16 October 2026
Welcome to week 11 - Term 4 - 2026!
“The brain is a far more open system than we ever imagined… It has given us a brain that survives in a changing world by changing itself.”
— Norman Doidge, The Brain That Changes Itself
IN THIS EDITION:
• Principal's Message
• Congratulations to Mr Wilson!
• Camp Australia
• Food for Thought
IMPORTANT DATES TERM 4:
October:
20 October - School Board Meeting
23 October - Choir Assembly
30 October - P&C Spooky Disco
November:
3 November - Year 6 River Ranger Hills Discovery Centre excursion
4 November - Year 5 Groundwater Festival Excursion and P&C Meeting
6 November - Pre-Primary Assembly
10 November - Year 6 Orienteering (before school on Yokine reserve)
11 November - Remembrance Day
16 November - Interschool Chess Tournament
20 November - Ensemble Assembly
26 November - Edu Dance Concert (Kindy Yellow)
27 November - Year 6 River Gods excursion
December:
3 December - Edu Dance Concert PP–Year 6 (5:00pm)
4 December - Student Leaders Assembly
7 December - Year 6 Mission Zoo Sustainable Futures Perth Zoo excursion
8 December - Volunteers Morning Tea and Year 4 Camp
9 December - Kindy Orientation (Green and Yellow Groups)
11 December - Coolbinia's Got Talent and P&C Triple 0 Party
15 December - Student Reports Sent Home
16 December - Year 6 Graduation and Kindy Orientation (Blue Group)
17 December - Final Day for Students
REMINDER NOTES FOR 2027:
3-5 March 2027 - Camp year 6
Principal's Message
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope all families enjoyed a refreshing break and had time to relax, reconnect and enjoy the company of family and friends.
Term 4 is always one of my favourite times of the year. It is a term filled with energy, celebration and anticipation. While there is still plenty of learning ahead, it is also a time to reflect on the achievements of the year and look forward to the opportunities that await us in 2027.
During the holidays, I found myself reflecting on the year so far. Stepping away from our daily routines provides a valuable opportunity to pause, appreciate our progress and acknowledge the many positive moments that have shaped the year. It is a simple practice that costs nothing and takes very little time yet offers enormous benefits.
I often involve my family in this process and am always surprised by how quickly the conversation shifts from what hasn’t gone to plan to the many things for which we are grateful. Research consistently highlights the positive impact that gratitude and reflection can have on our wellbeing. Some of the benefits include:
1. Focusing on the Positives Reflecting on positive experiences encourages us to notice and appreciate the good things in our lives. Gratitude has been linked to increased happiness, improved wellbeing and reduced stress.
2. Recognising Growth and Success Looking back on positive changes, achievements and challenges overcome reminds us of what we are capable of. It builds confidence and motivation, while strengthening the important belief that effort can lead to improvement.
3. Finding Meaning and Purpose Reflection helps us identify the people, experiences and moments that matter most. It strengthens our sense of purpose and encourages us to focus on what is truly important.
4. Celebrating Progress Comparing where we are today with where we were a year ago can be incredibly affirming. Whether we reflect as individuals, families or a school community, progress is almost always the result of consistent effort over time. This is an important lesson for children to learn: effort, perseverance and resilience help us grow.
If you were asked to reflect on the positive things that have happened in your life this year, what would you say? It is a wonderful conversation to have around the dinner table and one that often reveals just how much growth, achievement and joy we have experienced without fully realising it.
Planning for 2027
Although Term 4 has only just begun, planning for 2027 is already well underway. Over the coming weeks, we will begin the important process of developing class structures and organising class placements for next year. Many families will recently have received information about our student social surveys. These surveys provide valuable insights that help us create balanced classes that support every child’s academic and social development.
If there is any additional information you believe would assist us in this process, please feel free to contact me directly. Parent input is valued and carefully considered alongside our extensive knowledge of each student, gained through observation, assessment data, staff collaboration and ongoing communication with families.
Class Organisation and Composite Classes
Each year, I receive enquiries from parents who are concerned about the possibility of their child being placed in a composite (split-year) class. I would like to reassure families that class placements are made carefully and thoughtfully, with each child’s best interests at heart.
“My child will learn more in a straight-grade class.” The Western Australian Curriculum is designed as a continuum of learning, with knowledge and skills building progressively over time. Students learn
at different rates, and all classrooms cater to a range of learning needs.
At Coolbinia Primary School, our teachers regularly differentiate learning to meet students where they are and help them progress to the next stage of their learning. Effective teaching is about understanding each student’s needs and providing the appropriate level of support and challenge, regardless of the class structure.
“My child needs to be with their friends.” Friendships are important; however, school is also about developing the skills children need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Children benefit from learning how to:
- Build new friendships.
- Work collaboratively with a wide range of peers.
- Listen actively and respectfully.
- Appreciate different perspectives.
- Adapt to change.
