Pre-Primary Weekly Memo
6 November 2026

From The Office

Dear Parents,

This morning, we celebrated a very special milestone — the Grade R Graduation. It’s a moment filled with pride, joy, and a touch of disbelief at how quickly these little ones have grown. Their confidence on stage, their brave voices, and their excitement for what comes next reminded us why the early years are so important.

As Christopher Robin Pre-Primary marks 46 years of excellence, today carries added significance. Our graduates are part of a long, cherished history of young children taking their first steps into formal learning — steps that shape their curiosity, confidence, and love for discovery.

We were honoured to have Director, Mr Michael Paul Roth, address the audience. His presence made the morning even more meaningful, as he, too, once stood on stage as a Christopher Robin Pre-Primary learner back in 2001. His message — encouraging children to stay curious, stay kind, and keep taking brave steps — was a full-circle moment that resonated with families and staff alike.

Today wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a celebration of beginnings. Our young graduates now move forward into the next chapter of their schooling journey, carrying with them the wonder and enthusiasm that define these foundational years.

Here’s to each child stepping ahead with excitement — and to the next 46 years of little footsteps, big dreams, and the enduring spirit of Christopher Robin Pre-Primary.

Pre-Primary Principal's Address

Today is one of those occasions that I always look forward to, although I must admit, it comes with a little lump in my throat too!

It is hard to believe that we have reached this point in the year already. It feels like just yesterday that we were welcoming our children into their classrooms, and here we are, getting ready to send another very special group of little people off to Grade 1.

For some of our children, their Christopher Robin journey began when they were just a year old. We have watched them take their first steps, make their first friendships and grow into the confident little people they are today.

For others, their time with us has been shorter, but no less special. Each child has brought something unique to our school and has been part of what makes Christopher Robin such a special place.

When we think about school readiness, it is easy to focus on letters, numbers and writing their names. But the early years are about so much more. They are about building relationships, discovering new things, developing confidence and finding joy in learning. It is wonderful to see our children becoming increasingly independent, curious about the world around them and excited about what they can do.

To our parents, thank you for trusting us with your most precious little people and for being part of our Christopher Robin family. Today is a big moment for you too. Those little hands you held on their first day of school are now getting ready for Grade 1, and you have every reason to be incredibly proud of how far they have come.

To our Grade R teachers and assistants, thank you for the love, patience, encouragement and care you give these children every day. You celebrate their achievements, nurture their individual strengths and create opportunities for them to learn, explore and grow. So much of what you do happens in the everyday moments, but those moments make a lasting difference.

I would also like to thank our founder, Mrs Lorraine Roth, whose vision, dedication and guidance have shaped Christopher Robin Pre-Primary into the wonderful school it is today. With such a rich history in early childhood development, we are fortunate to be part of a school that has given so many children a wonderful start.

We are particularly delighted that four of the head prefects began their school journeys at Christopher Robin Pre-Primary. It is wonderful to see how far they have come since their early days with us, and we are proud to have played a part in their school careers.

To Mrs Lamb and the Junior Preparatory team, thank you for the exciting next chapter that awaits our Grade R children. We look forward to seeing them continue to flourish under your guidance. And I must admit, I am rather looking forward to seeing them all walking around in their smart new uniforms next year! Although I suspect a few will still find their way back to the Pre-Primary office for a visit and a sticker, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

As we celebrate our Grade R Class of 2026, it is worth remembering that some of the greatest achievements of the early years cannot be measured on a worksheet or captured in a report. They are found in the confidence gained, the friendships formed, the joy of discovery and those wonderful little moments when a child realises just how much they can do. These are the moments that make the early years so special and that we will carry with us long after this morning.

To our Grade R children and their families, we wish you every happiness as you move on to Grade 1. May the years ahead be filled with wonderful opportunities, happy memories and continued success.

Thank you, and congratulations to the Grade R Class of 2026.

Riëtte Pieterse

Director's Address - Michael Paul Roth

Welcome to our 46th Graduation Ceremony.

This morning, we honour our Graduates and bid them a fond farewell as they progress to BIG school and the excitement of Grade 1.

