Welcome to Term 2 Week 11
What's in this week's Connect
- School Holiday Dates
- Term 3 Mini School – Coming Soon!
- Challenge from World Environment Day
- Library News
- Deadly Spotlight
- Student News
- Teacher News
- Student Work
- Term 2 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
- T25 Clinic: Free nurse-led health and wellbeing service
- Art & Yarn Workshop
- 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
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 3.
- Classes finish for Term 2: 3pm Friday 3 July
- Classes start back for Term 3: Tuesday 21 July
Term 3 Mini School – Coming Soon!
We're excited to announce that Mini School will be returning in Term 3 from 26th-28th August. Mini School provides students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity and connections beyond the classroom. Last term, students had an amazing time exploring a range of exciting activities—including the opportunity to get up close and personal with a friendly corn snake, which was a definite highlight! Permission notes will be sent home this week. If your child would like to participate, please return the signed permission form by Friday 31 July to secure their place. We look forward to another fantastic term of learning, discovery and fun!
Challenge from World Environment Day
At the fabulous World Environment Day Assembly, I issued a challenge to everyone to partake in Plastic Free July. The challenge is below. Have a look – maybe you’re already doing some of them or perhaps they will inspire you to make a change. Remember, when 8 billion people say, “It’s just one straw” or “It’s just one bottle” or “It’s just one bag” there are 8 billion straws, bottles and bags being used. Let’s do our bit, one straw at a time. I’ll share a poll early in Term 3 and we’ll see which of the actions were the most common. A huge thank you to the Student Leadership Team and Christianna for hosting the assembly and giving us a reason to pause and reflect about what we can do.
Library News
Deadly Spotlight
Jack Bryant, Year 10
Jack is a Gundjitmara man living on Ngarigo country. He has llived on Dharag country most of his life. Every day he brings a sense of culture to his life through connections that he makes with respect and a sense of belonging. Jack is a DEADLY young man who believes that NAIDOC week is important to “remind people we were here first and that we are human – its important to remember Kevin Rudds National Apology to the Stolen Generations” on February 13, 2008. Jack speaks of the importance of coming together with family at Aboriginal AFL camp and in sporting teams. He believes these opportunities for kids in sport to come together with family are deeply affecting at building relationships and strength. He believes he is DEADLY quality is his DETERMINATION. “I put my body on the line and Ill chase someone till I catch them.” Jacks favourite footy team are the AFL GIANTS. He is passionate about sport and feels deeply for anyone, especially kids who face racism in sports. What’s your Advice/ Vision? ‘Make what you’ve got work’ …. he believes you can achieve with what you’ve got referencing tools of the trade like lenses and cameras for photography and ‘All gear no idea’ as a saying. Jack is very ambitious and took his first photo in 2014 at the age of…. He liked looking through the viewfinder. He is really interested in looking at how other people take photographs and is working toward getting a portfolio of photographs together. It was a Koala. Jacks favourite native animal is the Dingo and he loves photographing Nature. After coming 9th in the Australian Photographer of the Year competition in 2024 with a photo of a plane from an Aviation Air Show he became more committed to his passion of Photography. Jack is a keen photographer with a developed knowledge of lenses and cameras and experience with these taking photo shoots at Air Shows, Car shows, AFL games and while spending hours in nature photographing native animals in their habitat. He has captured some amazing photographs and spent hours in post production demonstrating a commitment to excellence in fine tuning effects and refining his in camera techniques. Jack works with a world class nature photographer Charles Davis and is learning on the job. He is keen to do whatever he can to get a job in the industry and working for free shooting local AFL games and this weekend a Motor Rally to develop his portfolio. Jack is an amazing DEADLY photographer. Jack is ambitious. He wants to get a job photographing motorsports and follow a career in Aviation Engineering. He wants to become a pilot and continue playing the game he loves – AFL. Thank you Jack for sharing your DEADLY story.
