We acknowledge the Ngarigo People, who are the Traditional Custodians of this land on which we live.
And 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
Their Elders of the present are leaving their footprints behind and continuing the Journey.
The Emerging Elders will leave their footprints on Ngarigo country, to continue passing on their History, Culture, Customs, Traditions, and Language
Be respectful of Ngarigo Land and the People
Embrace their Culture.
School Information
General Contact Details
Snowy Mountains Grammar School 6339 Kosciuszko Road Jindabyne NSW 2627, Australia
• Returning boarders arrive between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Friday 31 January
All students commence Term 1
Monday 28 April
Boarders return between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Tuesday 29 April
Students start Term 2 Friday 27 June
Monday 21 July
Boarders return between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
3
4
Tuesday 22 July
Students start Term 3
Monday 13 October
Boarders return between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Tuesday 14 October
Students start Term 4
Friday 26 September
Thursday 4 December
Introduction
In our dynamic learning environment, effective communication plays a crucial role in fostering productive engagement between staff, students, parents and carers, and our boarding community.
This communications handbook serves as an important resource that provides information about the school’s operations and outlines the various channels through which regular communication takes place.
What do we communicate with families?
When you enrol at Snowy Mountains Grammar School, you will receive information from the school across the areas of administration and operations, academic and course-related information, and medical and permission information. The communications in these areas may consist of:
• event information
• operational notifications
• requests for permission to attend events, trips, camps, excursions, etc.
• reports
• changes to timetables
• staffing changes
• links to the school newsletter
• assessment tasks
• reminders.
Overview – The structure of our primary communications platforms
Sentral Parent Portal
The Sentral Parent Portal is our Student Management System. It provides you with information about your child’s progress at our school. This portal also provides information and administration facilities for parents, carers, students and staff.
Parents and carers can perform tasks such as:
• notifying the school of your child’s absence (whole and part day)
• accessing your child’s school reports
• messaging your child’s teachers
• viewing the school calendar
• manage and update your child’s medical information
• manage all permissions for excursions, sport and activity
• finding links to school resources and information
• viewing your child’s timetable
• receiving notifications and information from the school.
Nominated at the time of enrolment, all preferred contacts of each student must complete the Sentral Parent Portal registration process and use the Sentral Parent Portal as a member of the SMGS community.
Preferred contacts of families may also wish to download and utilise the Sentral for Parents App.
How do I join and access Sentral?
Once enrolled at SMGS, the preferred contact(s) you nominated at enrolment will be sent an invitation via email to join the Sentral Parent Portal. You will also receive a Sentral access key with this email to link your child to the portal.
Please note that you can only register for the portal using a computer (desktop or laptop), not your mobile phone or tablet. You must use a valid email address to create your account.
When you have successfully completed the registration and you have linked your child to your account, you will need to use your personalised access key that accompanied the initial invitation from the school to view your child’s profile. Please bookmark the following URL for access to the portal: www.smgs.sentral.school/auth/portal
Download the Sentral for Parents App
Parents also have access to the Sentral for Parents app which is available for Android and iOS devices:
Should you experience any difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for assistance at: techsupport@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Sentral Parent Portal Functions
Student Profile
• Teacher details
• Academic reports
• Attendance record
• Timetables
• Activities
• Wellbeing (Middle and Senior Schools).
Newsfeed
The newsfeed is where administrative and operational messages from staff and teachers will be sent. Newsfeed items are easily searchable. Filters are applied to newsfeed items so that families only receive information applicable to their child’s year level.
Daily Notices (MS/SS Only)
The Daily Notices function enables parents and carers to see the administrative and operational messages sent from Middle and Senior School staff to your child. No action on your part is required.
Examples may include: notifications about activities, upcoming events, changes to classrooms or timetables, etc.
Absences
Requests for student leave or notification of a student’s absence from school (whole and part day/s) must be submitted via Sentral Parent Portal or app. You will receive notifications through the app when any application for leave has been approved.
If a student has been marked as absent from class and a notification of absence has not been received by the school, an SMS message will be sent to the student’s preferred contacts, advising them of the absence and asking them to provide an explanation for the absence via the app.
Sentral Parent Portal Functions (cont.)
Calendar
The calendar is home to all Kindergarten to Year 12 school events. By clicking on the event, parents and carers will be able to see details about the event, any actions that may need to be taken, resources required and who to contact for queries.
Event titles will also include a naming convention:
WS: Whole-School Events
JS: Junior School Events
MS: Middle School Events
SS: Senior School Events
EE: Enrolment Events that are open to the public.
