Welcome to Term 1 Week 10
What's in this week's Connect
- Olympian Nathan Katz is visiting FSDE this week: Online this Tuesday 2-3pm
- Term 1 whole-school assembly: Celebrating World Wildlife Day
- Save the Date for Mini School: Term, 2, 3 & 4
- Student News: HSC Dance students visit our brand-new movement space; FSDE's Emily Day: Achievements at ‘Beats by the Beach’
- Student Work: Yr 11 Visual Arts; Yr 7 Visual Arts
- Kids & Family Shows at The Q
- Expression of Interest: HSC Presiding Officer
- eSafety: Term 2
- Careers
- University Information & Open Days
- 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
Olympian Nathan Katz is visiting FSDE this week!
Get excited everyone, as this week we have Australian Olympian Nathan Katz joining our staff and students online!
Nathan Katz is a Dual Olympian, completing in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 in Judo, as well as achieving World Junior Champion as ranked #2 in 2015. During his session, he will share his stories of persistence and resilience – but he also wants to encourage us to set our own goals and progress towards these too.
You can join our online session this Tuesday 1st April, between 2-3pm. To access the session, all teachers, students and supervisors across our school have been emailed the link for Microsoft Teams. You can also access the session here, by using the following LINK.
We’d love if you could consider a personal goal for yourself to work toward prior to the session and encourage you to complete the poster with steps you might take toward achieving your goal.
We can’t wait to have Nathan join us and look forward to seeing you online this week!
Term 1: Whole-school assembly
Each term, our Student Leadership Team decide on an issue or event to recognise at a whole-school assembly. This term, they have decided to recognise World Wildlife Day!
World Wildlife Day (WWD), as supported by the United Nations, is celebrated every year on the 3rd of March to celebrate wild animals and plants across the world. Every year, they recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. This year, the WWD2025 Theme is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”.
We will be recognising this day in the last week of term, at a whole-school assembly on Wednesday, April 9th between 9-10am. During the assembly, there will be some fun events run by our student leaders – which we hope all students will participate in and enjoy.
All students and supervisors will be emailed a link for Microsoft Teams during the week prior to the event – so watch out for this in your inboxes!
Mini School: Save the Date
Student News
HSC Dance Students Visit our Brand-New Movement Space!
The Movement Space had its debut visit with two year 12 single subject Dance students who made the trip to Finigan on the 18th March. Phoebe and Ruby were on site to work on their HSC practical tasks in the Movement Space with Jessie. In the morning session, Jessie guided the girls through creative movement composition tasks with the goal of constructing a dance work that conveys a concept/intent. The afternoon was spent developing the Major Study Performance task. We look forward to welcoming more students to our new facility next term!
FSDE's Emily Day: Achievements at ‘Beats by the Beach’
On March 15th, the event ‘Beats by the Beach’ was hosted by Headspace, bringing together local youth for a day filled with music, creativity, and community spirit.
Emily Day (year 11 student) hosted a market stall and performed two songs: “Pure as the Driven Snow” by Rachel Zegler and “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone.
At her market stall, Emily, showcased handmade creations, including hair accessories, gemstone trees, earrings, sewn bags and purses, and soft toy dogs, which recently won 1st and 2nd place at The Berry Show.
The next Headspace youth markets and performance will take place on April 17th at Harry Sawkins Park, Nowra.
Emily shares ‘participating in these events as a market stall holder and performer provides a great opportunity to build confidence and connect with others in the local area’. Emily enjoys being part of Headspace which aims to unite the community while promoting knowledge, support, and awareness regarding youth wellbeing’.
Just another FSDE student success story. Well done Emily!
Student Work
Year 11 Visual Arts
Year 11 Visual Arts students have been studying Vanitas and Memento mori still life artworks. They took inspiration from the deeply religious Dutch 17th century artists who believed this worldly life was a preparation for eternity in the afterlife. Students investigated their own objects as symbolic of the fleeting pleasures of this world, and juxtaposed them with those that remind them of their mortality. Students included records of accomplishment, achievement, travel, wealth, fertility and sentimentality at one end of the spectrum, and extinguished candles, hour glasses and skulls at the other. I am really impressed with their compositions.
Year 7 Visual Arts
Year 7 Visual Arts student Hilina has created some beautiful artworks, shown below.
Kids & Family Shows at The Q
If you live in the Queanbeyan area you might like to take the opportunit to go and see some of the great shows on at The Q this year.
