School Newsletter
Number 1
Wednesday 11th February 2026
From our Principal
I would like to welcome students, parents and staff to the 2026 school year. I particularly welcome the new students and families and look forward to their involvement and input into our school.
At the beginning of each school year, we hold a whole staff meeting where all staff – teaching, assistant, admin, OSHC, and groundsperson all come together. We start with a shared breakfast and catch up, reconnect and then sit down together to go through key information, new procedures, processes and reminders. As part of the morning, we engaged in a collaborative activity to help us refocus our practice and ensure we continue to prepare and present a quality Montessori environment and program for our students.
This year we re-visited our values. We started firstly by reflecting and defining our own personal values and trying to narrow it down to one main value that is our guiding personal compass that shapes our attitudes, behaviours and decisions in our daily life. It was fascinating to hear individual staff members talk about why values such as courage, authenticity, kindness, joy or respect were the drivers for the way they live their life, and why they chose that value.
The Montessori philosophy is a value based philosophy and living those values on a daily basis is key to offering a quality Montessori environment. We need to make sure we do more than profess our values, we need to practice them and ‘walk the talk’ in all of our interactions, behaviours and the work that we do. One of the wonderful things about working in a Montessori school is that all of our staff believe in the Montessori philosophy and methodology which makes for a harmonious place. Life is easier when you live and work with like-minded people. It is our responsibility as adults to role model our values to help guide the children and young people we work with. And of course, we ask that our parent body also embrace our values acting as role models at home.
Here are our school values for a reminder to all:
We are dedicated to supporting and educating the whole child and guiding their individual development.
We take responsibility for ourselves as learners and as people, and for the relationships that we develop.
We respect others, appreciate diversity, and are committed to treating each person with dignity and kindness.
We value collaboration, consultation and contribution to community.
We appreciate our world and work to understand and care for our environment.
We believe that education of individuals is for the betterment of humankind.
I wish for a positive, fulfilling, safe and healthy year for everyone, and particularly for our students, a year full of rich and diverse learning experiences and opportunities.
Here’s to a year of living out our values in all that we do.
Cathy France
Principal
Conversations
Conversations
Conversations Conversations
The Conversations That Set Our Course
This year, our focus word is conversation - a simple word, but one that carries enormous weight in a learning community. Conversations are where understanding begins, where perspectives are shared, and where growth is shaped. They invite us to listen deeply, to reflect honestly, and to move forward with clarity and purpose.
We began the year living this focus through our whole-staff meeting, coming together to revisit our values and engage in meaningful conversations about who we are as a community and where we are heading.
These were thoughtful, open discussions that allowed us to reconnect with our shared purpose, challenge our thinking, and align ourselves for the year ahead. Most importantly, they set the tone for the kind of conversations we want to continue having - ones that strengthen relationships, guide our work, and support one another as we step into the year together.
Yultiwirra Welcome & Information Night
Last Thursday evening we held the Yultiwirra Welcome & Information Night for parents at Yultiwirra. This year we again offered a social time in the courtyard between the Cycle 1 Sessions and Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 session. It was lovely to come together, mix and mingle and particularly welcome some of our new families.
2026 Staffing News
At the end of 2025 we farewelled the following staff:
Emma Hildebrandt - Cycle 1 Preschool Assistant
Renee Stevenson - Cycle 1 Preschool Assistant
Kate Exner – Learning Support Assistant
Heidi Fopp – Choir teacher
We thank these staff for their input and contributions and wish them all the very best.
The following staff have requested leave for the 2026 school year:
Lauren Kervers - Cycle 1 teacher
Lyndal Chittleborough - Cycles 3 & 4 Indonesian teacher
Robert Doolan - Groundsperson
Alex Hill (Cycle 3 teacher) & Emily Nandori (Cycle 1 teacher) remain on parenting leave
We welcome the following new staff members to our school this year:
Belinda Binney – Choir teacher
Chelsea Moseley - Groundsperson
We welcome the following staff members to new roles within our school:
Tristen Turner – Library Technician – This year Tristen has stepped down from her teaching role in the Preschool and will take on the role of Library Technician two days a week.
Kylie Kennewell – Cycle 1 Preschool teacher – This year Kylie will work solely in the Preschool four days a week as a teacher.
