Welcome to Term 3 Week 8
What's in this week's Connect
- R U OK Day: 11 September
- Finigan Film Festival: Submit a film - any story, any genre
- Term 4 Camp: 27-28 November
- Student News:NSW Equestrian State Interschools & Australian Youth Dressage Championships; Support Alexis as she ‘steps up’!
- UC School Holiday Program: The Ethical Hacker
- Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
- eSafety Webinars: Term 3
- Music: The benefits of learning music
- Careers: Career Ideas; Competitions; Scholarships; Traineeships
- University Information & Open Days: Updated weekly
- 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
R U OK Day: 11th September
Ask “R U OK?” any day - because life happens every day.
Thursday 11 September is R U OK? Day - but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and ask “R U OK?” ANY day.
Research has found that those who are regularly asked, 'Are you OK?' report increased feelings of wellbeing, and we've learned that a third of Australians say they've been asking others more often over the past year. That means many of us are already showing up for others in meaningful ways, but when it comes to conversations about how we’re really going, some people are less confident than others.
It’s natural to feel a little hesitant, but the good news is 90% of Australians report feeling grateful, supported and cared for when someone genuinely asks them if they're OK - and that’s a good reason to give it a go. You might even be having these conversations already without realising.
If you need tips to build your confidence, the R U OK website is here to help with plenty of free resources to help you feel more confident to check in with someone you care about. You’ve got this, and they’ve got your back!
You can find more valuable resources for young people at the following website: https://www.ruok.org.au/friendbetter
Finigan Film Festival
Term 4 Camp
Student News
NSW Equestrian State Interschools & Australian Youth Dressage Championships
We are proud to share the recent achievements of two of our Year 12 students, Skye and Indie, who have both represented our school with outstanding results in equestrian competitions.
Skye – NSW State Interschools
Skye competed on two of her horses, both qualifying for the National Championships.
- Riding Solly, her 7-year-old off-the-track thoroughbred, Skye claimed the title of State Champion in the 2* CT115 (Combined Training 1.15m).
- On her 5-year-old off-the-track thoroughbred Jack, she placed third overall in the Senior Novice Dressage Championship and finished fifth in the 1* CT105.
- Her results secured her a place on the NSW State Team for the National Interschools, where she will compete in the 2* Eventing, the CT105, and the Senior Novice Dressage. Skye has also been named Eventing Team Captain for NSW.
Indie – Australian Youth Dressage Championships
Indie represented Australia at the Australian Youth Dressage Championships, where she achieved exceptional results:
- Competing in the Medium class on Friday, Indie placed 6th in the 4.2 and 7th in the 4.3, finishing 5th overall in Australia.
- On Saturday in the Elementary class, she placed 10th in the 3.2 and 3rd in the 3.3, finishing 6th overall in Australia and helping her team to secure 1st place for Australia in the international teams event.
- At the NSW State Interschools, Indie again competed in the Elementary and Medium classes.
- Wednesday’s Elementary round didn’t go as planned, but she bounced back strongly in Thursday’s Medium classes, achieving a personal best.
- She placed 5th in the 4.2, 8th in the 4.3, and finished 6th overall in NSW, earning the position of second reserve for the Nationals team.
Both Skye and Indie have shown remarkable commitment and resilience in their equestrian pursuits. We congratulate them on their achievements and wish them the very best as they continue to ride at the highest levels.
Support Alexis as she ‘steps up’!
This month, Alexis (Year 12) is walking/running 58 km (possibly more!) in a bid to ‘Step up to Breast Cancer’ for the 58 Australians who are diagnosed every single day.
She is hoping to raise around $250 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support vital research. Please consider viewing, and if possible, donating to her fundraising page to support her challenge: https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/AlexisRann/step-up
A very big thank you from Alexis for your support!
UC School Holiday Program: The Ethical Hacker
This September, Innovation Central Canberra at the University of Canberra is running a new Holiday Tech Day – School Holiday Program! The Ethical Hacker program is suitable for high school students (grades 9 - 12).
