By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Montrose Primary School community has come together to honour the memory of Isabella “Bella” Chalmers, a spirited and beloved student who tragically passed away on 22 September 2024, following a courageous 65-day battle with illness.
To celebrate her spirit and legacy, the school has unveiled a special tribute in the form of a new set of monkey bars — a fitting memorial that reflects Bella’s passion for adventure and play.
Bella’s battle with illness ended after a brave fight, leaving her family and the school community heartbroken.
In the wake of her passing, the school decided to create a lasting tribute that would not only honour Bella’s memory but also highlight the joy and determination she brought to Montrose Primary during her three and a half-years there.
Kylie Fisher, the school’s principal, shared the sentiment behind the decision.
“Bella was our monkey bar queen,” Ms Fisher said.
“She spent countless hours perfecting her skills, and her hands bore the blisters of dedication. The monkey bars are a perfect reflection of her spirit — her sense of adventure, her resilience, and her love for life.”
The creation of the memorial was a collaborative effort between the school and Bella’s family.
Principal Fisher said the school worked closely with Bella’s parents, Jaclyn and Daniel, as well as her sister Madi, to ensure the tribute captured Bella’s essence.
“We approached the family about the idea and sought their input on everything, from the design of the playground to the colours and the memorial plaque,” Ms Fisher said.
Madi, Bella’s older sister, played an important role in bringing the project to life.
“Madi came up with the beautiful idea for everyone to wear bright rainbow colours on the day of the official opening,” the principal said.
The family chose Bella’s favourite colours — pink and purple — for the monkey bars, which were designed to reflect her love of adventure and creativity.
The opening ceremony was held with an outpouring of support from the school community, including Bella’s Grade 3 classmates, Madi’s Grade 6 friends, school staff, and many families.
It was a deeply emotional event, with Bella’s extended family, including her grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousin, in attendance.
Bella was known for her infectious personality and her ability to bring joy to everyone she met.
Ms Fisher described her as a “fun-loving and friendly student with a big heart.”
Bella’s resilience and determination were evident in everything she did, and these qualities made her a standout at school.
“She would often say things like, ‘so cute…just like me,’” Ms Fisher said, remembering Bella’s sense of humour and her love for life.
The monkey bars are not just a physical structure but a symbol of Bella’s zest for life and her adventurous spirit.
The school’s aim was to create a space that would inspire future generations of students to embrace their own passions and challenges.
The funding for the playground was made possible through school funds, with local company Activity Playgrounds in Wandin East responsible for constructing the play area.
In a generous gesture, the company also donated a beautiful butterfly seat to complement the monkey bars, adding an extra touch of beauty and symbolism to the memorial.
Ms Fisher expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project.
“It has been a true community effort, Bella’s legacy will live on through this playground, and it will be a place where her spirit can continue to inspire us all,” she said.
The school also plans to hold a formal ceremony to officially dedicate the playground in the coming weeks, marking an important milestone in remembering Bella’s life and the joy she brought to Montrose Primary.
The new monkey bars stand as a poignant tribute to Bella’s adventurous spirit, and to the many lives she touched during her time at the school.
For the Montrose Primary community, the memory of Bella will forever live on, not just in their hearts, but through the playground that so beautifully reflects her personality and passions.
