School Newsletter

Number 4

Wednesday 13th May 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!

Early Childhood (3–5 years)

Little ones thrive on wonder and silliness. Try:

"If you could be any animal at the zoo, which one would you be and why?

"What was the funniest thing that happened today?"

Narrate what you're doing together — cooking, gardening, driving — and invite them to join in:
"I'm chopping the carrots. What colour are they? What do you think they'll taste like when they're cooked?"

Primary School (6–12 years)

Children this age love to share opinions and debate. Try:

"What's something that happened this week that surprised you?"

Read a book or watch a show together and ask:
"Why do you think that character did that? What would you have done?"

Teenagers (13+ years)

Teens can often communicate in shorter bursts. Keep the door open with low-pressure conversation:

Talk about your day first, modelling openness without expectation.

Ask about things they care about: sport, music, games, friends.

Try the "three questions" approach at dinner: best thing, hardest thing, something you're looking forward to.

Inklings SA

If you are the parent of a young child and have some questions or concerns about their language and communication development, you may like to check out the SA Government initiative called Inklings.

Inklings supports caregivers to build on their strengths and confidence in responsive communication with their baby- supporting their development (6-18months)

Inklings is for families who wonder if their child shows some difference in communication; for example – do they smile back at you? Join in games like ‘peek a boo’; Respond to their name?; Copy actions or point to show you things? If you or someone close to you is wondering about their social interaction and communication development, find our more about Inklings Resources

T: 1300 030 655 E: inklings@thekids.org.au W: inklings.org.au/sa

Susan Harris-Evans
Acting Principal

Cathy on Long Service Leave

We would like to inform our school community that our Principal Cathy France is taking Long Service Leave in Term 2.  

During Cathy's absence, Susan Harris Evans will take on the role of Acting Principal supported by our leadership team of Pippa Milroy, Ben Noble and Suzie Saffin.  

We wish Cathy a well earned break.

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

Community Breakfast

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.

Annual General Meeting 6pm

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. 

HMS Foundation AGM 6pm

The HMSF AGM will be held on Thursday the 28th May, online. Please note the date in your diary.

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.

Term 2 Sausage Sizzle - Thank You!

Thank you to the Community Connection Reps and volunteers who cooked the Sausage Sizzle at the end of Week 1.  We appreciate you giving your time to assist with this much loved 'beginning of term' tradition.

Parent Survey

We are currently seeking feedback from families through our 2026 Annual Parent Survey. To thank parents for the time involved in completing the survey, participants may choose to enter a prize draw to receive 4 weeks’ EXCLUSIVE use of the Principal’s carpark in Term 2.

We’d value the opportunity to better understand the experiences of families in our community. The insights gathered through this survey will help inform reflection, planning, and future direction across the school.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. We appreciate the time and thought this requires, and the insight it provides.

Importantly, this survey is completely anonymous. Responses cannot be linked back to individuals, and the prize draw entry will be managed through a separate form link provided at the end of this survey to ensure your survey responses remain anonymous.

Thank you for your time and contribution.

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. 

https://www.nema.gov.au/our-work/risk-reduction/ausalert

Term 2 Staffing News

We sadly farewell Leah Craig as personal unforeseen circumstances have meant she has stepped away from her role as teacher in our Cycle 1 Community. We thank our Cycle 1 staff; Tiffany Schroeder, Huda Alshamari and Tiiu Kannussaar who have increased time to facilitate the least amount of disruption to our Cycle 1 Community. 

We welcome Jonathan Healy(pictured) who has been appointed to the position of IT Technician. I know our community will welcome Jonathan as he settles into the newly created role in our school. 

This term we also welcome Alice Nisbet returning to our school as a Learning Support school assistant. 

We welcome Ben Noble and Suzie Saffin as Acting Assistant Principals, supporting Acting Principal Susan Harris Evans, while Principal Cathy France is on leave for Term 2. 

SAPSASA Mountain Biking

Our students recently took part in two fantastic days of mountain bike racing, proudly representing our school.

