Welcome to Term 1 Week 9
What's in this week's Connect
- Join us at assembly this week!
- Harmony Day 2026
- Headspace - Starburst Group
- Access to Free Newspapers at the State Library of NSW
- 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
Join us at assembly this week!
Each term, our student leaders host a whole-school online assembly in recognition of an event that we have deemed to be of importance to our school community. This term, our team has decided to recognise Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Our student leaders will be hosting a whole-school assembly in recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration Week in Week 9 of this term, on Wednesday 25th March, between 9:30-10am. Please note the time difference, to accommodate your Morning Check-In – you need to ensure you’ve been marked off by your Wellbeing Coach first. A link to the assembly will be emailed to all student and supervisors this week, but you can also find us by using the following LINK. We’d love to have you join us on the day, to celebrate the unique strengths of our brains and individual abilities!
Harmony Day 2026
Harmony Day 2026 is on Saturday 21 March, which coincides with the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity under this years theme "Everyone Belongs", with the broader Harmony Week running from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March. The week focuses on inclusiveness, respect, and belonging for everyone, regardless of background. To show your support, we encourage everyone to wear orange as a simple way to celebrate that "everyone belongs". Poster competition Theme: HARMONY – STRONGER Together Entries close: 15 April 2026 online Specifications: A3 drawing, painting or mixed media work. Submit to:
- Tamara Lawry at Finigan School of Distance Education by 2 April 2026 (to be submitted as a group with the school), or
- Online, by clicking HERE by 15 April 2026
Share your Culture through Story or Music Create a piece of writing or music that shares an aspect of your culture with our school and send it in to tamara.lawry@det.nsw.edu.au at Finigan. We will publish a selection of stories to share with our school community in support of Harmony.
Headspace - Starburst Group
Library News
Access to Free Newspapers at the State Library of NSW
Student News
Student Success: Lucy Darragh Wins Phillip Island Pro
Our school community is thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Lucy Darragh, who recently claimed victory at the World Surf League Phillip Island Pro QS 4000 event held at Cape Woolamai in Victoria. Competing in three-to-five-foot swell against an exceptionally strong international field, Lucy delivered a composed and strategic performance across the event. In the Final she faced Japan’s Anon Matsuoka, securing the win with confident backhand surfing after posting strong scores on key waves. This victory marks Lucy’s third major Qualifying Series win this season, capping off a dominant year in her first full campaign on the World Surf League circuit. At just 15 years old, Lucy has finished the 2025–26 season ranked No. 1 in the Australia/Oceania Women’s Qualifying Series standings, placing her among the most exciting emerging surfers in the region. Lucy also reached the Final of the Pro Junior event during the same competition week, finishing third and further highlighting the consistency and determination she has shown throughout the season. Her success at Phillip Island now sees Lucy preparing for the World Surf League Challenger Series, where surfers compete for a place on the sport’s elite Championship Tour. We are incredibly proud to have Lucy as part of our school community and look forward to following her journey as she continues to represent the South Coast and Australia on the international surfing stage.
Term 1 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
Careers
What to do in high school if you want to study medicine
Planning to enter the competitive world of medicine? We have some ideas on what you’ll need to consider and tips on how to get ahead.
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.
How universities respond to failing grades
Failing definitely sucks, but it isn’t the end of the world. Learn about your options if you’re worried about failing at university.
8 popular university degrees that don’t need Advanced Maths
Thinking of heading to university in the future but unsure if you want to study Advanced Maths in high school? Here are some degrees you might be interested in.
Where biology can take you
Want a subject that connects science, the environment, and real-world impact? Biology equips you to investigate living systems, solve complex challenges, and pursue careers that make a difference for people on the planet.
What is an internship and is it worth doing?
Internships are often mentioned as a great way to gain experience before starting your career. Learn about what they are and how doing one could benefit you.
How to become an Outdoor Education Instructor
Outdoor Education Instructors lead groups through wilderness activities like bushwalking, kayaking, and rock climbing, teaching adventure skills whilst helping participants build confidence and resilience.
The in-demand roles now emerging
The jobs that barely existed a year ago: Generative AI systems tester and deployer: Designs stress tests to evaluate large AI models and identifies bias and unsafe outputs. Generative AI animation producer: Uses AI-generated content tools to accelerate animation and visual effects production. Embodied AI/robotic training specialist: Trains humanoid or task-based robots to walk, grasp objects and perform real-world tasks. Drone swarm operations planner: Plans and coordinates large-scale drone formations for logistics, mapping or live aerial displays. Cross-border e-commerce operations manager: Helps manufacturers and brands expand into international markets via digital commerce platforms. Smart warehouse operations specialist: Oversees the operation and maintenance of automated warehouses. Smart tourism operations manager: Uses digital tools and data systems to improve destination management and visitor experience.
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
EducationUSA Australia ‘Research your Option’ Webinar
EducationUSA Australia will be holding a virtual webinar the evening of Tuesday, March 24 for any students, parents or guardians interested in learning about researching options for pathways to studying in the United States. Session Details:
- Tuesday 24 March
- 6:30pm – 8:30pm AEDT
Topic: ‘Research your Options’ This interactive session will support participants through the essential steps of exploring higher education opportunities in the United States. Attendees will learn how to identify programs that match their academic interests, understand admission requirements, and make informed decisions about their educational future. Whether you are just beginning your search or narrowing down your choices, this webinar will provide practical tools and reliable resources to help you navigate the process with confidence. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to get your questions answered and take the next step toward studying in the the U.S. Register here: Webinar Registration - Zoom
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.
ANU Open Day
ANU Open Day is right around the corner. This is an opportunity to speak with academics and to engage with the ANU community.
- Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
- Time: 9am-3pm
- Location: ANU Acton Campus
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