5 December 2025
Welcome to week 8!
Seeding serendipity
“Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.”
In this edition:
- From the Principal
- Celebrating the Impact of Debra Holland
- Food for Thought
Edu Dance Concert
Coolbinia Primary School Choir
ELC 4 Students - Art
ELC 5 Students - The little red Hen Story
Upcoming events and promotion
Key dates
🎂 Volunteer's Morning Tea - Tuesday 9th December
🎤 Coolbinia's Got Talent – Friday 12th December
🎓 Year 6 Graduation – Wednesday 17th December
🎉 Last day of school 2025 – Thursday 18th December
⛺ Camp Woodman Point Yr4 - Tuesday 9th December and
Wednesday 10th December
Note: First school day for next year will be Monday 2nd of February 2026!
Dear Parents,
Understanding Primary School Grades
We’ve noticed some questions and misconceptions about how grades work in primary school. Here’s what you need to know:
Primary school grading is different from high school.
- In high school, grades are based on outcomes.
- In primary school, grades reflect your child’s developmental progress and understanding of concepts.
Our curriculum is designed around child development theory, not just year levels. Children develop at different rates, and this growth happens in steps—not all at once. That means a child’s grade can change from year to year simply because they are not yet ready for the next level of concepts. This is normal.
Learning happens in stages:
- Concrete – hands-on, “touch and do”
- Pictorial – visual, “see and do”
- Abstract – conceptual, “understand and do”
These stages can’t be rushed, and they have nothing to do with intelligence—just like we can’t speed up physical growth. The most important things to look for are attitude and consistent effort.
If you ask your child or their teacher why they received a certain grade, it can lead to a great discussion. But often, moving to the next level happens when your child’s brain is ready.
What Do Grades Mean?
- A – understands concepts in the learning area about 12 months above year level expectations
Example: A Year 3 student with an A understands concepts at a Year 4 level. - B – understands concepts in the learning area 6–12 months above year level expectations
- C – Working at year level expectations
- D – Working 6–12 months below year level expectations
- E – Working about 12 months below year level expectations
Every Child’s Journey Is Unique
Children grow and learn at different rates. Grades are just one part of the picture. What matters most is effort, persistence, and a positive attitude toward learning.
Tips for Supporting Learning Over the Summer Holidays
- Read together daily – Books, magazines, or even recipes help keep literacy skills strong.
- Play number games – Board games, card games, or cooking measurements build numeracy in fun ways.
- Explore interests – Encourage hobbies like drawing, building, or science experiments.
- Talk and ask questions – Conversations about everyday things develop vocabulary and critical thinking.
- Keep it fun and relaxed – Learning happens best when children feel happy and curious.
Celebrating the Impact of Debra Holland
We’re delighted to honour Debra Holland, Associate Principal at Coolbinia Primary School, for her outstanding leadership and dedication to student and staff wellbeing.
- Lifelong dedication to public education Debra has served as both Principal and Associate Principal across Independent Public Schools in WA, including her current role at Coolbinia Primary School.
- Champion of all children and has actively pursued and developed both student wellbeing and learning and the school has seen remarkable improvements under her guidance.
- Committed to building positive school culture, always focused on helping each child feel supported and capable, reflecting her unwavering commitment to holistic school development.
Deb's influence has been profound:
- She fosters a nurturing, inclusive environment where students thrive emotionally and academically.
- She leads by example, encouraging respectful relationships, open communication, and a genuine belief in every child’s potential.
“Deb’s leadership has shaped Coolbinia Primary into a place where children know they belong, feel valued, and are empowered to grow.”
Thank you, Debra Holland, for your remarkable commitment to our school community and your powerful, positive impact on countless students and staff. We feel incredibly lucky to have you shaping our children’s futures.
Food for Thought!
Did you know that serendipity the magic of happy, unexpected discoveries can be cultivated? Research shows that traits like proactivity, humour, openness to new experiences, and a willingness to explore untested ideas play a big role.
