School Newsletter
Number 5
Wednesday 3rd June 2026
From our Principal
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the commencement of Term Two and welcome a number of new families to our community. As I step into the role of Acting Principal this term, while Cathy takes a well-earned break, I look forward to engaging with and getting to know more students and their families across our school.
The Importance of conversation
As the season turns towards the shorter and cooler winter days it is a perfect time to embrace days at home, snuggling or ‘hanging out’ together as a family. It is an opportune time to connect and engage with each other in quality conversation. Our children and young people learn so much from engaging with adults in their lives. Through this connection they are building the language skills that will underpin their reading, writing, friendships and confidence – and it all starts with conversation.
Why Conversation Matters So Much
When we talk with our children - not just at them - we are helping them grow their vocabulary, develop their thinking, and learn how to express ideas and emotions. The back-and-forth exchange builds neural connections in the developing brain. Even a brief conversation about what's in the lunchbox or what they noticed on the walk to school is doing important work. You can further support language by reading books and sharing stories. Role modelling, prompting, guiding and practising help children learn conversational skills. As a family you can develop boundaries about respectful conversations and provide guidance for impolite responses or redirecting interruptions.
Children who experience rich, warm, and varied conversation at home tend to develop stronger reading comprehension, wider vocabularies, and greater confidence in social situations. These are skills that carry them through primary school, high school, and beyond.
Mealtimes and other rituals
Developing family rituals support a child and young person’s sense of safety and security in their family whether that be at mealtimes around the dinner table or family snuggles in bed on a slow weekend morning. These family moments provide opportunity to foster communication and connection and for children and young people to feel seen. I have included below some possible age-based ideas for keeping the conversation flowing in your household. Remember – whilst many of us are busy - it’s not the amount of time we have, it’s genuine interest and truly listening. It can take place anywhere and anytime throughout our daily activities.
In Montessori environments we encourage conversation and engagement, questioning and reflection. A silent classroom is not the goal!
Recently our young Extended Program students, in preparation for hosting their ‘special guest’ to an afternoon tea, brainstormed and role-played possible conversations they could have with their visitors. Older primary students supported the sausage sizzle engaging with community members as they prepared for the event alongside parent volunteers.
Wairoa students regularly converse with members of our school community such as at the recent Wairoa Market – spruiking their wares and explaining their products. There will be more opportunities to engage with these students at the upcoming Wairoa Café and end-of-term Cabaret. We encourage you to come along and spend time with our young people as they continue to build their conversational skills and strengthen their connection to the community.
Keep chatting – it matters!
Susan Harris-Evans
Acting Principal
Conversations
Conversations
Conversations Conversations
Conversations for Growth
The recent Wairoa Twilight Market provided our Cycle 4 students with countless opportunities to develop one of life’s most important skills, conversation. Throughout the weeks of preparation and on the evening itself, students engaged with a wide range of people and perspectives, strengthening both their confidence and their communication skills in real-life experiences.
The conversations began long before the market opened. Students worked collaboratively to develop ideas, solve problems, and refine their concepts, speaking creatively and critically as they shaped their products and business plans. They then presented and justified their ideas to guides, responding to questions that challenged them to think more deeply about the viability and purpose of their ventures. These discussions required students to communicate clearly, back up their thinking with evidence, and adapt their ideas through feedback and reflection.
For our Year 7 students, conversations around menu planning and preparation encouraged them to think carefully about logistics, collaboration, and how ideas translate into practice.
On the night of the market itself, students interacted with families, community members, and visitors from a wide range of demographics - explaining products, answering questions, promoting their ideas, and engaging confidently with others. These real-world interactions help students develop resilience, adaptability, initiative, and the ability to communicate with purpose and authenticity.
Experiences such as the Wairoa Twilight Market remind us that conversation is not simply social; it is a powerful tool for growth, learning, and connection.
Board Communique
At the April Board meeting we discussed the finalised the Annual Audit. The report determined that the school had a clean audit with no recommendations to be made. Nominations for Life Members of our school were received and approved and will be presented at our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 26th May. Similarly, our Annual Report was presented and accepted and will be printed and distributed in preparation for the AGM.