Ellis Robb – C3&4 Indonesian - Ellis will teach Indonesian from Cycle 1 Preschool to Cycle 4 whilst Lyndal Chittleborough is on leave
Erin Lewis – Infant Program Coordinator & Child Care - As well as coordinating our Infant Program, Erin will work in our Child Care program two afternoons a week.
We welcome back the following staff members who have been on leave:
· Pippa Milroy – Adolescent Program Coordinator & Assistant Principal
· Sammi Rolt - Cycle 1 Preschool Assistant
Welcome Our New Students
We warmly welcome our new students and their families to our school, including those joining our Infant and Transition Programs. It’s lovely to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to getting to know you all.
Cycle 1
Kit
Owen
Ziggy
Preschool
Aurora
Rhea
Charlie
Billie
Chance
Sadie
Finn
Cycle 2
Anyanka
Hadley
Luca
Lilah
Carmi
Cycle 4
Finley
Miller
Ruth
Spencer
Aliyah
Lucinda
Aila
Soren
Cycle 3
Levi
Noga
Cycle News
Infant ProgramDrosera Classroom • AGES 0-3
Welcome back to all of our Infant Program families old and new. It has been so lovely to see everyone, and we have all really enjoyed settling back in and being together again. We have spent our first couple of weeks mostly outside enjoying the morning sunshine before it gets too hot, with lots of water play at the mixing table and giving our garden lots of love.
Infant Program
Cycle 1 PreschoolBanksia & Goodenia Community • Ages 3-5
We have had a lovely start back to the preschool environment with students excited and keen to get back to connecting with others. We would like to welcome Finn, Charlie, Sadie, Chance, Aurora, Billie and Rhea to the community and we look forward to getting to know them and their families.
Despite the warmer weather, the children have enjoyed a wide variety of activities outside such as watering, gardening, climbing on the equipment and monkey bars and in particular the sandpit has been a hive of activity. We have observed the students returning to routines, showing and supporting the new children as they gravitated towards the range of Montessori activities.
We have also welcomed our Cycle 3 Big Brothers and Sisters (Amber, Zohair, Holly and Mila) this week and the children have enjoyed getting to know them and showing them around the preschool.
The Practical Life activities, in particular the food preparation trays and the Sensorial materials, were in high demand by students as they refined their hand eye coordination, extended their concentration and explored the world about them.
This term our focus is on Australia, its history, wildlife, flowers and our place as an island continent in the world. We are also exploring the concept of land, water and air by catergorising a variety of animals and transport.
Cycle 1 Preschool
Cycle 1 PrimaryCorrea & Ixodia Classrooms • Ages 5-6
Cycle 1 students were excited to get back to school and continue their learning journey while new students have been slowly settling into their new environment. The first week was all about helping the students to establish a routine and feel comfortable in their learning environment to overcome the challenges of getting used to school routine.
Students took their time reconnect with their classmates and teachers and also went over class expectations together. The learned about looking after their new classroom and learnt what pack up jobs they can do.
Everyone was engaged with a range of different activities and lessons. As the first weeks of Term 1 progressed, teachers focused on building a positive classroom culture and encouraged the students to be kind and respectful to one another and to work together as a team.
Cycle 1 Primary
Cycle 2 PrimaryDianella & Acacia Classrooms • Ages 6-9
Our year in Cycle 2 has begun with one of the most exciting moments in the Montessori curriculum — the sharing of the First Great Story. Through this story, children are invited to wonder about how the universe began and to explore how everything around us is connected.
Following the story, students participated in experiments demonstrating the natural forces that shape our world, learning about gravity, density, states of matter, layers of the Earth and volcanoes. Inspired by Isaac Newton’s ideas and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa experiment, children made predictions and tested what happens when different objects fall. We also explored how surface area affects movement through the air, discovering why some objects fall quickly while others drift slowly to the ground.
Our investigations continued as we examined the states of matter. Students learned about the properties of solids, liquids and gases, then observed how temperature affects change by placing ice cubes in both sun and shade. These experiments helped students see how heat energy influences materials around us every day.
We then journeyed deep inside our planet, exploring how gravity and density helped form Earth’s layers, with heavier materials moving toward the centre while lighter materials formed the crust we live on. Students created plasticine Earth models and labelled diagrams to demonstrate their understanding.
