Important Dates
| 14 October – 16 October 2026 | Year 6 Camp |
| 15 October 2026 | Art Room Open Afternoon 3.00pm-4.00pm |
| 20 October 2026 | Little Red Riding – Big Little Ballet Incursion PP – Yr 6 Payment through Compass ** Payment Due ** |
| 29 October 2026 | Coffee with the Principal RSVP |
| 2 November – 5 November 2026 | Scholastic Book Fair |
| 10 November 2026 | OSHClub Parent Information Session – RSVP |
| 13 November 2026 | Year 1 Assembly |
| 17 November 2026 | Year 1 & 5 Kings Park Excursion |
| 20 November 2026 | Kindy 2027 Parent Info Session 9-10.30 – RSVP |
| 23 November -4 December 2026 | Year 5 Swimming |
| 27 November 2026 | Pre Primary Assembly |
| 3 December 2026 | End of Year Concert |
| 4 December 2026 | 2027 Kindy Kaper’s Orientation Morning |
| 7 December – 15 December 2026 | PP – Year 4 Swimming |
| 15 December 2026 | Year 6 Graduation Ceremony – 8:45am |
| 17 December 2026 | Student last day |
From the Principal
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope our families enjoyed a wonderful holiday break and that our students have returned refreshed and ready for a busy and exciting final term. There is always something special about Term 4. It is a time to celebrate our students’ growth and achievements, reflect on the year that has been and look ahead to new opportunities. For our Year 6 students and their families, it is particularly significant as they prepare to farewell primary school and take their next steps into secondary education.
As we begin the term, I would like to share some staffing news, celebrate achievements across our community and highlight developments that will help shape Kapinara’s future.
Celebrating Our People
This year, we farewell three valued members of our teaching staff as they embark on their well-deserved retirements. Jacqueline deBrass, Anita Tombides and Chrissie Minnissale have each made significant contributions to Kapinara, influencing the lives of countless children and families through their experience, dedication and genuine commitment to education. While we will certainly miss them, we look forward to celebrating their careers later this term and wish them every happiness in retirement. We also farewell Nina Lelova and thank her for her contribution to our school and wish her all the very best.
Alongside these farewells, there is wonderful news to celebrate! Skye Cannon has secured a permanent teaching position at Kapinara and has also achieved Senior Teacher status, recognising her professional expertise and contribution to education. Congratulations, Skye! We are delighted to have you continuing as part of our team.
Our staff have also received some lovely recognition beyond the school gates. Chaplain Paul was named a finalist in the Chaplain of the Year Awards, acknowledging the care, compassion and support he provides to our students, families and staff. Jade Brennan, our Manager Corporate Services, has been nominated for a Manager Corporate Services Award. Jade plays an integral role in the leadership of Kapinara, and her commitment, expertise and genuine care for our school and students are evident in so much of what happens behind the scenes. This recognition is thoroughly deserved.
It is a privilege to work alongside such committed and capable people. The quality of the people who make up our team is undoubtedly one of Kapinara’s greatest strengths. We look forward to celebrating our teachers on World Teachers’ Appreciation Day 30 October 2026.
Living Our Value of Service- Supporting Telethon
One of the things I love most about Kapinara is the way our families bring our school values to life. A beautiful example is the generosity of the Bellini and Baker families, who, together with their cousins, will once again host their annual Telethon fundraiser this Saturday, 17 October.
Through their hard work and commitment, these families have raised an extraordinary amount for children and families in need. This year, they are hoping to take their cumulative fundraising total beyond $20,000!
Our wider Kapinara community is warmly invited to attend:
Saturday 17 October | 9.00–11.30am
177 Hamersley Road, Subiaco
With fresh lemonade, homemade cakes, raffles, games, hot dogs and adorable “Bake the World a Better Place” merchandise on offer, there will be plenty for families to enjoy while supporting a very worthy cause.
Rethinking Screen Use in the Early Years
You may have seen recent media coverage of the Western Australian Government’s announcement of a new pilot program to reduce screen use in Kindergarten to Year 2 classrooms. Beginning in 2027, ten public schools will participate in a trial prioritising face-to-face teaching, hands-on experiences and screen-free learning. Participating schools will receive $50,000 to support resources, equipment and professional learning.
Importantly, the initiative is not about removing technology altogether. Students will continue to develop the digital skills required by the Western Australian Curriculum, with provisions for assistive technologies and essential learning needs.
I find this a particularly interesting and timely development. Technology undoubtedly has an important place in education, but we must be thoughtful about when it genuinely enhances learning and when other approaches may better serve our children.