When we take initiative and think ahead, we create opportunities for good things to happen and break down barriers that might hold us back. These proactive behaviours aren’t just nice to have they’re linked to real-world benefits like better jobs, higher incomes, entrepreneurial success, and even breaking cycles of poverty.
So, next time you’re faced with a new idea or a chance to try something different, lean in! You never know what wonderful opportunities might come your way.
Edu Dance Concert – A Night to Remember!
Yesterday’s Edu Dance concert was an absolute highlight of the term, bringing energy, colour, and joy to our school community. Our talented dancers lit up the stage with their confident moves, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Their beautifully crafted costumes added an extra spark to each performance, making every routine a delight to watch.
Families and friends filled the audience with proud smiles and cheerful applause. The atmosphere was warm, supportive, and full of excitement as each group showcased the hard work they’ve put in over the past weeks.
A huge congratulations to all the students for their fantastic effort and outstanding performances. Thank you as well to our wonderful teachers and the Edu Dance team for guiding and encouraging our young dancers.
It was a truly memorable evening one that celebrated creativity, confidence, and community spirit!
Coolbinia Primary School Choir
Congratulations to the Coolbinia Primary School Choir who today performed at Bolton Clarke Aged Care Residents in Mount Lawley. The CPS Choir students from years one to six walked from Coolbinia Primary School to Bolton Clarke where they performed a set of Christmas Carols for the aged care residents who were so excited to hear the children sing! The performance was followed by a beautiful Christmas gift and morning tea for the students! A big thank you to all of the parent helpers who made the excursion possible, you help and support is as always very much appreciated, a big congratulations to all choir students who participated in the excursion!
ART - ELC 4
In ELC4 students have been learning about different types of weather and created artwork to represent a season. They used tracing, collage techniques and fingerpainting to design their picture, exploring texture, colour and creative expression.
ELC 5- The little red Hen Story
This term, we were inspired by The Little Red Hen to write our own narratives. Our learning began with an exciting visit from a real live chicken! We loved watching her explore the garden, feeding her, and some of us were even confident enough to give her a gentle stroke. After learning to retell the original story, we began creating our own versions by changing the characters, setting, and problem.
We also designed our own puppet theatre, complete with stick puppets and colourful backgrounds, to share our stories with one another. We absolutely love using the puppet theatre during playtime, and we are becoming wonderfully creative and confident storytellers.
Upcoming events and promotions
World Class Tennis Coming to Perth!
Don’t miss the United Cup at RAC Arena from January 2 – 7. See the world’s top tennis stars compete in this incredible international team tennis event.
We have been able to secure a Special Offer for our community:
[$10 off UC26 Tickets]
Chess For Life – School Chess Club 2026
(Years 2–6)
Would your child like to learn chess, boost problem-solving skills, and make new friends? Chess For Life has been running school chess clubs, coaching, and tournaments for over 25 years in schools such as Subiaco PS, Wembley PS, Wesley College and many more.
Chess is known to:
• Build confidence and friendships
• Develop logic, critical thinking, and creativity
• Increase concentration and memory
• Improve problem-solving and reading skills
• Teach planning and foresight
• Encourage healthy, screen-free fun
Students in Years 2–6 are warmly invited to join and learn the wonderful game of chess. Cost: $175 per term.
👉 More info & booking: https://forms.gle/vUAY4DmRVP5ZhZvD8
Mt Lawley School Dental Therapy Centre
Will be closed from Dec 18th, 2025, to Jan 23rd, 2026
For emergencies only during clinic times 8am to 4pm Please contact:
Thurs 18th Dec Queens Park DTC 945 11015
Fri 19th Mon 22nd Dec Tuart Hill DTC 93441585
Tues 23rd Dec -Fri 23rd Jan Morley General Dental Clinic 93759107
Outside of these times and on Public Holidays Please contact 1800 098 818 or your private Dentist. Our clinic will re-open on Tues 27th Jan
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