All our firsts, and our lasts, and everything in between. They swirl and dance in invisible currents, and then one by one they disappear to a place they will always be a part of. Here’s to many more firsts and many more great memories.
As 2024 draws to a close, it is a fitting time to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for our Snowy Mountains Grammar School learning community. Without formal declaration, Better Together emerged as the guiding theme of the year—a reflection of the collaboration, connection and shared purpose that underpin all that we do at SMGS.
From the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions... to creating Mars rovers in Software Engineering... our students have embraced opportunities for growth and discovery.
Across every endeavour— academic, co-curricular and wellbeing—our students have excelled, embracing opportunities to grow, innovate and contribute. Whether in the classroom, on-piste, off-piste, on a single track, at the pony club, in the pool, on stage, virtually, in person, as part of a team or in individual pursuits, our students have represented themselves, their families and SMGS with great distinction. On behalf of our staff, I extend heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to our students for their commitment, passion and resilience throughout the year.
At Speech Day, we celebrated these accomplishments, recognising our students’ incredible dedication and achievements. Congratulations to Charlotte, the 2024 Dux of the School, and to Sergio, our Dux of the Junior School, whose outstanding academic performance is truly inspiring. To all our students, well done for your efforts to strive to achieve beyond your perceived individual potential, a quality that characterises SMGS.
2024 has also been a year of milestones. We proudly opened two transformative facilities: the Curiosity Centre, which has become the heart of innovation and collaboration, and the new gymnasium, fostering physical fitness and teamwork. These spaces enhance our students’ learning and wellbeing, reflecting our commitment to a holistic education.
This year, SMGS sent its first ever teams to the VEX National Robotics Championships, marking a significant step in our commitment to STEAM excellence. From the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions in the Budawangs to creating Mars rovers in Software Engineering and showcasing creativity in the inaugural Curiosity Centre Art Prize, our students have embraced opportunities for growth and discovery.
One lesson has stood out throughout the year: the value of seizing opportunities and trying new things. Time and time again, our students have shown that stepping out of their comfort zones can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Whether it was taking the stage for the first time, attempting a challenging cocurricular activity, or exploring a new area of study, our students’ courage and willingness to embrace the unknown have been truly inspiring. Our youngest learners in Kindergarten embarked on their first year of school with curiosity and courage, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Meanwhile, our Year 12 graduates have now stepped confidently into the future, ready to navigate new challenges and opportunities.
The achievements of 2024 would not be possible without the unwavering dedication of our staff, whose expertise and care continue to inspire and support every student. To our families, thank you for your partnership and trust—it is this collaboration that allows us to nurture such a dynamic and enriching learning community.
As we close the chapter on 2024, we are filled with pride for what has been achieved and excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we have demonstrated the power of connection, resilience and a willingness to embrace the opportunities that shape our future. I wish everyone a safe, restful holiday season and a brilliant start to 2025.
DR ANDREW BELL Principal [E] principal@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Starting Middle School is a significant moment in any student’s life. It’s a time of transition—moving from the familiar, often cosy environment of Junior School to the more complex world of adolescence. There’s a lot to be excited about, but also several challenges to face during this period. Whether you’re entering Year 7, Year 8 or Year 9, the changes are significant, and it is normal to have mixed emotions.
Middle School brings new independence and opportunities. One of the most exciting aspects of Middle School is the chance to experience more independence. Students are able to move between classrooms for different subjects, work with different teachers and start managing their own schedules. In Middle School, students begin to take on more ownership of their learning, including keeping track of assignments, staying organised, and managing their time more effectively. Our teachers are very accommodating towards our Year 7 students, who may inevitably struggle to open their lockers or organise themselves. New students will also occasionally get lost on their way to class. Despite these early challenges, a new sense of responsibility develops, fostering students’ independence.
In Middle School, there is a wider range of subjects and cocurricular activities on offer. The workload can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially for our Year 7 students, who are not used to juggling multiple subjects and assignments at once. However, the academic world for our Middle School students becomes richer. From science labs and design projects to our Drama Club and Warhammer Club, students have more opportunities to engage in areas of academic interest and mix with a larger group of peers, often across year levels.
Similarly, our tutor group program allows students to meet new peers across both the Middle School and Senior School according to our schoolhouses—Cascades, Kiandra, Mowamba and Twynam. Students stay with the same tutor group from Year 7 to 9 and from Year 10 to 12, respectively.
Middle School also gives students the opportunity to meet a larger group of peers. While many new students come from local primary schools, we also welcome boarders from around Australia, particularly from New South Wales and the ACT. For many, this means making new friends and forming diverse social groups. Students will discover how they fit into the social dynamic of our school. As students begin to define themselves, peer relationships become more important, and this can sometimes lead to pressures or conflicts. It is common for friendship groups that begin in Year 7 to look very different by Year 12. Students will work out their values and sense of identity during these crucial years and, as a result, their friendship groups may change over time.