Resources and Events
The resources and links buttons house important operational information for all SMGS families, such as:
• Uniform shop
• Assessment schedules
• Handbooks
• Carnival results
• Canteen
• Aspects, the school newsletter
• Book lists
• Stationery lists
• Term dates
• Fee schedules.
Messages
The messages function allows for day-to-day informal two-way messaging between parents and carers and teachers. The functionality is similar to messaging on your mobile phone.
All families in Kindergarten to Year 12 may utilise this function to connect with their child’s teacher. Email is also still suitable.
Interviews
Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled through the Sentral Parent Portal/App. To book your interview, please log on to the Sentral Parent Portal/App and choose the “Interviews” option.
Sentral Parent Portal Functions (cont.)
Permissions
When a student is participating in an excursions, sport and activity, a notification will be sent to parents via the feed in the Sentral Parent Portal or Sentral for Parents app. This will include information about the activity and when required, will prompt parents to provide their permission for the student to attend the activity.
Medical
All student medical information, including doctors’ contacts, medical conditions, medications and other medical data, can be updated by parents through the Sentral Parent Portal or Sentral for Parents app.
Canvas SeeSaw
Canvas is the SMGS Middle and Senior School online learning management system (LMS). It is a central location that connects students with every aspect of their learning.
As a parent or carer, you can ‘observe’ your child, ensuring you have full visibility into their work, including progress, results and teacher interaction.
How do I join Canvas?
To join Canvas, please head to: www.smgs.nsw.edu.au/parents/canvas-support
Download the Canvas App
Parents also have access to the Canvas app which is available for Android and iOS devices:
In the Junior School, SeeSaw provides a personalised window into your child’s school life, through photos and videos. Both students and teachers upload student work to this platform.
SeeSaw can be accessed on desktop computers/ laptops or via the mobile app.
How do I join SeeSaw?
Prior to your child’s first day at SMGS, the preferred contact from your family will receive an invitation from your child’s teacher to join SeeSaw. Follow the instructions in the invitation to connect to SeeSaw.
Download the SeeSaw App
Parents also have access to the SeeSaw app which is available for Android and iOS devices:
Monitor your child’s performance Set and view course alerts
Reach
Reach is used to manage student leave requests from the boarding house. A reminder that leave requests/ absences from school are to be made via the Sentral Parent Portal or app.
How do I join Reach?
Families will be given access to Reach upon enrolment.
Download the Reach App
Parents also have access to the Reach app which is available for Android and iOS devices:
FAQs
What if my child is late for school or leaving early?
All students absences requests/notifications (whole day absences and late arrival and early departure) are to be made via Sentral Parent Portal/App.
Junior School - Late Arrival/Early Departure
When a student is late to school or departing before the end of the school day, their parent or carer must sign the student in/out at Junior School Reception.
Middle and Senior Schools - Late Arrival/Early Departure
All Middle and Senior School students who arrive late to school or leave early must be signed out by the parent or carer with the MS/SS Student Administration Officer in C4.
If parent/carer has used the app, the student must still sign in when late, and out when leaving early.
I can’t locate my access key for the Sentral Parent Portal
The Sentral Parent Portal access key is provided to families via email upon registering for the portal once enrolled at the school. If you misplace this email, please contact the IT team on: techsupport@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Do I need to register each child for Sentral?
Families receive one access key for all their children attending the school.
How can I view my child’s timetable?
Timetables can be viewed under Student Details in the Sentral Parent Portal or Sentral for Parents App.
How do I find information about upcoming events?
Refer to the Calendar in the Sentral Parent Portal or Sentral for Parents App.
Where do I find my child’s latest report?
Reports can be accessed via Student Details in the Sentral for Parents Portal or Sentral for Parents Portal App.
How will I receive my billing?
Billing statements are sent via email to the enrolling parent(s) or carer(s).
Communication between Teacher/Staff Member and Parent/Carer
I need to speak with my child’s teacher (or one of the Heads of Year, boarding staff, etc.) How do I do this?
Junior School
Parents and carers may use any of the following methods to connect with the classroom teacher or the Head of Junior School:
• Sentral Parent Portal or app messages—allows for day to-day informal two-way messaging between parents and teachers
• Email
• Phone call at a time confirmed by both parties.
Middle and Senior Schools
Parents and Carers may use any of the following methods to connect with subject teachers or the appropriate Head of Year.
• Sentral Parent Portal or app messages—allows for day-to-day informal two-way messaging between parents and teachers
• Email
• Phone call at a time confirmed by both parties.
Boarding
Parents and carers may use any of the following methods to connect with the Head of Boarding or boarding supervisors:
• Sentral Parent Portal or app messages—allows for day to-day informal two-way messaging between parents and teachers
• Email
• Phone call at a time confirmed by both parties.