Student News
Congratulations to Mya Caldwell
Congratulations to Mya Caldwell who has received a Full Boarding Scholarship to attend the HSC Visual Arts Intensive Studio Practice program held at the National Art School in Darlinghurst, Sydney. The program runs over a week of the July and October School holidays and Mya’s dedication to artmaking practice is evident in her application. Mya has demonstrated a commitment to Visual Arts practice over the year that is very worthy of this scholarship. Mya received a Dobell Drawing Scholarship to the Dobell Drawing School Program held in April at the National Art School and after immersing herself in Drawing Practice for the week was inspired to apply again. Mya said: “I participated in the Dobell Drawing School and it was an incredible experience, getting to meet so many other teens that love art was such a welcoming space and getting to develop my skills in such a structured and effective way was incredible and I would love to participate in that environment again. Other than that art just means a lot to me. It's a way to both escape and experience life and it has gotten me through some hard times in my life and it’s something I would like to dedicate my life to and any help in that endeavour is something I’m unable to pass up on.” What are your artistic ambitions beyond high school? Do you intend to study visual arts?- “One of my dreams is to travel the world and research art techniques and traditions from each place and connect with the history behind them because as much as I love creating art I also love learning about it so while it would be incredible to have my own studio and practice and study at university immersing my life in art is my biggest dream.” Congratulations to Mya, We are very proud of you for branching out and embracing this adventure of practice and for your goals.
Southern Illawarra Zone Athletics
Year 12 student Abbey Whitchurch represented Finigan School of Distance Education at the Southern Illawarra Zone Athletics carnival. Abbey achieved:
- 2nd in 17+ Girls - PB 10.01 m throw
- 3rd in 17+ girls discus - PB 18.36 m throw
and will now progress to regional athletics Amazing results Abbey. Congratulation
Teacher News
Solo Art Exhibition: Body and Soil
Congratulations to our Visual Arts, Photography and Visual Design Teacher Tamara Lawry on the success of her first solo Art Exhibition opening of Body and Soil at the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo over the weekend. The exhibition runs until 4/10/26 so please go and see it if you are travelling that way. Lawry’s exhibition explores the relationship between feminine identity and the landscape of the Warrumbungles where she grew up. It references and questions voyeurism throughout art history and representation of women predominantly by male artists. Her work celebrates and juxtaposes the joy of womanhood and the aesthetics of nature. Finigan community of staff have participated in workshops with Tamara to develop representations of their own identity as strong and significant woman. Tamara held workshops with community to enhance connection and wellbeing opportunities for Makers of Goddess through hand building with clay and reflective poetry exploring the qualities of significant women. Finigan staff are represented by their Goddesses within the parade promoting the empowerment of connectivity through art.
Student Work
Year 8 Visual Arts
The Year 8 Visual Arts students have just completed representations of their pets and wild animals. Here are some of the 2- and 3-dimensional artworks. Aren’t they wonderful? Obviously, they are fond of rays, octopus, whales and sharks and aware of the various struggles our marine life face.
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.
T25 Clinic: Free nurse-led health and wellbeing service
Art & Yarn Workshop
Careers
The difference between being busy and being productive
Staying busy and actually making progress aren’t the same thing, and knowing the difference can save you a lot of wasted time and energy. If you’ve ever finished a long day and wondered what you actually accomplished, this one’s worth a read.
What is equity and why does it matter?
Equity is a term that comes up often in education, but it rarely gets a proper explanation. Understanding what it means and how it shapes the support available to students can help you make better sense of the systems around you.
Early entry program applications and offers in your state
Confused by the early entry program application requirements and unsure how to accept an offer? Here’s your state-by-state guide to applying, accepting and what happens next.
It’s okay to change your mind at university
University doesn’t always turn out the way you pictured, and realising a course isn’t right for you is more common than most people admit. Whether you’re weighing up a switch or trying to decide if staying is the right call, knowing your options makes the decision a lot clearer.
What to do when your motivation disappears
At some point, everyone hits a wall where the motivation they once had simply isn’t there anymore. The good news is that getting moving again doesn’t require waiting for it to come back. Learn MORE.
How to build a morning that actually works for you
There’s a lot of advice out there about what the perfect morning looks like. Most of it involves waking up before sunrise, meditating, exercising, and somehow fitting in a full breakfast before 7am. For most people, that’s not realistic, and chasing that version of a morning routine often does more harm than good. Read MORE.
How to become a Life Cycle Assessor
Life Cycle Assessors analyse the environmental impact of products and processes from raw material extraction through to disposal using data modelling and reporting to help organisations reduce their footprint. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, find out more in this week’s Job Spotlight.