Overall, Middle School is a time of exciting growth. Students will make new friends and continue to discover what they enjoy. We encourage students to embrace this phase of their lives and not to be too hard on themselves if things don’t go perfectly right away. Life is perfectly imperfect. The SMGS staff are here to walk beside our Middle School students every day.
DANIELLE GOuCHER Deputy Principal [E] danielle.goucher@smgs.nsw.edu.au
In 2023, I had the opportunity to listen to a keynote address by Kurt Fearnley. It was easily the most remarkable address I have heard. He spoke about his feats as a Paralympian and marathon contestant. He spoke of the importance of repetition and instinct when racing—that it is these two characteristics that become a foundation in building success. I remember him talking about the need to ‘relax and do what you’ve trained to do’. It is a line that has stayed with me since, especially in my own teaching and work with our students. Relax. Do what you have trained to do. The catch, of course? The training has to be conscious, effective, disciplined. At our school, this training is not confined to the classroom but happens across our whole school. And whilst we have remarkable athletes in our midst, we also have remarkable budding scientists, engineers, writers, musicians, carpenters, artists, social workers, child care workers, nurses, doctors, labourers … the list goes on. Why we have remarkable future people is because we have remarkable present people. It is a privilege to see our students in training each day—not just for future jobs, but for life as young people of strong conscience, conviction and character.
It is also Kurt Fearnley’s recalling of crawling the Kokoda Track that resonates with me. I have not had the opportunity to trek Kokoda so it is not the physical toll I empathise with. Rather, it is the courage and determination—the mindset—that I find remarkable. He spoke about growing up in the bush and crawling through paddocks and over barbed wire fences. Doing so, shaped him into a person who would never be someone who would sit back and talk about the view he could have seen from a mountain. The real learning for me was simple; it is not about the why? It is about the why not? And when you have the support of others, as he had with mates and brothers growing up and to this day, the why not? becomes a question we can ask.
Term 4 has seen this question asked and answered on many occasions. Our robotics team asked why not complete at the Nationals? They did, and placed in the top half of the competition on one of the smallest budgets. Our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students asked why not trek Murramarang at the end of term? The vast majority of our students asked why not study hard for my exams and try to do well? Our new School Captains and Prefects asked why not accept the challenge of leadership? Our Year 7 students asked why not see if I can be creative in building a catapult? Twynam House asked why not have a fun jumper day to raise money for MakeA-Wish? Our CAFS class asked why not collect donations for One Meal? Our artists asked why not submit a piece to the Curiosity Centre Art Prize? Our Year 10 students asked why
not learn first aid? Many students asked why not compete in dodge ball at lunch? And any number of students asked why not take advantage of our state-of-the-art gymnasium? There are, of course, numerous other examples to cite.
Why not? In reflection, it is seemingly such a simple question. But answering it is often not simple. Answering can require courage, resilience, passion or conviction.
Why not? In reflection, it is seemingly such a simple question. But answering it is often not simple. Answering can require courage, resilience, passion or conviction. And these characteristics often need to be learnt. We need to develop skills to foster these characteristics. We need to train for them. And this term, it has been an absolute joy to watch our students accept the challenge of asking why not? on so many occasions. It shouldn’t surprise me that it is a challenge accepted each day. After all, I really have been here long enough to not be surprised by the character of our students and community. Maybe it is not surprise. Maybe it is just appreciation, because I am in awe of it each day.
Thank you to our students and our community for making 2024 another remarkable year. I trust you all have a great break enjoying summer (or winter if you are heading to the northern hemisphere) and very much look forward to seeing you in 2025 as we again embark on the adventure of asking why not?
PAuL HORvATH (Acting) Head of Middle and Senior School [E] paul.horvath@smgs.nsw.edu.au
As we reach the conclusion of another memorable school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared together. My heart is filled with warmth and pride as I look back on the numerous achievements of our students, the unwavering dedication of our staff, and the invaluable support from our parents, carers and community.
This year has been a remarkable tapestry, woven from diverse threads of student efforts and accomplishments...
This year has been a remarkable tapestry, woven from the diverse threads of student efforts and accomplishments across all areas of learning and development. Our classrooms buzzed with curiosity and enthusiasm as students engaged in rigorous academic pursuits. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to all our learners for their hard work and perseverance in achieving their personal best, whether in mathematics, science, literacy or their various creative endeavours.
Our public speaking events showcased the confidence and eloquence of our students, who captivated us with their insightful presentations and passionate delivery. It was a joy to witness their growth in this vital skill, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.
The robotics challenges this year brought out the innovative spirit within our young minds. It was inspiring to see them collaborate, problem-solve and think critically as they designed and built remarkable projects. Their commitment to teamwork and technology truly exemplified the skills of the future.
