Dear Parents

I would like to thank our amazing staff for all their hard work and commitment to our children's development throughout the year.  

Our learners have also worked very hard and we are proud of each and everyone of them. We loved celebrating them at our Growing Minds Celebration yesterday.  It is incredibly special that we are able to acknowledge each and every learner. 

Blazers

In order to affirm our unique image, the College blazer from Grade 1 - 12 has changed.  Current parents will have until the start of the Academic Year 2026, to replace the existing light blue blazer with the new royal blue, striped blazer.  This fabric is unique to our College, and therefore distinguishes our learners from other schools who are wearing the same colour as our current blazer. 

Every Grade One learner and all new learners joining the College are required to wear the striped blazer.

Parents are reminded that our blazers are an important part of the uniform which sets us apart from other schools.  We therefore request that parents be particular about the condition of a blazer and if it is either faded or too small, it must be replaced.

2025 INFORMATION

FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE 

Grade One to Three learners have a choice between Afrikaans FAL and isiXhosa FAL. Learners in Grade One will have the option to choose between Afrikaans FAL or isiXhosa FAL and learners in Grade Two and Three may either continue with Afrikaans FAL or change to isiXhosa FAL from 2024 onwards. Please click on the link to complete the form. 

Link to Google Form: First Additional Language 2025. 

If a selection has not been made, it will be assumed that the learner will attend Afrikaans as their First Additional Language.

DEVICE REQUIREMENTS

Please click on the link below to view the device requirements for next year.

2025 Device Requirements

Grade 1

Please note that stationery must be labelled and sent to school on the first day of the year. Books DO NOT need to be covered as this is done in class with the children. 

Please note that the full Waltons kit is offered at a discounted price. If the list is changed, the discount falls away.

Waltons Stationery Letter (how to order)

Grade 1 Waltons Stationery List

If you have ordered your child's Walton's kit and indicated that collection is at Parklands College, a reminder that collection is on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 2pm-4pm from the Senior Preparatory Faculty, 50 Wood Drive.

Grade 2

Please note that stationery must be labelled and sent to school on the first day of the year. Books DO NOT need to be covered as this is done in class with the children. 

Please note that the full Waltons kit is offered at a discounted price. If the list is changed, the discount falls away.

Waltons Stationery Letter (how to order)

Grade 2 Waltons Stationery List

If you have ordered your child's Walton's kit and indicated that collection is at Parklands College, a reminder that collection is on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 2pm-4pm from the Senior Preparatory Faculty, 50 Wood Drive.

Grade 3

Please note that stationery must be labelled and sent to school on the first day of the year. Books DO NOT need to be covered as this is done in class with the children. 

Please note that the full Waltons kit is offered at a discounted price. If the list is changed, the discount falls away.

Waltons Stationery Letter (how to order)

Grade 3 Waltons Stationery List

Caxtons Letter

Grade 3 Caxtons 

If you have ordered your child's Walton's kit and indicated that collection is at Parklands College, a reminder that collection is on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 2pm-4pm from the Senior Preparatory Faculty, 50 Wood Drive.

Grade 4

Grade 4 Afrikaans FAL learners will be issued with an Afrikaans Made Simple workbook @ R200 which will be billed to their account at the beginning of the year. 

Please note that the full Waltons kit is offered at a discounted price. If the list is changed, the discount falls away.

Waltons Stationery Letter (how to order)

Gr 4 Waltons Stationery List

Caxtons Letter

Gr 4 Caxtons

If you have ordered your child's Walton's kit and indicated that collection is at Parklands College, a reminder that collection is on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 2pm-4pm from the Senior Preparatory Faculty, 50 Wood Drive.

FAREWELL

It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Elaine Jubber at the end of the year. Elaine has chosen to retire early and we wish her everything of the best. Elaine has been at Parklands College for 25 years and we would like to thank her for her amazing work with our learners and the significant contribution she has made to the College over the years. Elaine's wise words, caring nature and amazing experience and knowledge will be sorely missed next year. 

STAFFING

We bid farewell to Titshalakazi Tende who will be moving to the Secondary Faculty next year - we wish her all the best for this next chapter. Ms Khanya Mbikwana will be teaching isiXhosa next year and many of our learners know her as she has been their Robotics teacher this year.

We welcome Nikki Niemand, our Robotics teacher, back from Maternity leave. We also welcome Samantha Naidoo and Caressa Manickum to our team. 

Samantha knows us well as she has taught here previously for many years and Caressa has been a proud Parklands mom and substitute teacher over the years.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

A great deal of thought and care goes into appointing and retaining top staff and we would like to introduce our team for 2025

ADMINISTRATION

EDUCATORS

SPORT

ROBOTICS

IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

DATES FOR 2024

Spring Quarter: 02 October – 04 December

DATES FOR 2025

Please note that there has been a slight change to the 2025 dates indicated in blue below:

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

SPORT WRAP UP FOR 2024

As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the incredible journey that has been Parklands College Preparatory Sport in 2024. We’ve packed away our cricket bats and softball mitts, hung up our swim caps, and set aside the tennis balls – now it’s time to embrace the holiday season with sandals packed and deck chairs ready!

