View Screen Reader-Friendly Version

Connect

Finigan School of Distance Education Term 2 Week 3

Welcome to Term 2 Week 3

What's in this week's Connect

  • Mini School: Save the Date
  • Library News
  • Student Work
  • Term 2 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
  • Careers
  • Scholarships
  • UAC News
  • 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

Mini School: Save the Date

Library News

FSDE now has a digital encyclopedia and educational database tailored for K-12 students.

Britannica School is an award-winning, curated, and safe online learning platform offering age-appropriate articles, multimedia, and tools tailored to different learning levels. It provides teacher-verified content aimed at improving research skills, fostering curiosity, and delivering educational resources aligned with school curriculums.

Where do I find it? From your Student Portal, select the ‘My School Library (Oliver)’ icon. It might look like an information icon or books icon.

This will take you to the Oliver library catalogue ‘News Pages’. The direct link to the ‘News Pages’ is also here: https://oliver-9.library.det.nsw.edu.au/5/home/news Click on the ‘Britannica School’ icon in the ‘Useful Links’ section.

There is also a short promotional video that will give you an overview of what you can find in Britannica School.

Explore Britannica School today to enjoy engaging and accessible information, images, videos, and interactive maps to support your learning.

Student Work

Primary

Last term, students in Primary learnt how to play the harmonica. Students explored different techniques to play many different songs. Please enjoy this compliation of the students playing their harmonicas in teh video below.

Year 11 Drama

Yr 11 Drama have been hard at work developing monologues for assessment. Here are some snippets of some of their performances.

Year 12 Drama

A few of the Yr 12 Drama class from nearby Goulburn spent the day at Finigan last week. They were here to workshop their HSC Group Performance with Drama teacher Debbie de Graaf. It was an extremely productive day with brainstorming sessions, improvising scenes and characters, discussions on theatrical styles and inspiration developed with the use of props. A strong idea has emerged for this group and they are well on their way to developing a solid idea for their HSC work.

Year 11 Photography Video & Digital Imaging

Year 11 Textiles

Term 2 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars

Webinars for parents run by the eSafety Commissioner are held throughout Term 2. Go to the eSafety Commissioner website to find out more or register for a free webinar.

Careers

Planning to study medicine at university?

Applications to study medicine are competitive, but we have some tips to help you plan and get ahead of the pack.

Where Tourism can take you

Tourism isn’t just about going places; it’s an entire system built around how people experience them. Behind every trip, attraction, or event, there are roles and decisions shaping what visitors see, do, and remember. Find out more.

How data affects real world decisions

Every day, decisions are made using information most people never see. Understanding how that information is used offers a clearer view of how the world actually operates. Read more.

The power of portfolios

Learn everything you need to know about portfolios, including what they are and how to create one that stands out, in this blog.

When science stops looking like science

Science is often thought of as something that stays in labs or classrooms, but it shows up in far more places than most people expect. Some careers rely on scientific thinking in ways that are easy to miss at first glance. Find out more.

How to become a Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and lead strategies that reduce an organisation’s environmental impact. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, find out more in this weeks Job Spotlight.

Scholarships

King & Amy O’Malley Trust Undergraduate Scholarship

The King & Amy O’Malley Trust awards annual scholarships are for students applying for or enrolled in tertiary Home Economics or equivalent programs, such as Consumer Science, Family and Consumer Studies, Food and Nutrition, or Teacher Education. Find out more. Applications close: July 31, 2026

Pinnacle Foundation Scholarships

The Pinnacle Foundation provides educational scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to realise their full potential. Find out more. Applications close: August 31, 2026

Snow Scholarships Open For Application

The Snow Schoarship is a life-changing opportunity for passionate and purpose-driven students who face barriers to higher education living in Canberra or regional and rural New South Wales.   Snow Scholars can receive financial support of up to $30,000 per year for their living expenses, on-campus accommodation and travel, along with dedicated wrap-around academic, personal and leadership support designed to help students unlock their potential.   The Scholarships have been specifically designed for applicants who:  

  • face financial hardship; and/or
  • live with a disability or ongoing medical condition; and/or
  • have experienced unforeseen challenges.

  Applications are now open for student planning to begin their university journey in Semester 1, 2027. Submissions close 12 July. FIND OUT MORE

NSW Tertiary Health Study Subsidies

The NSW Tertiary Health Study Subsidies offer financial support to new and graduating students in eligible health qualifications who begin their careers with NSW Health and commit to a minimum five‑year service period. The subsidies are available to students across nursing, medicine, midwifery, paramedicine, allied health professions and Aboriginal health practice. The program aims to attract future health professionals to Australia’s largest health system by providing up to $12,000 for commencing health students and a one‑off $8,000 payment for graduates starting their roles with NSW Health. Applications are open now. Visit the Tertiary Health Study Subsidies page for more information on how to apply. FIND OUT MORE

Interested in finding out what else is out there in the way of Scholarships? Click the link below

