Welcome to Term 1 Week 10
What's in this week's Connect
- School Holiday Dates
- Mini School - Save the Date
- Headspace - Starburst Group
- Library News
- Student News
- Term 1 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
- Careers
- Scholarships
- University Information & Open Days
- Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2026
- Wellbeing 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
School Holiday Dates
We hope you have a wonderful and relaxing break filled with fun, rest, and quality time together. Remember to recharge and enjoy the time away from school before returning refreshed for Term 2.
- Classes finish for Term 1: 3pm Thursday 2 April - Classes start back for Term 1: Wednesday 22 April
Mini School - Save the Date
Headspace - Starburst Group
Library News
Literacy Support for Every Student
Student News
Year 12 Geography Fieldwork Excursion to Barangaroo
Students of year 12 Geography attended a day with Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre at Barangaroo in Sydney. This was for the unit Rural and Urban Places. Students conducted fieldwork, collecting primary data for wind speed, temperature, noise and biodiversity. They also conducted interviews. The students who attended, Willie, Charlotte, Rhys and Stephen were excellent ambassadors for Finigan as they were engaged in the experience and asked great questions. I really look forward to offering this opportunity again next year.
Sensory Sculptures created at Mini School
Mini School students collaborated playfully responding to materials in small groups of 4-5 to create assembled sculptures that represented their reflections on Inclusivity. They first reflected poetically on places where they felt most comfortable and their sensory experience of place. The sculptures are assemblages that represent laterally their ideas of sensory inclusivity and are meant to be welcoming. Students each spoke about their intentions in use of colour, texture, material, size and considered space in their Assembled Sculptures. Representing ideas of how we feel when included students exhibited ideas about Covid times, Travel and Bunnings, Climate change and pollution of waterways, relationships and stereotypes, to name a few of their topics explored. Thank you everyone for your energetic participation. Here are some of the wonderful SCULPTURES.
Student Work
Year 10 Visual Arts
Year 11 Visual Arts
Year 10 Photographic & Digital Media
Year 10 Food Tech
Students in Year 10 Food Tech have been creating some delicious meals.
Term 1 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
Careers
Why do we work?
Work is about more than paying bills. Here’s why people go to work and what it might mean for your future career.
The skills you could develop through gaming
Your gaming skills could unlock real careers from mining to the military. Here’s how to level up beyond the controller.
University Early Entry Programs in 2026
Early entry can take the pressure off Year 12, here’s what you need to know for 2026.
References and referees: What’s the difference?
Confused about references and referees? Here’s what they mean, who to ask, and how to handle both when applying for work.
How to get through fire service recruitment
The path to becoming a firefighter in Australia and New Zealand is long and competitive. But with the right preparation and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable.
Career opportunities in medicine beyond being a doctor
There are heaps more career options in medicine than just becoming a doctor – learn about all your opportunities in this blog.
Do you need to apply for special consideration
Sometimes life throws curveballs, and you just can’t perform at your best on a test or assignment. Special consideration exists to help students in situations beyond their control, but how do you know if it’s something you should apply for?
The Wanderers: Careers that take you around the world
Some careers take you everywhere. Discover the pros, cons, and surprising realities of jobs where travel is the whole point.
Pathways Spotlight: Geologist
Scholarships
Scholarships to Study at the Melbourne Institute of Massage and Myotherapy
The Melbourne Institute of Massage and Myotherapy provides scholarships for students looking to study Remedial Massage and Massage Therapy. Click HERE to find out more.
Bria Joyce Scholarships to Cover Transport Costs for Education Related Travel The BusCharter Student Access Scholarship was established in 2022 to help Australian students who face transport challenges in accessing their education. Click HERE to find out more. Interested in finding out what else is out there in the way of Scholarships? Other Scholarships
University Information & Open Days
ANU – Direct Entry applications open 11 March 2026 (for 2027 study)
Students can begin applying directly to the Australian National University (ANU) through the ANU Direct Entry Scheme as of 11 March 2026. Applications are free and include applying for academic admission, accommodation and scholarships in the one application. Early offers will be released in September using Year 11 or equivalent results and adjustment factors to calculate your ANU selection rank. Students who receive an early offer will need to complete their final year and obtain an ATAR or equivalent.
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 2026
- Primary - Emma Marmont
- Year 7/8 - Michelle Hill
- Year 9 - Mark Huynh & Kerrie McKinlay
- Year 10 - Aamir Aftab & Tracey O'Leary
- Year 11 - Dylan Wood
- 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