This learning was a springboard for our geology studies this term, where children have begun examining rocks, fossils and minerals, gathering specimens, making observations and sketching their findings. These investigations help students connect geological processes to Earth’s formation and set the stage for further geology studies throughout the term.
Cycle 2 Primary
Cycle 3 PrimaryCallistemon & Grevillea Classrooms • Ages 9-12
This term in Cultural Studies, our class is investigating physical geography - the study of Earth’s natural features and the processes that shape them over time. Our first focus is land and water forms, including features such as mountains, valleys, rivers, islands, and lakes, and how these features exist and interact in the natural world.
We began this learning with the Montessori land and water form pouring materials, allowing students to explore these concepts in a hands-on and sensorial way. This work helped students build a concrete understanding of how land and water relate to one another before moving into more abstract learning.
Students then chose a land or water forms to represent through artwork. Using plasticine to construct the forms, or watercolour painting, collage, or drawing. This creative process encouraged close observation and careful attention to detail.
Later in Science, we will build on this learning by exploring weathering and erosion - the natural processes that change Earth’s surface over time. Students will investigate how water, wind, ice, and gravity shape and reshape landforms, deepening their understanding of how the landscapes we see today have been formed.
Cycle 3 Primary
Cycle 4 Middle SchoolWairoa Campus • Ages 12-15
What a cracking start to the term it’s been. As we begin to settle into life at Wairoa, it was a real pleasure to head out on Friday for our Big Day Out. This day is designed to give Advisory groups the chance to connect, build relationships, and contribute to a strong sense of community.
Students were set a series of challenges to complete around Stirling and Aldgate, requiring them to organise themselves into roles and responsibilities, plot their route, and plan how they would tackle each task. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate teamwork, leadership, initiative, and problem-solving, while getting to know one another beyond the classroom.
Cycle 4 Middle School
OSHC
Vacation Care
December 2025-January 2026
While some families were relaxing at home or travelling over the December/January holidays, the school campus was far from quiet, with our Vacation Care program in full swing!
We celebrated the holiday season in December with gingerbread making, a festive scavenger hunt, and plenty of water play. Highlights included our Face Painting Day, which saw children transformed into a range of colourful characters, and Karaoke Day, where children bravely performed their favourite songs onstage.
The January holidays were a flurry of activity. Our Vac Care crew had lots of fun participating in the planned experiences and were equally creative during free play, particularly with arts and crafts and construction. Popular days included Sock Puppet Making, Pancake Day, Paper Plane Day, and Minute 2 Win It Day. Eleanor and Mahlia made matching Cookie Monster sock puppets, many children completed challenge to earn their ‘Pilot Licenses’, and Jack and Eleanor practiced their serving skills on Pancake Day. On MasterChef Day, we made cinnamon scrolls from scratch, and during Minute 2 Win It Day we tested our speed skills with games like Hungry Hippos, Puzzle Match, and Beachball Launch.
Thank you to the Vacation Care staff for their dedication and hard work over the holiday period, and to our Vacation Care children and families for joining in the fun!
Vacation Care
Specialist Teachers
PE with Attila
Students in Cycles 1, 2 & 3 have started the term with a focus on personal fitness and pickleball. In the younger Cycles we are developing hand-eye coordination with lots of throwing and catching activities. The older Cycles are using the pickleball rackets and nets to experience the fast paced fun game of pickleball.
Cycle 4 students are enjoying touch footy and golf. Touch footy is a high pressure, fast paced game. Teams cannot drop the ball, can only pass backwards, and if they get tagged they restart with a roll ball. It takes a few weeks for students to learn the rules and get used to the fast paced nature of the game. Once they settle into the rhythm of the game we see strategy and teamwork emerge.
Wairoa Fitness Group! A few Cycle 4 students have been meeting before school to participate in our fitness group. Wednesdays are weight lifting days and Fridays are cardio days, with the boxing bag, battle ropes, and anything to elevate our heart rate.
For any interested Cycle 3 students keep an eye out for information coming home regarding the SAPSASA Swimming Courier Cup (Thursday 26th Feb - Week 5) and later in the term, the Athletics District Carnival (Thursday 30th March, Monday Week 10). Information regarding these events will be sent home via Audiri.
