Quarter 4 Newsletter DECEMBER 2019

3 CULTURE 2019 has been a year that, thanks to Cats - the Musical, will remain in the 'Memories' of the College and the Culture Department for many years to come. This ambitious undertaking put the collective talents of the learners and staff in the Culture department in the spotlight, and delighted all who saw the show. Cats however was not the only thing happening this year, which was crammed full of opportunities for artistic and personal expression on a local and global level. Our learners spoke, danced, sang, acted, created and played their way onto various platforms to reflect the diversity of expression and endeavour on offer within the Culture Department at the College. Thank you to all the staff of the Department who work so hard to create a space for each individual learner's talent to shine. Thank you to all the learners who have risen to the challenges and have flourished as a result of their bravery and commitment. We look forward to seeing you all in 2020 and wish everyone in the department a well-deserved Summer break. Catherine Dodders Head of Culture Some highlights of the past quarter: PUBLIC SPEAKING Cameron Abrahamson, Imani Tshiamal, Alexandra Iheukwumere, Kiara Pillay and Mrs Smïd travelled to KZN for the annual National Individual Public Speaking and Debating Championships. All our learners did us proud, with Kiara placing 2nd overall in the Persuasive Speech category with her speech, How the media has failed women of colour. Our juniors, Connor van der Hoven, Imrah Salie, Zara Leask-Baggesen and Mila Leask- Baggessen travelled to Gauteng with Mrs Lightley to complete in the final round of the South African Literature Association’s Public Speaking Competition. Over 10 000 learners originally entered the competition, so it was already a great accomplishment to have so many learners in the finals. The performed exceptionally well. Imrah and Zara placed 4th and 7th respectively in Grade 7 Zara placed 12th in Grade 8 Connor place 2nd in Grade 9! DANCE Our ballerinas danced their RAD examinations this quarter, while the modern and tap dancers completed their ISTD examinations. We are immensely proud of our Dance Department. SPEECH AND DRAMA 2019 Trinity Speech and Drama Results Congratulations to all of our Trinity Speech and Drama Candidates on their results for this year's examination. The examiner Kate Somersby from the UK was very complimentary about our learners and we look forward to continuing the journey with you next year. Certificates will be handed out at an assembly when they arrive from Trinity London. Grade 4 Speech and Drama Tara Dixon, Sienna Schenk, Alexandra Bradly-Dull (Merit), Thomas Janisch (Merit), Zara Leask Baggesen (Merit) Grade 5 Speech and Drama Ryhlander-Hermant, Somikazi Qwemesha Grade 6 Speech and Drama Jemma Daries, Brooke Elliot (Distinction) Grade 7 Speech and Drama Storm Elliot (Merit), Sandro Conceição (Merit) Well done to Parklands learners who entered under The Drama Lab on their excellent results: Brooke Elliot Gr 7 Performing Arts Solo (Distinction) Gianpiero Etzebeth Gr 7 Speech and Drama (Merit) Alessia Gironi Gr 7 Musical theatre solo (Distinction) Tatum Coleman Gr 7 Performing Arts Solo (Distinction) Gianluca Gironi (Gr 8 Musical Theatre Solo (Distinction) MUSIC The past quarter has been filled with many break and utility session performances, Trinity and Rock School music examinations, but a highlight of the quarter was the Prestige Music Concert, where around 30 of the 132 musicians at the College performed a varied programme to a receptive and appreciative audience. Looking ahead to next year, we invite aspiring musicians to make contact with our Head of Music, Ms Petro (apetro@parklands.co.za) and can’t wait to see you all at the Parklands College Festival of Music in March. Our invited guest artist is going to blow your mind! Watch this space TECHNOLOGY WORLD ROBOTICS OLYMPIAD On 28 September four Parklands College teams participated in the Western Province regional championships where they all performed excellently. In the Junior High category: Beatmode (Naki Papadakos & Lehlogonolo Madisha) placed 2nd and were awarded a silver medal Galaxy Bots (Lethabo Nodoba, Omolemo Nage & Junior Nembudani placed 6th Lazy Thinkers (Tristan Skarbovig & Ethan van der Merwe) placed 5th In the Robo Soccer category Robodog (Noah Kemp & Mujaahid Salie) placed 2nd and were awarded a silver medal. They also won the Rheeders Recognition Interact Induction Dinner Parliamentarian, Ms Nompendulo Mkatshwa, visits assembly Matrics locking the legacy Judges at Big Brag