Junior Preparatory Weekly Memo
6 February 2026
Embedded Files
Dear Parents
Please note that school opens at 7:30 and there is no supervision for learners until 07h30. To ensure everyone's safety, please do not leave your child unattended before 07h30.
Caricature Fun!
Our teachers have had a bit of fun with AI teacher caricatures ... can you see your child's teacher?
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
LIBRARY
World Read Aloud Day 2026
The theme of this year’s World Read Aloud Day is “Celebrate Learning”. In order to learn, children need language skills and this is where reading plays a vital part. In South Africa, the Nal’ibali organisation does wonderful work in making stories available to families, in multiple local languages. This year, for the first time, there is also a story available in sign language.
Here at Parklands College, we joined millions of people around the world who paused this week to listen to stories being read aloud. Our magical story picnic remains one of our highlights of the year. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who make this possible.
2026 Library Challenge
Our learners are also reading aloud to their pets this month, and we are loving these adorable photos of furry friends enjoying story time. Please keep these wonderful photos coming!
Birthday Books
Happy birthday to Jent, Lucas and Isla, who all arrived with Birthday Books for the library this week. Jent brought an all-time favourite, the story of the mischievous puppet PInocchio who comes to life and has a lot of exciting adventures. Isla donated the wonderful Tabby McTat, a story of a special friendship by Julia Donaldson, told in her engaging rhyming style. Lucas shared a set of lovely Curious George stories that will find a special place in our Pre Primary library. Thank you so much for sharing these precious stories with your friends.
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
2026 dates
2026 dates
Summer Quarter: 20 Jan - 26 March
Autumn Quarter: 8 April - 24 June
Winter Quarter: 22 July - 23 September
Spring Quarter: 14 October - 4 December
Thursday 12 February:
Happy birthday Andrea Martch
Friday 13 February:
Friendship Day (Dress in Red, Pink and White)
Grade 3P + 3A Cake Sale
Saturday 14 February:
Open Day
Tuesday 17 February:
Happy Birthday Nikki Niemand
Ramadan
Lunar New Year
Wednesday 18 February:
Happy birthday Kirsten Hartley
Friday 06 March:
Grade 3R + 3K Cake Sale
Saturday 07 March
Softball Festival
Tuesday 10 March:
Grade 3 Outing to the Fire Station (TBC)
Wednesday 11 March:
Happy birthday Christopher Robin Pre-Primary
Thursday 12 March:
Grade 2 Splashtacular (1-2pm)
Friday 13 March
Grade 3 Splashtacular (8:15-9am)
Saturday 14 March:
Happy birthday Nadia Rabe
Monday 16 March:
Grade 1s Individual Photos
Tuesday 17 March:
Grade 2 & 3 Individual Photos
Wednesday 18 March:
SPCA Dress-up Day
Thursday 19 March:
Grade 3 Outing to the Fire Station
Friday 20 March:
Eid al-Fitr
Grade 2P + 2A Cake Sale
Saturday 21 March:
Public Holiday: Human Rights Day
Monday 23 March:
Reports Released
Report Meetings
Tuesday 24 March
Report Meetings
Autumn Awakenings Concert (6pm)
Wednesday 25 March
Report Meetings
Fallen Angels Drop-off
Thursday 26 March:
Last Day of the Quarter ( school closes at 1 pm)
Friday 27 March:
Sunday 29 March:
Happy Birthday Sisanda Mvulana
Friday 03 April:
Public Holiday - Good Friday
Monday 06 April:
Public Holiday - Family 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 13 February: Grade 3P and 3A Cake Sale
Friday 06 March: Grade 3R and 3K Cake Sale
Friday 20 March: Grade 2P & 2A Cake Sale
Friday 17 April: Grade 2R and LEC Cake Sale
Friday 04 September: Grade 1P & 1A Cake Sale
Friday 30 October: Grade 1R &1K Cake Sale
Happy Birthday
Mrs Mvulana celebrated her birthday and was showered with hugs and special cards filled with warm wishes.
ROBOTICS
Junior Prep Engineering Adventures
Our Grade 1, 2, and 3 learners had an exciting week exploring the world of building, motion, and design!
In Grade 1, students experimented with building strong bridges, learning how support structures underneath help keep a bridge steady. They tested different designs, discovered what makes a bridge strong, and had lots of fun seeing how much weight their creations could hold.