We look forward to observing our futurepreners as they move through the College over the next 12 years and hopefully matriculate with us in 2038.

It is with confidence that we hand them over to Mrs Lamb and her team of specialists. Riëtte, we thank you and each member of your team for making our Pre-Primary the wonderful place that it is.

Robert Fulghum wrote the following, which aptly describes how we should live our lives, and as parents, you may still recall some of these valuable lessons from your days in Pre-School.

Wisdom was not at the top of the Graduate Mountain, but there in the sandbox where we learned…

1. Share everything

2. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your mess

3. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody

4. Wash your hands before you eat

5. Flush

6. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you

7. Live a balanced life

8. Learn some, think some, draw and paint and sing, dance and play and work some, every day

9. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together

10. Be aware of wonder

11. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup - the roots go down, and the plant goes up, and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all

like that

12. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup – they all die. So do we.

13. And then remember the book about Biff and Chip, and the first word you

learned, the biggest word of all: LOOK

14. Everything you need to know is in there somewhere

15. The Golden Rules: treat others as you would want to be treated; remember,

love and basic sanitation; ecology, politics and sane living

16. Think of what a better world it would be if we all – the whole world – had

cookies and milk at about 3 o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with

our blankets for a nap.

17. Or if we had a basic policy in our nations to always put things back where we

found them and cleaned up our own messes.

18. And it is still true; no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is

better to hold hands and stick together.

The importance of sharing true values such as these with our children ensures that we continue raising responsible, independent, thoughtful and kind young people.

Our love and best wishes accompany each and every graduate. We are hopeful they will continue to hold hands and stick together on the exciting journey that awaits them.

Our sincere appreciation to our Pre-Primary parent body for entrusting us with your child's future. Remember, it is a journey we can all share.

Now, finally, a message to our little learners: Pooh said the following to Piglet:

“You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem,

Smarter than you think, And loved more than you know”

On behalf of the family of the College, our Chair, Board, Principals and educators –

May the holiday Season bring you its treasures in abundance,

lasting friendships, family joys, health and prosperity

Junior Preparatory Principal Address - Chantel Lamb

My word- you all look so smart today.

My name is Mrs Lamb, and I am very excited to be your Principal next year.

Some of us already know each other, or we’ve seen each other around the school, but just to make sure that I meet all of you, I will be coming to read you a story (and give you a little treat)

For now, all I want to say is well done! on your hard work. We have heard you singing and learning throughout the year and you certainly deserve the special medals you will be receiving

We look forward to welcoming you to the JP faculty next year.

Mrs Chantel Lamb

Executive Prefects' Address

Good morning, everyone!

My name is Alexa-Rose, and alongside me are Gerhard, Sesona and Chulu. We are so proud to be your Executive Prefects for 2027!

And do you know what makes today extra special? All four of us started our journey at Parklands in Christopher Robin, just like you! A long time ago, we were your age and your size. Yes, we were once just as small and tiny as you!

As learners who have been part of the Parklands College family for many years, we know that school is about so much more than what happens in a classroom. It is about friendships, shared experiences, discovering what we love and finding our place in a community.

To our parents, thank you for the love, encouragement and support you give us every day. Having a loving and supportive home to return to means more than you know.

Parents, we look forward to seeing our little graduates take their next steps at Parklands College, discovering new interests, making wonderful friendships and becoming part of the school community that has meant so much to us.

And finally, a very special thank you to our Directors for creating and nurturing this beautiful school. Thank you for giving us a place where we can learn, discover our potential and dream about our futures.

Alex-Rose Schreuder

Good morning, Grade Rs!

Look at you, all dressed up for your big day! You look very smart!

As I look around the room, I can already see some future rugby players who might grow much taller than me and run even faster than Chulu — and we all know how fast Chulu is on the rugby field! I can see some beautiful ballerinas who can twirl, leap and dance just like Alexa, and perhaps some musicians who are just as talented as Sesona.

Grade Rs, you are all unique. Never be afraid to be yourself, even if you are different from those around you. One of the wonderful things about Parklands College is that there is room for each of us to explore our interests, develop our talents and discover what we enjoy most.

