20 February 2026
Welcome to week 3 - 2026!
“In our school, we choose kindness, patience, and respect every day.”
IN THIS EDITION:
- From the Principal
- Improving Teaching and Learning at Coolbinia
- Important Updates: Payments, Enrolments and Compass Transition
- Student Attendance & Absence Procedures
- House Swimming Carnival Reminder; Parent, Teacher, Student race
- Year 6 Attend GRIP Student Leadership Conference
- Upcoming events and promotions
KEY DATES
🏊♀️ Swimming Carnival Friday 27th of February - Years 4,5,6
🏕️ Camp Dates Year 6: 4️⃣, 5️⃣, 6️⃣ March
🏊 Intern Swimming: 9th till 20th March
NOTES
☀️ Students, don’t forget your hats, stay hydrated in the heat, and wear sunscreen to protect your skin! 🧢
Improving Teaching and Learning at Coolbinia
To build on the above we had a world best practice trainer and presenter Christopher Thomas working with our teachers in professional learning focused on strengthening teaching and learning for all students at Coolbinia. This learning was grounded in educational research and centred on what makes the biggest difference in classrooms.
Teachers explored ways to create calm, well-organised classrooms where students feel safe, confident and ready to learn. A strong focus was placed on understanding student behaviour, building positive relationships, and recognising that children learn best when lessons are engaging, clearly structured and matched to their needs.
We also looked closely at effective teaching strategies that help learning “stick”, such as:
- clear explanations and modelling of new ideas
- regular opportunities for students to practise and talk about their learning
- checking for understanding during lessons, not just at the end
- giving students specific feedback so they know what they are doing well and what to work on next
A key focus was student engagement, with teachers exploring strategies such as discussion, short writing tasks, and opportunities for students to explain their thinking. Research shows that when students regularly think, talk, and practise, learning is deeper and more lasting.
The learning also reinforced that every child can make progress. High expectations, consistent routines, and supportive feedback help all students succeed. This professional learning will continue to shape planning and classroom practice at Coolbinia, ensuring engaging environments where every child can thrive.
Important Updates: Payments, Enrolments and Compass Transition
We are moving to Compass! As we transition away from Connect, here is what you need to know to stay on top of payments and permissions this year.
1. No More Pre-Paid Student Accounts
We are no longer using individual student accounts for lump-sum transfers. From now on, all incursions and excursions will be paid for as they occur.
2. Compass Pay (Starting Term 2)
Life is about to get easier! From next term, you will be able to sign consent forms and pay for events directly through the Compass Parent Portal or app.
3. Swimming Lessons: Action Required
Swimming requires two steps this year, thank you for your patience with the double-up!
- The Paper Form: Please return the hard copy regarding swimming levels. Your teacher needs to collect these as they must hand this to your child's swim teacher on the first morning.
- The Online Form: Please complete the digital permission so your child can travel via bus to Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre.
Check Your Login
If you haven’t received your Compass link yet, please email our
school officer at coolbinia.ps@education.wa.edu.au so we can assist you in getting set up. If we’re unable to identify the issue, we will contact the Helpdesk on your behalf for further support.
Student Attendance & Absence Procedures
Primary School Parent Guide
To help us keep all students safe and maintain accurate attendance records, please follow the procedures below:
Reporting an Absence
If your child will be absent, please call the school office or send an email to the school administration. This ensures the absence is recorded correctly and prevents automated absence notifications.
Arriving Late
- Students arriving after 8:35 AM must report to the school office.
- They must sign in and collect a purple slip.
- The purple slip must be given to the class teacher.
If a student does not sign in and provide the slip, they will be marked absent and parents will receive a text message notification.
Early Pick-Up
If you need to collect your child before the end of the school day:
- Please come to the school office to sign your child out.
- Your child will receive a blue slip.
- The blue slip must be given to the class teacher.
House Swimming Carnival Reminder
Parent, Teacher, Student Race!
Parents who haven’t yet approved the carnival on Compass, please make sure both the permission and the race nomination are completed before Monday. The permission slip has been sent out via compass today to the parents who haven't completed it yet.
And don’t forget the Parent vs Teacher vs Student Race is back! The teachers won last year… Who’s ready to beat them and claim the glory? 🏆
We’d also love some parent helpers on the day! It’s a fantastic way to be part of the action and cheer the students on! If you’re available.
Please email brandon.porcara@education.wa.edu.au for participation.
The programme will be sent to all the parents by connect or you can find it on the sports board in the undercover area.
Year 6 Attend GRIP Student Leadership Conference
Today our Year 6 classes had the exciting opportunity to attend the GRIP Student Leadership Student Leadership Conference.
Throughout the day, students participated in engaging and interactive sessions focused on developing practical leadership skills within a school setting. They explored what it means to be a positive leader, how to lead by example, ways to encourage teamwork, and how to make a meaningful difference in our school community.
The presenters were energetic and inspiring, and our students represented the school with pride. They demonstrated excellent behaviour, enthusiasm, and a genuine willingness to step outside their comfort zones.
We look forward to seeing our Year 6 students put their new leadership ideas into action throughout the year!
Upcoming events and promotions
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