Our camps allowed students to build friendships and develop resilience outside the classroom environment. The laughter
heard around the camp and the teamwork displayed during hiking adventures highlighted the importance of community and connection, integral elements of our school’s ethos.
In the sports realm, our athletes proudly represented Snowy Mountains Grammar School with outstanding enthusiasm and sportsmanship. We celebrated both individual and team achievements, and it has been fulfilling to see our students work hard, push their boundaries and support one another through every victory and challenge.
As we prepare to embrace a well-deserved holiday break, I wish each family joy and togetherness. May this time be filled with laughter, love and cherished moments with your loved ones.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose passion and commitment make a profound difference to our students’ lives. Your tireless efforts and innovative teaching methods have inspired a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
To our parents, thank you for your unwavering support and partnership throughout the year. Your involvement in our school community has been essential, and I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us to care for and educate your children.
As I take my leave from Snowy Mountains Grammar School, I will carry the cherished memories created here with me always. Each smile, each accomplishment and each moment of connection will forever be treasured in my heart.
HEIDI SHvETSOFF Head of Junior School [E] heidi.shvetsoff@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Thank you, Ms Heidi Shvetsoff
As we farewell our Head of Junior School, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms Shvetsoff for her exceptional dedication and care for our students and staff. Ms Shvetsoff, your passion for education and commitment to fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment have left a lasting legacy within our school community.
While we are sad to see you go, we wish you every success in your new role at Oxley College. Their community is fortunate to gain such a compassionate and visionary educator.
Thank you for everything, and best wishes for this exciting next chapter!
As we bring another incredible year to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the journey our Boarding House community has taken over the past twelve months. This year has been filled with challenges, achievements and countless moments that remind us of the unique bond we share as a boarding family.
From the first day of the year, when new boarders walked through our doors with a mix of excitement and nerves, to the final goodbyes at the Year 12 Farewell Dinner, we have seen tremendous growth in our students. Our boarders have not only excelled in their academics and extracurricular pursuits but have also embraced the values of responsibility, respect and kindness that are the cornerstone of our community.
This year has been filled with challenges, achievements and countless moments that remind us of the unique bond we share as a boarding family.
One of the standout aspects of this year has been the sense of connection and camaraderie among the students. Whether it was supporting each other during examinations, sharing laughs at weekend activities, or lending a helping hand when someone needed it, the spirit of teamwork and mutual care has been truly inspiring. Moments like the Halloween BBQ, wing decoration and best costume competition, movie nights, Boarders Dinner, Christmas Dinner, Boarders Day, and the countless Monday afternoon and weekend activities, have brought happiness and strengthened our ties.
Academically, we’ve celebrated numerous achievements, including the success of our senior students as they prepared for their HSC examinations. The dedication shown by all year levels to their studies has been remarkable, and it has been heartening to see older students mentoring younger ones, fostering a supportive culture of learning and achievement.
Our boarding supervisors and staff have played an integral role in shaping this successful year. Their tireless efforts to provide care, guidance and encouragement have ensured that every student feels valued and supported. Whether it’s organising events, helping with assignments or simply being there to listen, their dedication to our community is unmatched.
A special congratulations goes to Taylah, who has been voted our new Boarding Captain for the upcoming year. Taylah’s dedication, leadership and commitment to the values of our Boarding House make her an excellent choice for this important role. We are excited to see her lead and inspire our boarders in 2025.
As we said farewell to our Year 12 cohort, we were reminded of the legacy they are leaving behind. These students have contributed so much to our Boarding House, and while we will miss them greatly, we are excited to see them embark on new adventures. Their leadership and example have set a high standard for the younger boarders, who are ready to step into their shoes and continue to make our community proud.
This year, we are also bidding a heartfelt farewell to some students who are moving on to new opportunities. It is always difficult to say goodbye, but we wish them every success and happiness in the future. Their presence will be deeply missed and their contributions will always be remembered as part of the fabric of our Boarding House.
Looking ahead, the future of our Boarding House is bright. We are excited to continue building on the progress we’ve made this year, with new initiatives, programs and opportunities to enrich the lives of our boarders. As we reflect on the year gone by, we are filled with gratitude for the resilience, positivity and spirit that define our Boarding House.
To our boarding family—thank you for making this year one to remember. Have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic year ahead!
MELISSA KENNEy Head of Boarding [E] melissa.kenney@smgs.nsw.edu.au
We are proud to announce the appointment of our Junior School leaders and Prefect team for 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in student leadership at Snowy Mountains Grammar School. These students are stepping into their roles with enthusiasm and a commitment to lead with passion and purpose in the year ahead.
We are excited to welcome Banjo, Justin, Ashleigh and Edie as the Junior School leaders for 2025 and we look forward to seeing them guide their peers and have a positive influence in the Junior School.
