Our Mountain Bike Academy students kicked off the year with a proactive approach to safety, completing their baseline concussion testing with Jeanette from Elevate Physiotherapy.
As a Complete Concussions certified clinic, Elevate Physiotherapy offers this essential service to help our riders stay safe, informed, and ready to perform at their best. Baseline testing establishes a benchmark for brain function, allowing for more accurate assessments and safer return-to-ride decisions if a concussion occurs.
By prioritizing concussion awareness and prevention, our students can ride with confidence, knowing they have the right support in place.
To learn more about the baseline concussion testing that was held at Snowy Mountains Grammar School, check out our video.
This exciting addition to the school’s Aviation Academy is a labour of love, generously donated by a dedicated SMGS family who shares a passion for aviation and education. Their generosity ensures that aspiring pilots at SMGS can gain hands-on experience with professional-grade flight technology before taking to the skies.
A Cutting-Edge Training Tool
The flight simulator is equipped with full flight instruments, offering students a realistic cockpit experience that closely mirrors the feel and function of a real aircraft. It is powered by X-Plane, a world-class flight simulation software known for its highly accurate physics and realistic flight dynamics. This software is widely used in both pilot training and aviation research, ensuring that students receive an authentic flying experience.
One of the simulator’s standout features is its remarkable attention to detail—the chassis matches the exact dimensions of a real Cessna, down to the size of the wings. This precise replication enhances the realism of the training experience, allowing students to become fully immersed in the feel and layout of a real aircraft cockpit before transitioning to actual flight.
Additionally, the instrument panel features a custom-built software interface that seamlessly connects to the X-Plane simulation software, providing real-time, accurate instrument readings as students fly within the simulator. This means that altitude, airspeed, heading, vertical speed, and other critical flight data are displayed just as they would be in a real aircraft, reinforcing proper flight procedures and cockpit awareness.
The wooden frame of the simulator was meticulously handcrafted over the course of a year, a testament to the dedication and passion behind this project. SMGS is incredibly grateful for this generous donation, which represents not only a significant contribution to the school’s aviation program but also a deep commitment to fostering the next generation of pilots.
Accessible and Integrated into the SMGS Aviation Academy
Students have the opportunity to access the simulator every lunchtime as part of their ongoing aviation training. Additionally, for students in Years 9 and 10, the simulator is integrated into their Aviation elective, allowing them to incorporate simulated flight training into their coursework. This structured access ensures that students can hone their skills regularly, gaining valuable experience before heading out to fly with Alpine Aviation.
The simulator also serves as an important tool for pre-flight preparation, giving students a chance to rehearse flight manoeuvres, familiarise themselves with cockpit controls, and refine their decision-making skills before piloting a real aircraft.
A Future-Focused Investment in Young Pilots
The introduction of this simulator is not just about enhancing skills—it is about inspiring the next generation of pilots. By providing access to professional-grade aviation technology at the school level, SMGS is empowering students with cutting-edge tools that will serve them well in their future flying careers.
This incredible donation is a testament to the strong support and passion of the SMGS community. With the flight simulator now in place, students have a new and exciting way to develop their aviation skills, bringing them one step closer to their dreams of flying.
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From the last day of school celebrations to coastal adventures, our Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award students had a fantastic time on the Murramarang South Coast Walk (MSCW) for their final adventurous journey of 2024!
The 34-kilometre, Grade 4 trail, running from Pretty Beach in the north to Maloneys Beach in the south, is a hidden gem of the South Coast. With its stunning coastal views, pristine beaches and rugged terrain, the MSCW provided the perfect setting for students to test their resilience and teamwork.
Camping under the stars, navigating diverse landscapes and overcoming physical challenges, the students displayed courage, determination and camaraderie. This journey was not just about reaching the finish line but about personal growth, teamwork and creating lasting memories.
Staff praised the students for their positive attitudes and unwavering commitment throughout the adventure. The experience embodied the core values of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, showcasing students’ ability to adapt, collaborate and thrive in a challenging environment.