In the early years, conversation, play, movement, creativity, social interaction and explicit teaching are fundamental to establishing strong foundations for learning. These experiences deserve to remain at the heart of our classrooms.
We have already seen strong parent and community interest in the role of digital devices in early childhood education. Following our successful National Quality Standard verification earlier this year, I believe Kapinara is well placed to contribute to this conversation.
We are exploring an Expression of Interest to participate in the 2027 pilot, subject to further consideration and consultation with our early childhood team and school board.
Regardless of the outcome, we welcome the opportunity to reflect on our practices and ensure our approach to technology remains purposeful, evidence-informed and centred on what is best for children.
Listening to Our Community– National School Opinion Survey
Thank you to the families, year 5-6 students and staff who participated in our recent National School Opinion Survey.
Conducted every two years, the survey provides valuable insights from the three groups who know our school best. Students share their experiences of learning and school life, families provide perspectives on communication and confidence in the school, and staff reflect on teaching, leadership and the conditions that support effective learning.
I am particularly encouraged by the positive feedback reflecting confidence in our school and its leadership, along with the strong relationships that underpin our community. These are strengths we value enormously and never take for granted. Of course, meaningful consultation is about more than celebrating positive results. It also requires us to listen carefully, consider different perspectives and identify opportunities to improve.
The findings will inform our ongoing school self-assessment and planning for 2027 and beyond. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your voice matters, and your feedback helps shape Kapinara’s future.
Celebrating Creativity– Art Room Open Afternoon
Today, we are delighted to welcome families into our Art Room for our Art Room Open Afternoon. This is a lovely opportunity to celebrate our students’ creativity and artistic talents and see firsthand the beautiful work they have produced throughout the year. A special thank you to Siobhan Doherty-Forman, whose passion for the arts and encouragement of our young artists continue to enrich their learning experiences.
I encourage families to pop in between 3-4pm, explore the displays and share in the pride our students take in their work. There is something particularly special about seeing children’s creativity celebrated by the people who matter most to them!
Year 6 Camp and Looking Ahead
Term 4 is already off to an exciting start, with our Year 6 students currently enjoying their much-anticipated school camp! These experiences are a wonderful part of the primary school journey, providing opportunities to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships, develop independence and create lasting memories.
A very special thank you to Joni Gardner, Kylie Lund and Joanne Dixon, along with our wonderful parent volunteers, Cameron Smith and School Board Chair Rob Pradera. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to step away from their own families and commitments to make this experience possible. School camps simply wouldn’t happen without such generosity and dedication. For our Year 6 students, this is just the beginning of a particularly special term, with many celebrations and milestones still to come.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, encouragement and support. Our commitment remains to provide a school environment where every child feels known, valued and supported to achieve their very best. I look forward to sharing the many special moments that make Term 4 such a memorable time in the school year.
Natalie Oddy
Principal
Kapinara Primary School
Important News
Canteen Operations
As we commence Term 4, we would like to remind families that Plate & Co is now operating our school canteen, the canteen will initially operate with an interim lunch-only service while the new arrangements are established. During this period, lunches will be prepared off-site and delivered to the school for distribution to students. Recess service will not be available during the interim period.
Families can continue to place lunch orders through QuickCliq. Please remember to check that you receive a confirmation email after placing an order, as this confirms that your child’s lunch order has been successfully submitted.
The canteen menu and service will continue to develop throughout the term as Plate & Co settles into the school community. We will share further updates with families as new menu items and services become available.
Thank you to our families for your patience and support as we transition to the new canteen arrangements. We are looking forward to seeing the service develop throughout Term 4.
Welcome OSHClub to Kapinara Primary School
We are delighted to announce that OSHClub has been selected as the new Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) provider for Kapinara Primary School, commencing from Day 1 of the 2027 school year.
OSHClub currently provides OSHC services to primary-aged students across more than 100 schools throughout Western Australia. We are very pleased to welcome the OSHClub team to our school community. Their experience, established presence across WA and commitment to delivering quality OSHC services will provide a strong foundation for the next chapter of OSHC at Kapinara.
Supporting a Smooth Transition
Throughout Term 4, the school will work closely with both TheirCare and OSHClub to support a smooth transition for our students and families.
Families are warmly invited to attend a Parent Information Session on Tuesday, 10 November. The session will be a valuable opportunity to:
- Meet the OSHClub team
- Learn more about the OSHC service at Kapinara
- Ask any questions you may have about the transition
Please see the flyer below for further information and RSVP details.
