Welcome to Term 2 Week 3
What's in this week's Connect
- Third Party Software Consent
- Guest Poet Talk at Finigan: Author Insights
- How to Ask for Help
- Join our 2025 Push-Up Challenge!: 4-26 June
- What Matters?: Writing Competition
- Kids & Family Shows at The Q
- eSafety Parents & Careers Webinars: Term 2
- Careers
- University Information & Open Days
- Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2025
- Wellbeing: General links
We would love to hear from you. If have something to share in our school newsletter please email it to: finigansde@det.nsw.edu.au
Third Party Software Consent
An email has been sent requiring parental consent for third party software. Please complete the form by following the link in the email. If you have any questions please contact finigansde@det.nsw.edu.au
Guest Poet Talk at Finigan
Author Insights: Merlinda Bobis
On Wednesday of Week 2, Lauren Waite facilitated a remarkable opportunity for our English students to engage with acclaimed Filipino-Australian writer Merlinda Bobis, a prescribed author for both English EAL/D and Standard. The session, originally tailored for students engaging directly with Bobis’ works, was generously opened up to the broader English cohort, several of whom seized the moment to listen, reflect, and be inspired.
Bobis spoke movingly about the power of story, describing writing as “the tickle of imagination and the shiver of inspiration.” She reminded students that “storytelling is not lonely because all the past storytellers are with us as we write,” and positioned poetry as “literature but also auditory art.” In one particularly resonant moment, she recited her poem in three languages, inviting students into her heritage and the deep music of language, even across translation.
The session explored the craft and responsibility of authorship. Bobis encouraged young writers to ask, “What stories are worth telling?” and to write with an “imagined reader in mind.” Her message was one of artistic integrity and connection: “In that moment we become community - we are home.”
Warm thanks to Lauren for making this experience possible and for continuing to enrich our students’ engagement with literature beyond the page.
How to Ask for Help
Sometimes it is hard to ask for help or even to know where to start when you are finding a task difficult. Here are some suggestions of things you might need help with.
Join our 2025 Push-Up Challenge!
Last year, our students and staff collectively completed over 50,000 push-ups and raised $1,500 for Lifeline and mental health services across Australia. What a fantastic feat this was for our school community!
This year, we’d love to ‘push’ even further than this – by including more students and staff than ever before in the Finigan SDE Push-Up Challenge, completing more push-ups, and raising even more money for charity.
Does this sound like something you’d like to be a part of?
Join our school community in this challenge between the 4th-26th of June. You can join our whole-school team, by registering your name and details at the following LINK.
Alternatively, if you’re not keen on doing the push-ups, you might like to throw a few dollars in to fuel our fundraising campaign and post some encouraging words for our participants. You can donate to our school team, by using the following LINK.
We hope to have you join us and we’ll have some further updates soon!
What Matters? – Writing Competition
Inspired by Gough Whitlam's commitment to involving young people in shaping Australia's future, the What Matters? Writing Competition is now in its 21st year and seeks to hear from children on what they care about the most: from climate change to mental health to video games and relationships with friends and families.
Whatever the issue is, the Whitlam Institute is inviting young people in Years 5–12 to express themselves through their writing and to share their ideas and thoughts in 600 words or less.
What you need to know:
- Competition is now open until May 16, 2025
- Entries can be in the form of prose, non-fiction, poetry, or essay
- Free to enter here for years 5-12, at home or school
- There are great prizes including a $1500 cash prize, book packs from Allen and Unwin, and money-can’t-buy experiences, like shadowing journalists at Parliament House, or hosting a virtual author visit at your school.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you’re welcome to enter by following this link and submitting your responses by May 16th, 2025: https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters
Kids & Family Shows at The Q
If you live in the Queanbeyan area you might like to take the opportunity to go and see some of the great shows on at The Q this year.