We also inducted the Class of 2025 as our Year 12 leaders during the Senior Investiture Ceremony. Head of Year, Ms Emma Smith, shared inspiring insights from the Leadership and Teamwork Conference, where the students embraced the philosophy of servant leadership, focusing on empathy, collaboration and uplifting others. A special moment during the ceremony was when our Junior School leaders led the seniors in the leadership pledge, emphasising that true leadership is grounded in kindness and responsibility.
We are thrilled to introduce our newly appointed Prefect team, who will represent the school with integrity and dedication. Leading the school in 2025 will be our School Captains, Morgan and James. The House Captains are Marli (Cascades), Zara (Kiandra), Aiden (Mowamba) and Stirling (Twynam). Academic leadership will be in the hands of Ollia and William, while Tulli takes the role of Performing Arts Captain, and Harrison leads Media, Art and Design. Taylah will represent our boarders as Boarding Captain, Finn takes on Service Learning, and our Sports Captains, Bella and Samantha, will lead our sporting programs.
We would also like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our outgoing leaders for their incredible contributions. Their dedication and leadership have had an enduring impact on our school community. We are grateful for their hard work, passion and commitment to making Snowy Mountains Grammar School a better place for all. You have set a remarkable example and your legacy will continue to inspire those who follow.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 leaders! We look forward to seeing how they will shape our school community with courage, kindness and positivity.
Speech Day epitomises our school, highlighting the tremendous depth of talent embodied by our students. It not only celebrates the academic achievements but also the myriad of sporting, creative arts, design, performing arts and musical achievements of our community. It honours the leadership skills and values that our students have displayed throughout the year. As the School continues to grow, we now hold separate Junior School and Middle/Senior School Speech Day ceremonies.
The ceremonial elements of Speech Day, including the musical performances, strengthen our community and help form our identity as a school where students are challenged to do their best, feel they belong and where they have the courage to showcase their talent. As usual, this year the Senior School Band created a sense of occasion by performing the processional and recessional at both ceremonies. During the Junior School ceremony, the K–2 choir led by Ms Nikora delighted the audience with Jingle Bells, while the Junior String Ensemble performed Never Give Up and the Rolling Pebbles Junior School Band played a Beatles favourite. During the Middle/Senior School ceremony, Jack delivered a breathtaking trumpet rendition of My Way, accompanied by Mrs Sue Sell. Later, the Strings Ensemble beautifully performed Ashokan Farewell. The depth of talent displayed by our music students,
nurtured by Mrs Sell and this year also by Mrs Jill King, highlights the well-rounded and vibrant nature of our school, where creativity and dedication are deeply valued.
At both Speech Day ceremonies, Mr Michael Jones OAM, Chairman of the Snowy Mountains Grammar School Board, gave the official welcome. During his speeches, he thanked staff and expressed gratitude to Mr Rob Dickson for his many years of volunteering on the Board of Directors, and welcomed Mrs Lucy Blyton-Gray as a new member. He also acknowledged the wonderful contribution that Ms Heidi Shvetsoff has made to the Junior School over her six years of service, and wished her the very best in her future endeavours. Ms Shvetsoff thanked the 2024 Junior School Captains for being responsible and reliable leaders and announced the 2025 Junior School Captains. Congratulations to Banjo, Edie, Ashleigh and Justin, who will undoubtedly make excellent leaders next year. At the Middle/Senior School ceremony, Dr Bell delivered a powerful message encouraging Middle and Senior School students not to allow their own internal criticism to be a barrier to accepting new challenges. The 2024 School Captains, Elise and Hamish, also gave an inspirational oration which reflected on the messages of past captains and encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities they are given at Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
Speech Day enables us to acknowledge the achievement of our multi-talented students and it was a privilege to see the pride with which they received their awards. There are too many outstanding achievements to list here, but special congratulations to Sergio, who was awarded the 2024 Dux of Junior School. During the Middle/Senior School ceremony, the 2025 Academic Captains, Ollia and William, did an outstanding job on stage organising the awards that were presented to the deserving recipients. Notably there were three new Senior School awards this year: the Action Learning Initiatives Awards for Adventurer of the Year and the Progressive Agriculturist. Special congratulations go to Charlotte, who was awarded the Dux of the School, and to Elise who was awarded Proxime Accessit to the Dux of the School.
Speech Day enables us to acknowledge the achievement of our multitalented students and it was a privilege to see the pride with which they received their awards.
Each year, Speech Day reminds us that another year has passed, with a new cohort of students leaving our school to explore the wider world. We wish them well on their journey and trust we have equipped them with the skills and compassion to meet the challenges that they will face in the coming years. It was wonderful to see several recent alumni return to support their younger siblings. Afterwards, when speaking with them, they shared how much they enjoyed the chance to reconnect with our community, treasuring the opportunity to once again sing the school song and King Jesus Is All with great enthusiasm.