Melissa Bell
Head of Learning Support and Enrichment and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator
Jindabyne, NSW – Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) is delighted to announce that its new Curiosity Centre is now open, with students and teachers actively exploring its innovative spaces. Opened on the first day of Term 4, the Curiosity Centre has quickly become a vibrant home to Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Science, and STEAM, alongside general learning spaces and specialist zones.
Situated by the picturesque Lake Jindabyne, at the gateway to the renowned ski fields of the Snowy Mountains, SMGS offers students an unparalleled learning environment. This project, funded in partnership with the NSW Government and Snowy Mountains Grammar School, showcases a variety of cutting-edge facilities designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and future-ready skills. Inside, students and staff are enjoying purpose-built spaces, including areas dedicated to podcasting, robotics, a kiln for ceramic arts, breakout rooms, and more, all seamlessly integrated with the latest educational technologies.
“We are thrilled to provide our school community with such a high-quality facility. This centre offers a beautiful, functional space where students and teachers can engage, learn, and be inspired now and for many years to come,” said Dr Bell, Principal of SMGS.
With staff settling into new offices, landscaping underway, and plans to activate the Curiosity Centre’s art gallery later this term for the Curiosity Centre Art Prize, the centre is already becoming a hub of innovation and engagement. The thoughtfully integrated outdoor spaces further enrich the learning environment.
The Curiosity Centre represents a cornerstone in SMGS’s vision for excellence in education, giving students the resources and space to grow as inquisitive, capable learners in a modern, dynamic setting.
Mathematics is more than just numbers and equations, it is a language that helps us understand the world around us. From the patterns in nature to the structures of our buildings, maths is everywhere. When children grasp mathematical concepts, they are not just learning to add or subtract, they are learning to think critically, solve problems and make informed decisions. These skills are essential at every stage of their learning journey and beyond.
One of the most magical aspects of maths is its ability to build confidence. When a child solves a problem or discovers a pattern, the sense of achievement they feel is palpable. This confidence spills over into other areas of their lives, encouraging them to tackle challenges with a positive mindset. As parents, nurturing this confidence is crucial. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and help them see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
Beyond the academic benefits, maths education plays a vital role in developing well-rounded individuals. It teaches perseverance, patience and the value of hard work. It encourages logical thinking and creativity, as students learn to approach problems from different angles. Importantly, it fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world.
The true magic of maths lies in its ability to open up a world of possibilities. By fostering a love for maths, we are helping our children to develop the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Jennifer Thompson
Year 3 Teacher
Additionally, our teams earned three awards: two teams were named Teamwork Champions, and they received the Sportsmanship Award for their positive attitude and respectful behaviour.
We extend our gratitude to Miss Jess Roden for driving the bus, Mr Jacob Dowdy for managing the teams on the day, and Mr Stephen Henderson, Director of Innovation, for his efforts in building the teams and sourcing the necessary equipment.
Congratulations to all our students and staff on a successful tournament! We look forward to an exciting future for our robotics program.
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At Snowy Mountains Grammar School, our 2024 HSC Showcase Night demonstrated our commitment to academic excellence. This year, the range of our students’ achievements in Drama, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Extension 2 English and Music reflected the school’s high expectations and quality of work produced. These Major Works not only realised our students’ creative visions but also demonstrated their resilience, ingenuity and dedication throughout their HSC journey.
We are proud to congratulate our Year 12 students, Alizé and Elise, on their nominations for SHAPE 2024! The SHAPE exhibition showcases exemplary HSC major projects from Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design, and it is an honour to see these students recognised for their work.
Alizé was nominated for her textiles submission—a costume design that brings Ancient Greece to life, weaving together the intellect of Athena and the power of Poseidon. Inspired by Al Ali, her piece is a narrative, a celebration of mythology, made for those who embody the strength of legends.