In Grade 2, the focus shifted to wheels and axles. Students built their own small cars and explored how wheels help objects move smoothly. They noticed how the axle connects the wheels and allows them to spin - an important part of making a car go!
In Grade 3, learners took these ideas further by designing and building more advanced models that combined both structure and movement. They experimented, tested, and improved their designs, showing wonderful problem-solving throughout.
It has been a joyful, hands-on week of learning, and our young engineers are becoming more confident with every build!
OUTREACH
We’re teaming up with Fallen Angels to support animals in need by collecting cat and dog food. Every bag or tin of food donated shows how small actions can make a big impact.
Let’s keep the momentum going and prove that when learners work together, we can create real change — one paw at a time. 🐶🐱💙
PARENT AND LEARNER DIRECTORY
PARENT AND LEARNER DIRECTORY
Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Junior Preparatory learners.
SCHOOL HOURS
GRADE 1
GRADE 1
START: 08:00
END OF DAY: 14h00.
Collection from the ampitheatre. Learners who are not collected at this time will be sent to aftercare and billed.
GRADE 2
GRADE 2
START: 08:00
END OF DAY: 14:00.
Collection is in the Grade Two and Three Quad. Learners who are not collected at this time will be sent to aftercare and billed.
GRADE 3
GRADE 3
START: 08h00
END OF DAY: 14h30 (except for a Monday - the school day ends at 15h00)
Collection is in the Grade Two and Three Quad. Learners who are not collected at this time will be sent to aftercare and billed.
School is LOCKED promptly at 16:45 daily. Please assist us by ensuring that your child is collected on time allowing our dedicated staff to return home to their own families. A late collection fee of R250 per half-hour (or part thereof) will apply for children collected from aftercare after 17h00.
PARKING OUTSIDE THE COLLEGE
PARKING OUTSIDE THE COLLEGE
Parents are kindly reminded to be mindful of our neighbours when parking. Vehicles that block traffic or obstruct private driveways will be reported to the Traffic Department by our neighbours and will most likely be issued a fine/ticket. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that parking is done considerately and responsibly.
AFTERCARE
AFTERCARE
SUNBLOCK AND SUNHATS - "NO HAT - NO PLAY!"
SUNBLOCK AND SUNHATS - "NO HAT - NO PLAY!"
Please apply sunblock on all exposed parts of your child’s body before they come to school in the morning. All learners must wear the Parklands College cap/hat for break time and sports. In order to protect your child’s skin from the harsh rays of the sun, we have a “no hat, no play” policy.
Please remind your child to apply sunblock before they arrive at school. Sending in a small sunblock stick is great for reapplication during the day.
MEDICATIONS AND IMMUNISATIONS
MEDICATIONS AND IMMUNISATIONS
Should your child have a medical condition/ allergy /require prescribed medication to be administered, please e-mail Sisanda Mvulana on smvulana@parklands.co.za.
Please ensure that your child’s immunisations are up to date and forward a copy of the updated immunisation record to the secretary once your child has received the vaccine.
Department of Health recommended schedule: Childhood Immunisation Schedule
UNIFORM
For free delivery to school, in the address block, please insert school name and address and add discount code before check-out.
Junior Preparatory - 91 Raats Drive, Parklands 7441
Senior Preparatory - 50 Wood Drive, Parklands 7441
Secondary Faculty - 1 College Avenue, Sandown 7441
Discount Code : PKLSCHOOL (both upper and lowercase works)
COLLEGE BLAZERS
Please be reminded that all learners are required to wear the new striped blazer with braiding from the start of 2026. Please ensure that the uniform is the correct size for your child, in particular the blazer.
All new 2026 blazers with braiding are in stock at School and Leisure.
SECOND HAND SCHOOL UNIFORM
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
SPORT
SPORT
Junior Prep Sport | Match Week Highlights
Junior Prep Sport | Match Week Highlights
It was match week, and what a fantastic start it’s been for our Junior Prep learners!
Our U9 Softballers and Cricketers stepped onto the field with enthusiasm, courage, and big smiles - giving it their all and embracing the excitement of match-day sport.
While CBC unfortunately had to withdraw from our Softball fixture, this didn’t slow us down. Instead, we adapted quickly and hosted two internal matches involving four teams, ensuring our learners still enjoyed valuable game time and match exposure. It was an absolute treat to watch our girls play such exciting, confident softball, showcasing teamwork, effort, and growing skill.
On the cricket field, our U9 Cricketers took on Generations, marking a great first outing for the Summer Quarter. The learners competed with excellent spirit and sportsmanship, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.
