Pre-Primary Weekly Memo
14 February 2025
Dear Parents,
Our little ones may be too young for Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate love and friendship! Today, we embraced the spirit of kindness with Friendship Day—a special time to learn about caring for one another. Through creative art activities and the Manners for Minors show on friendship, our children discovered what it means to be a good friend and share love in their own special ways.
Teddy Bears Picnic
Our little ones had a wonderful time bringing their teddies to school on Monday for our Teddy Bears’ Picnic! There were smiles all around as the children shared stories, cuddles, and treats with their fluffy friends - some teddies even shared in the delicious picnic lunch!
Sensory Tuesday
The children explored the magic of touch, sight and smell with ice, frozen jelly, ice cubes, flowers and herbs! From icy surprises to fragrant discoveries, their senses were in for a treat.
Lost Property
Lost and Found – Again!
We find, we sort, we try our best,
Yet nameless items fill the rest!
A jacket here, a bottle there,
Without a name—left in despair!
A simple fix, so quick to do,
A label makes it clear it’s you!
So mark those things, don’t let them stray,
And keep lost treasures far away!
Health
Reminder:
Hat Policy
As the weather remains hot, we kindly ask all parents to ensure that their children wear a hat when playing outside, especially during outdoor activities such as extra-murals. The sun is very harsh, and protecting our children's skin is a priority. To encourage this, we are reintroducing the ‘No Hat, No Play’ rule.
Please also ensure that your child has a layer of sunblock applied each morning. Teachers will reapply sunblock before outdoor play.
Thank you for your support!
Water Bottles
We have noticed that many children do not have water bottles at school. Please ensure that your child brings a clearly labeled water bottle each day. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the heat, and having their own bottle makes it easier for teachers to encourage regular water breaks.
Health Update: Diphtheria Awareness
The Western Cape Department of Health has issued an alert regarding an increase in diphtheria cases in the Cape Metro District and Province. Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial disease that can be prevented by vaccination.
The recommended vaccination schedule for diphtheria is as follows:
Primary series: 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age
Booster doses: 18 months, 6 years, and 12 years of age
Please ensure that your child is fully vaccinated to prevent the spread of diseases.
Library Adventure
The Detective Dog
Detective Dog Nell has an extraordinary sense of smell. She is just wonderful at solving mysteries, which includes finding missing items, like toys and items of clothing belonging to six-year-old Peter.
One of Nell’s favourite things is to go to school with Peter where she listens to the children reading to her. When they get to school one morning and find that all the books are missing, Detective Nell is immediately on the case of the Missing Books, ready to follow the trail of the thief.
This joyful and fast-paced rhyming adventure is a celebration of books and libraries and one of Julia Donaldson's best.
Elise Crouse - Librarian
2025 Dates
Please note that there has been a slight change to the 2025 dates indicated in blue below:
Provisional 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 Sept
Spring Quarter: 14 October – 05 December
Important Dates - Summer Quarter 2025
21 February: Grade 00 Cake Sale
28 February: Making Fruit Kebabs (All grades)
1 March: Happy Birthday Nadine Fourie
2 March: Happy Birthday Vuyo Raqa
9 March: Happy Birthday Abigail De Witt
11 March: Happy Birthday Christopher Robin Pre-Primary 45 years
Jig Saw Children’s Theatre: Seasons and Colours Show (ALL)
14 March: Grade 000 and Crackerjacks Cake Sale
15 March: Happy Birthday Riëtte Pieterse
24-27 March: Grade 0000 - 00 Feedback meetings & Grade R Report meetings
21 March: Public Holiday - Human Rights Day
28 March: Last day of the quarter (school closes at 13:00)
Extra Mural Open Week
We warmly invite parents to our Extra-Mural Open Week from 14–20 March! This is a great opportunity to observe your child’s lesson, experience their progress, and, for some activities, even join in. Attendance is entirely optional, but we would love to share this special experience with you. We look forward to welcoming you!
14 March: Little Chefs (Group 3)
Orchestra
17 March: Ballet
Tennis
18 March: Swimming
Cricket
Minor Repertoire Grade 000 - 00
19 March: Speech and Drama
Intro-golf
Little Chefs (Group 1)
20 March: Intro-golf
26 March: Little Chefs (Group 2)
Individual music lessons will be liaised directly with the parents
Ed-Admin Multi Portal Installation
The new Ed-admin Multi Portal App (Ed-admin MP) is now 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:
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.
LEARNING:
Theme Discussions
Theme Discussions
We are passionate about a creative, rich, authentic, and layered approach to learning for our little ones. Theme-related learning allows for the child to learn about their world and the world around them. Below is an overview of our Summer Quarter weekly theme discussions and learning focus, as well as an overview of the 2025 themes.
Please click on the link below for details on our summer quarter theme discussions in each grade:
Parent Business Directory
College parents who are in business 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...
Safety and Gate Times
For the safety and comfort of all children, parents, and staff, we kindly ask that your dogs are not brought onto the school premises.
In our ongoing commitment to prioritising the safety and well-being of our little ones, the school gate access times are as follows:
Morning drop-off: Gates open from 7:30 to 8:30.
Half-day collection: Gates open from 12:45 to 14:00, as aftercare begins promptly at 14:00.
Aftercare collection: Gates open from 16:00 to 17:00.
Late Collection Reminder: Late collection can leave children feeling unsettled and also impacts our staff and their families. Please ensure that your child is picked up on time. A penalty fee will apply for late collection.
To help make the half-day collection time (12:45–14:00) more convenient, Grade 000 and 00 children will be waiting in the foyer for quick and easy collection.
However, we have noticed that many parents collect their children after 14:00. Please be aware that from this time onwards, all children will transition into aftercare, and accounts will be billed the ad hoc aftercare fee for any additional care provided.
AFTERCARE LOCKERS
Each child attending aftercare from Grade 000 to Grade R has a designated, labelled locker space for their bags in the passageway closest to reception. This ensures the safekeeping of their belongings and makes it easier for parents during afternoon collection.
Cake Sales – A Monthly Treat!
Each grade has the opportunity to contribute to a cake sale, and the children eagerly look forward to their special treat. We ask that cupcakes, popcorn, crisps, muffins, etc. be sent to the class on the allocated cake sale date. Please ensure all items are nut-free and do not include sweets.
To keep appetites in check, we recommend that children spend no more than R2 at the cake sale. You may send R2 on the day in a sealed envelope/packet or prepay for the term (R6 per term, R24 for the year).
Summer Quarter Cake Sale Dates:
📅 21 February – Grade 00
📅 14 March – Grade 000 & Crackerjacks
Parents who wish to assist with their child's cake sale must liaise directly with the class teacher. Not all parents are required to attend, as too many adults can be overwhelming for the children. Teachers will manage the number of helpers accordingly. Please arrive no earlier than 09h45 to help set up.
Thank you for your support!
Conclusion
Wishing all our wonderful parents a lovely Valentine’s Day! We hope you enjoy the special gifts made with love in your child’s class. May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and precious moments with your little ones!
Wishing all our families a restful weekend.