Across the competition, Reggie (Arthur), Rhys, and Finley performed strongly, working together as a team to achieve an impressive 9th place overall out of 78 teams. There were no injuries, although Finley did have a fall after hitting a tree and going over his handlebars during one run. He quickly got back on his bike and continued racing, demonstrating great resilience and determination. The team showed excellent spirit throughout the event, also enthusiastically cheering on other competitors.

On the second day, Noah, Emilio, and Max also had a wonderful experience on the course. The event was fast-paced and at times quite crowded, particularly during the first lap, which led to a few minor falls. There were also a couple of mechanical issues, which were quickly managed with on-the-spot repairs thanks to Adam’s support. Despite this, the students remained positive and engaged, making the most of the experience.

All six students have already expressed enthusiasm about participating again next year, highlighting what a valuable and enjoyable experience the event was for them.

Cycle News

Infant Program

Drosera Classroom • Ages 0-3

Welcome back to our Infant program. We always love seeing each other again after the school holidays. It is so lovely to reconnect and notice the changes that can happen in the space of just a few weeks.

We have started our term with lots of Autumn activities. We have really enjoyed making a large group leaf collage, exploring the different types and colours of leaves and how they feel. We have also been painting with beautiful Autumn colours and making playdough to warm our hands. At mat time, we have been singing Autumn songs about the colourful leaves, the cool breeze, and the delicious Autumn fruits.

Infant Program

Cycle 1 Preschool

Banksia & Goodenia Community • Ages 3-5

It has been a lovely start to the term with the warmer weather allowing us time outside to explore the playground, sandpit and garden area. The new children have been welcomed by our existing preschoolers, and they are busy learning the routines and way the classroom works. We have started the term by exploring what is living and what is not, the difference between plants and animals, what a plant needs to grow and defined the parts of a plant. We have just explored the seeds of plants and herbs and sowed them in soil and cotton wool to compare how they grow. The children observed the different size, colour and number of seeds with Bertie saying that the seeds from the Rocket are just like birdseed, they are even the same colour. Halley remarked that the Thyme seeds are so tiny that they almost disappear when I pick them up.

These topics have accompanied the continued work in the garden of weeding, digging the garden beds in preparation for the planting of our bush food plants, herbs and vegetables. The season of Autumn has provided the children with the opportunity for raking leaves for composting and placing them into our worm farm. We have been caring for our worms by providing them with a variety of food organics and making sure our chickens, Rosie and Cheeta have clean water, food scraps and grain to eat. The chickens are showing us that the children have been doing a great job by providing us with freshly laid eggs which the children enjoy finding in various places around the garden.

Cycle 1 Preschool

Cycle 1 Primary

Correa & Ixodia Classrooms • Ages 5-6

In Cycle One, cooking has been a rich and purposeful part of our classroom with children engaging in a range of practical, hands-on experiences.

Our students have been developing important skills such as mixing, chopping, measuring, and stirring, while also learning to follow sequences and work through each step of a process.

These shared experiences provide valuable opportunities to practise turn-taking, as they prepare their culinary delights. Just as importantly, the children are learning about safety in the kitchen, taking responsibility for washing up, and thoughtfully serving others.

These moments support the growth of independence, coordination, and social awareness in a meaningful, real-world context. And, naturally, there is great enjoyment in coming together at the end to share and eat what has been prepared. 

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

This term in Cycle 2, students have begun exploring the fascinating Kingdom of Fungi as part of our Cosmic Education studies. We started with an introduction to the Six Kingdoms of Life: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plant, and Animal. Through this learning, students have been developing an understanding of the incredible diversity of living things and the important role each kingdom plays in maintaining balance on Earth.

Our focus on fungi has sparked great curiosity and wonder throughout the classroom. Students are learning how fungi are unique from both plants and animals, particularly because they do not make their own food through photosynthesis. We are also exploring the vital role fungi play as decomposers, helping to recycle nutrients and support healthy ecosystems.

Throughout the term, students will engage in many hands-on learning experiences, including observing, growing, cooking, and even tasting fungi, allowing them to investigate this kingdom through practical exploration and experience.

