Snowy Mountains Christian School (SMCS) held its annual school presentation night on Tuesday, 9 December, a special night for family of the students and staff of Snowy Mountains Christian School as it was the school’s last, after 28 years, before transitioning to Saint Phillip’s Christian College (SPCC) Snowy Mountains next year.

The evening was attended by a number of special guests who presented some of the awards, including Dr David Learoyd, chair of the board, Snowy Monaro Regional Council mayor, Cr Chris Hanna, educational engagement co-ordinator for Snowy Hydro, Carolyn Ewart, member of the Royal Australian Air Force, Michael Spencer and other representatives from local community organisations and businesses.

A congratulatory message from Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, was also played as part of the presentation’s program.

Dr Learoyd began by acknowledging the school’s longest serving principal, Ella Meyer, who has recently retired from a life of service in Christian education.

“What a debt of gratitude we owe Ella Meyer,” he said.

He also thanked the school’s staff for their ‘love, care and respect for the students, the families and all of us’.

“We are about to undergo a major transition. We are going to become a part of the Saint Phillip’s Christian Education Foundation, so the board has been busy,” Dr Learoyd said.

“The running of a school has become a lot more complex and competitive over the last 28 years; we are a small school with limited resources. We have been seeking a partner to join us and support us in Christian education but it wasn’t until September this year we found the right and appropriate partner,” he said.

“I cannot tell you how excited we are as a board, indeed as is the whole of the school and Cooma Baptist Church, to embrace this partnership with St Phillip’s. It will provide amazing new opportunities for our students, especially with the introduction of Year 11 in 2027 going on to Year 12 the following year,” Dr Learoyd said.

“Also there will be pathways for growth, development and training for our staff.

“We look forward to the growth and flourishing of our school as we transition from the Snowy Mountains Christian School to St Phillip’s Christian College Snowy Mountains, with the goal and the aim of providing affordable Christian education which will be available to every child and every family on the Monaro.”

The new principal, Peter Muddle, is a product of Christian schooling himself, and has spent the past 27 years working in Christian schools across NSW.

Mr Muddle is finishing up as deputy principal at St Phillip’s Christian School in Gosford and loves being part of the SPCC community.

In a video introduction he said he is looking forward to working alongside the staff and building on the strong foundation of the school where each student is known, supported and valued as the staff help them find their passion and purpose in learning and in life.

Squadron leader, Michael Spencer, represented the Australian Defence Force-sponsored awards, the ADF Long Tan youth leadership and team work and Future Innovators awards.

He presented the 2025 ADF Long Tan youth leadership and team work award to Matthew Markham, while the 2025 ADF Future Innovators award went to Imogen Walker.

Matthew Markham was also the recipient of the allrounder award, SMCS Sport leadership award, and the 2025 Dux of the Year award.

Acting principal, Elyse O’Connor, said Matthew placed first in most of his subjects and has shown diligence and commitment throughout 2025.

Imogen Walker was presented the Snowy Hydro Cup for academic endeavour and the Reuben F Scarf award for commitment.

The David Holgate Leadership (Rotary) award was presented to Robert Thompson, the Kristy McBain Member for Eden-Monaro citizenship award went to Mason Holster, junior sportsperson award went to Blake Davis and Rachael Davis.

SMCS public speaking competition awards were presented to Matthew Markham, Emily Beere, Zane Beere and Rachael Davis. International Competitions and Assessments for Schools Awards were given to Jaime Pearce (Year 9), Emily Beere (Year 8), Zane Beere (Year 6) and Immanuel Darnell (Year 4).

CUC Snowy Monaro students and staff awards were presented to Shaine Nathaniel Panlaqui (student) and Judy Taylor (staff).