Jade Cranthern
Board President
Wairoa
Cafe
Our recent Community Breakfast was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the connections that make our school community so special. It was lovely to see families, staff and students sharing conversation, enjoying breakfast together, and spending time in such a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Events like these help strengthen the sense of belonging and connection across our community, and we are grateful to everyone who came along and contributed to the morning.
A heartfelt thank you to our Community Connection Group and volunteers for helping make the event such a success. We look forward to many more opportunities to gather together throughout the year.
AGM Results
Please enter Tuesday, 26th May 6.00pm in your diary as the date of the School’s AGM. The AGM will be held in person at Wairoa.
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/
HMS Foundation Member Event
The HMSF is hosting an event in Term 2 for HMSF members on Thursday 11th June. Invites will be emailed to HMSF members.
Tax Deductions
As we get closer to the end of the financial year we remind parents that you could take advantage of a tax deduction through making a donation to our School Building Fund. Many families already donate and have nominated to do this when paying their tuition fees. Your donations can make a very real difference for our students and we are extremely grateful for the donations we receive each year from families. You can support through donations to the School Building Fund. This fund is used to help cover the costs of new buildings, renovations and improvements to existing structures and you have until the 30th June for a tax deduction for this financial year.
Online Building Fund donations should be submitted by no later than the end of Monday, 22nd June to ensure processing by the 30th June; or please contact the School after the 22nd for the processing of credit card and direct debit transactions on or before the 30th June for tax offsets in the 2025-26 financial year.
Life Membership
Congratulations!
g
Anthea Hagar
Meg Barker
Susan Harris Evans
National Emergency Warning System Test in July
AusAlert is a new national emergency warning system that sends urgent messages to compatible mobile phones and other mobile devices in a specified area. There will be a national test on Monday 27 July 2026 at 1.30pm ACST (Adelaide time), with a testing window of 1pm to 3pm. During this testing window, all compatible devices that are turned on across Australia will receive a test alert which includes an alarm (this will sound even if your phone is set to silent / do not disturb). This test is to ensure the system works as expected before it is used in real emergencies. See link below for further information.
Cycle News
Infant Program
Drosera Classroom • Ages 0-3
W
Infant Program
Cycle 1 Preschool
Banksia & Goodenia Community • Ages 3-5
The preschool Extended Program children hosted a very special afternoon tea for their mum or special person at the start of Week 3 this term. This was a culmination of many practical life skills and an opportunity for them to practise their independence.
The children helped to plan the menu, taking into consideration different dietary needs of their fellow preschool friends and guests. They practised their peeling and knife skills to prepare the fruit and vegetable platters, set the tables like a restaurant and completed flower arrangements.
The children also made personalised placements for their guests to take home as gifts. It was a lovely opportunity for the children to be hosts to their special guests and to serve them food and drinks.
Cycle 1 Preschool
“I liked that I got so many grapes”
— River
“I was patient. I looked after her”
— Raphael
“I poured juice for me. Mummy drank tea”
— Bertie
“I cut the cucumber. I liked the cookies”
— Eloise
“I liked taking food to Mummy. She liked the biscuits”
— Halley
Cycle 1 Primary
Correa & Ixodia Classrooms • Ages 5-6
I
Cycle 1 Primary
“I love cooking”
— Hitika “Mixing is my favourite”
— Giulietta“Eating the food”
— Ziggy“I like the mixing”
— Kit“Eating it”
— Matilda“Using the egg beater”
— Lenny“Carrying the trays out of the oven”
— Clem“When we eat it”
— Jeanie“Cutting up the ingredients”
— Sage
Cycle 2 Primary
Dianella & Acacia Classrooms • Ages 6-9
T
Cycle 2 Primary
What helps fungi grow?
Why do some fungi glow?
What is their food made from?
Why do fungi exist?
Why do fungi have caps, and why are the caps all different sizes and shapes?
