Inspiring Women in Leadership

The event featured an insightful panel discussion with accomplished female leaders:

• Dani Goucher, Deputy Principal, Snowy Mountains Grammar School
• Melissa Kenney, Head of Boarding and Operations, Snowy Mountains Grammar School
• Samantha Denford, Owner, Meadow Store
• Kacey Wuelfert, Lawyer

Each speaker shared valuable insights on women in leadership, overcoming challenges, and the importance of lifting others up. Their stories inspired meaningful discussions among students, reinforcing the power of women supporting women.

Keynote Address from Kristy McBain MP

A special thank you to Kristy McBain MP, Member for Eden-Monaro and Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, for delivering a powerful virtual International Women’s Day keynote address. Her words resonated deeply with students and staff, highlighting the importance of female empowerment and advocacy for regional communities.

The Power of Women Supporting Women

Dani Goucher, Deputy Principal, reflected on the event, saying:“When we come together, we amplify each other’s strengths, uplift one another, and create opportunities for future generations. Today’s conversations reminded us all that true progress happens when we support, empower, and stand beside each other. This event was also a valuable opportunity for our Year 7 and Year 11 girls to network with one another, fostering connections, sharing experiences, and building a supportive community among peers.”

At Snowy Mountains Grammar School, we are committed to fostering a culture where young women feel empowered to lead, collaborate, and make a difference. International Women’s Day 2025 was a reminder that we truly are stronger together.

With 62 students representing SMGS, their skill, resilience, and teamwork were on full display as they tackled the Cannonball, Flow, All Mountain, and Pump Track events. Their dedication and determination were evident in every race, showcasing not only their talent but also the strength of our school’s mountain biking community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our staff and parents who provided unwavering support throughout the event. To our students—your perseverance, sportsmanship, and passion for the sport were truly inspiring. We could not be prouder of each and every one of you.

Finally, thank you to the Thredbo team for hosting another exceptional event. The challenging courses, competitive spirit, and camaraderie among riders made for an unforgettable experience.

We look forward to defending our title in 2026.

Podium results as follows:

Kings and Queens of the Mountain
Div 1 Girls – Bella (3rd)
Div 2 Boys – Zac (2nd)
Div 3 Boys – Redi (2nd)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline (1st), Lilly (2nd)

All Mountain – Individuals
Div 1 Girls – Bella (3rd)
Div 3 Boys – Oliver (2nd)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline (1st), Lilly (2nd)

All Mountain – Teams
Div 2 Boys – Archie, Zac, Samuel (1st)
Div 2 Girls – Amellia, Alessia, Tahlia (1st)
Div 3 Boys – Oliver, Archie, Reid (1st)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline, Lilly, Lucia (1st)
Div 4 Boys – Banjo, Archie, Hunter (2nd)

Cannonball Downhill – Individuals
Div 1 Boys – Jesse (3rd)
Div 1 Girls – Bella (1st)
Div 2 Boys – Zac (1st)
Div 3 Boys – Jamie (2nd), Redi (3rd)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline (1st), Lilly (2nd)
Div 4 Boys – Archie (2nd), Noah (3rd)

Cannonball Downhill – Teams
Div 2 Boys – Zac, Samuel, Finlay (3rd)
Div 3 Boys – Jamie, Reid, Archie (1st)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline, Lilly, Lucia (1st)

Pump Track – Individuals
Div 1 Girls – Bella (1st)
Div 2 Boys – Archie (1st), Zac (2nd)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline (1st), Lilly (2nd)
Div 5 Boys – Jack (3rd)

Pump Track – Teams
Div 2 Boys – Archie, Zac, Samuel (1st)
Div 2 Girls – Alessia, Amellia, Olivia (1st)
Div 3 Boys – Reid, Jamie, Archie (1st)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline, Lilly, Lucia (1st)
Div 4 Boys – Banjo, Noah, Hunter (1st)
Div 5 Boys – Jack, Soren, Charlie (1st)

Flow Motion Cup – Individuals
Div 1 Girls – Bella (1st)
Div 2 Boys – Samuel (3rd)
Div 3 Boys – Reid (3rd)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline (1st), Lilly (2nd)

Flow Motion Cup – Teams
Div 2 Boys – Samuel, Zac, Archie (1st)
Div 2 Girls – Alessia, Amellia, Tahlia (2nd)
Div 3 Boys – Reid, Oliver, Archie (1st)
Div 3 Girls – Madeline, Lilly, Lucia (1st)
Div 4 Boys – Banjo, Noah, Archie (1st)
Div 5 Boys – Jack, Charlie, Soren (1st)

This annual initiative encourages young people to take responsibility for their surroundings while fostering a sense of pride and care for their school. It was wonderful to see our students so engaged, demonstrating teamwork, responsibility, and enthusiasm for keeping our environment clean.