- Develop resilience and independence.
While change can sometimes feel uncomfortable, it can also create valuable opportunities for growth, confidence and new connections. I encourage families to support their children in approaching these transitions positively. The ability to adapt, embrace change and build relationships with different people is a valuable life skill that will benefit them well beyond their primary school years.
Please be assured that considerable time, professional discussion and careful consideration go into every class placement decision. Our goal is always to create learning environments that best support the academic, social and emotional development of every student.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we continue to build a school where students feel connected, challenged and inspired to achieve their very best. I look forward to sharing many highlights with you throughout the term. Simon Reid, Principal Coolbinia Primary School
Congratulations to Mr Wilson!
Another well-deserved award for our fabulous Mr Wilson!
On Wednesday 14th October, Mr Wilson received the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Group 1962 Educator Award, recognising his significant contribution to ICT education in Western Australia.
The WA Dennis Moore Oration and 1962 Awards pay tribute to Professor Dennis Moore AM, a visionary who helped lay the foundations for Western Australia's computing journey through curiosity, innovation and impact.
Congratulations, Mr Wilson, on yet another outstanding achievement! We are incredibly proud to see your passion and dedication to digital technologies education recognised.
Camp Australia
Welcome to Term 4! We’re officially in the home stretch of another fantastic year, and we’re excited to make the most of every moment with our children and families. A huge thank you to our families and educators for another successful Rocketeers season. This season was bigger and better than ever, with children enjoying new experiences, building confidence, and making lasting memories along the way.
If you have a child currently in Kindy or Pre-Primary, now is the perfect time to start thinking about before and after school care for next year, especially if you're planning a return to work. If you’d like to learn more about Camp Australia, organise a tour, or have a chat about how we can support your family's needs, please contact me directly at dani.soares@campaustralia.com.au
We also have some exciting changes coming to our Before School Care program over the next few weeks as we trial new experiences, including art activities, a breakfast club, and DJ dance sessions, helping children start their day in a fun, engaging, and positive way.
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year. We’re looking forward to finishing 2026 on a high and celebrating a fantastic year with our Coolbinia community!
Food for Thought
One of the most powerful discoveries in neuroscience is that our brains continue to grow and adapt throughout life. Every new challenge, skill, conversation and experience has the potential to create new neural pathways. For students and adults alike, this reminds us that ability is not fixed. With effort, practice and persistence, we can continue to learn, improve and thrive.
At Coolbinia, this is a valuable reminder that growth is always possible, and that being “Future Driven” starts with believing we can become better tomorrow than we are today.
Upcoming events and promotions
Before and After School Activities – Term 4, 2026
There are lots of exciting opportunities for students to get active, learn new skills and have fun with friends before and after school in Term 4.
Run & Walk Club
Run & Walk Club is back from Week 2 of Term 4 and will be held every Wednesday at 7:30am on the school oval. It is a great way for students to build fitness, prepare for the Athletics Carnival and Interschool events, and have fun with friends. Parents and staff are also welcome to join us, with a coffee van on site each Wednesday morning.
Day: Wednesday
Time: 7:30am
Location: School oval
Starts: Week 2 of Term 4
Young Engineers After School Club
Young Engineers is back for Term 4, offering students the opportunity to take part in hands on STEM activities while building motorised LEGO® models. Students will explore engineering concepts while creating racing cars, earthmovers, amusement park rides and much more.
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:00pm to 4:15pm
Location: The Kwobadarn
Dates: Tuesday 20 October to Tuesday 8 December 2026
Cost: 8 sessions
Enrolments: A few places are still available. Visit bit.ly/YEPerthNorth to find out more and enrol.
Before School Hot Shots Tennis
Play Tennis is offering an eight week Before School Hot Shots Tennis Program for students aged 5 to 12 years in Years 1 to 6. The program provides a fun and engaging way for students to develop their tennis skills, hand eye coordination and confidence through games and activities.
Day: Friday
Time: 7:45am to 8:30am
Starts: Friday 16 October 2026
Duration: 8 consecutive weeks
Cost: $140 per child
New players can join at any time during the term and will only pay for the remaining weeks. All equipment is provided. To enrol, visit https://allsquads.com.au/classes/coolbinia-ps-term-4-2026-mu8fl4j3 and select Coolbinia Primary School.
Before School Soccer
Mark Lee Football Coaching is excited to be back in Term 4 and welcomes all children to join us for a fun and active start to the school day. focuses on developing soccer skills, confidence and a love of the game. Sessions are play based and include small sided games in a fun, engaging and supportive environment. Children are grouped by age to ensure the best experience for everyone, and younger participants can be escorted to class after the session.
Dates: Wednesday 28 October to Wednesday 2 December
Time: 7:30am to 8:30am
Cost: $139 per child
To register: Contact Mark on 0430 788 703 or mark@mlfc.com.au
Visit our Coolbinia website: Community Notices – Coolbinia Primary School
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