strategic intent : 2025-2029
Elevating Education
Empowering Every Learner
Forging Unique Journeys
Embracing Endless Possibilities
Jindabyne Pony Club and SMGS Agistment Paddocks
Jindabyne Airfield
Jindabyne Sport
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngarigo People, the Traditional Custodians of this land that we live. We pay our respects to their Elders of the past who once walked this land and left their footprints behind with their History, Culture, Customs, Traditions and Language.
Ski Resorts
SMGS Campus and Boarding House
Introducing Our Strategic Intent
Mr Michael Jones, OAM - Chairman, Board of Directors
It is with great enthusiasm and optimism that the Board presents this Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s Strategic Intent for 2025–2029: Elevating Education.
As we celebrate 30 years of education, innovation and community, this Strategic Intent reflects the emerging maturity of our School, our continuing contribution to education in the Snowy Monaro region, and the clarity of our vision for the future. It is the synthesis of wide consultation, thoughtful reflection, and a shared commitment to nurture learners who are not only equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world, but inspired to shape it for the better.
Our role as a Board is to govern with purpose, ensuring our School remains true to its mission whilst boldly pursuing new opportunities. This Strategic Intent is not a static document. It is a dynamic compass, one that will guide decisions, inspire progress and keep us all focused on what matters most: our people, our culture and the challenge to provide an exceptional education.
Across the four strategic themes, People and Culture, Learning for Life, Well-Rounded Education, and Building Community, you will find a roadmap that is both ambitious and achievable. Each theme reflects the values at the heart of our School and provides clear direction for how we continue to evolve with purpose.
The Board acknowledges the outstanding leadership of our Principal, Dr Andrew Bell and his team, and thank the staff, students, families and broader community who have contributed to the development of our School through to today, and those who are committed to elevating education through this Strategic Intent.
It is a collective vision, one that belongs to all of us.
The Board of Directors invite you to engage with this plan and participate in the journey ahead.
Together, we will continue to build a school that seeks opportunities for elevating every learner.
Mr Michael Jones OAM, Board Chair
School
Snowy Mountains Grammar
Dr Andrew Bell, Principal
As Principal of Snowy Mountains Grammar School, it is an honour to introduce our new Strategic Intent: 2025-2029 – Elevating Education. This Intent will guide our School through the next era of learning and growth in all that we do as a proud independent Kindergarten to Year 12, coeducational day and boarding learning community that offers abundant opportunities.
Throughout the previous Strategic Plan: 2020-2024 period, we experienced very significant growth in enrolments, staffing and overall interest in our School within the local and wider community. New learning programs in Technology, Outdoor Education and within our Academies were strengthened along with our Higher School Certificate cohort results consistently increasing, creating more opportunities for our graduates.
Our School also delivered exceptional new facilities for learning including a magnificent Curiosity Centre with a focus on STEAM learning and a commercial gymnasium for students and staff. Significantly, we added an Early Learning and Care Centre and acquired a new residential facility to expand our Boarding program to align with our Day student growth. These, among other achievements, are a testament to strong governance, capable school leadership and management teams, dedicated staff, exceptional student body and supportive parents, carers and community, who made this all possible by working together. Overall, this was quite a remarkable period for Snowy Mountains Grammar School.
While there is much to be proud of, it is now time to look ahead to intentional growth that will further strengthen our School and expand its opportunities. Specifically, we want to inspire our community of learners to thrive today and into their futures. I commend all those involved as they work above and beyond to not only equip our next generation to be outstanding, adaptive citizens in the world they enter, but to shape it, to lead by example and ensure society is better off because of their contributions. In this way, we empower all those who pass through the doors of Snowy Mountains Grammar School with a life and world-changing experience.
The period of reflection, collaboration and idea generation within our School community to produce this Strategic Intent has itself been an inspiring one of ‘What next?’ and centred around possibility and opportunity to thrive.
