School Newsletter
Number 2
Wednesday 4th March 2026
From our Principal
Did you know that when a child misses just one day of school per fortnight they miss 4 weeks of school per year which equates to one year of school over a child's school life?
Did you know that when a child is late and misses just 30 minutes of school per day that equates to 18 days of school per year?
There are many factors that influence student achievement, including teacher quality and student engagement. Attendance is also an important contributor to a student’s academic achievement – all school days matter.
Regular attendance ensures students do not miss crucial lessons and learning and consistent attendance helps develop social skills and connections with peers. Punctuality is an important quality to foster in children and young people and instills responsibility in our students, preparing them for future commitments and endeavours.
Arriving on time to school each day is a positive habit to develop from a young age. If a student is late by only 10 minutes a few times a week, the hours soon add up. Important learning and information is given to students first thing in the morning. Often social arrangements are made between peers first thing before school. Arriving at school on time helps settle and calm children and prepare them for the day ahead. It is vital that parents support and place importance on punctuality to help set their child up for success each day, and their future.
School Absenteeism Procedures - sickness
We ask that all families take note of the school’s absenteeism procedures and follow them to assist the school with the day-to-day running and administration of the school.
If a child will be absent for the day and parents/caregivers have not informed the school previously, parents are required to phone, email or send a message through Audiri to the school to let the school know the reason for the absence and length of the absence.
If a message has not been received by 9.30am on the day, the school will SMS or call to confirm the student's whereabouts. These calls are made for safety and legal reasons; however, the school really needs parents/caregivers to take on this responsibility and make contact on the first day of absence.
Any Yultiwirra students arriving late need to report to the office to advise of their arrival and to collect a late pass or they will remain marked as absent.
We ask parents/caregivers NOT to send their child to school if they are sick or have symptoms of illness.
School Absenteeism Procedures – holidays or other
The law requires that all children who are 6 years old and over attend school. If families are wanting to take their child out of school during term time for family holidays or any other reason, this needs to be put in writing to the Principal seeking an exemption from school with the dates and the reason for your child’s absence. The Principal then has the discretion to grant an exemption from school for the specified period.
Please note the following protocol:
For a period of absence (for reasons other than sickness), if less than one week, an email to the Principal is required.
For a period of absence greater than one week, parents need to complete official paperwork in the office and this needs to be approved by the Principal.
Patterns of lateness and absenteeism can have a serious impact on a child's education and so we seek parent/caregiver support with this matter.
Cathy France
Principal
Vale Jacquie Taylor
It is with sadness we share the news that our past Principal Jacquie Taylor has passed away. Jacquie was Principal of our school from 1996-2003.
She was a passionate educator whose own educational philosophy was very in line with the Montessori philosophy. She joined our school following a long career in leadership roles in the public system. Over the eight years she was Principal she worked to ensure policies, procedures and administrative processes were written and implemented, and introduced our Preschool child care program. She raised the profile of the school within the independent school sector in turn raising the profile of Montessori education.
Jacquie was a strong advocate for indigenous education and during her tenure digeridoo lessons were offered to students and numerous elders and indigenous community members visited our school regularly and shared their knowledge, histories and skills with our staff and students. We are deeply grateful for the bequest that Jacquie has left our school, and we will honour her request that it be spent to support indigenous education.
Conversations
Conversations
Conversations Conversations
Meaningful change begins with meaningful conversation.
Our first RAP Committee meeting of the year was a powerful example of what intentional conversation can achieve.
Bringing together school leaders, community representatives, and members from different cycles, the meeting created space for listening, shared reflection, and thoughtful dialogue. These conversations are vital - they ensure our commitment to reconciliation remains active, accountable, and guided by diverse voices within our community.
From the RAP Committee
Naa marni – Hello everyone,
We are delighted to introduce the newest members of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Committee for 2026. A warm welcome to Zohair, Matilda, Reuben, Josie, Abbi and Hudson.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our departing committee members – Kimberly, Ayaan, Pearl, Freya, Phoebe, Chloe and A’isha. Their commitment, ideas and leadership have made a meaningful contribution to our school.
Following a productive and rewarding year, including the publication of our dual-language picture book, Our Place, and the completion of our Yarning Circle, our focus now shifts to revegetation. We will be restoring the area around the Yarning Circle with native plants that enhance biodiversity, strengthen our connection to Country and create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students.