How do some fungi glow?
How do fungi make their food?
Why are some mushrooms poisonous?
Cycle 3 Primary
Callistemon & Grevillea Classrooms • Ages 9-12
T
Cycle 3 Primary
Cycle 4 Middle School
Wairoa Campus • Ages 12-15
M
Cycle 4 Middle School
Specialist Teachers
Music with David
Dynamic Music Education
T
Upcoming Events
Save the Date
Parent Discussion Group
Thursday 4th June 9:15am
Cycles 1 & 2 Music Concert
Thursday 4th June 6:00pm
Sharing Assembly C3 & C4
Friday 5th June 9:30am
Snippets: Supporting the Reluctant Reader
Thursday 18th June 9:15am
Middle School
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 15th May
8:30am
400m up the driveway @ 142 Mt Barker Road, Stirling SA
For All Parents, Siblings and School Community Members
Primary School
Sharing Assembly
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.
Wednesday 20th May
11:15am
Yultiwirra Campus - Join us in the Hall
Parents of Preschoolers, Cycle 1 & Cycle 3
Yultiwirra
Snippets with Ben
Why Montessori still matters during Adolescence
Come along and join Ben Noble - our Acting Assistant Principal - for an informal chat discussing Montessori and adolescents.
Montessori education is often known for its great early learning. But did you know Montessori also created a framework for high school students? Come and hear about how her observations and methods are just as relevant and important in supporting the educational and developmental needs of adolescents.
Please RSVP using the form below by Thursday 21st May.
Monday 25th May
9:15am
Yultiwirra Campus Staff Room
Open Days
Please 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.
Middle School
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.
Wednesday19th August
9:30am
400m up the driveway @ 142 Mt Barker Road, Stirling SA
For prospective families & families interested in exploring different learning cycles
Primary School
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 4th August
10:00am
Meet us in the Hall @ 12 Anderson Rd, Aldgate SA
For prospective families & families interested in exploring different learning cycles
Community News
School Hats
School hats have now been restocked and are available for purchase from the Front Office for $20 each. Please ensure your child has a hat for outdoor play as we continue to support our Sun Smart practices.
Available in the office $20 each
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 2 2026
Thursday 14 May
Community Connection Committee
1:30pm @ Wairoa
Wairoa
Friday 15 May
Wairoa Cafe
9:00am - 11:00am
Wairoa
Tuesday 19 May
Board Meeting
7:00pm
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 20 May
Sharing Assembly PS, C1 & C2
11:15am
Policy Meeting
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Monday 25 May
Snippets
9:15am
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 26 May
National Sorry Day
AGM @ Wairoa
6:00pm
Wairoa
Wednesday 27 May
Reconciliation Week begins - 1967 Referendum
Life Education
Yultiwirra
Thursday 28 May
Life Education
Foundation AGM
6:00pm
Foundation Board Meeting
6:30pm
Yultiwirra
Friday 29 May
Life Education
Reconciliation Week Assembly
9:30am
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 2 June
Yultiwirra Open Day
10:00am
Marketing Meeting
3:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 4 June
Parent Discussion Group
9:15am
Cycles 1 & 2 Music Concert
6:00pm
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 10 June
Cultural Committee
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
Thursday 11 June
I&PC Meeting
8:00am
Wairoa
Wellbeing Committee
4:00pm
Yultiwirra
HMS Foundation Members Event
6:00pm
Friday 12 June
Sharing Assembly C3 & C4
9:30am
Yultiwirra
Monday 15 June
Snippets
9:15am
Yultiwirra
Tuesday 16 June
Board Meeting
7:00pm
Yultiwirra
Wednesday 17 June
Yultiwirra Coffee Morning
Yultiwirra
Thursday 18 June
Community Connection Meeting
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Wairoa
Tuesday 23 June - Thursday 25 June
AP Coffeehouse Cabaret
Wairoa
Friday 26th June
Early Finish - 2:00pm
Term 2 Ends
“The human hand allows the mind to reveal itself.”