I invite you to read through these pages which capture the four Strategic Themes that will guide our future era:
1. People and Culture
2. Learning for Life
3. Well-Rounded Education
4. Building Community
Other areas of focus woven throughout these themes include global awareness and citizenship, and environmental sustainability among many other facets, giving a sense of what is most important as we forge ahead. These Strategic Themes and focus areas will ensure that our next growth period of diverse, dynamic learning and experiences for our students at all stages, our Boarding residents and our staff, in collaboration with parents/ carers and community, elevates our School and every individual to new heights.
This Strategic Intent provides important guidance, focus areas and insight to our future. It is not intended to articulate plans per se. Rather the Strategic Intent is our compass, strongly led by our Vision, Mission and core Values and representing our Motto throughout. The map resides within our leadership and staff teams, each of which knows its own individual, team and overall School Action Plans to deliver on our aspirational journey ahead, which is indeed an exciting time in the history of our School.
Finally, to all those who have contributed to the first 30 years of Snowy Mountains Grammar School, we are deeply grateful. Now, on we forge to the next era with courage and conviction, just as our founders did all those years ago.
Dr Andrew Bell, Principal (B.Ed. Health & Physical Ed. First Class Hons.; Ed.D., MACE, MACEL)
Snowy Mountains Grammar School is a leading Kindergarten to Year 12 co-educational independent school offering day and boarding programs, alongside its Early Childhood Centre.
Founded in 1996 through the vision and determination of local families and in partnership with SCECGS Redlands, the School transformed the former Snowy Mountains Authority Headquarters into a modern learning environment that honours its distinctive heritage.
From an initial 15 students to more than 450 today, the School now offers exceptional academic programs, a distinctive boarding experience for up to 100 students,
A Proud Past, A Bold Future Achievements at a Glance 2020-
2024 Strategic Plan
Growth & Academic Success
D Enrolments grew to 400+ full-time students
and unique opportunities through specialist academies in Aviation, Equestrian, Mountain Biking and Snowsports, alongside a rich offering in the arts, sport, innovation, technology and agriculture.
Embedded in its community, Snowy Mountains Grammar School is recognised for developing wellrounded young people, ready to thrive as adaptable and capable citizens in an ever-changing world.
D Junior School single-stream; Secondary double-stream
D Middle School established
D Consistent improvement in Higher School Certificate results
Program Excellence
D Equestrian Development Academy established
D Mountain Bike Academy launched
These achievements reflect the united efforts of our staff, students, families and community, setting the stage for the next era of excellence.
D Innovative Schools award for Let’s Explore! Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program
D Australian Education Awards Finalist & Excellence Awardee:
Regional School of the Year
Primary School of the Year (Non-Government)
Facilities & Infrastructure
D Curiosity Centre (4,000 m² STEAM learning hub)
D Three-storey boarding accommodation acquired
D Gidgillys Early Education & Care Centre acquired
D Junior School Precinct with Adventure Playground
Best Use of Technology
Best Co-curricular Programs
D Sports Precinct with courts, cricket net & oval
D Commercial-quality gymnasium opened
D Agricultural Technology Plot with cattle yards
1996
Snowy Mountains Grammar School opens as a co-educational day and boarding school (Years 7 - 12)
2007
Aviation Program introduced and run in conjunction with Jindabyne Aero Club
2015
Elite Snowsports Academy (ESA) established
2019
First Master Plan released Aviation Academy established for Years 7 to 12
2000
Kindergarten to Year 6 education offered; Snowy Mountains Grammar School offers a K-12 education
2010
Elizabeth Cornish Library opens
2018
Awarded Australian Education Awards Boarding School of the Year
2020
Awarded Innovative Schools Winner for Virtual Kindergarten Readiness Program: Let’s Explore!
Junior School Adventure Playground opens
2025
Snowy Mountains Grammar School celebrates 30 years!