January Vacation Care
As part of the transition, TheirCare has kindly offered to accommodate Kapinara students during the January Vacation Care period at either of their existing OSHC services:
- St John’s Primary School, Scarborough
- Floreat Park Primary School
We sincerely thank TheirCare for the care and service they have provided to our students and families.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Local Schools’ Art Exhibition
Congratulations to the following students whose artwork was selected for the 2026 Town of Cambridge Local Schools’ Art Competition:
Caitlyn H, Emerson S, Lila T, Meg S, Willow E, Isabella D, Mailey V, Isabel V, Piper F, Vienna M, Scarlett M and Astrid I.
The students’ artwork was proudly displayed at Floreat Forum providing a wonderful opportunity for our young artists to showcase their creativity alongside artwork from a variety of local schools. It was fantastic to see our students’ talent and creativity celebrated in the wider community. We are very proud of all our young artists for their hard work and enthusiasm for the Visual Arts.
Year 6 Leaders Visit Parliament House
Our Year 6 student leaders recently enjoyed a wonderful and memorable visit to Parliament House, where they had the exciting opportunity to experience Question Time firsthand. Mrs Oddy joined our student leaders for this special excursion, as they proudly represented our school and gained a valuable insight into our parliamentary system and the important role government plays in our community.
A special highlight of the day was the opportunity for our student leaders to meet with Mr Basil Zempilas MLA, Member for Churchlands. The students enjoyed speaking with Mr Zempilas, learning more about his role as a Member of Parliament and hearing about his experiences in leadership and public service. It was a wonderful opportunity for our young leaders to ask questions, share their ideas and gain a greater understanding of the important role elected representatives play in our community.
The excursion was a fantastic opportunity for our young leaders to see democracy in action and develop a deeper understanding of leadership, government and civic responsibility.
Pedal Power – Bike Ed Program – Year 3 and year 4
Through the Sporting Schools grant, our Year 3 and 4 students recently are got on their bikes for a Bike Ed program!
Through practical activities, students learnt about safe riding, road rules, protective equipment and responsible decision-making. The program is a fantastic way to develop coordination, fitness, confidence and lifelong healthy habits, while giving students the skills to ride safely and confidently both at school and in the wider community.
Water in Aboriginal Culture Incursion
Our Year 1 and Year 2 students thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful incursion from the Water Corporation this morning, with an important focus on Water in Aboriginal Culture.
We were visited by the very informative Thalia, who brought a range of props, resources and hands-on experiences to help bring the learning to life. The children explored the importance of water to Aboriginal people and how water is deeply connected to culture, Country, animals, plants and everyday life.
We learnt about how water is treated and filtered by the Water Corporation, including the process of desalination. The children also explored different local animal habitats and learnt both the English and Noongar names for a range of animals. They particularly enjoyed placing the animals into the different habitats where they can be found around Perth and our local area.
The learning continued outside as the children explored the peppermint trees in our school grounds. Thalia explained how peppermint leaves have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. We also examined beautifully carved eucalyptus wooden pieces, created by an Elder, and learnt about their many traditional uses, including collecting seeds and other resources. The children were fascinated to see a kangaroo hide and learn how hides could traditionally be used by First Nations people, including for carrying fresh water.
Throughout the incursion, an important message was woven through the learning: take only what you need and care for Country and its resources. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop a deeper understanding of the significance of water within Aboriginal culture and the many ways that water, plants, animals and people are interconnected.
Kapinara School Values in Action
Peace Pole Ceremony
Students had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the annual Peace Pole ceremony with Rotary, celebrating the importance of peace, friendship and community. The event brought students together to reflect on the message of peace and the positive difference we can make through kindness, respect and understanding.
At Kapinara, our school values of Kindness, Care and Service for Others are at the heart of our school community. The Peace Pole ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these values and remind our students of the importance of caring for others, showing kindness and making a positive contribution to our community.
Creative Edge State Champion
Congratulations to Penelope M, who was part of the winning North Metropolitan PEAC team at the Creative Edge State Finals! Competing in the Society and Environment category, Penelope worked collaboratively with students from across the region to develop an original and creative response to “The Business of Busyness” all within just three hours.
Penelope demonstrated wonderful teamwork, thoughtful problem-solving and a willingness to think outside the box. Her team’s memorable performance impressed the judges and earned them first place in the State Final! We are incredibly proud of Penelope and this outstanding achievement. Her success is a wonderful reflection of the values we strive to foster in our school
News & Updates
A Simpler Way to Manage School Activities – Compass Pay
We are pleased to announce that Kapinara Primary School is transitioning to Compass Pay for incursions and excursions. This new process will make it easier for families to manage school activities, with information, consent and payment all available through Compass in one convenient place.