Result: Lost by 25 runs
Player of the Match: Liam
This week truly captured what Junior Prep sport is all about - participation, enjoyment, learning, and growth. A brilliant way to kick off Quarter 1, and we’re looking forward to many more memorable moments as the season unfolds at Parklands College.
Well done to all our young athletes - we’re proud of you!
Sport Days (during the school day)
Grade 1: Tuesday and Thursday from 1-2 pm
Grade 2: Monday and Wednesday from 1-2 pm
Grade 3: Monday 2-3 pm, Friday 07:30-08:30
Sports Kit
All learners may wear their sports kit to school on their two Grade sport days as well as their PE Day.
Swimming during PE in Quarter 1 and 4
Please pack Parklands Swimming costumes / Parklands Swimming Cap / Towel and sunblock.
Although coaches guide and support learners during swimming in Physical Education lessons, we are not a Learn to Swim School, and, for their own safety, it is critical that learners are water-safe and able to swim.
Please liaise with the coaches if you need contact details for LEARN TO SWIM schools for your child to attend.
On Monday 26 January, a Sport Parent Meeting was held at the Senior Prep. Thank you to all parents who attended and engaged so positively. The presentation slides from the meeting have been attached below for your reference.
Should you have any questions or require clarity, please feel free to contact me at jmargetts@parklands.co.za
Parent Sport Meeting '26 (1).pdf
SPORTS AND MATCHES
Sport in the younger grades is developmental, and our programme is designed to build the foundational skills needed for various sport. Our Grade One programme uses fun games to build strong, healthy bodies and develop fundamental skills.
Ad hoc internal/external matches begin in Grade Two once the Sports Department has determined that learners are adequately prepared and all safety considerations have been met. Game selection is rotational to give as many learners as possible the opportunity to develop their skills and get “a little taste” for the game. Key players will be selected for festivals.
The Grade Threes will have opportunities to participate in internal/external matches. We will field an A Team, while our B Teams will be selected using a rotational basis. This approach allows as many learners as possible to develop their skills and experience playing the game. The A Team will primarily participate in festivals, and we will enter additional teams where possible.
Junior-level sports (Mini cricket, hockey, netball, rugby, softball) have specific rules set by associations which are different to the rules of the various codes in the older age groups. The goal is to allow children to try different positions and build a wide range of skills before specialisation begins in Grade Four.
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 ⬅️
Marais has had an outstanding few weeks both in the pool and on the beach! At his recent Splash Gala, he won five gold medals, broke his IM record, and set a new freestyle record. He also passed his Nipper Level 1 exam, allowing him to compete — and he’s already shining with a 3rd place in boards and 4th in flags at Fish Hoek and Clifton. Well done, Marais! We’re incredibly proud of your hard work and amazing results.
Emily Liu reached swimming level 6 in November and was awarded a certificate by the Virgin Active Century City.
ALL 2026 02 12 Level 1 Parents(1).pdfWORKSHOP INVITATION
WORKSHOP INVITATION
You are invited to join the parenting workshop, "The Chaos to the Calm Workshop" hosted by Janet Bytheway.
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.
QUICK LINKS
QUICK LINKS
EdAdmin Portal
EdAdmin Portal
The EdAdmin Multi Portal App (EdAdmin MP) is available on the Google and Apple App stores. The features include access to your child’s reports, calendar activities and daily attendance records to mention a few.
To install the App please follow the below instructions:
To install the App please follow the below instructions:
1.) Download the EdAdmin Multi Portal App by using the relevant link below:
● Apple App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ed-admin-multi-portal/id646910856
OR
● Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edana.edadmin&hl=en&gl= US
2.) Enter 230034 (Parklands College Code) and your email address to log in. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:
3.) The next step will require you to enter the login code sent to you via email. For your convenience, please refer to the image below:
Please ensure that you keep this App updated otherwise you will be logged out and will have to repeat the above process to regain access.
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...
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
We are looking forward to our upcoming School Open Day on Saturday 14 February and hope to see many of you there!
Next week Friday, we will be celebrating Friendship Day with a civvies dress-up in a vibrant display of red, pink and white. The celebration will be made even sweeter with our first cake sale of the year, made possible by the generous contributions of our Grade 3P & 3A families.
We would like to wish Andrea Martch a very happy birthday for Thursday and hope she has a wonderful year ahead.
Wishing our Parklands families a good weekend!
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