2023
Stage 2 Master Plan: Sports Precinct opens
Gidgillys Early Education and Care Centre is acquired
Agricultural Technology Plot, including Cattle Yards, established
2021
All Junior School classes now single stream; all Secondary School classes now double stream Middle School established
$4.5 million received from NSW Government Building Grants Assistance Scheme to fund Stage 1 Master Plan: Learning Hub
Snowy Mountains Grammar School breaks ground on Stage 1: Learning Hub and Stage 2: Sports Precinct of Master Plan
Australian Education Awards
National Finalist and Excellence Awardee for Regional School of the Year, Primary School of the Year – Non-Government, Best Use of Technology and Best Cocurricular Programs
2024
State-of-the-art Curiosity Centre (Stage 1 Master Plan: Learning Hub) opens for use
Gymnasium opens
Three-storey motel adjacent to the School purchased for new boarding accommodation; onsite boarding facilities expand
2022
400 full-time students enrolled Equestrian Development Academy Mountain Bike Academy established
Who We Are A Community that Empowers
Vision
Snowy Mountains Grammar School will be recognised as a premier day and boarding school community, offering a diverse range of opportunities, leading to the development of outstanding citizens equipped for an ever-changing world.
Mission
Our mission is to work with families to develop well-rounded young people with active and creative minds, who have an understanding of and compassion for others, a passion for life-long learning and the courage and confidence to act on their beliefs.
Values
Courage is acting with conviction. To face our challenges with determination and to accept responsibility for our actions.
Authenticity is about being a genuine presence. To live in the moment with integrity and represent one’s true nature or beliefs.
Respect is valuing every member of our community. We celebrate diversity and difference, and demonstrate these in our attitude, relationships and environment.
Empathy is the willingness to understand others. Empathetic people are curious and possess a desire to know and understand another person’s perspective or circumstance.
Motto
Challenge Students and staff to achieve the best of their individual potential; students to take responsibility for their own actions.
Belong To the school and local community as a valued citizen; to a community that respects compassion, respect, honesty and integrity.
Explore How to be authentic and act with courage and conviction; how to develop life skills with flexible innovation and measured risk-taking; how to care for and learn from our natural environment.
Our School Crest
Challenge, The Mountain Peak
Represents the school’s commitment to providing a range of educational and personal challenges within a safe and supportive environment.
Community, The People Chain
Represents the kinship of the school, its place within the broader Snowy Mountains community and the lasting relationships formed between students and staff, by giving through service and by the sharing of values and ideals.
Flexibility, The Flowing River
Represents adaptability and versatility, key elements the school uses to nurture the individuality of students and the delivery of curriculum in an engaging and relevant manner.
Environment, The Snow Gum Leaf
Represents the unique natural environment of the school and its commitment to learning, both within and beyond the classroom.
Strategic Direction 2025 - 2029 Elevating Education
The Strategic Intent for 2025–2029, Elevating Education, builds on the progress and priorities established in the previous plan and sets a clear, unified direction for Snowy Mountains Grammar School over the coming years. Through thoughtful planning, four key Strategic Themes have been identified, each supported by specific Strategic Intents representing essential areas for growth. These form the foundation of the School’s Strategic Goals.
These goals will guide decisions, actions, and resource allocation moving forward. This Strategic Intent serves as a roadmap, helping Snowy Mountains Grammar School remain focused on achieving its Vision: to be recognised as a leading K–12 coeducational day and boarding school community, offering diverse opportunities that develop outstanding, adaptable citizens prepared for an everchanging world.
A FutureFullofPossibilities
It also ensures the School’s Mission continues to be lived, alongside its core Values, Motto, and the significance of the School Crest.
AFutureFull of Possibilities
The next phase involves translating these goals into actionable initiatives. Some initiatives will be ongoing, while others will be new and evolve as both the School and the world around it change. They will roll out over time, some beginning early in the plan, others later. While some initiatives will be school-wide, others will target specific areas.
These initiatives will be reviewed and refreshed annually to ensure steady progress toward the Vision and to enhance the impact on the community by enriching the educational experience.
The four Strategic Themes highlight critical areas for growth within the School. They are interconnected, each one influencing, supporting, and building on the others.