When an activity note is sent, families will simply need to:
- Read the activity information
- Provide consent
- Complete payment securely through Compass
We hope this new streamlined process makes managing school activities simpler and more convenient for our families.
Interschool Athletics Carnival
Our students proudly represented Kapinara at the Interschool Athletics Carnival, and we are incredibly proud to announce that Kapinara finished 3rd overall!
They approached each event with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, encouraging and supporting one another while giving their best effort. The carnival provided a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, celebrate their individual achievements and enjoy the excitement of competing alongside students from other schools. It was fantastic to see their confidence, resilience and school spirit shine throughout the day.
Congratulations to all of our students who participated. You should be incredibly proud of your efforts, achievements and the way you represented Kapinara throughout the day!
A very special congratulations to the following students on their individual achievements:
Pia E – Champion Girl, Year 3
Grayson VN – Champion Boy, Year 5
Mia – Runner-Up Champion Girl, Year 6
VacSwim 2026-27 enrolments open
Give your child the skills and confidence they need around water. School holiday swimming lessons are the perfect opportunity to build water safety skills, improve technique and have fun along the way.
Enrol now to secure your child’s place! VacSwim – Department of Education
Ban on Smart Glasses
From Term 4 there is a new rule about smart glasses.
Smart glasses are banned from school and from events run by our school. This rule is for everyone.
What are smart glasses?
Smart glasses have hidden cameras, microphones, or computer screens inside them.
Why do we have this rule?
We want everyone to feel safe at school. Smart glasses can take photos and videos without anyone knowing.
What should you do?
Please do not bring smart glasses to school or school events.
Normal reading glasses, sunglasses and prescription glasses are allowed.
Thank you for helping us keep our school safe.
If you have any questions, please see the front office.
Supporting Student Wellbeing
Grow Your Mind
Grow Your Mind: Getting Our Daily DOSE! Our older students have been learning about DOSE, a Grow Your Mind concept that explains four important brain neurotransmitters that support our wellbeing:
Dopamine helps us feel motivated when we achieve goals.
Oxytocin helps us feel connected through kindness and positive relationships.
Serotonin supports confidence, gratitude and a sense of belonging.
Endorphins boost our mood through movement, play and laughter.
Click here for a video from the GYM founder about DOSE that we show the students here at Kapinara from Y4.
At Kapinara, our PBS value of Service helps us build our daily DOSE. When we help others, show kindness, contribute to our school community and work together, we strengthen connections, build confidence, experience achievement and create positive feelings for ourselves and others.
Families can continue these conversations at home by listening to the free Grow Your Mind Podcast, designed for primary-aged children and families. Episodes explore friendship, kindness, belonging, resilience and wellbeing in a fun and engaging way.
Listen here: The Grow Your Mind Podcast [podcasts.apple.com]
Challenge: Ask your child, “How did you get your daily DOSE today?”
News from our P&C
It’s time for a Bake Sale! 3pm in the Quad, this FRIDAY, our Pre-Primary cohort fundraising for the P&C! Don’t forget to BYO container to take as many yummy items home as you can carry!
Friendly Reminder of our next P&C Meeting on Tuesday, 27th October – earlier start at 6pm! Everyone is welcome.
Top off the school look with our NEW Kapinara ribbons! Limited stock available now! Uniform Shop • Tuesday’s 8:30am-9am or online 24/7! Order form via the school website and have your order delivered straight to your child’s class!
Keep an eye on your inbox for our P&C Newsletter – with all the fabulous highlights from Gatsby Glitz you’ve been waiting for – COMING SOON! !!
Kapinara Playgroup
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for Term 4 Playgroup, commencing this Friday!
Come along for a morning of fun, play, connection and making new friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for little ones to learn and play together while parents and carers connect with other local families. Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re a regular or joining us for the first time, we’d love to see you there.
Community
Thriving Kids: New early supports for children and families
A new program called Thriving Kids is being introduced in Western Australia from 1 October 2026. Thriving Kids provides support for children aged 8 years and under with developmental delay, autism, or both, who have low to moderate support needs.
The first service available will be Thriving Kids Connect WA, a free phone and online service that families can contact directly for information, advice and help finding the right supports for their child.
Families can contact Thriving Kids Connect WA to:
- discuss concerns about their child’s development
- learn about available supports and services
- get advice about their individual situation
- be connected with the appropriate supports that best meets their child and family needs.
For more information or to access support contact Thriving Kids Connect WA directly:
Website: www.thrivingkidsconnectwa.org
Phone: 1300 WA KIDS (1300 925 437)