SuSAN PLuM
(Acting) Head of Teaching and Learning Head of Faculty—HSIE [E] susan.plum@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Middle School and Senior School
Major and Prestigious Awards
The Member for Eden-Monaro Leadership Award Hamish
The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Contribution
Olivia
The Ampol Medal
Jack
The Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment
Charlotte
The Chairman’s Award
Paisley
The Sir William Hudson Shield
Elise
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School Parents & Friends Association Award for Dux of the School
Charlotte
The Action Learning Initiatives Award for Adventurer of the Year - Year 10
Nadia
The Action Learning Initiatives Award for Adventurer of the Year - Year 12
Olivia
Junior School Major and Prestigious Awards
The Stuart Walker Cup for Dux of the Junior School
Sergio
The SMGS P&F Cultural Arts Award
Emerson
The Barbara Bradshaw Citizenship Award Edie
As the year drew to a close, we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students through two special events: the 2024 Sports Awards Presentation and our inaugural Arts and Design Awards.
The 2024 Sports Awards Presentation was an evening to celebrate our students’ determination, sportsmanship and success across foundation sports, carnivals, representative sports and summer sports.
Thank you to our special guest speaker, Sam Tait, Australian Paralympic Alpine Skier, for sharing your powerful and inspiring story.
Congratulations on a phenomenal year in sports to our athletes, coaches, families and supporters. Bring on 2025!
See page 20 for Major Award Recipients.
Our inaugural Arts and Design Awards was a special evening dedicated to recognising the exceptional creativity, talent and hard work of our Year 7–12 students across Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Media and Robotics. Our students’ dedication to their craft throughout the year was truly inspiring, from breathtaking performances and artworks to innovative designs and technological ingenuity.
Congratulations to all awardees for their achievements and passion for the arts and design.
See page 21 for Major and Prestigious Award Recipients.
As we celebrate these achievements, we look forward to what 2025 will bring for our talented and inspiring students.
Middle
Senior
Tessa
Arts and Design Awards
Major and Prestigious Award Recipients
The Aspiring Technologist Award - Stage 4
Austin
The Emerging Designer Award - Stage 5 Nadia
The Digital Media Award Kai
The Westpac Award for Design Harrison
ADF Future Innovators Award
Elise
The Snowy Hydro Award for Design and Innovation Alize
The P & F Award for Drama
Emily
The McGowan Award for Drama Paisley
Creativity in Our School Community Award for Drama – Stage 5 Poppy
Creativity in Our School Community Award for Drama – Stage 4
Archer
The Grandiosa Award for Music
Gabriella
The Hunter Music Award
Emily and Paisley
The Da Capo Award for Music - Stage 4
Archie
The Sostenuto Award for Music - Stage 5
Quinn
Rising Star of Visual Arts Award - Stage 4 Isla
The Emerging Artist Award - Stage 5 Tahlia
The S&S Wholesale Award for Visual Arts Lillianna
The Novotel Lake Crackenback Award for Visual Arts Emily Ex Machina Award Sebastian and Cohen
The School was delighted to open the Curiosity Centre on the first day of Term 4. The learning environment has quickly become a vibrant home to Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Science and STEAM, alongside general learning spaces and specialist zones.
This project, funded in partnership with the NSW Government, showcases a variety of cutting-edge facilities designed to foster creativity, collaboration and future-ready skills. Inside, students and staff enjoy 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 Andrew Bell.
With staff settling into new offices, landscaping under way, and the art gallery already put to use with the inaugural Curiosity Centre Art Prize, the centre has already become 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, further providing students with the resources and space to grow as inquisitive, capable learners in a modern, dynamic setting.
Our New Gymnasium Is Open! Featuring a specialist strength and conditioning area, this stateof-the-art facility will support curriculum and recreational activities, further promoting health and wellbeing across our learning community.
Students in Years 9 to 12 and staff all had the opportunity to complete inductions, with some curriculum activities already having taken place. The gym became a busy morning hub in Term 4, with students and staff using the space.
A special thank you to those who have generously donated to help make this project a reality, including through our Parents & Friends Association.
We look forward to seeing our learning community make the most of this fantastic new space!
Since February, Snowy Mountains Grammar School (SMGS) students have poured their time, energy and creativity into preparing for the 2024–2025 VEX IQ Robotics Competition: Rapid Relay. For months, these dedicated students gave up every single lunch break during the week and stayed back after school, working tirelessly to perfect their robots, refine their coding and rehearse their strategies. This commitment and determination set the stage for an exceptional performance at the ACT State Finals, where their hard work culminated in incredible success.
The Rapid Relay competition challenged teams to collaborate in 60-second matches, passing and scoring padded balls, clearing switches, and achieving maximum points under pressure. Adding to the excitement, the Robot Skills Challenge tested individual robot performance, showcasing robot capabilities in driver-controlled and autonomous coding matches. SMGS rose to the challenge, with five teams competing at the ACT State Finals, achieving outstanding results that reflect the students’ months of preparation and teamwork.