It’s an engaging, puzzle-filled day where students will:
- Step into the role of an ethical hacker
- Track down clues from a simulated cyberattack
- Solve Capture the Flag challenges
- Build problem-solving and cyber awareness skills
Program details:
- When: Monday 29th September 2025, 9:30am – 4:30pm
- Where: Innovation Central Canberra, University of Canberra, Building 27 - Level A
- Cost: $95 per child (excluding booking fee), snacks and pizza lunch included
Spots are limited, register here! - see flyer below
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact innovationcentral@canberra.edu.au
Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
Available dates:
- Thursday 11th September @ 7PM (AEST) - CLICK HERE to Register
- Thursday 9th October @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
- Monday 20th October @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
- Thursday 30th October @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
- Wednesday 12th November @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
- Thursday 27th November @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
- Wednesday 10th December @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
eSafety Webinars: Term 3
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.
Term 3 Topics include:
Go to the eSafety Commissioner website to learn more and register for the webinars.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
Music
Check out the article below on the benefits of learning music and how it can build abilities for success in any field.
2025 HSC Written Exam Timetables
Personalised 2025 HSC written exam timetables have been released via Students Online.
Please see below link for other key NESA dates.
Careers
Career Ideas
Find fresh career ideas below.
10 jobs for sporty people
There are more pathways into the world of sport than just becoming an athlete – here are ten exciting jobs to consider if you love sport.
How a gap year can build your work and life skills
A well-planned gap year can provide you with a world of knowledge and skills, setting you up for future success in your careers and life.
How to become a Meteorologist
Interested in how weather and climate affect our lives? You might like to become a meteorologist – find out more in this weeks Job Spotlight.
ANU Rocketry: Annual Showcase
ANU Rocketry are hosting their Annual Showcase on Wednesday 15 October 2025, 6–9 pm at ANU, and you are invited to attend.
The Showcase is a fun evening where the team:
- Reveals their new full-scale rocket “Solstice” and this year’s engineering projects
- Share what ANU students have been building in aerospace and innovation
- Welcome industry, community, and local businesses who support Canberra’s growth and talent
It would be fantastic to have the Finigan team represented on the night – both as part of the Canberra community and to celebrate the role of local organisations in supporting student-led innovation.
Event details & RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/anu-rocketry-showcase-2025
Goulburn Police Academy open day
Following on from our 3-day Careers Camp we would like to promote an opportunity for students (and parents) to attend the Goulburn Police Academy open day. You will need to register to be able to attend!
Queanbeyan Station Open Day
Competitions
JMC No Limits National High School Competition
JMC Academy is proud to present their National Competition for 2025. Students in Years 10 – 12 are invited to challenge themselves to create in an area they’re passionate about.
International Chemistry and Art Competition
Students from around the globe are invited to submit an entry focused on this year’s theme “What is Chemistry to me?” With a total of $2500 AUD in prizes - $500 for each age group and an additional $500 for the People’s Choice winner.
- Opens: August 1, 2025
- Closes: October 1, 2025
Sony World Photography Awards Youth Competition
Enter your favourite photographs taken in 2025. Submit up to three of your striking single images from the past year and share them with the judges.
- Opens: June 1, 2025
- Closes: January 6, 2026
Scholarships
Charles Sturt Transgrid Engineering Scholarship
Charles Sturt University has partnered with transmission network leader Transgrid to develop a new Transgrid Engineering Scholarship Fund.
Public Education Foundation Scholarships
The Public Education Foundation’s Campbell-Carter Scholarship supports public school students from regional, rural and remote areas in Australia. Click HERE to find out more.
RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships
A RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship can help ease some worries and allow greater freedom to more regularly visit home for students in regional areas who have to relocate for study.
- Opens: July 1, 2025
- Closes: October 20, 2025
Teach NSW Teacher Education Scholarship
If your future plans include completing an initial teacher education degree or you are currently studying to become a secondary mathematics, science, technological and applied studies (TAS) or English teacher or an inclusive/special education teacher (K-12), you could be eligible for the Teacher Education Scholarship.
- Opens: July 28, 2025
- Closes: September 12, 2025
Traineeships
JPMorgan Chase 2026 Traineeship program
JPMorgan Chase 2026 Traineeship program applications are now open.
