Welcome to Term 1 Week 3
What's in this week's Connect
- NSW School Vaccination Program
- Student Leadership: Join our team in 2026
- Bald Archy Launch: 6pm 12 Feb
- Finigan Library News: Learn about cool features in the ePlatform
- Student News: Highly Commended Vocalist Award
- Term 1 eSafety parents & carers webinars
- Careers: Career Ideas; Competitions; Scholarships; Traineeships
- Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2026
- 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
NSW School Vaccination Program
Join our Student Leadership Team in 2026!
The Student Leadership team is an exciting initiative that we’ve had running at Finigan School of Distance Education for the last six 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: 2026 FSDE - Student Leadership Team – Fill out form If you're not sure if this is the program for you, chat with one of our student leaders in your morning check-in session over the next couple of weeks and/or contact organiser Christianna Billows with any questions you might have by dropping a line to christianna.billows@det.nsw.edu.au or leaving a message at (02)62296878.
Bald Archy Launch
The Bald Archy is a renowned Australian satirical art prize that parodies the prestigious Archibald Prize. It showcases humorous caricatures of well-known Australians in politics, sport, and media. Join Finigan Art Teacher Tamara Lawry at the Bald Archy exhibition launch: Watson Art Gallery, 6pm Thusday 12 February
Finigan Library News
Student News
Highly Commended Vocalist Award
During the recent school holidays, Emily Day (year 12 student) attended the annual Stella Studioz 2025 Awards Ceremony. The evening was dedicated to celebrating students who demonstrated outstanding growth and commitment to their craft. Emily received the Highly Commended Vocalist Award, recognising her hard work and dedication to singing and performing over the past year. Congratulations, Emily!
Term 1 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
Careers
5 reasons to apply for scholarships
Thinking about your post-school pathways? Here’s 5 reasons to apply for scholarships – there are lots of benefits to consider.
Understanding Australia’s median salary in 2026
Discover what Australians earn, how the median salary differs from the average, and what this means for your career expectations.
How to sign up for your first super fund
Find out how to sign up for a superannuation fund, and what you need to know first.
What you need to know about gap years
Taking a gap year isn’t about running away from responsibility – it’s about running towards opportunity, growth, and self-discovery. Find out more.
How to become a Marine Technician
Marine Technicians keep vessels operational by maintaining engines, electrical systems, and navigation equipment whilst travelling between international ports. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, find out more in this week’s Job Spotlight.
Competitions
World Wildlife Day Photography Competition
Scholarships
Tuckwell Scholarship Program
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. The Tuckwell Scholarship program is valued at $26,000 per year! Click HERE to apply for the scholarship commencing in 2027. Applications close 9 April 2026.
Empowered to Lead Program
Play like a girl scholarships for Female and Non-binary Leaders and Athletes. The Empowered to Lead Program has been crafted to empower exceptional women and girls to pursue their athletic and leadership aspirations. To find out more click HERE.
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