If you have knowledge or experience in native revegetation, connections within this field, or would simply like to support the project in any way, we would love to hear from you.
We look forward to sharing updates throughout the year and inviting our community to be part of the ongoing journey.
Board Communique
At the February Board meeting we discussed the annual Audit and decided on recommending at the AGM that we continue on with our Audit company; Nexia Edwards Marshall for another year, and we discussed the 2026 Board Action Plan. It was determined that our 'Special Project Task Group' would focus on reviewing our Risk Management Plan and develop our Risk Appetite statement.
Jade Cranthern
Board President
Yultiwirra Coffee Morning
Community grows through connection, conversation, and small acts of support.
At our recent coffee morning, parents took the time to meet new faces, catch up with familiar ones, and share experiences that help everyone feel connected and part of the school community.
Moments like these remind us that strong relationships are at the heart of what makes our place feel like home. Together, these moments of regular catch-up and conversation nurture the relationships that form the heart of our community. We look forward to many more opportunities to gather, build relationships, and celebrate our community together.
Join us for our Cycle 4 Wairoa Cafe on Friday 20th March, for our Community Breakfast on Thursday 2nd April, 8.15–8.45am, and our next Yultiwirra Coffee Morning on Wednesday 17th June from 9.00am in the Yultiwirra Common Room - spaces to connect, share, and grow our community.
Life Membership
It is at this time of the year that we ask our school community if there are any nominations for Life Membership of our school. Our school Constitution and Regulations state that… “a person shall be made a Life Member of the School as a recognition of consistent, long standing and excellent service rendered to the School by that person and such person shall be of good standing in the community and held in high regard by other members of the school”.
If you would like to nominate anyone who you believe is worthy of this recognition, please submit a written nomination to the Board. The nomination needs to be supported and signed by four school members setting out the details of the nominee’s service and reasons for the nomination. Nominations need to be displayed for 14 days calling for any further written submissions supporting these nominations prior to the Board voting on the appointment. We currently have twenty four Life Members of our school who have been bestowed this honour over the years. Life Members are usually presented with this tribute at our Annual General Meeting.
Written submissions need to be forwarded to the Board by Friday 13th March.
Term 1 Chats
Yultiwirra parents will be emailed a link next week that will take them to the “Interview Schedule Portal” for booking a Term 1 Chat, and details of how to make this online booking.
Wairoa Term 1 Roundtables – parent/teacher/student interviews are being held this week (Monday 2nd March - Wednesday 4th March).
Yultiwirra Term 1 Chats – parent/teacher interviews will be held in Week 9 (Monday 23rd March – Friday 27th March).
Parents who do not have access to a computer can phone or come into the office to make a booking.
Free creche will be offered to Yultiwirra families for students 3 years and older. Bookings are essential and can be made via the form on Audiri.
Community Support Register
In our School we have a structure to provide practical help to families within our school community who require support or assistance in times of need &/or families who may be experiencing a crisis.
Community support may take the form of providing meals for a family, helping with pick-ups and drop-offs of children, child minding, shopping etc.
Everyone from time to time goes through difficult periods in life whether it is caused by illness, accidents and injury or the death of a loved one – we are all faced with challenges and moments that are hard. When we are faced with a family crisis, knowing that we have the support of our community and there are people who are willing and able to help with some of the day to day routines and duties can really ease the burden.
Our school community can be wonderful at rallying around and offering small gestures of kindness to let families or individuals in crisis know that we care and we are here to support if needed.
You can fill out the Community Support Form below if there are any ways your family may be able to support - if and when needed. We are grateful of any support that people are prepared to offer and will ‘keep a register’ of support in the event that assistance is required.
If your family experiences challenging times or faces a crisis please don’t hesitate to contact either your class teacher or Cathy so we can provide some support. Specific family situations will always be treated in a confidential, respectful and discrete manner and will not be disclosed to the community when seeking support.
2026 NAPLAN Testing
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students enrolled in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be participating in Online Naplan Testing in Term 1 from 11th March – 23rd March.
NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four domains of Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.
All students are encouraged to participate in the tests. Involvement in testing against the National Benchmarks is linked with receipt of Government funding and we are therefore, as a school, obliged to participate. We view student participation as developing a “life skill” and teachers assist students in their preparation leading up to the testing week.