Transport To & From School
Primary students who will be travelling regularly on a bus service from school or walking or riding their bike home must fill in a Travel Arrangements Form with parents giving consent and details of the arrangements made for their child. We have sent forms home to students who catch the bus or walk home; however if you have not received one of these forms please contact the office.
Fire Safety Procedures
The school's bushfire procedures are being sent out on Audiri to inform families in the case of a bushfire.
Please read the procedures carefully so you are well informed. It is vital that everyone reviews their own bush fire survival plan.
Note: The school is closed on a day with a Fire Danger Rating of Catastrophic for the Mt Lofty Ranges. The school also reserves the right to close on a High or Extreme Fire Danger day if deemed necessary. Parents will be notified of this decision and be given as much notice as is practicable.
It is the responsibility of parents to check the Bureau of Meteorology website (www.bom.gov.au) for the forecast and Fire Danger rating issued after 4pm daily.
Audiri Updates
If your child has moved cycles/classes in 2026 you will need to make slight changes to your Audiri preferences and re-select the new class in 'Groups' on the Audiri app.
The Audiri app is our main form of communication with parents. Most consent and permission forms will not be sent home as paper notes. You will need to access these and all other school communication via the Audiri app.
Student Use of Mobile Phones & Smart Devices
Our Student Use of Mobile Phones and Smart Devices policy states that students are not to access mobile phones/or smart devices during school hours, except by explicit arrangement with staff.
Any Yultiwirra or Wairoa student who brings a mobile phone and/or smart watch/device to school must hand it in to the Yultiwirra office or to their advisory basket at Wairoa, at the beginning of each day, as per our school policy.
Parents/caregivers are encouraged to use the school office landline if they need to contact their young person.
Smoke & Vape Free Zone
A friendly reminder that our school (including the car park) is a smoke free/vape free zone. We ask that everyone observes this at all times.
Footwear and sun protection
Please ensure your child wears suitable footwear and clothing to school, especially on days when they participate in PE or fitness. Thongs are not appropriate, as they offer little protection during outdoor and bush play. Your child’s teacher can let you know which days these sessions occur.
As a Sun Smart School, all students are required to wear a broad-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing when outdoors. Sunscreen is provided by the school and applied with adult support. Please make sure your child has a named sunhat that can be kept in their bag or on the classroom hat stand.
School sunhats are available from the office for $15.
Upcoming Events
Save the Date
Snippets with Susan
“A Positive Start to the School Year”
Tuesday 17th February 2:45pm
Parent Information Night
“The Montessori Philosophy - An Introductory Talk”
Thursday 19th February 6:00pm
Yultiwirra Coffee Morning
Wednesday 25th February From 9:00am
Wairoa Open Day
Wednesday 4th March 9:30am
Sharing Assembly
Preschool, Cycle 1 & Cycle 3
Friday 6th March 10:00am
Wairoa Cafe
Friday 20th March 8.30am - 11am
Snippets with Susan
Monday 23rd March 9:15am
Yultiwirra Open Day
Tuesday 24th March 10:00am
Community Breakfast @ Yultiwirra
Thursday 2nd April 8:15am
Wairoa Twilight Market
Thursday 2nd April 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Snippets with Susan
Tuesday 7th April 2:45pm
Sharing Assembly
Cycle 2 & Cycle 4
Thursday 9th April 2:30pm
Snippets with Susan
’A Positive Start to the School Year’
Come along and join Susan for an informal chat discussing approaches to support your child's start to the school year.
There are small things that we as parents can do to create a positive transition from the holidays into the school routine.
This session may be particularly helpful for parents who have children transitioning from informal learning environments, Kindergarten, or mainstream schooling into the Montessori Primary school environment for the first time.
What are Snippets?
Short bite sized information sessions and discussion groups held periodically throughout the term.
Tuesday 17th February
2:45pm
For All Parents
Parent Information Night
’The Montessori Philosophy - An Introductory Talk’
This information session is designed especially for new parents who would like to better understand the Montessori Philosophy and how it is applied at our school.
The evening will explore key aspects of Montessori education, how it differs from mainstream schooling, and how families can support a consistent approach between home and school.
All new families, and existing families who have not previously attended, are encouraged to join us. A crèche will be available for children over 3 years (bookings essential).
Thursday 19th February
6:00pm
All new and prospective families, existing families that have not previously attended.
