Magazine 2018

Bright-eyed children find their way to our beautiful libraries every day where new worlds await them. The joy that is found in stories and imagination is an important building block in the educational journey, and the libraries play a vital role in fostering a lifelong passion for books and reading. The library programme supports language and research skills, while collaboration with the arts and technology widen the skillset so essential for embracing information opportunities in our modern world. Three book clubs and literary competitions present enjoyable opportunities for socialising with fellow readers. Celebrating international days and the latest in children’s fiction ensure that our collections are relevant and speak to our patrons’ world. Book Enquiry, which is the Parklands version of Philosophy for Children, plays an integral part in our literary explorations, while fostering confidence, concentration and thinking skills. Nelson Mandela said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” The value of acquiring additional languages cannot be overemphasised, and Parklands learners are encouraged to explore new languages and their cultures. This year the Preparatory Faculty introduced a new French course in the Senior Preparatory. Les Cocconelles opens doors to communicating in French, supported by basic grammar and vocabulary, while immersing learners in the French culture, history and songs. Vive le français à Parklands! Acquiring an indigenous language fosters pride in our colourful nation, and the younger learners embrace the songs and games that they learn in their isiXhosa classes. Senior learners get more exposure to the culture of the amaXhosa (the Xhosa people). Grade 5 learners had the opportunity to taste umvubo (a mixture of amasi and crumbed porridge). This dish is one of the most enjoyed dishes in the amaXhosa homes, especially in Summer. It is also reported to have been one of Nelson Mandela’s favourite dishes. Most non-isiXhosa speakers find learning isiXhosa quite daunting because of the click sounds. However, the Grade 6 learners embraced this challenge and have mastered the ‘art’ of clicking, with the ‘Q’ click proving to be the most popular. You can hear this sound in the classroom, in the corridors and even on the playground! 84. 21st Edition