7 April 2025

Dear Parents,

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable school break, filled with special moments with your families. As we step into the new quarter, we are excited to welcome our learners back to school tomorrow, 8 April.

Please take note of the following important upcoming dates and reminders:

Sport and Co-curriculars start:

All Sport and co-curricular activities will commence from tomorrow, the 8 April.

Individual Photo Day for Grade 2 & 3: Tuesday 15 April
Please make sure learners are dressed smartly in their uniforms and wearing their blazers.

Outings and Consent Forms:

Grade 2A & 2P Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB - due by Wednesday 16 April

Grade 2R, 2K & 2L Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB- due by Thursday 17 April
Grade 1 Outing to the Science Centre Consent Form: Gr 1 Outing to The Science Centre - due by Thursday 24 April

Library dates to note:
Hooked on Books - 11 April at 08:30
World Book Day (Dress-up) - Wednesday 23 April
Bargain Books Book Sale (Day 1 & 2) - 23 & 24 April

Upcoming Public holidays & Mid Term Break
Friday 18 April: Good Friday
Monday 21 April: Family Day
Monday 28 April - Friday 2 May: Mid Term Break
Winter Uniform - Monday 5 May:
Please note that we will transition to Winter uniform on 5 May.

Contact:

Staff email addresses: Staffing
General Preparatory email address: prep@parklands.co.za
IT queries: Christian Oertel, Network Manager - choertel@parklands.co.za

Congratulations Principal Paul

Congratulations to Principal Paul for completing his Masters in Education. Principal Paul researched professional development and technology usage at Parklands College. He spent many hours interviewing, gathering information and he finally finished and came out tops! Principal Paul was even interviewed at his graduation. Well done, the JP is so proud of you!

Highlights

Junior Prep Robotics: Building & Coding with Milo the Science Rover!

Our Junior Prep learners had an exciting time building and coding LEGO WeDo Milo robots! They explored how to program Milo to move, sense obstacles, and complete fun challenges. This hands-on activity helps develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love for STEM!

We can’t wait to see what they create next!

#JuniorPrepRobotics #LEGOWeDo #CodingFun #FutureInnovators

Storytime with Madam Daleena

Parklands College was thrilled to welcome back Daniella Djan, former Drama teacher, who visited as her storytelling character, Madam Daleena. Our Grade 1 learners were captivated by her engaging and interactive storytelling experience, as she brought stories to life with her expertise as an educator and performer.

Assembly Fun

The final assembly for quarter one was a blast! Mrs Oxley-Simpson and Mrs Buckle were hosts of a Madagascar Production Quiz, challenging the teachers on their knowledge. Learners cheered for their favourite teacher team while guessing the answers along with them.

Quiz team presenters

Winning team

Final Break time Dance off

The final break time of quarter one turned into a lively dance party on the field, with learners and teachers grooving their way into the quarter’s grand send-off!

IMG_8848 3.MOV

IMG_8850 3.MOV

IMG_8835 3.MOV

IMG_8837 3.MOV

IMG_8845.MOV

Grade 1 Art: Design a Jungle Gym

During their Art lesson, the Grade 1s explored the 3D potential of paper by folding and constructing paper to design their very own jungle gyms. They learnt a variety of paper construction techniques to build their inventive creations.

Grade 2 Art: Weaving with paper

Grade 3 Art: Art with a Message

The Grade 3 learners created stunning watercolour fish paintings and transformed them into short GIF animations with messages raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution. They explored new watercolour techniques and developed new skills using the Keynote app. Principal Paul showcased this project virtually at an educational conference held in Switzerland with over 400 teachers in attendance. We are incredibly proud of their creativity!

Ocean Pollution JP ART Grade 3 Project 2025 V2.MOV

Video Credit: Principal Paul

Gr1 PBL Showcase 2025.mov

Grade 1 PBL : My Name

The Grade 1s learnt about each other's unique names and celebrated their beautiful meanings.

Take a look at the video featuring their PBL project.

Our Culture department has been designing the costumes and set for our production of Madagascar Jr. Please help us by collecting and sending the following recyclable materials to school (see poster). We would also appreciate help in finding old scout uniforms.

Uniforms

Please take note that the Goodwood School & Leisure schoolwear branch will be temporarily closed from the 10 April and will reopen on 15 April.

Goodwood Renovation Letter.pdf

LIBRARY NEWS

World Book Day is Coming!