Today, you get to collect your scrolls and celebrate a very special achievement. And, like a true Parkie, your blood runs blue!

I still remember when I was in Grade 1 in Mrs Oxley-Simpson’s class. I was nervous that I wouldn't make friends, and I was a little scared of the Grade 3s because they seemed so big! But soon, I discovered that there was so much to enjoy and look forward to at school.

And guess what, Grade Rs? You are ready for Grade 1!

Just think of all the exciting things waiting for you. You will get your very own big-school uniform, a new school bag and lots of wonderful new books. You will learn to read new words, write your own stories, solve problems and discover all sorts of interesting things along the way.

As you begin Grade 1, remember three important things: be kind to others, be brave enough to try something new, and never stop asking questions. You don't have to know everything already. That is what school is for — learning, trying and having fun along the way.

So, congratulations, our wonderful Grade R graduates! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see what lies ahead.

Enjoy your special day!

We applaud the Grade R Class of 2026!

Gerhard Vosloo

Graduation Photographs

For our Grade R families, individual graduation photographs were handed out in a special keepsake folder with the graduation certificate today. A graduation group photograph and additional individual photographs are also available for ordering at R60 each.

Please email Liezl Stander at lstander@parklands.co.za to place your order by Monday, 16 November.

The graduation photos will also be billed to your account.

Class Lists For 2027 (Grade 0000 - R 2026)

As we look ahead to a brand-new year, our class placement process is already underway. Our primary goal is to create a balanced environment where each little one can thrive. To do this, we carefully consider every child’s class placement with thought and intention.

Our team of teachers and management thoughtfully review each child’s emotional, social, and academic needs, as well as the social dynamics within the group, to ensure that every learner is placed in the best possible setting for the year ahead. This is a mammoth task, involving many hours of collaboration and careful discussion.

While we understand that some parents may have preferences, we ask that you trust in our teachers’ expertise and our commitment to placing each child where they will feel supported, confident, and happy. Every decision is made with great care to ensure the best fit for your child’s continued growth and development.

📋 Class lists will be displayed in the Pre-Primary reception on Monday, 30 November 2026.

The Brave Little Lion Concert

THE BRAVE LITTLE LION – CONCERT TICKETS (GRADE 000, 00 AND R)

There is much excitement at school as our little performers prepare for The Brave Little Lion, our end-of-year concert!

Both performances will take place in the Junior Preparatory Amphitheatre:

Wednesday, 25 November | 15h30

Thursday, 26 November | 15h30

Tickets cost R60 each and will be debited to your school account. Due to limited seating, each family may book a maximum of three tickets across both performances combined, not three per day.

Please complete the booking form below to reserve your tickets. Seating is unreserved. Once booked, physical tickets may be collected from the Pre-Primary reception and must be presented at the entrance on the day of the performance.

The Brave Little Lion Concert Tickets Order Form

THE BRAVE LITTLE LION – CONCERT DAY ARRANGEMENTS

All Grade 000 to Grade R children will participate in both performances and will remain at school for the full day on Wednesday, 25 and Thursday, 26 November.

To help our little ones prepare for their busy afternoons, we will have a quiet rest period during the day. Please send a sleeping bag and pillow, along with a favourite soft toy or special blanket if your child would like one. A light snack will be provided to keep little tummies happy until it is time to go home.

Class teachers will dress the children in their concert costumes and help them change back into their own clothes afterwards. Each performance will last approximately 45 minutes, and all children should be ready to go home before 17h00.

Access to the amphitheatre will be via the passage between the Grade R classes only, once preparations have been completed. There will be no access from the front of Christopher Robin Pre-Primary or through Parklands College's main reception.

Crackerjacks will continue with their normal school day and usual collection arrangements.

In the event of inclement weather, Monday, 30 November, has been reserved as a provisional alternative concert date. Parents will be informed should any changes be necessary.