During our introductory lesson, students enthusiastically shared many thoughtful wonderings and questions that we will continue investigating together throughout the term, including:

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

This term in Cycle 3, students have been developing their procedural writing skills through a delicious learning activity - making ANZAC biscuits!

The class explored the features of procedural writing and followed prompts provided through picture clues and sequencing activities to understand the steps involved in the recipe-making process. Students then used these visual cues to write their own detailed procedures, ensuring each part of the process was explained clearly and in order.

In addition to the writing component, students worked in small groups to bake the ANZAC biscuits. This hands-on experience allowed them to actively participate in each stage of the process and led to rich discussions about what can happen when procedures are unclear. Students shared their own experiences of following confusing recipes or game instructions, helping to highlight the importance of clear and detailed directions within this genre and connecting procedural writing to real-world contexts.

Once all of the writing and baking was complete, students enjoyed the fruits of their labour with a scrumptious ANZAC biscuit snack!

Cycle 3 Primary

Cycle 4 Middle School

Wairoa Campus • Ages 12-15

Making and Creating in Cycle 4

Term 2 is a big term that often lends itself to making, designing and creating. For one, all roads lead to Cabaret (our variety year!), with groups of comedy, magic, dance, music, poetry, and a play. Phewee! So much to look forward to.

Our interdisciplenary subject, Occupations, this term includes Play Production, Plants and People and Robotics.

Recently, the Robotics crew went out on an excursion to Philmac to see how robots play an integral role in their processing plant. The students (and adults) were in awe of the technology and scale of their operation. It was certainly eye-opening, and we were able to learn about all the specialised roles employees performed.

Cycle 4 Middle School

Specialist Teachers

Music with David

Dynamic Music Education

The South Australian education department has a ‘Music education strategy’ 2019-2029, and lists the following as benefits from experiencing and participating in a dynamic music education, it:

  • Develops thinking and learning skills;

  • Lifts literacy and numeracy standards;

  • Builds social inclusion and enhances wellbeing.

Neurological evidence for these and other beneficial aspects of being regularly surrounded by music is well known and has been broadly publicised since its discovery in the late 1990’s.

There is an important balance in music education or general exposure to music, where a certain amount of pleasure is associated with a derivation of skills. In children, this is best achieved through variety, repetition, and a gentle exposure to new ideas which are often embedded in prior-learned music and skills.

Exposure to music at home, in a way that is a part of familial family culture, allows students to experience music elsewhere as an extension of their own cultural exposure. The opposite is also true, where some antagonism toward certain types of music is then reflected in the interaction with the general culture at large.

We all carry musical prejudice, which is a natural derivative of our life experiences and preference decisions. How many are residue from childhood prejudices of others?

As children establish for themselves a natural leaning toward certain musical instruments and/or musical styles, we can be encouraging of their choices and give support and physical space, as the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Apart from the 3 listed benefits above, my career as a music teacher has allowed me to see that music builds leaders and I’m confident of the future when I see the engagement of children toward a music education at The Hills Montessori school.

David Simpfendorfer MEd, DipEd, BA.

OSHC Vacation Care

…I honestly can’t speak highly enough of Lauren and the entire team. The care they provide during vacation care and out-of-school hours is truly beyond expectations.

Every day is thoughtfully planned with engaging, creative activities that genuinely reflect the kids’ interests. It’s not just about keeping them busy, but creating an environment where they feel excited, included, and completely at ease.

What stands out most is the genuine care and compassion from everyone involved. The way the team connects with the children and creates such a calm, happy, and harmonious atmosphere is something really special. My kids absolutely love being there, and as a parent, there’s nothing more reassuring than knowing they’re not just looked after, but loved they are truly happy and thriving.

I only wish I could properly put into words how much we appreciate everything they do. The dedication, effort, and heart that goes into this service does not go unnoticed - it makes such a meaningful difference to our family.

Jessica Vallelonga

Vacation Care

Our April Vacation Care program was filled with creativity, connection, and opportunities for children and staff to share their interests, talents, and hobbies together. Across the holidays, students enjoyed a welcoming environment where play, relationship-building, and hands-on learning flourished. Children were also encouraged to collaborate, problem-solve, and contribute ideas to improve their shared experiences. For example, during Wheels Day, children worked alongside staff to redesign the track layout to improve flow and encourage safer play, using teamwork and agreed guidelines to support their decision-making.

