Welcome to Term 4 Week 2
What's in this week's Connect
- World Teachers Day: Celebrating our Finigan SDE Teachers
- Term 4 Camp: Don’t Miss Out
- Finigan Library News: Cyber Security Awareness Month; 25 October is International Art Day; NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 19-26 October 2025
- Finigan Film Festival: Submit a film - any story, any genre
- Circle of Security Parenting Program: October 22 - December 10
- eSafety Commissioner: Free webinars in Term 4
- Teen Mental Health Matters Webinars
- 2026 HSC Provisions: Do you need provisions for Year 12 2026?
- 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
World Teachers Day: Celebrating our Finigan SDE Teachers
This term, our whole-school assembly will focus on World Teachers’ Day (October 31st) and acknowledging the hard work and human lives of our many terrific teachers here at Finigan SDE.
One of the events that will be run at this assembly is an awards ceremony for teachers at our school – and we need your help! We’d love for all of you to vote on teachers at our school, across a range of different categories – with the winners to be announced live at our assembly on Friday, October 31st.
You can vote in as many or as few of the categories that are listed, but what is important is that you vote. You can access the survey up to Wednesday 29th October, by using the following link:
There are ten categories for our students and parents to vote on:
Term 4 Camp – Don’t Miss Out
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Our Years 7–12 Camp is happening Thursday 27th – Friday 28th November 2025 at the stunning Camp Kianinny in Tathra. With exciting activities, the chance to make new friends, and loads of fun, this is the perfect way to wrap up the school year!
Permission forms are due by Friday 17th October 2025 – don’t miss the deadline!
Finigan Library News
25 October is International Art Day
Finigan Film Festival
Circle of Security Parenting Program
If you live in the Queanbeyan area you might be interested in the free parenting program below.
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:
- 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
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.
Do you need provisions for the HSC in 2026?
HSC Disability Provisions are now open for students in Year 12 2026. All Year 12 students will receive further information via email in Week 2 and 3 to help you to consider whether provisions can help you during your exam.
If you’ve got questions about HSC Disability Provisions or if you would like to start an application, please get in touch with Jessica Scarcella (HT Secondary Studies) by calling FSDE 6210 5200.
Careers
Expect the unexpected: When life disrupts your final school years
If life has thrown you an unexpected challenge in your last few years of school, don’t panic – there are support systems there to help. READ more.
Workplace professionalism explained
Being professional in the workplace is expected – but if you’re not sure what that means, this article will walk you through the basics.
How many hours a week should I study?
Find out how many hours you should spend studying each week.
What the 100-point ID check is and why it matters
Learn how Australia’s 100-point ID check works when opening a bank account or applying for government services in this article.
8 signs you could really benefit from taking a gap year
Wondering if you might benefit from taking a gap year? Here are 8 signs that it could be a good idea.
What to look for in a university accommodation provider
Want to move out for university but not sure where to go? Check out these tips for what to look for in accommodation providers.
How to become a Financial Planner
Learn about becoming a financial planner in this week’s Job Spotlight – if you love maths, money, and guiding others, it could be the career for you.
Future Doctors Australia Program - Years 9-12 Students
We would like to remind students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine that spots for The Future Doctors Australia 2025 - 2026 program are filling up quickly.
The Future Doctors Australia program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students aged 14-18 who are passionate about a future in medicine. Over the course of 4 days, participants will engage in dynamic sessions led by experienced medical specialists, take part in practical learning activities, and gain valuable insights into the medical admissions process. This program is designed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their path to a medical career.
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: Michelle Hill & 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