In previous years we have found that the results confirm what our own testing regime and professional judgment have identified, and thus we use the reports from this National Testing as part of our overall assessment practices. Results will be posted to the school and we will notify parents when we receive the reports so the results can be interpreted together with your child’s class teacher.
If your child is in Years 3, 5, 7 or 9 please notify the school if your child will be absent during the NAPLAN testing period.
All children in these year levels will sit the tests unless an exemption or withdrawal has been arranged prior.
If you do not wish for your child to sit the NAPLAN tests for philosophical or personal reasons, please come to the office to complete and sign a withdrawal form.
More information is available at www.naplan.edu.au
Courier Cup Swimming Carnival!
Students from Cycle 3 recently competed at the Courier Cup Swimming Carnival.
Students represented the school with outstanding energy, determination, and sportsmanship. From the first race to the final relay, students gave their very best in the pool. We saw impressive dives, powerful freestyle sprints, smooth turns, and some fantastic team relays that had everyone cheering from the sidelines.
We are incredibly proud of our competing Cycle 3 students for their effort, positive attitude, and willingness to challenge themselves.
Cycle News
Infant Program
Drosera Classroom • AGES 0-3
We have been having a lovely time in the Infant Program.
We have spent lots of time playing with water at our mixing table and making sure we keep our garden well watered during the recent hot weather. We have also enjoyed some summer craft, making suns, finger painting and printing. Recently, we began a special outdoor artwork featuring all of our handprints and names - a beautiful way to celebrate all our friends in the Infant Program.
Infant Program
Cycle 1 Preschool
Banksia & Goodenia Community • Ages 3-5
Our preschool children have been introduced to Australia as an island and explored this concept through art, pinning and sewing activities.
A focus on Australian animals has seen children learning about the many birds that visit our playground, including the kookaburra, magpie, rainbow lorikeet, rosella and galah. We talked about the types of nests birds create and what they eat. “They are omnivores,” explained River, “because they eat plants and seeds, as well as insects.” Through stories and non-fiction books, we looked at the different sizes and colours of eggs. “That’s a giant-sized egg!” exclaimed Bertie when viewing the emu and cassowary eggs. Many children have enjoyed matching the animals to cards and learning the names of some of the more unusual ones, such as the thorny lizard, quoll and bandicoot, as well as favourites like the koala, kangaroo, echidna and platypus.
The flags of Australasia, including islands such as New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Fiji, were also of interest. We talked about the symbols and colours of the different flags before children took time to match them to picture cards.
It has been lovely to see the focus and concentration when using the fine motor trays and engaging in pinning and sewing. This not only helps to develop and refine the children’s grip for pencil control and letter formation, but also assists them in learning to follow a sequence of steps in a project.
Cycle 1 Preschool
Cycle 1 Primary
Correa & Ixodia Classrooms • Ages 5-6
This term in Cycle 1 Art, we are exploring the iconic artwork The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai. Through this study, students have been introduced to Japanese woodblock printmaking and are discovering how art can tell powerful stories about culture, history and the natural world.
We are examining how Hokusai created depth through perspective, identifying the dramatic wave in the foreground, the fishing boats in the middle ground, and distant Mount Fuji on the horizon in the background. Students are learning how artists use size and placement to guide the viewer’s eye and create a sense of space.
Students are currently exploring the printmaking process, developing an understanding that images are carved into a surface, inked and then pressed onto paper to create multiple prints. They are experimenting with their own techniques, noticing how pressure, layering, colour choices and carved lines can create texture and movement.
Cycle 1 Primary
Cycle 2 Primary
Dianella & Acacia Classrooms • Ages 6-9
This term in the Cycle 2 Acacia class, our mathematics work has focused on deepening understanding while building students’ automaticity and confidence.
We have been developing and strengthening memorisation skills. Students have been working regularly with process equation and sum boxes, finger charts, and boards to practise and consolidate essential number facts. Our Cycle 3 Big Sisters also created a fun maths memorisation game involving throwing beanbags into hoops outside. Each throw scored points, which students then added together, creating many opportunities for quick number recall and process work as they tallied totals in their Minute Maths books. Through consistent and focused practice, students are building fluency and accuracy, allowing them to approach more complex mathematical work with increasing ease and independence.