April heralds our favourite day of the year, World Book Day on the 23rd! We are starting our celebrations this Friday already with a show by the vibrant Hooked On Books theatre company. The actors will be performing extracts from several books, all guaranteed to get our learners excited about reading. What a treat!

Birthday Books

We love to celebrate birthdays, and do so in a memorable way, as learners present a book on their birthdays which is inscribed in their name. At the end of last quarter we celebrated with Amelia who brought the marvellous Room On The Broom. Thank you so much, Amelia.

Winter Co-Curricular Time Table

Q2&3 Extra Mural timetable.pdf

Please follow the link to sign up for the Winter season:

LINK TO SIGN UP FORM

Sport Calendar:

Sport Quick Links

SPORT INFO

TRAVEL CONSENT

EXTERNAL ACHIEVEMENTS

SPORT CALENDAR

IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS

Autumn Quarter

Tuesday 8 April: First Day of School

Friday 11 April: Hooked on Books at 08:30

Tuesday 15 April: Happy Birthday to Meagan Petersen

Retake of Grade 2 and 3 photographs (Summer uniform)

Wednesday 16 April: Grade 2A & 2P Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB

Thursday 17 April: Grade 2R, 2K & 2L Outing to SANCCOB Consent Form: Grade 2 Outing to SANCCOB

Friday 18 April: Public Holiday - Good Friday

Sunday 20 April: Happy Birthday Karen Hunt

Monday 21 April: Public Holiday - Family Day

Wednesday 23 April:
World Book Day (Dress up as your favourite character from a book))
Bargain Books Book Sale (Day 1)
Happy Birthday Sylvia Stander

Thursday 24 April:
Bargain Books Book Sale (Day 2)

Grade 1 Outing to the Science Centre Consent Form: Gr 1 Outing to The Science Centre

Friday 25 April: Happy Birthday Coach Liam

Saturday 26 April: Happy Birthday Anine De Lange

Sunday 27 April: Freedom Day

Monday 28 April - Friday 2 May: Mid Term Break

Monday 5 May:
Change to Winter Uniform

Author Visit: Roslynne Toerien

Books for sale

Tuesday 6 May: JP Dancers to Sea Point Civic Centre - Eisteddfod rehearsal

Wednesday 7 May: Happy Birthday Kerri-leigh Illman
Friday 9 May: Grade 2R and Grade 2K Cake sale

Sunday 11 May: Mother’s Day

Monday 12 May - 12 June Dance Eisteddfod (dates will be confirmed with Parents)

Tuesday 13 May: Happy birthday Jared Margetts

Thursday 15 May: International Day of Families

Saturday 17 May: Camps Bay Netball Festival

Tuesday 20 May: Happy Birthday Serena Domingo

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

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 9 May: Grade 2R and Grade 2K Cake Sale

Friday 30 May: Grade 2P & 2A Cake Sale

Friday 19 September: Grade 1P & 1A Cake Sale

Friday 24 October: Grade 1R & 1K Cake Sale

QUICK LINKS

PARENT & LEARNER DIRECTORY

Please read through the Parent and Learner Directory, which includes important information about Parklands College and the Junior Preparatory learners.

Junior Preparatory Parent & Learner Directory

Learner Code of Conduct

Building a positive and supportive school environment is central to our vision at Parklands College. Our Code of Conduct is regularly discussed during assemblies and class teaching. We are committed to guiding and supporting our learners, alongside their parents and guardians, to understand what behaviour is appropriate and what is not. This is an important part of fostering a respectful, safe and happy learning environment for us all.

We would like to remind our Parklands College family about our Code of Conduct, which is included in the Parent and Learner Directory. It outlines our shared expectations and helps us maintain a safe and happy space for both learners and staff.

LEARNER CODE OF CONDUCT .pdf

While we prioritise positive reinforcement — as seen through the many merits awarded — we also recognise the importance of issuing appropriate consequences for unacceptable behaviour. These might include warnings or demerits, depending on the situation. Please note that, just as parents are not notified before a merit is awarded, we are unable to contact parents in advance of issuing a consequence, i.e. a demerit, as it is important that we act swiftly and appropriately to prevent further behavioural issues.

We appreciate our parents' support in helping us create a happy and safe environment where positive interactions and behaviour are the expectation and the norm.

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

We would like to wish Mrs Petersen, a very happy birthday for Tuesday 15 April.

A reminder that the Grade Twos and Threes will have a retake of their individual photos on Tuesday 15 April. Please ensure learners are dressed smartly in their summer uniforms and wearing their blazers.

Wishing everyone a fantastic start to the Autumn quarter. See you tomorrow!