Trash Test Dummies Circus: 12-13 April @ The Q (first weekend of Term 1 school holidays) - Everyone put your bins out! Tonight’s bin night and the Trash Test Dummies are on duty. Winning Best Children’s Presentation at Adelaide Fringe in 2015 and 2016, this “delightfully intelligent, highly entertaining” (Herald Sun) circus comedy takes the household wheelie bin to new heights, and delivers a dump-truck full of hilarity! With side-splitting slapstick, daring acrobatics, and dexterous juggling, these Dummies are off on an imaginative adventure that is anything but garbage. https://theq.net.au/whats-on/trash-test-dummies-circus/
Mr Snotbottom – 18 July @ The B (last weekend of Winter school holidays) - A hilariously deeeesgusting kids comedian brimming with all the oooey, gooey, yucky things kids love! Like a cross between Shrek and Mr Bean, you can expect snot-loads of gross-tastic gags, slimy songs, and just wrong routines perfect for weird kids and their even weirder parents! Mr Snotbottom will transport families on a roller-coaster of ridiculousness where they can howl, groan and roar with delight together! https://theq.net.au/whats-on/mr-snotbottom/
The Paper Escaper – 20-22 August @ The Q (During Term 3) - Benny, the plucky puppet protagonist, knows they are destined for greater things than a simple pop-up book. But in a world that’s trying to squash Benny between its pages – from a wily dancing fire to a disillusioned illustrator – Benny will need the help of a new friend to achieve their dreams. Written by Gita Bezard of The Last Great Hunt, this delightful, funny, and inspiring production features inventive puppetry, deft physical performance, and an intricate and engaging soundtrack. Benny doesn’t want to tell the story ‘The Maker’ has written for them. As their parents get nervous about the consequences of defying the ‘The Maker’, Benny rips themself from his story. Alone and in an unknown land, Benny comes across a mysterious tentacle and friendship blooms. But ‘The Maker’ is determined and his fire is hungry – and Benny and their friend must work together to survive. https://theq.net.au/whats-on/the-paper-escaper/
Jon & Jero: STUFF! – 10 October @ The Q (last weekend of Term 3 school holidays) - Jon & Jero are embarking on an epic journey to find their missing STUFF – but they can’t do it alone! With your help, these bumbling brothers will travel far and wide to get their STUFF back in this fast and fun choose-your-own-adventure for the whole family! STUFF! is an interactive comedy experience exploring themes of friendship, hopefulness, exploration and connection, all wrapped together with a healthy sprinkle of imagination on top. This high-energy hour of silly proportions combines physical comedy, big characters, improvisation, and most importantly, STUFF! https://theq.net.au/whats-on/jon-jero-stuff/
The Listies: 110% Ready! – 24-25 October @ The Q (during Term 4) - Featuring a pocketful of puns, silly slapstick sight gags, and a splash of improvisational idiocy, 110% Ready sees Melbourne’s masters of mirth do what they do best for 55 solid minutes of full family lols. This brand-new show is all about the joys of the average morning routine: sleeping through the alarm, not having any milk, fishing dirty clothes out of the hamper, burning the toast, and then finding the front door is glued shut, the shower won’t switch off, and the house is filling with water. Dedicated to anyone who has ever been in charge of someone who is impossible to get out the front door in the morning! https://theq.net.au/whats-on/the-listies-110-ready/
Expression of Interest: HSC Presiding Officer
eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars: Term 2
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.
Some of the topics include:
Understanding & using parental controls to help protect your child online
Parental controls can be a useful addition to the strategies you use to help protect your child online. Parental controls can help keep children and young people by preventing access to harmful content, managing time spent online and who they communicate with.
Join us at this 45-minute webinar to find out about:
- the types of parental controls available and how to set them for your child’s safety including smart devices, in apps, gaming platforms and computers
- using parental controls with other online safety strategies to help your child build digital and critical skills to have safer experiences online.
It’s suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.
Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):
- 14 May, 12.30pm
- 3 June, 3.30pm
Sexual extortion: What parents & carers need to know
Sexual extortion or ‘sextortion’ is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video of a person unless their demands are met.
Sexual extortion is a serious, growing online concern, especially for young people. But what exactly is it? What conversations may help prevent it and how can you support your child if they’re targeted?
This 30-minute webinar will explain:
- what sexual extortion is
- the impacts and potential harms sexual extortion may have on young people
- strategies to support young people who may experience sexual extortion, including how to respond and access support; and how to encourage safer and more positive online interactions.
It’s suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary and secondary school.
Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):
- 28 May, 12.30pm
- 18 June, 12.30pm
eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you
eSafety has a range of programs and resources that can help parents and carers build knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safer online experiences.
This 30-minute webinar introduces:
- eSafety resources designed to help you start the conversation about online safety with your child
- how to help children and young people thrive online with 5 top tips to keep your family safe online
- how the eSafety Commissioner can help parents, children and young people that are experiencing online harms.
It’s suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school.
Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):
- 21 May, 12.30pm
Go to the eSafety Commissioner website to learn more and register for the webinars.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
Careers
What’s the difference between a reference & a referee?
Want to know exactly what the difference is between a reference and a referee? Take a look at this article to find out.