By concentrating on these Themes and their associated Goals, Snowy Mountains Grammar School will elevate education to new heights over the next five years.
Learning for Life
Challenging and Cultivating
People and Culture
Belonging and Becoming
Well-Rounded Education
Exploring and Expanding
Building Community
Building Connections, Strengthening Foundations
Strategic Themes
1
2
People and Culture: Belonging and Becoming - The Summit
Where people thrive, the School soars.
At the summit are our people and culture. By valuing each person, fostering belonging, prioritising wellbeing, and living our Values, we create a unified, thriving community where every learner is empowered to grow and achieve.
Learning for Life: Challenging and Cultivating - The Upper Slopes
Challenge embraced, growth achieved.
On the upper slopes we inspire a passion for lifelong learning. From Early Childhood through to staff, an innovative culture of curiosity, feedback and growth mindset equips every learner with the confidence, skills and adaptability to thrive in a changing world.
Well-Rounded Education: Exploring and Expanding - The Middle Slopes
Opportunities as diverse as our learners.
3
4
On the middle slopes we nurture character, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose. Through rich academic and co-curricular pathways, from sport and the arts to outdoor education and innovation, young people expand their passions, embrace service, and grow as globally-minded citizens ready to thrive in an interconnected world.
Building Community: Building Connections, Strengthening Foundations - The Base
Strong foundations, lasting connections.
At the base is a strong, connected community. Across year levels and subschools, our boarding community, staff, parents and carers, Alumni, and the wider community we foster deep partnerships that enrich and sustain our School. By elevating our story, creating innovative spaces, and aligning resources, we build lasting foundations for an exceptional and sustainable future.
Cultures thrive when everyone belongs, feels valued and is empowered to reach for the stars.
Belonging and Becoming
People and Culture
Strategic Intent
Create a unified, thriving culture where belonging and wellbeing are prioritised and instil our Values throughout the learning journey, empowering all School community members to strive for growth and excellence.
Strategic Priorities
• Know and Value Our People
• Foster a Strong Culture of Belonging
• Prioritise and Promote Wellbeing
• Instil Our Values
• Foster a Unified, Collaborative and Thriving Culture
Strategic Goals
1. Authentically know and value each person within our diverse community, fostering a culture of belonging, including their connection to our unique local natural environment, which is woven into the heart of our School’s culture.
2. Create a vibrant culture by prioritising and promoting our 4 Peaks Wellbeing Program that empowers our students, staff and families to achieve holistic health.
3. Instil our Values of Courage, Authenticity, Respect and Empathy (C. A. R. E.) throughout the learning journey, empowering students to become grounded and aspirational young people who are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
4. Foster a unified, collaborative School where everyone is passionately committed to our Vision, Mission, Values and Motto, creating an experience that empowers our Early Childhood, Day School and Residential Boarding communities to become one cohesive, thriving culture.
A passion for learning lets the mind soar, inspiring limitless growth and discovery.
Challenging and Cultivating Learning for Life 2 strategic theme
Strategic Intent
Inspire a passion for learning for life and continuous growth in students and staff by cultivating an innovative contemporary learning culture that promotes real-world purpose and advanced technology.
Strategic Priorities
• Inspire a Passion for Learning for Life
• Equip Early Childhood Students for a Strong Start in Primary Education
• Cultivate Effective Learning and Growth in Students and Staff
• Integrate Real-World Purpose and Advanced Technology
• Cultivate Effective Learning and Growth in Students and Staff
• Integrate Real-World Purpose and Advanced Technology
Strategic Goals
1. Inspire a passion for learning as a gift for life, empowering individuals to stay curious and continuously challenge themselves to grow their understanding and skills through courageous exploration.
2. Equip Early Childhood students with the skills and confidence they need to make a strong start in their primary education through an innovative evidence-based learning and play program.
3. Leverage the Teaching and Learning Framework to guide innovative learning approaches that meet diverse needs and foster deeper self-awareness for students about their thinking and learning.
