Our Foundation
The Hills Montessori School has built its reputation on providing a dedicated Montessori education for lifelong learners since 1978. Today it is a valued and thriving educational community which we want to ensure is nurtured for future generations of young people.
We invite you to be at the join the Hills Montessori School (HMS) Foundation and become part of our vision to sustain and support opportunities for young people into the future.
The HMS Foundation will provide resources, funding and support through the provision of new and improved educational and learning facilities at our school. It will also provide a way for past students, staff and parents to stay connected with our school through events and get togethers.
Your generosity can help us create an exceptional future for Montessori education through philanthropy. In the late 1970’s, people with purpose dreamed of what The Hills Montessori School could be and with the support of an inspired community, nurtured the School’s culture and uniqueness that lives on today. We have much to feel proud of in all that we have achieved, we now look to the future and invite you to join us.
Our Story
The Hills Montessori School began as a preschool in 1978, with the first students starting their education journey in a private home. Larger premises were soon needed, and the Old Police Station at Nairne was selected to satisfy the school’s growth. It was here in 1981, that tuition was extended to junior primary. A new campus was established at Aldgate in 1985, offering both preschool and primary tuition. Continued growth in enrolments created the need for a permanent school site. In 1987, a two hectare block of land on Anderson Road, Aldgate, was purchased from the Field Naturalists Society. Great care and thought went into designing and siting the buildings in sympathy with the bush environment.
Continuing Growth
On May 1st 1989, the school proudly opened the first three primary classrooms and the preschool at Anderson Road. Within 12 months building work had commenced on another preschool building, which opened in August 1990. The completion of our Science and Technology Centre (now known as the Common Room) and sports courts in 1994, complemented the school’s wide range of facilities. A purpose designed double classroom was constructed in 1998 to cater for increasing enrolments of students aged 9-12 years. A multipurpose Hall and Administration Centre was constructed and completed in December 2010.
The Middle School – ‘Wairoa Campus’ in Stirling was purchased in 2010 and refurbished ready to accommodate the Adolescent Program (12-15 year olds). In 2013 a new studio building was constructed to provide an additional learning space and a place for students to work on art and/or tech projects. In 2021 the Wairoa common room was extended and additional break out rooms, together with a dedicated staff space and reception area were added to existing buildings to cater for growing enrolments.
Today’s Environment
Today the school offers a secure, happy and resource-filled environment on two campuses for education beginning in the 0-3 Infant Community through to Year 9 at the Middle School.
Ways to support the Foundation
We invite you to join our Foundation to enrich the lives of all those who participate in The Hills Montessori School into the future.
Become a Foundation member
A one-off payment of $150. A Foundation Membership connects members to our community and events. All members receive a Foundation pin.
Recurring donations
These are welcome and available to do so securely in a variety of ways (fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, annually). Over time these donations cumulate into our Foundation Tier structure.
One-off donations
Any amount can be made securely through our website whether you are a member of the Foundation or not.
Bequests
By giving a gift in your will to HMS Foundation, you can make a lasting contribution. Every gift, large or small, helps us achieve our vision to achieve financial sustainability and opportunities for our young people into the future.
Gifts left to charities in wills come in all different shapes and sizes, and giving a gift in your will is not just for wealthy people – it is for anybody thinking about doing something powerful, special and lasting.
If you would like more information on how to leave a gift to HMS Foundation in your will, please call 08 8339 6842 and speak with our office team.
Our Foundation member pin
The HMS Foundation pin is based on the beautiful stringybark eucalypt trees that stand at our Yultiwirra campus - Yultiwirra is Peramangk language for stringybark tree. The species name is Eucalyptus obliqua and its leaf shape is quite distinct.
It symbolises your connection to our
school community.
Yultiwirra campus gums, Eucalyptus obliqua
FOUNDATION TIER STRUCTURE
As donations accumulate, your support reaches different Foundation Tiers.
Donations to the HMS Foundation are tax deductible.
Montessori Friend $500
Montessori Advocate $2,000
Montessori Ambassador $5,000
Montessori Guardian $20,000
Montessori Patron $50,000
Our Membership
CUSTODIANS
Cathy France
Susan Harris Evans
Merilyn Kuchel
Anonymous
Tracey Spokes
Amanda Prance
Nyssa & Andrew Park
Nicole Stewart & Ian Rooney
Simon & Lisa Abrahams
Barb & Colin Colquhoun
Juliette Wellington
Sebastian Wellington
Paul & Catrin Daly
Penny Raven
Anne Winter
FOUNDATION MEMBERS
Huda Alshamari
Meg Barker
Jade Crathern
Anwar Daou
Bec Francis
Suzie Saffin
Tristen Turner
Alexis Winslow
Lauren Kervers
Emily Arnold
Ben Noble
Ellie Ross
Josh Ross
Rom Evangelista
Rosi Hardy
Kylie Kennewell
Rebecca Zahra
Anthea Hagar
Anonymous
Ellis Robb
Heidi Kaethner
Carolina Pitt
Pearl Rooney
Frances Rooney
Lisa Taverna
Paul Boyce
Jascha Boyce
Lucca Boyce
Terri Ross
Tony Calvett
Anonymous
Maddy Ryan