School Newsletter
Number 3
Wednesday 25th 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
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Conversations
Conversations
Conversations Conversations
Exploring Montessori, Experiencing Values
At our Open Days, families experience the school not just through tours, but through layered, meaningful conversations. The first conversations with our Principal and leadership team provide insight into Montessori philosophy — the ways we respect each child, nurture the development of the whole child, encourage independence, and foster a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom.
From there, families engage with parent and staff guides, teachers, and students, hearing lived experiences that bring the values of the school to life. These smaller, informal conversations give visitors the opportunity to ask questions, gain reassurance, and connect personally with our community. By the time families leave, they have not only learned about Montessori education but have begun to feel part of a welcoming, values-driven community where relationships and learning are at the heart of everything we do.
Congratulations Tiffany!
We warmly congratulate Tiffany on the completion of her Montessori studies. This is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of her dedication to both her own professional growth and to the children she supports each day. We are so pleased to have her as part of our team and look forward to seeing her continue to bring her knowledge and passion into the classroom.
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.
Become a Foundation Member
We invite our community to become part of The Hills Montessori School Foundation (HMSF) and support the ongoing strength and future of our school. The Foundation plays a key role in building financial sustainability for future students, while also creating opportunities for past and present families, staff and students to stay connected through shared experiences and events.
We warmly encourage all members of our community to consider becoming a member and maintaining a lifelong connection with our school. Apply for Membership here with a one-off fee of $150.
Make a tax deductible donation!
You may also choose to make a tax-deductible donation, either as a one-off or ongoing contribution. Every contribution, large or small, helps support opportunities for our students now and into the future.
To find out more, become a member or donate, visit: https://www.montessori.sa.edu.au/foundation/
Vacation Care
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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.
End of Term
Early Finish 2pm
A reminder that on the last day of term, Friday 10th April, school will finish early at 2.00pm — please ensure arrangements are in place for your child’s pick-up at this time.
Cycle News
Infant Program
Drosera Classroom • AGES 0-3
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Infant Program
Cycle 1 Preschool
Banksia & Goodenia Community • Ages 3-5
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Cycle 1 Preschool
Cycle 1 Primary
Correa & Ixodia Classrooms • Ages 5-6
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Cycle 1 Primary
Cycle 2 Primary
Dianella & Acacia Classrooms • Ages 6-9
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Cycle 2 Primary
Cycle 3 Primary
Callistemon & Grevillea Classrooms • Ages 9-12
Year 6 Leadership Program
Our Year 6 Leadership Program is a much-anticipated part of students’ final year of primary school and an important rite of passage. At the beginning of the year, Year 6 students reflect on their personal strengths, skills, and attributes before applying for a leadership position within the school. As part of this process, they write a formal application letter explaining how they hope to contribute to the school community.
As part of their roles, they join committees that support many aspects of school life, from helping to prepare and host assemblies to welcoming visitors at school events, organising sports equipment and lunchtime activities, and meeting with school leaders to share ideas and help plan events. Students are proudly presented with their leadership badges at a whole-school assembly, marking the beginning of their leadership journey.
Another important part of the program is the Big Brother/Big Sister initiative, where Year 6 students partner with younger classes. Working alongside teachers, they guide and support younger students, helping to build strong connections across the school community.
To strengthen their leadership skills, students also participate in a Leadership and Team-Building Day. Through hands-on challenges such as untangling a human knot and completing blindfolded rope tasks, students practise communication, listening, collaboration, resilience, and strategic thinking.
They also have the opportunity to apply these skills during a visit to Hijinx Hotel, an immersive challenge experience where teams work together to solve creative tasks across a series of themed rooms. Groups compete in quick, collaborative games such as oversized ball pits, word puzzles, and other hands-on challenges, putting their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills into action.
And this is just the beginning, with many more special Year 6 experiences to come. The Year 6 Leadership Program encourages students to step forward with confidence, contribute to their community, and develop the skills they carry with them into the next stage of their learning journey.
Cycle 3 Primary
Cycle 4 Middle School
Wairoa Campus • Ages 12-15
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Cycle 4 Middle School
Specialist Teachers
Indonesian with Ellis
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Upcoming Events
Save the Date
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
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
Sharing Assembly
Cycle 2 & Cycle 4
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.
Thursday 9th April - 2:30pm
Yultiwirra Campus - Join us in the Hall
Parents of Cycle 2 & Cycle 4
Upcoming Open Days
Yultiwirra Open Day
Tuesday 2nd June 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 2nd June
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
School Hats
Available in the office $20 each
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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.”