Scholarships
Southern Cross University (SCU) High Achiever Scholarship
At Southern Cross University, they believe in fostering the next generation of brilliant minds and bold leaders to reach their full potential. Scholarships are awarded to students achieving an ATAR of 85 and above and enrolling in a Bachelor degree program in 2027. Find out more. Apply now.
Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM Scholarships
ATSE’s Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program aims to address inequities in STEM through comprehensive scholarships enabling more diverse women and non-binary people to access tertiary STEM education, professional skills development and STEM leadership opportunities with industry academia. Find out more. Apply now.
Bendigo TAFE Architectus First Nation Scholarship
The First Nations Architectural Support Scholarship offers scholarships to disadvantaged First Nation students who demonstrate a passion for the Building and Construction industry and the commitment and motivation required to complete their training successfully. Find out more. Apply now.
Scholarships at Sydney
Wednesday 29 July, 4-5pm (AEST) The University of Sydney offers over $135 million in scholarships each year for commencing domestic undergraduate students. Join us online to explore available scholarships, learn about the single application form, get tips for a strong application, and have your questions answered by USYD’s expert staff. Register here.
Equity Scholarships application guide
Equity Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need, helping with the costs associated with going to university. The Equity Scholarships application guide [PDF] outlines how to apply, key dates and circumstances students can claim. REMEMBER: Applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme close on the 11 September. It is apart of your UAC application and does not incur any additional application fees. So make sure you don’t miss out and apply NOW. Early offers will be released from the 12 November.
Educational Access Scheme application guide
EAS can help students who have experienced significant educational challenges receive a uni offer. The EAS application guide [PDF] provides details of the circumstance’s students can claim in their application and the documents they need to provide. Educational Access Scheme 2026 – Guide
DISSH Pride Scholarship for creative industries
At DISSH, we celebrate diversity in all facets and acknowledge the continued work and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community in making the fashion industry what it is today. To show our support and invest in the future of fashion, we are proud to share the return of our Pride Scholarship in 2026.
Global Footprints Scholarship
A Global Footprints Scholarship gives young Australians like you the opportunity to travel the world, learn about sustainability and shape a better future for yourselves and the world. Scholarships are available for young people in Agriculture, Horticulture and many Trades.
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
UAC News
How to apply for uni through UAC
This short video, available on our UAC Digital YouTube channel, provides a step-by-step guide for domestic Year 12 students applying to university through UAC. The video shows our new application portal, launched in April 2026. How to apply for uni through UAC as a Year 12 student
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:
- Dream degree – the course you want most, your top pick no matter what
- Another top choice – a similar course or one you’d be just as happy to study
- A strong match – a realistic course based on your results and interests: could help you transfer to your dream course
- Your safe option – a course you feel confident you'll get into and that could help you transfer at a later stage
- 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.
- Schools Recommendation Scheme: FREE to apply for SRS (or early entry). Submissions close 11 September. Course preferences need to be in by 5 November, offers released on 12 November.
- Educational Access Scheme: There are several categories that you can apply under and you can apply for multiple categories: Financial support, health and disability, difficult circumstances at home, caring for yourself or others, english language, distance education or regional school.
- Equity Scholarships
- Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme
University Information & Open Days
The University of Sydney: School of Architecture, Design & Planning
Architecture and design portfolio pathway submissions now open Are you planning to study at the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning? A successful portfolio may set you up for the best chance at securing a place in an eligible degree by boosting your selection rank. It is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, design skills and potential through a portfolio of work. Round 1 Submissions close 31 July 2026. Find out more.
University of Wollongong: Early Admission Applications Open
Early Admission applications for current Year 12 students are now open! Apply Now - https://www.uow.edu.au/early-admission/ UOW Early Admission is UOW’s early entry offer program for students completing the HSC in 2026. When you apply for Early Admission, UOW considers your unique skills and experiences, alongside Year 11 results, so you may earn an offer to university before you sit your first HSC exam! All applicants will need to answer the following four questions:
- Academic Readiness: What are your study strategies when preparing for an important assessment task?
- Motivation and Passion: What has influenced your decision to pursue your course or courses of interest?
- Communication and Collaboration: Describe a time when you worked with others to achieve a goal.
- Planning and Persistence: Tell us about a time when you set yourself a goal and worked really hard to achieve a good result.
More information about Early Admission can be found on the UOW website.
Western Sydney University: Open Day Sunday 5 July
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.
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
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