4. Cultivate a culture of continuous feedback and a growth mindset within our young people, empowering them to stay on track for success through real-time access to learning progress reporting and regular, actionable feedback.
5. Empower young people who are world-ready, future-ready and adaptive by integrating real-world knowledge, skills and purpose into learning, providing opportunities for them to:
• Be locally and nationally informed and globally aware,
• Excel in multiple careers and pathways,
• Gain proficiency in advanced technological skills, including Artificial Intelligence,
• Develop entrepreneurial, innovation and enterprise skills.
6. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning and professional growth for all staff, empowering them in their practice and creating a deep sense of professional fulfillment.
Nurturing purpose and passions shapes courageous, compassionate change-makers.
Exploring and Expanding Well-Rounded Education 3 strategic theme
Strategic Intent
Develop young people who are strong in character, globally-minded and have diverse life skills and passions, empowering them through high-calibre, meaningful experiences and flexible, personalised pathways to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Strategic Priorities
• Develop Character and Leadership
• Equip Young People with Life Skills
• Expand Co-curricular Opportunities
• Shape Flexible Personalised Pathways
• Nurture Responsible Global Citizens
• Foster Service Learning
Strategic Goals
1. Develop outstanding young people with a strong sense of identity, purpose and integrity through effective character and leadership programs.
2. Equip our young people with the qualities, knowledge and capabilities they need to adapt to and thrive through diverse life skills programs.
3. Provide a dynamic educational experience where our young people can explore a diverse range of interests and passions, expanding high-calibre Co-curricular offerings in areas such as Sport, The Arts, innovation, technology and Outdoor Education.
4. Shape an innovative, engaging educational experience that seamlessly blends academic programs and Co-curricular opportunities through flexible, personalised pathways, empowering students to explore their passions and excel across all areas.
5. Nurture our young people to be responsible global citizens by expanding their awareness of and passion for:
• The environment and sustainability, with a focus on valuing the extraordinary local natural ecosystem in which our School is situated,
• Diversity,
• Intercultural understanding, including valuing the traditions, cultures and perspectives of Australia’s First Nations Peoples and exploring our shared history,
• National and global issues recognising that the world is interconnected and that their actions impact beyond their immediate surroundings, shaping a more sustainable, inclusive future.
6. Foster a culture of service learning that empowers our young people to develop empathy and compassion for others, enabling them to contribute positively to our School, local and wider community.
A connected community with cutting-edge learning spaces shapes strong foundations.
Building Connections, Strengthening Foundations Building Community 4 strategic theme
Strategic Intent
Build a connected community and innovative spaces and structures as strong foundations for our School. This includes fostering meaningful partnerships within and beyond our School community, elevating our School Story and developing and using resources optimally and sustainably to enrich our educational experience.
Strategic Priorities
• Build Collaborative Partnerships with Parents and Carers
• Foster Connections Within and Beyond Our School
• Nurture Our Alumni Partnerships
• Elevate Our School Story
• Develop Innovative Spaces and Timetable Structures
• Align and Optimise Resources
Strategic Goals
1. Build collaborative partnerships with parents and carers, empowering them to actively engage with and contribute throughout their child’s learning journey.
2. Foster meaningful relationships and partnerships within and beyond our School community, with a particular focus on intergenerational connections, to enrich and elevate our educational experience. Key groups include:
• Year levels and subschools,
• Boarding community,
• Staff,
• Parents and carers,
• Local and wider community, including Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
3. Nurture partnerships with our Alumni, empowering them to contribute to the educational experience we offer now and into the future.
4. Elevate our School Story – our brand, reputation and value proposition within the community to retain and engage committed and supportive families and staff.
5. Develop innovative, flexible physical spaces, digital spaces and timetabling structures, to enable and enrich exceptional programs and elevate authentic learning and skill development, creating an educational experience of a lifetime.
6. Align and optimise all resources – people, time, physical, digital and financial, to enable and enrich exceptional programs, ensuring their sustainability and creating a meaningful, ongoing impact for the School community.