A special thank you to our Year 4 students, who stepped up as leaders for the day while Year 5 and 6 were away at camp. Their leadership and encouragement helped guide our younger students in making a meaningful impact.

Our success rate, measured by the number of Band 6 results per total entries, was an impressive 10.94%, with 71% of students achieving results in the top two bands. The commitment and perseverance of our students, combined with the dedication of our teaching staff and the unwavering support of parents and carers, have delivered truly exceptional outcomes.

Key Highlights

• 21 Band 6 results achieved by 10 students
• 50% of subjects offered achieved Band 6 results
• Overall State ranking: 178
• NESA Distinguished Achievers Merit List: 11 students recognised for achieving one or more Band 6 results
• SMGS Distinguished Achievers List: 4 students achieved three or more Band 6 results (Lottie Lodge, Jack Perkins, Elise Philpott, and Charlotte Walker-Broose)

NESA Distinguished Achievers Merit List

• William Alexander – Mathematics Standard 2
• Paisley Coulson – Business Studies, Drama
• Hamish Lindgren – Mathematics Standard 2
• Lottie Lodge – Mathematics Standard 2, English Advanced, PDHPE
• Sam Michaelis – Mathematics Standard 2
• Jack Perkins – Mathematics Standard 2, Business Studies, Investigating Science
• Elise Philpott – Design and Technology, English Advanced, Geography, Mathematics Advanced
• Charlotte Walker-Broose – Mathematics Standard 2, Biology, PDHPE
• Daniel Williams – Investigating Science
• Emily Willsmer – Mathematics Standard 2, Music 1

Celebrating Individual Excellence

This year’s achievements include two students nominated for the prestigious SHAPE 2024 exhibition, which showcases exemplary HSC major projects in Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design:

• Alize was nominated for her stunning textiles project, a costume design inspired by Ancient Greek mythology, blending the intellect of Athena and the power of Poseidon.
• Elise was recognised for her innovative Design and Technology project, The Gumnut Sensory Pod, designed to support students with ASD by providing a calming, supportive learning environment.

Career Pathways for the Class of 2024

The future is bright for our graduates:

• 76% applied for university, with 93% receiving early offers in a broad range of courses.
• 5% are pursuing TAFE pathways, while 8% are entering apprenticeships or pursuing alternate plans.

A Word from Our Director of Curriculum and Academic Operations

“The 2024 HSC results showcased the effective teamwork of the cohort, supported by our hardworking teachers. The countless hours of coursework and revision culminated in excellent results, highlighted by outstanding individual performances across multiple subjects.”

Snowy Mountains Grammar School congratulates the Class of 2024 for their outstanding accomplishments. These results reflect the depth of their dedication, creativity, and drive, and we look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in the next chapter of their journeys.

Explore Our HSC Showcase Booklet

We invite you to take a look at our HSC Showcase Booklet, featuring the 2024 HSC Major Works from Drama, Textiles, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Science Extension, Extension 2 English, and Music. This booklet celebrates the incredible talent, creativity, and innovation of our students and highlights the outstanding contributions they’ve made to their respective fields.

Meanwhile, our Junior School Creative Sessions provided Kindergarten to Year 6 students another opportunity to showcase their hard work in music throughout the year. It was an inspiring afternoon of performance and expression, as young performers displayed incredible bravery and confidence in a nurturing environment.

A heartfelt thank you to our Performing Arts Captain, Tulli, for her exceptional work as MC, and to our Art and Design Captain, Harrison, for managing sound and lighting during the Middle and Senior School sessions. We also extend our gratitude to all the staff who made these events possible, creating memorable experiences for all students involved.

These sessions highlighted the creativity and passion thriving across all age groups at SMGS. We can’t wait to see Cre8ive Sessions return to the Snowy Shed stage in 2025, promising even more moments of inspiration and expression!

From stunning performances and artworks to innovative designs and technological ingenuity, our students inspired us with their dedication and passion throughout 2024.

Congratulations to all awardees! We are immensely proud of your achievements.

