Welcome to Term 4 Week 8
What's in this week's Connect
- Reminders from the Head Teacher Secondary Studies
- Finigan Film Festival: Launches TODAY! Don't forget to vote
- Finigan Library News: ePlatform Reader Award, World Disability Day
- Student News: English Advanced Field Visit
- iPad Tender: Opportunity to acquire a new school iPad through tender
- eSafety Commissioner: Free webinars in Term 4
- Teen Mental Health Matters Webinars
- Careers: Career Ideas; Competitions; Scholarships; Traineeships
- 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
Reminders from the Head Teacher Secondary Studies
Year 10: All My Own Work
A reminder that all Year 10 students must complete the All My Own Work modules on Moodle by Friday 5th December. All My Own work must be completed by all students enrolled in a NSW school before they begin any Year 11 courses. Students are not able to be enrolled with NESA in Year 11 courses if it has not been completed. Please follow the steps below to complete the All My Own Work course. 1. Login to https://www.finigansde-elearning.net/ 2. Select “11 All My Own Work”. 3. Open the first Module “What is All My Own Work?” and read through the information. 4. Attempt the quiz. You are required to achieve above 90% to pass on the quiz. You may have 3 attempts to achieve this. 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining three modules.
Year 12 2026: Checklist and Confirmation of Entry
A reminder that all Year 12 students must complete the Year 12 Checklist and confirm their Confirmation of Entry as soon as possible. You have been emailed a copy of the Year 12 Checklist, and you should have received a Students Online notification about your Confirmation of Entry. Please complete and return this checklist to finigansde@det.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible. You will need to know your Students Online student number and password to complete your Confirmation of Entry. If you need assistance completing your Confirmation of Entry, you can click here to download a guide. You have also received this in your welcome letter which was emailed to students and supervisors in Week 5. Please note, while there were slightly tech issues last week, NESA has confirmed that the online verification of Confirmation of Entry system is now up and running. If you have questions about either of these documents, please get in touch with the Head Teacher Secondary Studies Jessica Scarcella (Jessica.scarcella2@det.nsw.edu.au)
Finishing Year 12: What needs to be done?
Finigan Film Festival - Launches TODAY!
Please follow the link below to watch the films. Don’t forget to VOTE for your favourite! https://finigan-d.schools.nsw.gov.au/links/finigan-film-festival-2025.html
Finigan Library News
ePlatform Reader Award
Hilina Barnes from Year 7 received a ‘Star Reader Award’ for the number of books read on ePlatform. Well done, Hilina!
World Disability Day
Student News
English Advanced Field Visit
Last week, English Advanced teacher Kimberley Scott met two of our students at Shellharbour City Library for a field visit supporting their assessment preparation. The quiet corners and wide tables made an ideal workspace as they mapped out thesis statements, refined their arguments, and selected key quotations to anchor their responses. During the session, both students also completed all three components of the NSW Minimum Standards. These online tests confirm that every young person has the core literacy and numeracy skills needed for senior learning and life beyond school. It’s an important milestone, and they handled it with calm focus. A photo from the day is included below, featuring Kimberley with Emily and Archer, whose dry, quick-fire banter gave the day a quietly chaotic edge in the best way!
Opportunity to Acquire New School iPad through Tender
Our school is pleased to offer an iPad (10th Generation) for sale to Finigan staff, students and families through a tender process. Please see below for details: Model: iPad (10th Generation) WI-Fi, 64GB, Silver Screen Size: 10.86 inches Condition: New (unused), in original box unopened Includes: USB-C charge cable, and USB-C ppower adapter How to Submit a Tender: Please submit your bid via email to susan.evans-smith@det.nsw.edu.au Tender Closes: Monday 1st December Payment and Collection: The successful bidder will be required to make payment within 7 days of notification. The iPad can then be collected from the school office during business hours or posted to nominated address. For any enquiries or further information, please contact Sue Evans-Smith via email susan.evans-smith@det.nsw.edu.au
eSafety Commissioner free webinars in Term 4
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 4 Topics include:
Go to the eSafety Commissioner website to learn more and register for the webinars.
Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
Available dates:
- Wednesday 10th December @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
Careers
What to do if everyone else is going to schoolies and you’re not
If you’re not going to schoolies when it feels like everyone else is, we have some tips to help you deal with the FOMO and celebrate in your own way.
What is casual loading?
If you’re working as a casual employee then you should be receiving casual loading – find out what it is and how to check if you should get it.
11 companies doing seriously impressive things you’ve probably never heard of
Want to do something different with your career? Check out these innovative companies doing things you’ll want to be involved in
What is a resume?
Not sure what a resume is or how to write one? Check out this article for all the details
Five things you can do to help you recover from exams
Just finished your exams and not quite sure what to do with yourself? Check out these tips for getting back to normal.
How to become a Horticulturalist
If you’re drawn to the science of plant biology or the hands-on work of growing plants, a career in horticulture could be right for you.
FREE MONEY
Charles Sturt Foundation Paramedics Scholarship This scholarship is to support students studying the Bachelor of Paramedicine on Bathurst or Port Macquarie campuses.
MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme This scheme offers eligible students residing in low socio-economic areas entry to the University of Sydney on a reduced ATAR, a $8,500 yearly scholarship for the duration of your degree, plus a range of support. Click here to find out more and apply.
ACU All Points to Teaching (APTT) Scholarship All Points to Teaching (APTT) is an employment-based pathway to teaching program where students will be granted a fully funded scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education), or a Master of Teaching (Secondary).
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
- Year 9: Aamir Aftab & Tracey O'Leary
- Year 10: Dylan Wood & Michelle Hill
- 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