Mr Snotbottom – 18 July @ The B (last weekend of Winter school holidays) - A hilariously deeeesgusting kids comedian brimming with all the oooey, gooey, yucky things kids love! Like a cross between Shrek and Mr Bean, you can expect snot-loads of gross-tastic gags, slimy songs, and just wrong routines perfect for weird kids and their even weirder parents! Mr Snotbottom will transport families on a roller-coaster of ridiculousness where they can howl, groan and roar with delight together! https://theq.net.au/whats-on/mr-snotbottom/
The Paper Escaper – 20-22 August @ The Q (During Term 3) - Benny, the plucky puppet protagonist, knows they are destined for greater things than a simple pop-up book. But in a world that’s trying to squash Benny between its pages – from a wily dancing fire to a disillusioned illustrator – Benny will need the help of a new friend to achieve their dreams. Written by Gita Bezard of The Last Great Hunt, this delightful, funny, and inspiring production features inventive puppetry, deft physical performance, and an intricate and engaging soundtrack. Benny doesn’t want to tell the story ‘The Maker’ has written for them. As their parents get nervous about the consequences of defying the ‘The Maker’, Benny rips themself from his story. Alone and in an unknown land, Benny comes across a mysterious tentacle and friendship blooms. But ‘The Maker’ is determined and his fire is hungry – and Benny and their friend must work together to survive. https://theq.net.au/whats-on/the-paper-escaper/
Jon & Jero: STUFF! – 10 October @ The Q (last weekend of Term 3 school holidays) - Jon & Jero are embarking on an epic journey to find their missing STUFF – but they can’t do it alone! With your help, these bumbling brothers will travel far and wide to get their STUFF back in this fast and fun choose-your-own-adventure for the whole family! STUFF! is an interactive comedy experience exploring themes of friendship, hopefulness, exploration and connection, all wrapped together with a healthy sprinkle of imagination on top. This high-energy hour of silly proportions combines physical comedy, big characters, improvisation, and most importantly, STUFF! https://theq.net.au/whats-on/jon-jero-stuff/
The Listies: 110% Ready! – 24-25 October @ The Q (during Term 4) - Featuring a pocketful of puns, silly slapstick sight gags, and a splash of improvisational idiocy, 110% Ready sees Melbourne’s masters of mirth do what they do best for 55 solid minutes of full family lols. This brand-new show is all about the joys of the average morning routine: sleeping through the alarm, not having any milk, fishing dirty clothes out of the hamper, burning the toast, and then finding the front door is glued shut, the shower won’t switch off, and the house is filling with water. Dedicated to anyone who has ever been in charge of someone who is impossible to get out the front door in the morning! https://theq.net.au/whats-on/the-listies-110-ready/
eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars: Term 2
The eSafety Commissioner has some free webinars coming up to give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences.
Some of the topics include:
Understanding & using parental controls to help protect your child online
Parental controls can be a useful addition to the strategies you use to help protect your child online. Parental controls can help keep children and young people by preventing access to harmful content, managing time spent online and who they communicate with.
Join us at this 45-minute webinar to find out about:
- the types of parental controls available and how to set them for your child’s safety including smart devices, in apps, gaming platforms and computers
- using parental controls with other online safety strategies to help your child build digital and critical skills to have safer experiences online.
It’s suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.
Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):
- 14 May, 12.30pm
- 3 June, 3.30pm
Sexual extortion: What parents & carers need to know
Sexual extortion or ‘sextortion’ is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video of a person unless their demands are met.
Sexual extortion is a serious, growing online concern, especially for young people. But what exactly is it? What conversations may help prevent it and how can you support your child if they’re targeted?
This 30-minute webinar will explain:
- what sexual extortion is
- the impacts and potential harms sexual extortion may have on young people
- strategies to support young people who may experience sexual extortion, including how to respond and access support; and how to encourage safer and more positive online interactions.
It’s suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary and secondary school.
Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):
- 28 May, 12.30pm
- 18 June, 12.30pm
eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you
eSafety has a range of programs and resources that can help parents and carers build knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safer online experiences.
This 30-minute webinar introduces:
- eSafety resources designed to help you start the conversation about online safety with your child
- how to help children and young people thrive online with 5 top tips to keep your family safe online
- how the eSafety Commissioner can help parents, children and young people that are experiencing online harms.
It’s suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school.
Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):
- 21 May, 12.30pm
Go to the eSafety Commissioner website to learn more and register for the webinars.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
Careers
Personalised 2025 HSC written exam timetables are scheduled to be released via Students Online on Friday 2nd May.
Please see below link for other key NESA dates.
Life maps – Why do you need one?
A life map is a great tool to help you plan out your future – but what exactly are they, and why do you need one? Let’s find out.
Early entry: Quick facts
Here are some interesting facts about early entry over the last year and what you might be able to expect this year.
Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM Scholarships
ATSE’s Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program aims to address inequities in STEM through comprehensive scholarships enabling more diverse women and non-binary people to access tertiary STEM education, professional skills development and STEM leadership opportunities with industry and academia. Click HERE to find out more.
How to become an Electoral Worker
Are you interested in playing a vital role int eh democratic process? Explore why becoming an electoral worker might be right for you.
NYSF Connect: Exploring Careers in Medicine
Want to know more about the diverse career opportunities within medicine? Whether you’re interested in research, public health or improving how humans operate in different environments, discover the various paths you can take in this rewarding field. Click HERE to register for the event.
- Organisation: National Youth Science Forum
- May 13, 2025 @ 7pm
Launch your Career in artificial intelligence (AI)
Audience: Students in Years 9–12 are invited to explore the exciting opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) offers.
Launch your Career connects students with industry professionals. Discover amazing opportunities within artificial intelligence information including:
In a one-hour interactive session, participants will explore:
- opportunities in AI: Uncovering the vast potential AI holds.
- transforming work practices: See how generative AI is revolutionising the workplace.
- AI in finance: Learn about AI’s impact in the finance industry.
- AI in education: Discover how AI is reshaping education.
- The future of AI: Gain insights into what lies ahead for AI.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER
University Information & Open Days
The 2025 University Early Entry Guide
It’s arrived! The 2025 University Early Entry Guide!
- Early Entry Guide 2025: School Licensed Edition
- Early Entry Quick Reference Guide: Early Entry QRG 2025
- Early Entry – Accepting offers: Study Work Grow Education
University of Wollongong
Early Admission - UOW’s early entry scheme opens towards the end of this term. UOW Early Admission will open Monday 16 June and close Friday 8 August.