Staff members brought many of their personal passions into the program, creating meaningful experiences for the children. On Pottery Day, staff member Sascha ran individual pottery wheel sessions, giving students the opportunity to try their hand at ceramics. During Fire Truck Visit and Emergency Services Day, staff member Shannon shared insights from her ambulance volunteering and paramedicine studies, introducing children to some of the basics of emergency care.

A highlight of the program was a visit from Chelsea, our wonderful groundskeeper and dedicated CFS volunteer, who brought a CFS truck to campus. Children loved exploring the vehicle and even had the opportunity to try using the fire hose.

Students also enthusiastically shared their own talents and interests. Iris (Cycle 2) brought along her violin and performed a piece for the group, while Bertie (Preschool) spent much of Music Day happily strumming an acoustic guitar. Noga (Cycle 3) created her own song using GarageBand, an audio interface, and a laptop. On Stop Motion Animation Day, staff member Ciara drew on her studies in Visual Animation to guide children through the creative process.

Tie-Dye Day was another standout, with Noga and Holly (Cycle 3) taking on leadership roles and helping all 27 children create their own colourful T-shirts.

We also brought back Carnival Day for a second time, and it was a huge success. Holly (Cycle 3) and staff member Nellie spent the morning transforming children into animals and colourful characters through face painting, while students enjoyed carnival games including mini golf, ring toss, fishing games, and more.

It has been wonderful to see our Vacation Care program continue to grow into a space where students and staff can connect, learn from one another, solve problems together, and explore shared interests in a supportive and engaging environment.

Upcoming Events

Save the Date

Wairoa Cafe
Friday 15th May 8:30am

Sharing Assembly PS, C1 & C2
Wednesday 20th May 11:15am

Snippets: Why Montessori still
matters during Adolescence
Monday 25th May 9:15am

Reconciliation Week Assembly
Friday 29th May 9:30am

Yultiwirra Open Day
Tuesday 2nd June 10:00am

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

Parent Information - Understanding Montessori

Montessori supports the
whole of life

This event offers families a unique opportunity to explore how Montessori principles extend far beyond the classroom and across all stages of life. Through Anne’s experience, parents will gain insight into how Montessori supports independence, dignity, purpose, connection, and wellbeing - values that are equally important in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and ageing.

Hearing how Montessori environments empower people in care communities also provides a broader perspective on the lifelong relevance of the approach our students experience every day. It highlights the social, emotional, and human-centred skills that Montessori education nurtures in young people, including empathy, responsibility, communication, adaptability, and meaningful contribution to community.

MSCA Member Tickets $25.00pp | General Admission $35.00pp

The workshop will be recorded and made available for a limited time to ticket holders who cannot attend the live workshop.

This workshop is being presented by Montessori Schools and Centres Australia (MSCA).  The Hills Montessori School is a MSCA member, and as such our parent community are eligible to purchase discounted tickets. Click on the link below to purchase MSCA Member Tickets.

Wednesday 13th May

6:00pm

Online

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

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

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.

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 2nd June

10:00am

Meet us in the Hall @ 12 Anderson Rd, Aldgate SA

For prospective families & families interested in exploring different learning cycles

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

Community News

Families with an interest in music may enjoy an upcoming live concert presented by the Mount Lofty Music Club at the Bridgewater Uniting Church on Sunday 24 May at 2:30pm.

Performed by the Australis Collective, the program will feature a range of instruments including violin, viola, cello, double bass, horn, clarinet and bassoon. The concert is offered on a “pay as you feel” basis (entry via donation), making it an accessible opportunity for students and families to experience live chamber music in a welcoming community setting.

This may be of particular interest to students learning an instrument or those curious about where musical study and collaboration can lead.

Further information and tickets are available via
Humanitix Event Page

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

“Our care for the children should be governed not by the desire to ‘make them learn things’, but by the endeavour always to keep burning within them the light which is called intelligence.

Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori

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