7 mental wellbeing apps teens need to know about
Looking after your mental health is important, so we’ve found some apps that can help teens take care of their mental wellbeing.
Early entry FAQs
What is early entry? What are the benefits? How do I apply? Find answers to all your early entry FAQs (and more).
Career opportunities in medicine beyond being a doctor
There are heaps more career options in medicine than just becoming a doctor – learn about opportunities here.
Discover career pathways in Counselling
A career pathway in counselling can let you make a meaningful difference in people's lives – learn about your options here.
University Information & Open Days
Australian National University (ANU)
ANU Open Day 2025 is fast approaching. Don’t miss out! Saturday 29 March, 9am – 3pm. Register now.
Meet new people who could become life-long friends. Get involved in hundreds of events and activities. And discover all you need to start your university journey.
Plus, register and attend in-person for a chance to WIN a range of prizes including a MacBook and Beats headphones. Terms and conditions apply.
Bond University
Virtual Open Day, your exclusive snapshot of life at Bond:
Experience Bond’s deliberately different approach to learning at Virtual Open Day, streaming to you live on Saturday, 5 April from 12pm AEST.
Discover why the Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite classroom. From personalised attention to exceptional graduate outcomes, Virtual Open Day is the place to uncover everything Bond University has to offer.
Register now to gain early access to exclusive content about all the possibilities at Bond and unlock the livestream on 5 April. REGISTER NOW.
Charles Sturt University (CSU)
Charles Sturt Advantage (Early Offer)
- Round 1 - Early bird applications close 31 July 2025 and offers will be made from 1 September 2025.
- Round 2 - Applications close 31 August 2025 and offers will be made from 19 September 2025.
- Students Apply Here - https://study.csu.edu.au/information-for/school-leavers/charles-sturt-advantage
Virtual Information session to help students understand how early offers work and get tips on writing their application May 6th, 5:30pm - Register here
Explore Day 2025:
Come and check out or campus and experience a variety of hands on sessions across a variety of career areas. Students in year 10, 11 or 12 can REGISTER HERE
- Port Macquarie - Tuesday 25 March
La Trobe University
Course updates:
- Bachelor of Biological Sciences - New core subjects and course location
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics -New specialisation course
- Bachelor of Arts Explorer tool - Explore over 34 different arts majors or add your interests to refine your selection
Regional campus events:
- Bendigo Campus Talk and Tours - Ask questions, get a taste of uni, and feel ready to start your dream course. You’ll meet our student ambassadors and take a tour of the Bendigo campus. Monday 7 – Thursday 10 April. Book Now!
Open Days 2025:
- Melbourne (Bundoora) - Sunday 3 August 2025
- Shepparton - Sunday 10 August
- Mildura - Wednesday 13 August
- Sydney - Saturday 16 August
- Albury-Wodonga - Sunday 17 August
- Bendigo - Sunday 24 August
Macquarie University (MQU)
- Experience Macquarie Days: Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 April
- Year 12 Guide to Uni webinar: Wednesday 30 April
- Year 10 Guide to Uni webinar: Wednesday 14 May
- Open Day: 16 August 2025, 10am – 4pm
National Instuite of Education: UCAT & Pathways into Medicine
UCAT and Pathways into Medicine Webinar Recording and PDF Slides - Students in Year 9, 10, 11 or 12 considering a career in medicine or dentistry, and missed the previous ‘UCAT and Pathways into Medicine/Dentistry’ information session, you can access the recording and PDF slides of the presentation here https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-free/free-ucat-information-sessions
Torrens University
Virtual Open Day Catch Up | Torrens University - For students who missed Torrens University's February Virtual Open Day, the recording is now available. Hear from academics about courses, scholarships, internships and what sets Torrens University apart. https://www.torrens.edu.au/whats-on/open-day/virtual-open-day.
Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University Open Day | Sunday 6 July - The date for Western Sydney University's 2025 Open Day has been set for Sunday 6 July. Taking place at our vibrant Parramatta South Campus, Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for future students, teachers and the community to tour the facilities, chat to academic staff and current students, and learn all about what Western has to offer. For more information visit https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/openday.
Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternative Pathways:
- Western's HSC True Reward Early Offer Program - HSC True Reward acknowledges that students are much more than their scaled ATAR. The program recognises a student’s subject performance, which best reflects their strengths and areas of interest, as an indicator of future success at university. Offers based on Year 11 or 12 results are made from September. For more information visit https://bit.ly/43e4Gtu.
- Western Sydney University Indigenous Entry Pathway Program - The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway Entry Program is an alternative University Entry Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants can gain entry to any undergraduate degree at Western by completing the entry assessment and be supported throughout their education. The next assessment days are online and on campus in June 2025. For more information visit https://bit.ly/47iMOwF.
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.
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
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: Aamir Aftab & Tracey O'Leary
- Year 10: Jessie Norman/Shane Spellman (job-share) & 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