Elise was nominated for her Design and Technology project, The Gumnut Sensory Pod. This design addresses challenges faced by students diagnosed with ASD in classroom environments, offering a calming space for learning.
These projects exemplify the level of innovation and critical thinking we encourage in our students and illustrate the academic standards at Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
Reflecting on the showcase, Mr Paul Horvath, our Head of Teaching and Learning, remarked, ‘There is something special about Major Works for the Higher School Certificate. From the opening conversations and brainstorms on ideas to those last, frantic minutes on the day of submission—and everything in between—a Major Work challenges students to sustain an idea, overcome adversity, work to deadlines and maintain strong relationships while harbouring creativity, ingenuity and innovation’.
None of this could have been achieved without the mentorship of our teachers. Their guidance, encouragement and care for each student have been vital to the success of these Major Works. Our teachers set high expectations and provide the support and resources students need to rise to the challenge. The relationships forged between students and their teachers throughout this journey embody the heart of our learning community.
Congratulations to all our HSC Major Work students for their achievements. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these individuals as they continue to meet and exceed the standards we set at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. A huge thank you to our staff, whose commitment to academic excellence and student success continues to define our school community.
Read more about our students major works in our 2024 HSC Showcase Catalogue.
From the moment children are born, they begin absorbing language from their surroundings. Reading to them from an early age introduces them to a rich and varied vocabulary that they might not encounter in everyday conversations. Books often contain a broader range of words and more complex language structures than spoken language. While daily verbal interactions might focus on routine language, storybooks introduce children to new and descriptive words, helping them understand and use a wider range of vocabulary.
As children listen to stories, they hear words used in different contexts, which helps them grasp the meanings and nuances of these words. This exposure is crucial for building their vocabulary. These words become part of the child’s growing vocabulary, enriching their language and communication skills.
Reading aloud helps children understand the structure and rhythm of language. They learn how sentences are formed, the correct pronunciation of words, and the natural flow of spoken language. This early exposure to language patterns is essential for developing strong reading and writing skills later in life. When children hear stories, they pick up on the syntax and grammar of their language, even before they can speak or read themselves.
Interactive reading, where parents or caregivers engage children by asking questions and discussing the story, further enhances language development. Asking questions such as, ‘What do you think will happen next?’ or ‘How do you think the character feels?’ encourages children to think critically and articulate their thoughts. This interaction not only boosts their comprehension skills but also fosters a love of reading and learning.
In addition to expanding vocabulary, it stimulates their imagination, encourages curiosity, and enhances concentration and attention span. When children are engaged in a story, they learn to focus and follow a narrative, skills that are transferable to other areas of learning.
Stories often depict various emotions and social situations, helping children understand and navigate their own feelings and relationships with others. Through stories, children can explore different perspectives and cultures, fostering empathy and understanding.
The bonding experience of reading together cannot be overstated. Sharing a book with a child creates a sense of closeness and security, strengthening the emotional bond between parent/caregiver and child. This positive association with reading can inspire a lifelong love of books and learning.
I encourage you to take the time to read with your child every day—it’s an investment in their future that yields lifelong benefits.
Ms Rosheen Nikora
Early Years–Year 2 Stage Leader and Kindergarten Teacher
]]>What was your reaction when you found out you were selected as one of the 27 students for this year’s CMAA Academy of Country Music Junior Class?
I was completely amazed, excited and humbled, because I am new to the folk and country genres this year. I was especially humbled by seeing the calibre of some of the other students and that I was even considered and selected. In comparison, most of the other students have been performing professionally for many years. 2024 has been a very fast track for me after I received my first scholarship at the Illawarra Folk Festival.
Can you tell us about your path to singing and songwriting? What inspired you to pursue music? What are some of your most memorable moments so far?