A Peek Into Our Week

Crackerjacks

The Crackerjacks have been learning all about how to keep our little bodies happy and healthy! From washing our hands and brushing our teeth to discovering all the yummy, nutritious foods that help us grow big and strong. We got creative by making our very own Hungry Caterpillar books, designing unique watermelons and even planting our own little vegetable patch, filled with a few of our class favourites! 🌱🍉🍏 A week full of fun, creativity and learning about making healthy choices!

Grade 000

Our space adventures continued this week as we explored even more exciting things about the universe! 🌌✨

We learnt about the difference between an astronaut and an astronomer, and discovered what each of them does. We also explored what a constellation is and how stars form patterns in the night sky. The children were fascinated by the idea of using a telescope to look at stars, planets and other interesting things in space! 🔭⭐

With all the excitement around voting day, we decided to have a little election of our own in class! 🗳️ The children got to cast their votes on whether they would rather be an astronaut and travel into space or an astronomer and explore the stars. Once everyone had voted, we counted our votes together to see which space career was the class favourite! It was a lovely opportunity to practise our counting skills while having lots of fun.

Our creativity also took us on a journey through the galaxy as we created beautiful galaxy backgrounds for our rocket and astronaut pictures. Using different colours and techniques, the children created their very own little pieces of the universe. 🎨🌠

What a fun-filled week of learning, exploring, counting and creating!

Tiggers voting space jobs.mov

Grade 00

The Grade 00s had another fun-filled week! We continued exploring our space theme through exciting activities and enjoyed spending time reading storybooks and learning more about the wonders of space. We also made the most of our outdoor playtime, enjoying some fresh air and fun with our friends.

It has been a lovely week filled with fun, laughter and little adventures!

Grade R

What a busy and exciting week we have had in Grade R! We have been hard at work practising for our graduation, making sure we were ready to impress our parents with a grand and memorable ceremony. We loved sharing our new songs, our special recorder performance and, of course, some fun dancing with everyone!

Of course, we didn't let all our practising get in the way of having fun! We made the most of the beautiful sunny days, enjoying plenty of outdoor play, laughter and special moments with our friends.

What a special way to celebrate all the hard work and wonderful memories of our Grade R year. We are so proud of our little graduates!

Library News

Library Adventure

Magical Unicorns features FOUR of Claire Philip’s original stories, beautifully illustrated by four different illustrators! There is much to enjoy here for all unicorn fans. They will hear about the search for a missing cat and the rescue that follows. A brave princess who rescues a prince comes next, followed by a unicorn growing up with wild horses, trying to find her identity. Finally some carousel animals have a daring adventure and get to see the world. And of course, each adventure features a very special unicorn.

Perfect for ages 3+

Elise Crouse - Librarian

Looking for a special christmas book gift: ElleMilaStorytime

Important 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

Spring Quarter Important Dates

7 November: Happy Birthday Erin Liggett

12 November: Happy Birthday Khanyo Rafisa-Tabo

13 November: Cake Sale: Grade 000, Crackerjacks and Grade R (Kanga’s)

16 November: Happy Birthday Tali Maltz

21 November: Happy Birthday Brenda Dingile

23 November: Principal Chantel reading to Grade R’s

25 November: Grade 000 - R Concert 15:30 - 16:30 JP Amphitheatre

26 November: Grade 000 - R Concert 15:30 - 16:30 JP Amphitheatre

26 November: Jurassic Adventures Grade R

27 November: Jurassic Adventures Grade 00

25 November: Grade 000 - R Concert 15:30 - 16:30 JP Amphitheatre

30 November: Provisional (inclement weather) Grade R Concert - 15:00 - 16:00 JP Amphitheatre

30 November: Class lists released

2 December: Bop Boppers - All grades (End of the year show)

3 December: Disney Dress-up and Class Parties

Reports sent to parents

4 December: Last day of the quarter - School closes at 11:00

Outreach

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...

2027 Information

2027 Provisional Dates

Summer Quarter: 19 January - 17 March

Autumn Quarter: 7 April - 23 June

Winter Quarter: 21 July - 22 September

Spring Quarter: 6 October - 3 December

Grade R 2027

2027 Grade R Information (Current Honey Bees, Pooh Bears and Roos House)

The Grade R stationery kit for 2027 as detailed below is payable via Credit Card, Direct Deposit or EFT to Waltons, before Friday, 11 December 2026. The kit will be used daily to promote handwriting, literacy and numeracy in an informal and fun manner within the classroom. The paid stationery will be delivered to the school and issued to your child’s class teacher before the Summer Quarter 2027.

