Dear Parents,

As we conclude another wonderful week in the Junior Preparatory, we are proud to reflect on the continued growth and curiosity of our learners inside the classrooms - take a look at our classroom highlights!

Upcoming events for the week ahead: 

• Cricket Festival - Saturday the 1st of March
  Table View Primary School Mini-Cricket Festival 

• Cake Sale -  Friday the 7th of March
  Grade 3R, 3L, 2L & 1L cake sale
  
  

Contact:

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

Grade 1  Number Fun!

As part of their Project-Based Learning (PBL) for the quarter, our Grade One learners have been exploring numbers in a meaningful way. They built unifix towers to represent the number of letters in their names. In Data Handling, they wrote their names in a grid, created a graph, and discussed their findings—identifying which names had more, fewer, or the same number of letters. Through this hands-on approach, they developed essential numeracy and problem-solving skills in an engaging and interactive manner.

Six Bricks Play

Mrs Oxley-Simpson visited Mrs Louw's class for some Six Bricks play!

Softball

Building skills and confidence! 🥎 Coach Courtney guiding young athletes through the fundamentals of softball during PE.

The Junior Chefs have been cooking up a storm in the kitchen with these yummy 'Sunshine Muffins'! Perhaps you'd like to give it a try at home too - watch the video below for the recipe.

Teachers' Extreme Reading Challenge on the Juliette Balcony.

On Monday we had our assembly in our picturesque amphitheater, and three boys had the opportunity to present their birthday books. Well done to Mason, Liam and Renier!

Happy birthday to Renier and Uminam who donated books this past week. Renier brought a sought after Tom Gates and Umi chose two interesting books, a funny vampire story and a time travelling adventure.  Thank you so much!

Building Foundations, Embracing Growth, and Looking Ahead

Every young athlete starts somewhere. For our U8s, that starting point is now - a foundation being laid, skills being sharpened, and a love for the game growing with every match. Seeing them step onto the field, gaining confidence, and learning the rhythm of the sport has been truly special. This is only the beginning, and the strides they’ve made in such a short time are something to be celebrated.

Our softball girls are another shining example of growth in action. Week by week, their understanding of the game deepens, their teamwork strengthens, and their determination to improve is evident. It’s been fantastic to watch them learn, develop, and embrace the challenges of competitive sport.

As we continue celebrating progress, we also look ahead to Quarter 2 and the exciting Autumn sports season. From Hockey (Boys & Girls) to Netball and Rugby, there’s an opportunity for every learner to get involved, try something new, and continue building their sporting journey. These sports bring different challenges, new skills, and a chance for our learners to step outside their comfort zones and grow in new ways.

Through it all, what matters most is the commitment, attitude, and effort our young athletes bring to every session, match, and practice. Whether they’re picking up a bat for the first time, learning how to move on a hockey field, or stepping onto a netball court, the journey is what makes sport so special.

Let’s embrace the now, celebrate progress, and look forward to an exciting term of sport ahead!

Yours in sport,
Jared Margetts
Head of Preparatory Sports

A Milestone Moment: Parklands College at the Van Riebeeckstrand Mini Cricket Festival

Saturday marked a historic milestone for Junior Preparatory Sport as our U8 cricketers stepped onto the field for their very first tournament - an unforgettable moment in their sporting journey. Playing matches is one thing, but competing in a Mini Cricket Festival in Quarter 1, is a testament to their rapid growth and passion for the game.

From the very first ball bowled, the energy was electric. Learners jumped in celebration, sang in motivation, and gave it their all with every run scored and every ball fielded. We witnessed final-ball drama, towering hits, and fierce competition as our young cricketers faced off against some of the biggest public schools. But through it all, we played with integrity and top-tier sportsmanship, making the entire school community incredibly proud.

One of the standout moments came in the U9s opening game, where cricket truly delivered its magic. In a scene that felt like a World Cup final, we required just one run off the last over. The tension was palpable - wickets fell, runs were scored, emotions ran high - but Parklands held their nerve and got over the line in dramatic fashion. It was a moment that defined the spirit of the festival: teamwork, resilience, and pure joy of the game.

As for our U8s, this was their first-ever school cricket festival, and the progress they've made in just one month has been nothing short of phenomenal. Their excitement, determination, and love for the game shone through, setting the foundation for an exciting cricketing journey ahead.

"Cricket was the real winner on Saturday." Seeing our learners learn, grow, and play with smiles on their faces is exactly what sport is all about. This group has set the bar high for Parklands Preparatory Sport, and we can’t wait to see their continued growth as we move towards Quarter 4. What a start - what a team!

Our U9s played against Curro Burgundy on Thursday and drew. Jamie was named Player of the Match. Well done boys!

Reminder:

Table View Primary Festival (1 March) - a great opportunity to test their skills and enjoy the game.  Keep an eye out for match day notifications and get ready to cheer our young cricketers on as they take to the field.

Parklands College Prep Interschools Gala, 7 March 2025
Bring your cheers and spirits to our final Interschools Gala of the quarter. This time round we are including our U8's and U9's - another first for our Junior Prep in Quarter 1.  

Splash-Tacular: Friday, 14 March 2025
All Grade 3 learners are invited to a fun Splash-Tacular swimming event. This will take place during their usual sport time on a Friday between 14h00-15h00. Parents are welcome to pop in and enjoy the fun.

Sport Quick Links

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.

QUICK LINKS

Ed-Admin Multi Portal Installation

To install the App please follow the below instructions:

1.) Download the Ed-Admin 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.

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Please have a look at our school calendar and diarise the upcoming events taking place in March. 

We wish our cricketers all the best for the festival tomorrow and hope they have lots of fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!