This year has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by increased participation and outstanding achievements. Our learners embraced the spirit of sport, taking part in 24 festivals across the year. From experiencing the thrill of Derby Day rivalries to testing their mettle in provincial competitions, our athletes have truly embodied resilience, determination, and sportsmanship.

Highlights and Achievements

• Record Participation: More learners than ever before took part in various sports, showcasing a commitment to growth and holistic development.

• Provincial and National Recognition:

  • 5 learners earned SA colours for their respective sports.

  • 1 learner represented Zimbabwe.

  • 6 learners donned the Western Province jersey.

  • 3 learners achieved SA regional swimming representation.

  • A total of 15 learners excelled beyond College sport, making us incredibly proud.

Team Highlights

• Unbeaten Teams:

  • U10 Cricket went unbeaten in Q4.

U13 Mixed Tennis also ended the year undefeated.

• Netball Success:

  • U11 Netball reached the district finals.

  • U12 Netball had a fantastic tour to Knysna.

• Rugby Growth: Teams showed remarkable progress throughout the year.

• Hockey Milestone: A first for our Hockey Boys, who experienced competitive game days in Q4.

• Chess Achievements:

  • U13 Mixed Chess qualified for district playoffs in Q1 and delivered strong results.

Junior Preparatory Progress:

• • U8's gained valuable exposure at two festivals: the Bridgehouse Mini Cricket Festival and our very own Parklands College Mini Cricket Festival.

  • U9 Cricket enjoyed an unbeaten Q1 and faced some tougher competition in Q4.

Somerset Derby inclusions: Rugby, Chess, Hockey and Netball saw increased representation at this celebrated event.

Swimmers: Took giant strides, competing against some of the district’s best.

Softball: Our girls showed tremendous growth and resilience.

Reflections from the Team

• Coach Courtney Janeiro: "It’s been wonderful working with the learners since Quarter One and seeing their enthusiasm for sport grow throughout the year."

• Coach Nadine Marais-Swart: "A standout year! Participation has soared, and it’s been rewarding to see learners become more competitive and resilient."

• Coach Liam Maharage: "Watching our Junior Prep programme face greater competition and develop their foundational skills has been a delight – a great sign for the future of Parklands College Prep Sport."

Firsts and New Traditions

• North vs South Derby: Competing against Golden Grove Primary, learners shone in Netball, Rugby, Football, and Chess.

• Expanded Festival Participation: A doubling of our festival schedule, showcasing the team’s dedication to learner exposure.

This year has been about positive reinforcement, creating opportunities, and embracing holistic growth. Every learner, team and individual has grown tremendously, with each match, practice, and festival contributing to their journey.

As we close the year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents, coaches, staff, and supporters who have made this success possible. Here’s to an even greater 2025 – filled with growth, resilience and achievement.

Wishing you a restful and joyful holiday season!

The Parklands College Prep Sport Team

Summary Slides from Parent Sports Meeting

CULTURE

MUSIC LESSONS 

We invite parents of all current individual music learners as well as those wishing to commence individual lessons in 2025 to please complete the following enrolment form: JP Individual Music

We require a new form to be completed annually. A form for Ensembles, including Marimba, Choir, and Orchestra, will be shared at the start of 2025.

For Grade 3 learners who wish to receive individual music lessons in Grade 4, the following SP Individual Music form should be completed.

We will endeavour to ensure that your child is placed with the same teacher as in 2024, but we can only finalise a time slot at the start of 2025.

DANCE

DANCE 2025

Sign up for Dance

Please click on the Parklands College Dance Google Site, which is a one-stop-shop for parents to see what dance is all about, news, sign Google Forms, and find out general information.

Dance Google Site

Our budding dancers all performed beautifully in the RAD awards this week and we will receive their results early in the new year.  Well done girls, we are very proud of you.

PARENT BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Parklands College and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary parents who are in business are able to list their businesses in our Parent Business Directory – www.parklands.co.za/parent-business-directory/

LISTINGS ARE FREE and include contact information as well as the opportunity to include a business logo or advert.  Listings are available 24/7 on the College website and will be updated each quarter.

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...

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Stationery

Please note that stationery must be labeled and sent to school on the first day of the year. Books DO NOT need to be covered as this is done in class with the children. 

If you have ordered your child's Walton's kit and indicated that collection is at Parklands College, this is a reminder that collection is on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 2pm - 4pm from the Senior Preparatory Faculty, 50 Wood Drive.

Last Day of School

Reports will be released tomorrow.

A reminder that school will close tomorrow, Wednesday, 4 December at 11am, and there will be no Aftercare. Please make arrangements to collect your child by 11:00.

We wish all our families a very happy and restful holiday and a blessed Festive Season. 

School starts on Monday 20 January 2025. 

We look forward to welcoming you all back!

Chantel Lamb

Junior Preparatory Principal

clamb@parklands.co.za
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Links to other faculty blogs:

Pre-Primary Faculty: https://ppblog.parklands.co.za

Senior Preparatory Faculty: https://spblog.parklands.co.za

Secondary Faculty: https://secblog.parklands.co.za