We are thrilled to announce that our teams achieved placements of 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th out of 27 teams, an incredible feat for our first year in the competition. A highlight of the day was the grand final match, where Cohen, Cailynn
and Georgia scored a remarkable 51 points, solidifying their place as one of the top teams. Beyond rankings, SMGS teams also took home five prestigious awards, a testament to their innovation, resilience and sportsmanship:
• Sportsmanship Award
• Teamwork Champions
• Innovation Award
• Robot Skills Champion
• Excellence Award.
These awards reflect the calibre of our students, who performed well technically and displayed exceptional character and teamwork throughout the competition.
As SMGS continues to grow its robotics program, we are proud to introduce our team identity as the RoboHawks, inspired by Australia’s diverse and magnificent birdlife. This name symbolises the precision, agility and teamwork our students bring to the competition arena. A special thank you goes to Mr Scott Frize, Mrs Brooke Darlington and Mrs Sarah Elliot, who designed the striking RoboHawks logo, which symbolises unity and pride for our teams. The RoboHawks culture now extends beyond robotics competitions, fostering collaboration, creativity and innovation among all participants.
Our journey doesn’t end here—SMGS was honoured with an invitation to the National Finals in Sydney this December, where two of our teams will represent the ACT on a national stage:
• Elementary Division: Sergio, Josh, Seb and James, whose extraordinary performance saw them triumph over older competitors to win their division.
•
• Middle School Division: Cohen, Cailynn and Georgia are ready to showcase their abilities at the next level.
This achievement reflects the hard work, creativity and dedication our students have shown since the beginning of the year. Competing on a national stage is an incredible opportunity for these students, and we are confident they will continue to make us proud as they prepare to take on this next challenge.
A huge congratulations to all the students who represented SMGS with such excellence. Their determination, skill and sportsmanship were on full display. If you see the following students around campus, be sure to give them a high five for their outstanding efforts:
Scarlett, Meghan, Amber, Joshua B., Evie, Molly, Madeleine, Emma, Joshua R., Sergio, Sebastian, James, Cohen, Cailynn and Georgia.
Join the Robotics Program!
If the RoboHawks’ achievements have inspired you and you want to be part of something amazing, we encourage you to join the SMGS Robotics Program. Whether you’re interested in coding, designing, engineering, or are simply curious about robotics, there’s a place for everyone in this vibrant community. Joining this program is not just about competing; it’s about learning, growing and having fun while pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.
Congratulations once again to all our RoboHawks—you’ve soared to great heights this year, and the best is yet to come!
STEPHEN HENDERSON Director of Innovation
[E] stephen.henderson@smgs.nsw.edu.au
On Tuesday 26 November, Snowy Mountain Grammar School hosted the much-anticipated inaugural Curiosity Centre Art Prize. This year’s theme, Rivers and Waterways, inspired participants from SMGS and the wider community to create artworks that reflected the natural beauty and significance of our local rivers and waterways. The event saw incredible engagement, with entries ranging from kindergarten students to teachers, highlighting the artistic talent within our school community.
The Curiosity Centre Art Prize presents the opportunity to unite all ages in our community through artistic expression. This year’s theme was particularly meaningful, as it drew inspiration from the Curiosity Centre classrooms, each named after local rivers. The event provided a space to celebrate creativity and connect through the shared language of art.
A special thank you goes to Brooke Darlington for her outstanding efforts in organising the event, Jacqui West for collecting all of the artworks, and Scott Frize for designing the stunning Curiosity Centre Art Prize trophy. Your contributions ensured the success of this wonderful evening.
The exhibition culminated in an awards presentation, where winners were announced across various age categories, along with the People’s Choice Award and the overall winner. Congratulations to all participants and winners for their exceptional work!
Early Childhood Category:
Congratulations to Myla, whose artwork wowed the judges with its bold use of colour and striking shapes, setting a high standard for creativity in the youngest category.
year 3–6 Category:
Emerson captured the essence of the theme with a beautiful portrayal of a platypus, surrounded by flowing water and native leaves. The judges praised the piece for its vibrancy and movement.
year 7–9 Category:
Molly impressed with a bold pop-art interpretation of Rivers and Waterways. The creative use of bright, vivid colours made the artwork truly stand out.
year 10–12 Category:
Lillianna’s piece transported viewers to a tranquil riverside moment at sunset, where birds played along the banks. The evocative imagery captured the judges’ attention, earning her the top spot in this category.
Open Category and People’s Choice Award:
Juliet Dymond took home two accolades: the Open Category Award and the People’s Choice Award. Her outstanding piece creatively incorporated text to embody the spirit of the theme, resonating with both judges and the audience.
This year’s Curiosity Centre Art Prize was a great success, showcasing the diverse talent within our community and setting a high standard for future exhibitions. We look forward to seeing even more inspiring works in years to come. Congratulations again to all the artists who participated and helped make this event a success!
