Connect Finigan School of Distance Education Term 1 Week 2

Welcome to Term 1 Week 2

We hope you all had a fun and relaxing break.

What's in this week's Connect

• School Start Date: Classes start back this Thur 6 Feb 2025
• Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2025
• Term 1 Mini School: Wednesday 5 - Friday 7 March
• Student Leadership Team: We’re looking for you!
• HSC Disability Provisions 2025
• World Wildlife Day Photography Competition
• Queanbeyan & District Basketball Association
• Careers
• 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

School Start Date

Classes for 2025 start back Thursday 6 February

Welcome back to school! We are excited to welcome all of our new and returning students back to school as we embark on another amazing year together. Classes start on Thursday 6 February.

Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2025

The Learning and Wellbeing Coaches for 2025 are as follows:

• Primary: Milly Hammond
• Year 7 & 8: Mark Huynh (supported by Penny Evans on Fridays)
• Year 9: Jess White & Aamir Aftab
• Year 10: Jessie Norman/Shane Spellman (job-share) & Dylan Wood
• Year 11: Donna Needham
• Year 12: John Preston

Term 1 Mini School: Save the Date

Student Leadership Team: We’re looking for you!

The Student Leadership team is an exciting initiative that we’ve had running at Finigan School of Distance Education for the last five years – and we’d love for you to join us!

So, who are we looking for? Let’s see if this sounds like you…

• Full-time enthusiastic students across Years 6-12 at Finigan SDE
• Individuals who want to make a difference and are willing to put their voice forward on behalf of their peers.
• Willing to commit to three live-lessons each term, and an ongoing commitment to the needs and projects of the team.

What types of things do we work on each term?

• Each session develops your capacity for leadership as a young person – from how to build rest into our lives and developing our listening skills, through to tips on how to host in the online space and where to seek help from others.
• We also work on whole-school activities – we develop the whole-school assemblies each term, as well as participating in fundraising events and Mini School throughout the year.

If you’re interested in joining us, please provide your details and a bit of insight as to why you want to join – by using the following link:

https://forms.office.com/r/zgft313USU

If you're not sure if this is the program for you, watch the brief video in our student newsletter first and/or contact organiser Christianna Elliott with any questions you might have by dropping a line to christianna.elliott1@det.nsw.edu.au or leaving a message at (02)62296878.

HSC Disability Provisions 2025

For any students living in and around the Queanbeyan area here are some fun school holiday activities to check out:

World Wildlife Day Photography Competition

Queanbeyan-Palerang Reginal Council are hosting a wildlife photography competition for children 18 years or younger to celebrate the upcoming World Wildlife Day (March 3rd).

Queanbeyan & District Basketball Association

If you live in the Queanbeyan area and are interested in basketball, Aussie Hoops is your go-to program for developing skills, fostering a love for the game, and being part of a vibrant basketball community.

• A skills based program for 5-10 yr olds
• Ford Aussie Hoops - Term 1, 2025
• Start date: Friday, 14 February, 4:10 pm – 4:55pm
• Venue: Queanbeyan Basketball Stadium, 4 Soutbar Rd, Karabar
• Registration: https://registration.basketballconnect.com/finder?yearId=5&competitionUniqueKey=4c8f1360-bece-4ce7-9b0f-70e0efacbce3&divisionId=5&membershipType=%5B2%5D&postCode=2620
• Email: for further information email qdbacomps@gmail.com

Careers

3 skills you need for the future world of work

Preparing for the unknown future can seem almost impossible – but these three key skills can help you succeed no matter where you want to go.

How to balance study, activities, and social life in high school

Struggling to make time for all of your commitments? We have some tips to help you balance study, activities, and social life in high school. Click HERE to find out more.

5 work experience ideas for students who love to travel

If you’ve been dreaming of a career where you get to travel, we have some work experience ideas you might like to check out.

How to boost your study motivation (even when you really don’t feel like it)

We have some tips to help you boost your motivation, get into study mode, and actually get things done (even when you don’t feel like it).

How to become a Teacher

If you’re patient and resilient, have excellent communication skills, and want to make a difference in young people’s lives, teaching could be a great career to consider. Click HERE to read more. Watch a short video.

ATTENTION YEAR 12 students

The Tuckwell Scholarship Program is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia. Every year, ANU offers 25 talented school-leavers the opportunity to fulfil their potential by actively participating in the very best that ANU has to offer.

Scholars are selected on the basis of intellect, character, leadership and their commitment to Australia.

Click HERE to find out more about the scholarship and how to apply. 2026 Application Guide.

KEY DATES:

• Early March: ANU Direct Application Open; Tuckwell Stage 1 Applications open
• 10 April 2025: Applicants submit their ANU Direct Application
• 14 April 2025: Tuckwell Stage 1 Application close
• 29 April – 7 May 2025: Head of Year reference will be sought
• 14 May 2025: Tuckwell Stage 2 Applications open
• 23 May 2025: Tuckwell Stage 2 Applications close
• 11 - 13 July 2025: Tuckwell Stage 3 Interview Weekend
• 14 July 2025: Tuckwell Stage 3 Candidates Notified, Scholarships awarded

Wellbeing links

Follow Finigan on Social Media

Our School Values

Have a fantastic week!