JPMorgan Chase are providing a unique opportunity for Year 12 students who are interested in starting a full-time career immediately after high school. The 2026 Sydney Traineeship Program at JPMorgan Chase offers a dynamic pathway for students to build a long-term career in the financial industry. Here are the key highlights:
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to current Year 12 students who will have obtained a high school certificate by end of 2025, are Australian citizens or Permanent Residents, and have not commenced or graduated from a degree or Certificate IV qualification.
- Comprehensive 2-Year Paid Program: Students will gain essential knowledge and skills in either Operations or Finance & Business Management (F&BM) tracks, with hands-on experience in optimizing services for global clients or engaging in financial analysis and reporting.
- Strategic Role and Responsibilities: Trainees will act as trusted advisors, ensuring the integrity of financial statements, driving key initiatives, and contributing to strategic business decisions, all while working in a fast-paced environment.
- Skill Development: The program emphasizes strong attention to detail, communication, and interpersonal skills, with opportunities to work in teams, and engage in process improvement.
- Program start date: March 2026
This traineeship program is an excellent opportunity for students to embark on a rewarding career journey with JPMorgan Chase.
University Information & Open Days
ATTENTION YEAR 12! Applying to uni? Then you need to know this!
SRS application and offer dates:
- Application deadline: 5 September
- Course preference deadline: 6 November
- First offers released: 13 November (November Round 1)
- Conditional offers converted to unconditional offers: from 23 December (December Round 2)
Tips for navigating offers and preferences:
- SRS offers are only for eligible courses included in a student's UAC preferences at the time offers are made. Not every institution participates in SRS and not all courses are eligible. CLICK HERE for participating institutions and their criteria
- In November Round 1, students can receive one unconditional offer and multiple conditional offers. To convert a conditional offer to an unconditional one, students must keep the course in their UAC preference list and meet the institution's specified criteria.
- Students should always prioritise their dream course. In December Round 2, they won’t be penalised for ranking their dream course above a course for which they've received a conditional offer, even if an institution instructs them to list the conditional course as their 'highest eligible preference'.
- If they miss out on their dream course, their next choice will be considered, and so on. Their conditional offer will be considered after the courses listed above it have been considered. If the conditional course is listed as their top choice, and they’ve met the conditions, they will receive the offer and not be considered for courses listed below it.
CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOLS RECOMMENDATION SCHEME FAQs
All courses for Semester 1, 2026 should now be available for selection in the course search.
Early bird fee ends on 30 September. The fee will increase from $82 to $215. If you are unsure if you wish to go to university, you apply and receive an offer you can always apply to the university to defer your start date.
How to apply to university: The complete guide
Navigate university applications with confidence using this step-by-step guide to choosing courses, selecting institutions, and securing your place.
Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate: Your guide to university degrees
Confused about the difference between bachelor's, master’s and doctorate? Read this simple guide to different university degrees.
Open Days Guide 2025
Click HERE to download a copy of the Open Days Guide 2025, for students and their families.
Gap Year Guide 2025
Click HERE to download a copy of the Gap Year Guide 2025, for students and their families.
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
Rising Sun Pictures & University of South Australia
A decade-long partnership that has played a key role in developing industry-ready visual effects (VFX) artists who are now contributing to some of Hollywood’s biggest productions.
Specialised courses have been tailored to meet the evolving demands of global VFX industry. The collaboration has now led to a bachelor’s degree in visual Effects along with a suite of specialised post-graduate courses including 3D Animation, Creature Effects, Compositing and Tracking, Dynamic Effects and Lighting.
Study with RSP | Getting started in VFX
Western Sydney University
We believe chasing big goals shouldn’t mean leaving everything behind. That’s why thousands of students are choosing to stay near and go far – with a world-class education close to their community, then can focus on what really matters: their goals, their time and their people.
CLICK HERE for more information on HOW TO APPLY
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.
If you have any further questions, reach out to WSU’s friendly Student Services Hub team by phone, email, text or chat.
Ph: 1300 668 370 | Email: study@westernsydney.edu.au | SMS: +6482 095 590 | Chat live online (click icon bottom right on web)
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: Homeroom Teacher
- 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