ALICE HAM Art Teacher
The Performing Arts at Snowy Mountains Grammar School began the year with our immense gratitude to the P&F Committee, as they made it possible for us to update lighting and sound in the Snowy Shed. While this is beneficial for the whole school, the Performing Arts have since been able to make the most of this new equipment, seeing students produce high-quality performances for the school and its wider community.
Starting off the year with our trip to Sydney, students were inspired by Band 6 HSC Drama performances and presentations at Onstage. This was followed up by the ‘Off the Beaten Track’, workshop in April, where students from Years 9 to 12 explored their acting and script analysis skills with NIDA graduate and actor, Ben Barber. Students came away feeling motivated and excited to continue to challenge themselves as critical thinkers, creators and team builders.
While we had a groundbreaking number of students audition for our school production last year, Terms 1 and 2 saw cast and crew knuckle down for a rollercoaster ride of rehearsals, resulting in a revolutionary staging of James DeVita’s Trials: the Story of Joan of Arc (and Beth). With the vast majority of participating students from Middle School, audience members were impressed with a professional performance, balancing both historical facts and engaging contemporary themes.
Term 2 saw the passionate HSC Drama students use their theatrical voices to delve deep into the world of toxic cultures within society. These engaging moments sparked much discussion after some eye-opening verbatim theatre, realism and black comedy. In Term 3, HSC Music and Drama students proudly performed for their practical examinations, inspiring many younger students to follow in their footsteps.
HSC Cre8ive Sessions is fast becoming a major highlight for the school community each year, as the students exhibit, demonstrate, perform and discuss their HSC work. This showcase offers the school and wider community a snapshot of just how impressive our creative and performing arts students are.
Throughout the year, students have continued to step up to bravely perform, presenting music and drama pieces at assemblies and chapels. The whole school enjoys celebrating the students’ artistic achievements and commitment throughout the term. Drama Club, running weekly at lunchtimes, saw students from Years 7 to 10 enjoy this opportunity to think creatively and collaboratively.
The creation of ‘DEVO (developing) Band’ on Thursday afternoons provided an opportunity for young players to gain valuable ensemble experience. The more experienced music students and ensemble players joined the Senior Band, rehearsing early Friday mornings. The commitment and joy of the students as they come to both band sessions has been inspiring.
We’ve also had numerous students from the Music department get ‘out’ into the wider community performing at a variety of events. The Australian National Busking Championships regional event in April was enthusiastically attended by Tulli (Year 11), Gabi (Year 12), the K Brothers (Filip—Year 7 and Justin— Year 5). These students represented themselves, their families and the school with great dignity and pride. All three came away with prizes and obtained entry into the Grand Final held in November.
Term 4 was busy for students, with many performance opportunities. There was busking at the Bombala regional event, at which the K Brothers again had great success. The Open Garden Day held in Jindabyne saw Alex, Jack and Tulli from Year 12 (2025) come together to perform beautifully. And Cre8ive Sessions gathered many students from Kindergarten right through to Year 12 to perform on ‘the big stage’. We were excited to have the inaugural Arts and Design Awards evening with some outdoor ‘music stations’ for students to perform at and Drama Club students performing improvised storytelling. The Devo and Senior Band students had their workshop days in preparation for Speech Day, engaging in some fun music activities and games.
It was very exciting to share in the EP launch by HSC Music student Gabriella in November. Gabi has spent numerous hours at a studio in Tasmania and in Cooma, recording and mixing her EP of four of her own compositions. The EP launch was held locally and a special mention to the K Brothers for their support to Gabi at this event. Also supporting them with audio engineering was Harrison, doing a fabulous job organising microphones and mixing the sound.
A very special thank you to Music staff: Ms Maddie Wheeler, who returned to WA at the end of Term 3, for her wonderful teaching to our students K–8. Also, a BIG thank you to Mrs Jill King for seamlessly taking over Mrs Sell’s classes in Term 2 whilst she was on long service leave.
We look forward to the Christmas season and wish you and your families a restful and safe holiday time. 2025 will bring lots of wonderful music and drama opportunities for our student body.
CATH BATSON AND SuE SELL Performing Arts
This term, as part of our Trees for Fruit and Wood unit, Stage 5 Agricultural Technology students worked hard to establish the beginnings of the SMGS orchard and have learnt about different soil types and growing mediums that are required for various fruit and nut trees. There are almost 30 trees now established in the orchard, including pears, apples, apricots, nectarines, plums, mulberries, almonds and a variety of raspberry canes and blueberry bushes. In addition, students have learnt how to establish an irrigation system and have installed this in the orchard to ensure a regular watering regime for the plants. Another skill developed has been establishing canopy netting to protect fruit trees from goats, deer, birds, bats and other flying and ground pests.