Other Scholarships

UAC News

Applications opened on 8 April for study in 2027. Details of hundreds of semester 1, 2027 courses offered by UAC’s participating institutions are now available. More will be added over the next few months. Students should log back in to their application in August to take another look at the courses being offered and review their course preferences. Starting an application: the essentials You will need the following details to start your UAC application: Personal email address: Before you start your application, you will need to create an account using a personal email address and a password. You will then be sent an email to validate your details. Once you've done that, you will use your email address and password to start/log in to your application. Year 12 student number and UAC PIN: UAC PIN were emailed to students on 8 April using the email addresses NESA has on file. If you have not received this email, please call UAC on (+61 2) 9752 0200. Don’t forget to register a personal email address in your NESA Students Online account. You will need to enter your Year 12 student number and UAC PIN early in the application. These details identify you as a 2026 Year 12 student, which meansyou'll be able to apply for an early offer through the Schools Recommendation Scheme.  Unique Student Identifier (USI): This is a mandatory field for domestic applicants who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. You can quickly and easily create your USI or check if you already have one. Institutions are still confirming details of their 2027 courses and admission processes. UAC are updating their website as information is provided. COURSE SELECTION When thinking about selecting your course preferences consider the following:  

  1. Dream degree – the course you want most, your top pick no matter what
  2. Another top choice – a similar course or one you’d be just as happy to study
  3. A strong match – a realistic course based on your results and interests: could help you transfer to your dream course
  4. Your safe option – a course you feel confident you'll get into and that could help you transfer at a later stage
  5. Your back-up – your ‘just in case’ course to give you the best opportunity to start your study journey.

Scholarships and schemes Applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme, Educational Access Scheme, Equity Scholarships and the Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme opened for domestic students on 8 April. On UAC’s website you can find application instructions, document requirements and more.

University Information & Open Days

Agriculture & Environment Online Information Night Tuesday 26 May, 5.30–7.00pm Where: Online info night via Zoom We have been cultivating the next crop of ag innovators for over 120 years. When you study with us, you'll gain hands-on skills and industry knowledge for the future of diverse and rewarding careers in agriculture and the environment.

  • Unpack ag and enviro careers and courses, plus dive into our early offer program.
  • Hear from industry experts, students and graduates.
  • See what hands-on learning is all about and check out our virtual facilities tour.
  • Have your questions answered live!

Register here: https://study.csu.edu.au/ag-animals-enviro

Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences Online Information Night Wednesday 27 May, 5.30–7.00pm Where: Online info night via Zoom Passionate about animals? Curious about a career in the animal health sector? Our info night is the perfect place to start. 

  • Discover where animal, equine and vet careers can take you.
  • Hear from industry experts, students and graduates.
  • Explore our hands-on courses and facilities.
  • Have your questions answered live!

Register here: https://study.csu.edu.au/ag-animals-enviro 

University of Canberra

UC Early Offer Scheme The UC Early Offer Scheme is an admissions pathway that lets eligible Year 12 students apply for a place before their final ATAR results are released. Assessment will be based on their Year 11 results and a personal statement. To be eligible, applicants must be a current Year 12 student enrolled in a school located in the ACT or NSW and intend on going to university (demonstrated by undertaking a tertiary package, or pursuing the HSC). The majority of undergraduate courses at UC are included in the Early Offer Scheme, but there are some excluded. Make sure you check our list of Early Offer Scheme-eligible courses before applying. A step-by-step application guide is available on our EOS website. Application Open: 27th March 2026 Application Close: 9 August 2026 Document Deadline: 23 August 2026 Offer Release: 7 September 2026 MORE INFORMATION

Aspire UC Open Day Camp Aspire UC is offering fully funded places for regional and rural Year 12 students, along with their parents/guardians, to attend the UC Open Day Camp on Saturday, 12 September 2026. This include:

  • One nights' accommodation: at a 3.5 star hotel on 12 September
  • A personalised experience: Student Success Coach meet and greet
  • Petrol vouchers: to assist your travel to Canberra
  • Follow up suport: assistance with the application and enrolment process

  To apply, please complete the form by scanning the QR code provided above. As part of the application, you will need to submit a 200-word statement outlining your plans after finishing high school and explaining how attending the UC Open Day Camp will help you achieve your goals. Places are limited, so be sure to apply by 18 July. Successful applicants will be notified by 31 July.

AIE Canberra

AIE Open Day – Saturday 23 May MayMeet AIE Instructors, uncover courses that they offer and find out how to kickstart a career in games, film and animation with AIE. Read more and register.

La Trobe University

La Trobe’s Aspire Early Offer Program is now open. The program offers students the chance to secure an early offer to uni before you finish Year 12. Aspire recognises a range of different student strengths, whether it’s their impact on the community, their academic results in Year 11 or their motivation to study. There are 3 Aspire streams to choose from: Aspire Community Impact – applications close 4 September 2026  Aspire Academic Impact – applications close 4 September 2026  Aspire Everyday Impact – applications close 4 September 2026  

Western Sydney University

Pathways, Alternative Entry and Early Offers Webinar Join the WSU team in an interactive webinar exploring Pathways, Alternative Entry and Early Offer opportunities at Western. This session is designed especially for Year 10, 11 and 12 students and will break down the different ways you can gain entry to university, even if you’re unsure about ATARs or traditional pathways. REGISTER NOW.

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

Follow Finigan on Social Media

Our School Values

Have a fantastic week!