Major and Prestigious Awards:

• Aspiring Technologist Award (Stage 4): Austin Carter
• Emerging Designer Award (Stage 5): Nadia Falconer
• Digital Media Award: Kai Sheppard
• Westpac Award for Design: Harrison Bailey
• ADF Future Innovators Award: Elise Philpott
• Snowy Hydro Award for Design and Innovation: Alize Steggall

Drama Awards:

• P&F Award for Drama: Emily Willsmer
• McGowan Award for Drama: Paisley Coulson
• Creativity in our School Community Award for Drama (Stage 5): Poppy Bressington
• Creativity in our School Community Award for Drama (Stage 4): Archer Byrnes

Music Awards:

• Grandiosa Award for Music: Gabriella Forman
• Hunter Music Award: Emily Willsmer and Paisley Coulson
• Da Capo Award for Music (Stage 4): Archie Whitehead
• Sostenuto Award for Music (Stage 5): Quinn Hensgen

Visual Arts Awards:

• Rising Star of Visual Arts Award (Stage 4): Isla Caddy Gammell
• Emerging Artist Award (Stage 5): Tahlia Frost
• S&S Wholesale Award for Visual Arts: Lillianna McLean
• Novotel Lake Crackenback Award for Visual Arts: Emily Willsmer

Technology and Robotics Awards:

• Ex Machina Award: Sebastian Curl and Cohen Page

This special evening was a true testament to the creativity flourishing within our learning community.

Alumni Stories—Jack Celestino 

What path did you follow after you graduated from SMGS? How did you become interested in that pathway (education, career, interest)? 

Ever since I was ten years old, I was a passionate aviator. I chose to finish my high school years in the boarding house at SMGS as my family lived overseas at the time and I wanted to get a head start on becoming independent back in Australia. I was also interested in the aviation program SMGS had to offer.  

Approaching the end of my time at SMGS, I was one of the very few selected to interview for the Jetstar Cadet Pilot Program. I travelled to Melbourne for the interview but, just prior to finishing my HSC, I was informed that I was unsuccessful in the selection process. This was a hard pill to swallow as I had always wanted to fly and after receiving this information I almost felt as if I weren’t good enough to pursue a career in the cockpit.  

My back-up plan was to join the police force and so I put an application in shortly after graduating. It took almost two years of the recruiting and selection process before I was finally accepted. I went through the Victoria Police Academy and I was an active duty officer for approximately one year before I was given another opportunity to join a cadet pilot program, this time for an air carrier overseas. So … I took it! 

What is your current occupation, organisation and position? 

I am currently a Captain at Flexjet, based in the USA, flying private jets.  

What is the biggest source of motivation for your career and life pursuits? 

At first, when I joined this industry, my biggest source of motivation was to get into a job that I absolutely loved. I wanted to be an individual that felt like it wasn’t ‘work’ at work. As I have aged and matured in both life and my career in aviation, my motivation source has shifted slightly. I am now motivated by my kids; I strive to set an example that, with enough hard work and determination, you can do just about anything. With many hurdles thrown in my way, I wanted to fly and that’s what I have worked towards.  

How did your time at SMGS help you in your journey to your current career and life pursuits? 

When I first toured SMGS, I was introduced to Phil Ryrie. I was told Phil would be my mentor to assist me in adjusting to the new schooling system, and that he was also the teacher running the aviation program. I looked up to Phil throughout my time at SMGS; his passion for aviation was like no other. His motivation to teach and assist fellow students really ignited my own motivation to pursue aviation outside of school and eventually into a career. 

What are some of your most memorable moments from your time at SMGS? 

Being a boarder, some of my most memorable moments were those of life in the boarding house. I was elected Boarding Captain in my final year at SMGS. Building rapport with the other boarders was great, yet challenging at times. As one would know, in a school environment there definitely are different social groups. I really enjoyed bringing all the groups together within the boarding community through organised events and felt I was accepted into each individual group. 

What advice would you give to students who are beginning their HSC journey and starting to think about their future after they graduate? 

Some advice that I would give to current HSC students is that if you really try your hardest, it’s okay to fail. It’s okay not to get what you were hoping for the first time around. But most importantly, not to stop there. To keep trying, to try and identify what went wrong and focus on that for the next attempt. I was rejected in my first attempt at a flying career. It set me back four years before I started flight training and, looking back, I’m glad it did. I travelled the world, worked in a variety of different fields and industries, including hospitality, construction and law enforcement. I was able to gain priceless life experience before finally having an opportunity to build a career in aviation. 

What does it mean to you to be a part of the SMGS Alumni/Old Scholars community? 

To be part of the SMGS alumni community makes me feel part of a tight-knit family. SMGS has definitely expanded over the years since I attended and I look forward to visiting sometime in the future.  