We are happy to offer Early Admission workshops for your students for late Term 2 or early Term 3 where we can guide students through the process. Please email me with a couple of preferred times and dates so we can get you booked in.
More information on Early Admission is available on the UOW website.
Open Day - If you would like to learn more about UOW before you apply, UOW Open Day provides an opportunity to attend information sessions, talk to academic and service staff and visit campus. There will be 2 events in 2025:
- 28 June: Wollongong Campus
- 26 July: Liverpool Campus
Charles Sturt University (CSU)
CSU is holding a career Discovery Series
- When: Sessions run from 13–22 May, 6.00–7.30pm
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Hear from industry experts, academics, current students and graduates.
- Discover everything you need to know about the right course for you – including how to apply.
- Get your questions answered so you can kickstart your career with confidence.
Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer - Session Recording
CSU held their first Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer webinar for the year, and if you missed it you can catch up by watching the recording. You'll see Rebecca Baker speaking with Jordan Stewart CSU’s early offer co-ordinator and answering student questions live via the Q&A.
You'll see students questions being answered live via the Q&A.
View it on the CSU website: https://study.csu.edu.au/information-for/school-leavers/charles-sturt-advantage
Charles Sturt Advantage (Early Offer)
- Round 1 - Early bird applications close 31 July 2025 and offers will be made from 1 September 2025.
- Round 2 - Applications close 31 August 2025 and offers will be made from 19 September 2025.
- Students Apply Here - https://study.csu.edu.au/information-for/school-leavers/charles-sturt-advantage
La Trobe University
Course updates:
- Bachelor of Biological Sciences - New core subjects and course location
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics -New specialisation course
- Bachelor of Arts Explorer tool - Explore over 34 different arts majors or add your interests to refine your selection
Regional campus events:
- Bendigo Campus Talk and Tours - Ask questions, get a taste of uni, and feel ready to start your dream course. You’ll meet our student ambassadors and take a tour of the Bendigo campus. Monday 7 – Thursday 10 April. Book Now!
Open Days 2025:
- Melbourne (Bundoora) - Sunday 3 August 2025
- Shepparton - Sunday 10 August
- Mildura - Wednesday 13 August
- Sydney - Saturday 16 August
- Albury-Wodonga - Sunday 17 August
- Bendigo - Sunday 24 August
Macquarie University (MQU)
- Year 10 Guide to Uni webinar: Wednesday 14 May
- Open Day: 16 August 2025, 10am – 4pm
National Institute of Education: UCAT & Pathways into Medicine
UCAT and Pathways into Medicine Webinar Recording and PDF Slides - Students in Year 9, 10, 11 or 12 considering a career in medicine or dentistry, and missed the previous ‘UCAT and Pathways into Medicine/Dentistry’ information session, you can access the recording and PDF slides of the presentation here https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-free/free-ucat-information-sessions
Torrens University
Virtual Open Day Catch Up | Torrens University - For students who missed Torrens University's February Virtual Open Day, the recording is now available. Hear from academics about courses, scholarships, internships and what sets Torrens University apart. https://www.torrens.edu.au/whats-on/open-day/virtual-open-day.
Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University Open Day | Sunday 6 July - The date for Western Sydney University's 2025 Open Day has been set for Sunday 6 July. Taking place at our vibrant Parramatta South Campus, Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for future students, teachers and the community to tour the facilities, chat to academic staff and current students, and learn all about what Western has to offer. For more information visit https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/openday.
Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways:
- Western's HSC True Reward Early Offer Program - HSC True Reward acknowledges that students are much more than their scaled ATAR. The program recognises a student’s subject performance, which best reflects their strengths and areas of interest, as an indicator of future success at university. Offers based on Year 11 or 12 results are made from September. For more information visit https://bit.ly/43e4Gtu.
- Western Sydney University Indigenous Entry Pathway Program - The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Entry Program is an alternative University Entry Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants can gain entry to any undergraduate degree at Western by completing the entry assessment and be supported throughout their education. The next assessment days are online and on campus in June 2025. For more information visit https://bit.ly/47iMOwF.
Resources for Students
The Importance of a USI - A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a student’s education number for life. All students undertaking nationally recognised training such as VET or a First Aid course, must have a USI to get their certificate. Higher education students need it to access a Commonwealth Supported Place, HELP loans and to graduate. Students can create their USI in under 5 minutes using their ID. For more information visit www.usi.gov.au or email stakeholders@usi.gov.au.
Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2025
The Learning and Wellbeing Coaches for 2025 are as follows:
- Primary: Milly Hammond
- Year 7 & 8: Mark Huynh (supported by Milly Hammond on Fridays)
- Year 9: Aamir Aftab & Tracey O'Leary
- Year 10: Jessie Norman/Shane Spellman (job-share) & Dylan Wood
- Year 11: Donna Needham
- Year 12: John Preston
Wellbeing links
To access the school counselling service students from year 6 to year 12 can self refer.
https://forms.office.com/r/2xBCyq7Gff?origin=lprLink