of books on display and spent happy times browsing and discussing their choices with their friends. We also want to thank the parents who came to chat and supported our book sale. The school gets a percentage of the sales which translates into books for our libraries.
The festivities culminated on World Book Day when our school buildings were invaded by colourful book characters and the stories came alive. It was lovely to see some children go straight into role play and acting out their stories.
Hooked on Books
Book Character Dress-up
Choosing books at the Bargain Books book sale.
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
Public Holidays
Monday 27 April: Freedom Day
Friday 1 May: Workers Day
Monday 15 June: School Holiday
Tuesday 16 June: Youth Day
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.
Graduation from Christopher Robin Pre-Primary with Mrs Chantel Lamb
Laura Wolvaardt, captain of the Proteas Women, produced her fastest century in the third T20 International against India at the Wanderers Stadium on Wednesday, 22 April. (Photo: Cricket South Africa)
What an incredible week of sport for our Junior Prep learners! There was history in the making on the turf, and the momentum on the courts is showing no signs of slowing down.
Our U9 Netball teams had a fantastic outing against Milnerton. These matches are all about learning the flow of the game, and we saw some great progress!
U9A Team: * Result: 4-0 Loss.
Despite the scoreline, the girls played with high energy until the final whistle.
Player of the Match (POTM): Kayleigh for her tireless work rate.
U9B Team: * Result: 1-0 Win!
A nail-biting, defensive game that saw our girls hold their nerve to secure the win.
Player of the Match (POTM): Uminam for her excellent positioning and focus.
As we head into a slightly shorter week due to the upcoming long weekend, please take note of the schedule changes for next week:
Netball: Matches will proceed as scheduled.
Hockey: There will be no hockey matches next week.
In sport, as in life, the greatest successes don't come to the fastest or the strongest, but to those who refuse to quit.
Keep Pushing: If a skill feels too hard, remember that you just haven't mastered it yet. Every practice session, every sprint, and every missed goal is just another step towards getting it right. Stay motivated, keep showing up for your teammates, and work hard even when no one is watching. Your future self will thank you for the effort you put in today!
Enjoy the practice sessions, and let's keep that Junior Prep spirit soaring!
Go Teams!
Under 9 Hockey match against Edgemead drew 2-2.
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.
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.
Congratulations to Blake who came third in his first go-cart race at Killarney last weekend!
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...
Please join me in wishing Coach Liam a very happy birthday for tomorrow, Anine De Lange for Sunday and Lee-ann Steynberg for Monday.
Our Grade Ones are looking forward to their outing to the Science Center on Tuesday, 28 April. Please ensure you have completed the consent form to ensure your child may attend: Grade 1 Consent Form: Science Centre Outing
A reminder that we will switch to winter uniform on Monday, 4 May 2026. If it is very chilly, learners may wear their winter uniform. Please do not mix the summer and winter uniforms.
Monday is a public holiday as we celebrate Freedom Day. We wish all our families a wonderful long weekend!