Collectively we have learnt that:

• Matching up people’s diaries to find a time that works for an episode to be recorded is challenging! We are so grateful for the alumni who have put themselves out there to be our first guests. They are all very busy people who aren’t necessarily living and working in Jindabyne and available at any time. I am also so grateful to our three students, Kai, Abbie and Gracie, who have been a part of this to date. They are a pleasure to work with and have been willing to give their own free time to host the podcasts.
• After two episodes, and with a pipeline of guests to come, we need to build momentum and embed this into our developing strategies to stay connected with our alumni.
• Commitment is key. When you agree to be part of an episode as a host, you understand what is required to be present and ready. Our students are managing this in organising who the two guests will be for an episode. They let me know what they have decided and I trust they have the rest in hand.
• Preparing for an episode takes some time. This includes preparing a script that is built specifically for the individual guest. It’s setting up and testing the technology. It’s setting up the studio space with plants, lights and signage. It’s also packing it all down.
• New skills in editing are needed to compile three cameras worth of footage and one sound file in order to create enjoyable watching for everyone.
• It is rewarding to see the finished product hosted on Youtube and Spotify and realise that it is available for anyone to watch and listen.

What I believe are the benefits of creating Welcome Back as a podcast:

• Our students are learning to engage in meaningful conversations. As each episode is recorded, I am noticing the confidence that our hosts are developing. If you watch Episode 2 with Karl Van Goor, you’ll see two young girls in Abbie and Gracie feeling confident to expand on lines of enquiry and revisit new content that has been given to them from their guest. They are not simply reading a list of questions with no consideration for the responses they are given. They are adapting and developing the conversation. It is special to watch.
• Being a confident and capable conversationalist is a skill that not everyone can claim to own. It is as much about listening as it is about speaking. The more we can develop opportunities for our students to practise this, the better they will be equipped to leave school and manage themselves in a range of social situations that range from professional to personal conversations.
• Our alumni are prepared to share their stories with us, and this is special. We have always been so proud of our alumni and have been aware of the diverse pathways that they have taken. We appreciate that many travel away and only some return. Being able to tap into their journey through this podcast is a lovely way for them to reconnect with us and for us to feel a continued connection to them. When Karl was asked to sum up SMGS in one word, he instantly said, ‘Community’. We are proud of this, and I believe that it is a genuine feeling shared by our teachers, students and families. It is lovely to have this reaffirmed by an alumnus who has been out of school for eleven years.
• We are showing others that you can build content that is worthy of an audience beyond the classroom walls. This is real—no marks, no grades, just the satisfaction that you created something. The reward is in knowing that it can be enjoyed by anyone.
• We have scope to build on our podcasting offerings and I am excited to see this grow within the school over the coming year.
• The hardest part of all of this is believing you have a message worth sharing. Once you land on something that is decided to be more than a self-serving experience, you are ‘off to the races!’

Listen to our latest Podcast here:

Scott Frize

Head of Faculty, Art and Design

Stage 5 Outdoor Education—Preparing for the Back Country 

Organised by Miss Mariah Dhar, Stage 5 Outdoor Education students completed the AST1 course as part of their studies. The course introduced them to essential risk management techniques, decision-making frameworks and the necessary gear for safe back-country participation. 

Students engaged in a full day of theory, followed by a practical session outside Perisher Resort. They performed exceptionally well during scenario-based companion rescues, demonstrating strong teamwork and problem-solving skills. With these new abilities, they are well prepared for their upcoming scenario-based first aid assessment in outdoor environments. 

A special thank you to Adam and Cam from Snow Safety Australia for providing this hands-on learning experience, and to Mr Deed for his support on the day. 

Year 10 and 11—Careers Avalanche Skills Training 

In a separate event organised by Ms Emma Smith, SMGS HOY Year 11 and Careers Advisor,  Year 10 and 11 students interested in careers within the snowsports industry took part in a specialised AST1 course. This qualification is essential for students aiming to gain employment overseas in avalanche-prone or back-country regions. 

The course provided these students with vital skills in risk assessment and decision-making in back-country settings, enhancing their employability in the snowsports sector. With both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, these students are now well on their way to achieving their career goals. 

Thank you again to Adam and Cam from Snow Safety Australia for leading the course, and to Mr Scott Frize for assisting with this career-focused training opportunity. 

Through these two courses, our students have not only gained critical avalanche safety skills but have also taken significant steps toward their respective goals—whether they be for outdoor education or career preparation in the snowsports industry.