Other communication channels
Aspects
Aspects is the official magazine of Snowy Mountains Grammar School. A celebration of learning experiences, views from staff and students, and event highlights, Aspects is delivered two times a term via the online platform Issuu via Sentral.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is our online ticketing portal for invitations to school events.
Flexischools (SMGS Canteen)
The SMGS Canteen is open to all students on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and lunch can be ordered through Flexischools.
To set up your Flexischools account, head to: www.smgs.nsw.edu.au/community/canteen
Junior School Parent Liaison
The Parent Liaison representative offers support and helps build relationships with new parents. They serve as a central point of contact for parents, facilitating social connections, and organises events. Additionally, once enrolled, Junior School families will have the opportunity to voluntarily join a What’s App group for their child(ren)’s respective year level/s.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent-Teacher interviews will be scheduled through the Sentral Parent Portal/App. To book your interview, please log on to the Sentral Parent Portal/App and choose the “interviews” option.
Podcast
The Snowy Mountains Grammar School podcast channel can be found on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
School Diary (Middle and Senior Schools)
Students in Years 6 to 12 are issued with a school diary. This diary serves as a crucial tool for communication between the school and families. For parents and carers of Middle and Senior School students, it is highly recommended that the diary be checked on a regular basis.
School Reports
Reports are sent to parents and carers twice a year for all Kindergarten to Year 12 students. A notification is be through the Sentral Parent Portal.
SMS
In the event of an emergency or a time sensitive situation an SMS will be sent to preferred contacts.
Social Media
Social media is a secondary platform at our school, used to celebrate school events, student achievements and showcase students’ learning experiences. We encourage the SMGS community to follow what is happening at the school via our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube channels.
Website
The school website is the source of information for prospective families and students about the school. It is also home to the school blog and links to school information such as bus timetables, fee schedules, etc.
www.smgs.nsw.edu.au
Who do I contact and when?
Communication and Tech Support
If you require assistance with devices, platforms, connectivity, or have a general query about ICT at SMGS, please contact our friendly IT team on techsupport@smgs.nsw.edu.au or call the school on (02) 6457 1022
Our IT team is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. IT is located in the Snowy Shed.
School Enquiries
The school welcomes enquiries at any time. The first point of contact should be the classroom teacher in the Junior School and your child’s tutor in the Middle and Senior Schools. For more specific enquiries or for the next level of contact, refer to the following table.
Head of Year 7 Mrs Sarah Degnan sarah.degnan@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of Year 8 Mrs Kylie Wharton kylie.wharton@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of Year 9
Wellbeing matters
Mr Jack Murphy jack.murphy@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of Year 10 Mrs Krista Mower krista.mower@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of Year 11
Junior School (academic matters)
Middle and Senior Schools (subject and reporting requirements)
Middle and Senior Schools (learning and academic culture)
Whole-school sport Wednesday sport Representative sport Snowsports Mountain biking Equestrian
School events, school calendar and organisation
Enrolment events and organisation
Mr Tim Bland tim.bland@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of Year 12 Ms Emma Smith emma.smith@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Classroom teacher (in the first instance)
K–6 teachers Email
Director of Curriculum and Academic Operations Dr Darryl Nelson darryl.nelson@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Head of Teaching and Learning
Mr Paul Horvath paul.horvath@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Director of Sport Mrs Sally Bourke sport@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Events Coordinator and PA to the Principal Mrs Annie O’Keefe annie.okeeffe@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Enrolments Officer Mrs Jacqui West registrar@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding mattersHead of Boarding Mrs Melissa Kenney melissa.kenney@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Advertising, school publications, website, social media, photography and videography
Marketing and Communications Manager Mrs Brooke Darlingtonbrooke.darlington@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Billing and payments Accounts Mrs Glenda Rocheaccounts@smgs.nsw.edu.au
Communication and Interaction Expectations
During the academic year, the school holds parent/teacher interviews to discuss student progress. If any issues arise at other times, a meeting can be requested by a parent or staff member, organised by the class teacher (for Junior School) or the relevant Head of Year (for Middle and Senior Schools).
Please avoid contacting staff members on their mobile numbers unless the staff member has requested this and there has been authorisation from the appropriate Head of School.
Our teaching staff will address your questions or concerns about your child, but please be aware that they may not be immediately accessible. Staff are not expected to respond to communications before 8:15 am or after 6:15 pm on weekdays, or on weekends.
All communication, written or verbal, with members of the school community (teachers, support staff, parents or students) should be respectful and courteous, and avoid confrontational or immoderate language.
