School Newsletter
Number 4
Wednesday 13th May 2026
Scroll through for all important Term 3 dates. Events can also be viewed and added to your personal calendar via the Events tab in the Audiri app. Please contact Reception if you need assistance.
Important Dates
From our Principal
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
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.
Yultiwirra
Did you know?
Event details? Reporting?
Foundation Event
Ou
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/
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.
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
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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
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Cycle 3 Primary
Cycle 4 Middle School
Wairoa Campus • Ages 12-15
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Cycle 4 Middle School
Specialist Teachers
Music with David
Dynamic Music Education
Th
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.
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Jessica Vallelonga
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Upcoming Events
Save the Date
Wairoa Cafe
Friday 15th May 8:30am
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
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
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.
“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.