Magazine 2019

87 level of technology at the College, and I am looking forward to future developments. Luke Bowles It is most definitely an understatement to say that 2019 started with a bang for the Learner Affairs Portfolio. As 2018 came to an end, we began our preparations for the much-anticipated New Learner Orientation Day, as well as laying the foundations for our new and improved “Buddy System”. We are very proud of the positive feedback we received from the learners with regards to the improvement of the integration process of new learners to our Secondary campus. A definite highlight of the year was the Buddy Picnic. The 2019 Matrics, Peer Supporters and new learners bonded together over games, food and fun. We ended the afternoon with an enjoyable performance by our very own Matric Band as well as a dance-off, won by the Grade 7s! The Class Represent- ative selection and training process forms an important part of this portfolio at the start of each semester. The grade 7 to 12 homeroom classes nominate their fellow learners, followed by speeches and voting. The newly elected class representatives then join the prefect body for a training evening after being awarded their badges. The Class Representatives always left the training with a new sense of excitement and inspiration for their term in office. We always looked forward to our weekly Class Representative meetings where leaners could raise concerns and provide feedback. We were privileged to work with wonderful and dedicated Class Representatives who completed every task and duty to the best of their ability. Each Open Day we were greeted by a large group of Class Representatives who were excited to show parents and children around our beautiful campus. The birthday board s were very impressive with regards to the amount of effort put into the creative displays. Our successes would most definitely not have been possible without the help, support and guidance from Mrs Pillay, Mrs Strauss and Mr John. We both will always treasure the experiences and lessons we have learnt from being elected into this portfolio. Courtney Douglas and Blake Pittaway The Academic Prefects for 2019 chose to mainly focus on support as our goal for the year. Our events for the year began with the Grade 11 Information Evening where we spoke to the Class of 2020 about how to survive the year ahead. We trust that our advice was of benefit to them. With many learners participating in various Olympiads, including the UCT Mathematics Competition and the Computer Talent Search, this year proved to be extremely successful in terms of participation. The first strategy we implemented as part of our focus on support was the Textbook Sales form, a more organised platform for learners to sell their textbooks and study notes online. Additionally, we introduced the Peer Tutoring system, which encourages learners to improve their knowledge of academic concepts by being tutored by their peers. This aims to be a learning experience both for the tutors and the learners who make use of the system. Overall, 2019 was a successful year in the Academics Portfolio. We would like to thank Mrs Vosloo, Mrs Strauss and Mr Fortuin for supporting us. Finally, we would like to thank every learner at Parklands for their support of our initiatives and events. Nthato Bonga Vilakazi and Sita Punwassi ACADEMICS LEARNERAFFAIRS