We have also continued our hierarchy process work using Montessori materials such as the Stamp Game, Golden Beads and Checkerboard. These materials allow students to physically experience mathematical concepts before moving towards abstraction.
Our class also explored data collection and graphing this term. We were fortunate to welcome Farid, a Cycle 2 parent, who shared his expertise in data collection and graph-making, introducing students to a new concept called stratified random sampling. Students learned how data can be gathered thoughtfully to ensure fair and accurate representation. This real-world connection deepened their understanding of data and demonstrated how mathematics is used beyond the classroom.
Fractions have been another focus area this term. Working with fraction materials, students have explored identifying, naming and writing fractions, as well as equivalence and fraction processes.
Across all areas of mathematics, each student is following an individualised learning pathway. Through regular practice, presentations and extension opportunities, students continue to build automaticity, deepen understanding and grow in confidence. It has been wonderful to see them approaching their mathematics work with increasing independence, curiosity and pride in their progress.
Cycle 2 Primary
Cycle 3 Primary
Callistemon & Grevillea Classrooms • Ages 9-12
Buddy Reading is a very special part of our week in Cycle 3. Every Thursday, Sam’s class heads over to the Cycle 1 community for this shared experience. Each Cycle 3 student is paired with a Cycle 1 buddy for the year, and together they participate in shared reading sessions. The Cycle 3 students read to the younger children for 15 minutes and have recently been supporting Cycle 1 with their Premier’s Reading Challenge. As the year progresses, the Cycle 1 students will begin reading to their buddies as well.
Occasionally, we use this time for other bonding activities, such as bush play, sharing a joint lunch, or listening to Cycle 1 students present their work to their buddies.
Now in its third year, this program is something our class looks forward to each week. It fosters meaningful cross-cycle connections and provides Cycle 3 students with the opportunity to step into leadership roles. The relationship also helps younger children feel confident approaching their buddies at lunchtime for help or simply a friendly hello.
Cycle 3 Primary
Cycle 4 Middle School
Wairoa Campus • Ages 12-15
In Week 4, we made our yearly pilgrimage to Woodhouse for our Orientation Camp.
One of the key goals of this camp each year is to strengthen our community and warmly welcome new students. This was certainly achieved again, with new friendships formed and many moments of kindness, inclusion and genuine interest in getting to know one another.
There were, of course, many highlights - particularly our time on Challenge Hill. It was fantastic to witness the camaraderie and encouragement shown, which inspired many students to conquer obstacles that initially seemed daunting.
The camp also included the now-traditional night run through the Labyrinth, old-school games such as Storm the Lantern, and plenty of downtime for students to reflect, invent new games and climb the magnificent trees.
On the final morning, we embraced more challenges, tackling the 15-metre rock-climbing wall and the 324-metre forest zipline.
Students and staff thoroughly enjoyed their time away, supported by beautiful weather, delicious food (thank you, Nikkita!) and a wonderful group of young people.
Cycle 4 Middle School
Specialist Teachers
Music with David
Throughout my 30+ years in education, I’ve had countless conversations with parents about their child’s musical gifts, inclinations, and passion. Often, these manifest as a desire to explore a musical idea through play - usually on an instrument, but sometimes in other ways.
Parents with little musical background can understandably be surprised at where this interest has come from. Any exposure to music is valuable, regardless of its origin, and the space a child creates for their own exploration should always be encouraged. Parents are incredible enablers of their children, and if unsure, seeking guidance from a music educator can help provide direction for nurturing these natural abilities.
In the Montessori classroom, students encounter musical ideas and structural concepts that aren’t acquired by osmosis. In some cases, these concepts complement what children are learning with their private music tutor. When educators and tutors share the same space — as Lisa (our piano teacher) and I do — we often confer on a child’s individual musical journey and discuss ways to enhance their growth.
Music is a skill developed through consistent attention. In both educational and personal settings, this can involve a rote-style approach, where repeated exposure to a single idea allows the ‘penny to drop’ and understanding to deepen. This repetition solidifies concepts and opens new opportunities for creative and technical growth, helping each student progress along their unique musical path.
Upcoming Events
Save the Date
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
Parent Discussion Group
Thursday 26th March 9:15am
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
Sharing Assembly
Preschool, Cycle 1 & Cycle 3
We warmly invite parents and caregivers to attend our upcoming Sharing Assembly at the Yultiwirra campus, where students will have the opportunity to present and celebrate their learning with the wider school community.