Yultiwirra Coffee Morning
This year the Community Connection Group will be continuing our coffee mornings once a term at Yultiwirra.
All parents are invited to come along and have a coffee and meet and mingle with other parents.
Come and join us in the Yultiwirra Common Room after drop off - from 9.00am onwards. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday 25th February - From 9:00am
Yultiwirra Campus - In the Common Room
For All Parents
Wairoa Cafe
Join us at Wairoa for outstanding coffee and a menu of fabulous food made, and served, by the Cycle 4 students.
400m up the driveway @ our Wairoa Campus.
Crafter & Young will also have a range of hand made crafts on sale.
See you there! ☕🍰
Friday 20th March - 8:30am - 11:00am
Wairoa Campus - Middle School, 142 Mt Barker Road, Stirling
For All Parents, Siblings and School Community Members
Upcoming Open Days
Wairoa Open Day
Wednesday 4th March 9:30am
Yultiwirra Open Day
Tuesday 24th March 10:00am
Please feel free to share our upcoming Open Day dates with friends and others who may be interested, across both our Yultiwirra campus (Infant Program, Preschool and Primary) and our Wairoa campus (Middle School, Years 7–9).
Word of mouth from current families is one of the most valuable ways people discover our school. We thank you for helping spread the word.
If you would like to further explore the different learning cycles at our school, you are also warmly invited to attend one of our Open Days via the link provided.
Wairoa Open Day
Take part in a group Principal’s tour of our Middle School (Years 7–9), gain insight into the Adolescent Program philosophy and curriculum, and hear directly from current student guides about life at the campus.
Wednesday 4th March
9:30am
400m up the driveway @ 142 Mt Barker Road, Stirling SA
Prospective families & families Interested in exploring different learning cycles
Yultiwirra Open Day
Join a guided group tour led by staff and parent guides, with opportunities to speak with the principal and teachers, observe Montessori in action, and gain insight into the Infant Program, Preschool and Primary years.
Tuesday 24th March
10:00am
Meet us in the Hall @ 12 Anderson Rd, Aldgate SA
Prospective families & families Interested in exploring different learning cycles
Stay Connected
Following us on social media is a great way to keep up with our school community events, activities and Montessori insights — and to share our stories with grandparents and friends.
Community Noticeboard
Diary Dates - Term 1 2026
Wednesday 11 February
Volunteers Training
2.30pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 12 February
I&PC Meeting
8:00am
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 17 February
Snippets with Susan
2:45pm
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 17 February
Board Meeting
7:00pm
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 18 - Friday 20 February
Cycle 4 Orientation Camp
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-
Wednesday 18 February
Cultural Understanding Committee
4:00pm
Policy Meeting
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 19 February
Community Connection Committee
2:30pm
Wellbeing Committee
4:00pm
Parent Information Night
6:00pm
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 4 March
Wairoa Open Day
9:30am
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 11 March
Cultural Understanding Committee
4:00pm
Policy Meeting
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 18 March
Cycle 3 Social and Info Night at Wairoa
6:00pm
Wairoa
Tuesday 24 March
Yultiwirra Open Day
10:00am
Yultiwirra
Thursday 2 April
Community Breakfast
8:15am
Yultiwirra
Wairoa Twilight Market
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wairoa
Wednesday 25 February
Yultiwirra Coffee Morning
9:00am
Cycle 4 Festival Performance
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-
Thursday 5 March
HMSF Board Meeting
6:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 12 March
I&PC Meeting
8:00am
Wairoa
Community Connection Committee
2:30pm
Wellbeing Committee
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 20 March
Wairoa Cafe
9:00am - 11:00am
Wairoa
Tuesday 31 March
Marketing Committee Meeting
3:00pm
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 7 April
Snippets with Susan
2:45pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 26 February
RAP Committee Meeting
-
Yultiwirra
Friday 6 March
Sharing Assembly Preschool, C1 & C3
10:00am
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 17 March
Board Meeting
7:00pm
Yultiwirra
Monday 23 March
Snippets with Susan
9:15am
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 1 April
Policy Meeting
4:00pm
WHS Meeting
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 9 April
I&PC Meeting
8:00am
Sharing Assembly C2 & C4
2:30pm
Yultiwirra
“Only in the child do we see reflected the majesty of nature which, in giving freedom and independence gives life itself.”