Grade R Waltons letter

Grade 1 2027 Welcome from Principal Chantel Lamb

Dear Parents

The Junior Preparatory Faculty cannot wait to welcome your little one to Grade 1 in 2027. I look forward to getting to know them and will visit their class near the end of the year to read a story and introduce myself.

Although the children will have a little "pop in" during the school day to meet their teacher on Monday 30 November 2026, there will also be a special Orientation for them to spend some time with their teachers on Friday, 15 January 2027 from 8:00 - 9:00. During this time we invite parents to join us for a Parent Meeting which will outline important information about the daily activities and requirements in Grade One.

The Grade One school day begins promptly at 08:00 (school opens at 07:30 for drop-off) and ends at 14:00. However, to support our Grade Ones in adjusting to the change in routine, their school day will end at 12:00 from Tuesday 19 January to Friday 22 January 2027. If your child is enrolled in aftercare, they will stay with their teachers until aftercare starts at 14:00. From the following week, school ends every day at 14:00, and you may collect your children from their classrooms or aftercare.

Sport will start from Monday 25 January and takes place on a Tuesday and Thursday from 13:00 to 14:00, during the school day. On these days, as well as PE days, the learners may come to school dressed in their PE Kit. Please note that the learners all swim in their classes during PE. If your child is unable to swim, please enrol them in a reputable swim school. Class timetables will be shared by the class teacher next year and the sporting and extramural programme on offer will be sent to parents in our Weekly Memo.

Our Grade 1 - 3 learners have a choice between Afrikaans FAL and isiXhosa FAL. Both isiXhosa and Afrikaans assessment outcomes are similar, please make your language choice based on the support available at home. Please click on the link to complete the form First Additional Language Choice 2027. If a selection has not been made, it will be assumed that the learner will attend Afrikaans as their First Additional Language.

Books DO NOT need to be covered as the children will make the covers in class and the teachers will cover the books with the slip-on plastic covers. In addition to this please ensure your child has a combination lock, an old T-shirt to use for art and a set of headphones compatible with their iPad.

Please refer to the Welcome Letter, Frequently Asked Questions, Stationery list and letter as well as the Uniform (sport clothes are worn at least twice a week) and iPad Requirements. Please refer to the uniform list when purchasing to ensure you do not purchase items that are not needed.

We look forward to meeting you and your child at the Orientation/Parent Meeting on Friday 15 January 2027 and welcoming our Grade One learners to the Junior Preparatory for the first day of school on Tuesday 19 January 2027.

Grade 1 Orientation

Grade 1 Requirements

Kindly find the following important information below:

WELCOME

Grade 1 Welcome Letter

UNIFORM AND SPORTS ATTIRE

Grade 1 Uniform and Sports Attire

DEVICE REQUIREMENTS

Grade 1 - 6 Device Requirements

Device Discount

WALTONS

Grade 1 Waltons Stationery Requirements

Waltons Letter

Waltons Discount

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Grade 1 Frequently Asked Questions

Enrolment

As our enrolment list continues to grow, we encourage parents who are considering enrolling their little ones (from 12 months of age) to do so sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

For enrolment enquiries or further information, please contact Luschka Millar, our Admissions Registrar, on 021 521 2700 or at lmillar@parklands.co.za.

Conclusion

And just like that, another week comes to an end!

Wishing everyone a wonderful, restful weekend filled with a little relaxation, laughter and time to recharge!

A special Happy Birthday to Erin for tomorrow! We hope you have the most beautiful day, filled with love, laughter and plenty of spoiling!

And let's not forget Khanyo, who celebrates her birthday on 12 November! Wishing you a fantastic birthday and a year ahead filled with happiness, love and wonderful memories!

Happy weekend, everyone!

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Pre-Primary Weekly Memo6 November 2026