We look forward to you joining us for this special occasion - please note the date in your diary.
Friday 6th March 10:00am
Yultiwirra Campus - Join us in the Hall
Parents of Preschoolers, Cycle 1 & Cycle 3
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
Parent Discussion Group
This term Alice Bradley (Student Wellbeing Worker) is offering parents the opportunity to delve into the topics of Anxiety, School Refusal, and Emotional Safety. These are crucial aspects of wellbeing that many families encounter and manage.
Recognising early signs of anxiety
Supporting transitions (new class, new teacher, moving schools)
Proactive strategies for school refusal
Building resilience in sensitive or perfectionistic children
When to seek outside support
We would love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and feedback. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Thursday 26th March - 9:15am
Yultiwirra Campus - in the Staffroom
For all parents
Community Breakfast @ Yultiwirra
On Thursday 2nd April the Class Parent Reps, Fundraising Committee & Staff are inviting all families from both campuses to a Community Breakfast of hot cross buns, fresh fruit, juice & coffee/tea @ Yultiwirra Courtyard from 8.15am to 8.45am.
Thursday 2nd April - 8:15am - 8:45am
Yultiwirra Campus - in the Courtyard
For all parents and family members across both campuses
Wairoa Twilight Market
Our Cycle 4 students in the Adolescent Program will host an evening of food, music, market stalls and kids activities. The Twilight Market showcases the interdisciplinary nature of our Adolescent Program, bringing together student learning across occupations, event planning and management, entrepreneurship, production and exchange, as well as the culinary program.
Thursday 2nd April - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wairoa Campus - Middle School, 142 Mt Barker Road, Stirling
For all parents, siblings and school community members
Upcoming Open Days
Yultiwirra Open Day
Tuesday 24th March 10:00am
Wairoa Open Day
Wednesday 6th May 9:30am
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.
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
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 6th May
9:30am
400m up the driveway @ 142 Mt Barker Road, Stirling SA
Prospective families & families interested in exploring different learning cycles
Cultural Committee
Recognising cultural events is crucial for fostering mutual understanding, preserving heritage, and promoting inclusivity in a diverse world. By acknowledging these events, we show respect for the richness of human diversity and contribute to a more harmonious global society.
Cultural Events celebrated in March 2026
Ramadan (March 1-30) the most sacred month in Islam, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, increase their prayers, and engage in acts of charity.
Holi (March 3-5) A vibrant Hindu festival of colours celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, marking the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Purim (March 2-3) A Jewish holiday commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, celebrated with costumes and feasting.
St. Patrick's Day (March 17) A cultural and religious holiday honouring St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, celebrated with parades, green attire, and traditional Irish music and food.
Nowruz (March 21) The Persian New Year, celebrated by millions in Iran, Central Asia, and the Middle East, marking the first day of spring and renewal.
Eid Alfitr (March 31st) Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated with feasting, and giving to the poor.
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.
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 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 25 February
Yultiwirra Coffee Morning
9:00am
Cycle 4 Festival Performance
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Wednesday 18 - Friday 20 February
Cycle 4 Orientation Camp
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Wednesday 4 March
Wairoa Open Day
9:30am
Yultiwirra
Friday 6 March
Sharing Assembly Preschool, C1 & C3
10:00am
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 11 March
Cultural Understanding Committee
4:00pm
Policy Meeting
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 12 March
I&PC Meeting
8:00am
Wairoa
Community Connection Committee
2:30pm
Wellbeing Committee
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 17 March
Board Meeting
7:00pm
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 18 March
Cycle 3 Social and Info Night at Wairoa
6:00pm
Wairoa
Thursday 20 March
Wairoa Cafe
9:00am - 11:00am
Wairoa
Monday 23 March
Snippets with Susan
9:15am
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 1 April
Policy Meeting
4:00pm
WHS Meeting
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 2 April
Community Breakfast
8:15am
Yultiwirra
Wairoa Twilight Market
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wairoa
Tuesday 7 April
Snippets with Susan
2:45pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 9 April
I&PC Meeting
8:00am
Sharing Assembly C2 & C4
2:30pm
Yultiwirra
Friday 10 April
Last Day of Term
Early Finish - 2:00pm
Yultiwirra & Wairoa Students
“Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.”