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.
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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)
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
]]>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.