I began writing songs as part of school music but found a love for it. I played my first original song in public for the first time at the Illawarra Folk Festival as a Youth Traditions scholarship-holder in January. I found that I loved showing my music to the world and have really enjoyed all my performances. I want to write songs that make a difference and have a story, which is what has led me towards folk and country music. I also received a scholarship to a songwriters’ workshop in Merimbula which really helped me with song ideas and how to structure them. One of my most memorable moments is definitely my first performance of my first original song. I wrote it about my grandfather and the effect he had on my life, and to perform that for a few hundred people was so beautiful. Also, the friendships that music has given me—I would have never met some of my closest friends if it weren’t for music.
What opportunities are you most excited about as you prepare for the singer-songwriter-performer course ahead of the Hats Off to Country Festival?
I am excited to meet more people and learn. I have so much yet to learn and I am so excited to do so. There are so many amazing people who are going to be helping and teaching at the academy and also at the festival afterwards. I’ll be learning the structure of writing, what to put in and what to leave out of my own songs, as well as production and performance skills.
How have your teachers or mentors helped you along your musical journey? Are there any specific teachers who have been especially influential?
My teachers have supported me in every aspect of my music, from encouraging performances at assemblies and Cre8ive Sessions, to helping me catch up on work if needed. Mrs Sell and Mr Grace have been such strong mentors and taught me so much through talking about their own experiences and giving me tips, as well as leading by example. My singing teacher Jenni has been an amazing mentor and teacher, helping me to learn all about the human voice and how to use it. My mandolin teacher Col has been another amazing mentor and taught me so much about the mandolin in such a short timeframe.
How has your experience at our school contributed to your passion for music and prepared you for this exciting opportunity with the CMAA Academy of Country Music?
SMGS has an amazing music and drama faculty which has played a huge role in building my confidence and stage presence.
What are your goals or dreams in music, and how do you hope this experience will contribute to your future as an artist?
I want to keep writing and recording in the hope of making a difference. I don’t necessarily want fame and I won’t compromise my ideals and morals for fame and fortune. I just want to share my stories and experiences in the way I know best: through song. For example, the four songs on my EP talk about grief, trauma and appreciation for someone who means a lot to you, which I hope will resonate with other people.
]]>Theme: “Rivers and Waterways – Exploring the Landscape, Flora, and Fauna of Our Local Waterways”
Artists are encouraged to express their connection to the rivers, landscapes, and ecosystems of the Snowy Monaro region. From vibrant riverbanks to the wildlife they support, this theme offers endless possibilities for creative exploration.
Age Categories
The Curiosity Centre Art Prize is open to all students and adults, with categories for every age group:
- Early Childhood – Year 2
- Years 3 – 6
- Years 7 – 9
- Years 10 – 12
- Open Category (Adult)
Prizes
We are excited to offer a range of fantastic prizes to celebrate the artistic talents of participants:
- Category Winners – Prizes awarded to the winner in each age group
- People’s Choice Award – Selected by public vote
- Encouragement Award – Recognising emerging talent
- Overall Student Winner – The top student entry will have their name engraved on the Curiosity Centre Art Prize plaque
- Overall Winner – Their artwork will be professionally framed or presented and displayed in the Curiosity Centre throughout 2025
Important Dates
- Entries Open: Tuesday 1 October 2024, 11:00 am
- Entries Close: Friday 15 November 2024, 4:30 pm
- Exhibition Evening and Awards Announcement: Tuesday 26 November 2024, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, The Curiosity Centre, Snowy Mountains Grammar School
- Artworks Collection: Friday 7 February 2025
(Please submit and collect from the SMGS Administration Office between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm)
How to Enter
Participants can submit one artwork using any of the following mediums:
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Collage
- Drawing
Submission Guidelines
- One artwork per entrant
- Artwork must be on paper (A3-A2 size), unmounted and unframed
- Works can be vertical or horizontal
- Sculpture entries must not exceed 50cm in any dimension
- Please clearly label the back of your artwork with the display orientation, your name, age, and contact details
For more information or questions, please contact alice.ham@smgs.nsw.edu.au