Late in Term 3, the Agricultural Technology students had an excursion to the Forestry Corporation in Bombala, where they gained an insight into the role of a forester. They were also given information on some of the career opportunities available in the Forestry Corporation and they engaged in discussion on plantation types and species selection in terms of markets, sustainability and end products. They learnt about the importance of adequate fire management and burning regimes, forest nursery operations and the process of tree growth from nursery seedling to end product, including the many crucial steps along the way, such as harvesting, drying and splitting timber. Further discussion was undertaken into both biodiversity and carbon credits as well as other sustainable measures in place within the industry.
Stage 5 Agricultural Technology students recently visited Queanbeyan Showground, where they participated in skill development for junior judging. This opportunity provided students with skills in learning specific industry terminology
used in judging and helped their development of their public speaking skills on a range of agricultural enterprises, including beef cattle, meat sheep, fruit and vegetables and grains. Students were also provided with the opportunity to gain first-hand skills, familiarising themselves and developing confidence in recognising and interpreting animal behaviour, identifying the best fit animal for production purposes, as well as a variety of structural soundness attributes and learning about quality in fruits, vegetables and grains for customer preferences and marketability. Students will have the opportunity to further build upon these foundational skills in numerous local shows in 2025.
On 15 November, the Agricultural Technology students supported World Agriculture Day—’Grow You Good Thing’— working with Snowy Mountains Grammar School Marketing Manager Brooke Darlington to produce a short video about all things ‘Ag’ that have been happening in the short period Agricultural Technology has been taught at SMGS.
Early in Term 4, the four crossbred Merino X Dorper school sheep that reside offsite at Flaxton Farm under the nurturing care of the Alexander family, lambed. Stage 5 Agricultural Technology students recently visited the property to conduct some routine husbandry activities on the animals, including ear-tagging, tail-docking and castration. The sheep are selfshedding so they don’t require shearing, which is advantageous in terms of animal maintenance. A couple of the flock will be culled early next year, allowing students a true paddock-toplate experience.
AMBER OAKMAN
Agricultural Technology Teacher
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 Faculty – Educational Support and Enrichment Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator [E] melissa.bell@smgs.nsw.edu.au
The Curiosity Centre Art Prize Open Category and People’s Choice Award Winner, Juliet Dymond Click through for article.
Stage 5 Outdoor Education students concluded the term with a self-planned, full-day hike in the Snowy Mountains. Following the Thredbo River track, they admired blossoming sub-alpine flowers and enjoyed a rest stop by the waterfall.
The group successfully navigated their route, climbing Dead Horse Gap into the alpine environment to assess native snow gums for signs of longhorn beetle activity. Students also took time to reflect and connect with nature, recording their observations in their outdoor adventure logbooks.
Thank you to the student leaders for their excellent group management and to Jay Williams for supporting the group on this rewarding experience.
As part of the Community and Family Studies HSC course, students must gain an understanding of different formal organisations that assist groups experiencing inequity within our community. To help with this understanding, students visited a variety of services in Sydney at the beginning of their course.
We are extremely grateful to Matt Tonkin for inviting us to spend the afternoon at Fisher Road School in Dee Why. Here the students interacted with the pupils, many with severe disabilities. It was a highlight for many of our students, who were able to dance and play with these beautiful children.
We then headed to the One Meal headquarters on the Northern Beaches. This organisation is run entirely by 2,000 volunteers and supplies 700 meals to their community six nights a week. Students were particularly touched by this organisation and wanted to know how they could help. At the time of our visit, One Meal were beginning to prepare hampers for the Christmas period. SMGS students decided they could rally our community together to fill ten hampers within the one-week timeframe. We thank everyone for their donations, filling not only the ten boxes but also sending many extra bags of goodies back with Matt Tonkin to One Meal, helping to make the Christmas period a little more enjoyable for many families across Sydney.
Our final visit was to the Wayside Chapel in Sydney’s Kings Cross. Here we donated five large backpacks filled with the toiletries donated by our generous community. Wayside were extremely grateful for all the toiletries that help bring a little dignity to the homeless and disadvantaged of Sydney. Wayside provide 90,000 meals to individuals each year and run a variety of services and programs to help the homeless get back on their feet—one of these offering showers and toiletries to help these people feel a bit better about themselves each day. Our students returned to Jindabyne more aware of the inequities suffered by many.
What I found most impressive about our students was how they interacted without judgement with all of the people we met, and how they all wanted to help as much as they could. What a fantastic bunch of students we have.
SARAH DEGNAN Head of Year 7
We recently held the 10-year reunion for our Class of 2014. As part of the event, we invited our alumni to join us in a quick podcast to catch up with them and find out what they are doing and to reminisce about their time as SMGS students. The afternoon was laidback and fun for everyone who attended. We hope you enjoy our short special edition of Welcome Back with the Class of 2014.
