Welcome to Term 2 Week 7
What's in this week's Connect
- Term 2 Assembly: National Sorry Day
- Reconciliation Walk
- Mini School Hits the Road: Who Says History is not interesting?
- NSW Public School Survey: Years 3-12
- Push-Up Challenge: 4-26 June 2025
- Student News: Alessio Genova to Represent Australia on Global Stage; Zyggy Gray - Outstanding Performance at the Nowra Eisteddfod
- Student Work: Yr 11 Visual Design; Stage 1 & 2 Primary
- eSafety Parents & Careers Webinars: Term 2
- Careers
- University Information & Open Days: updated weekly
- 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
Term 2 Assembly: National Sorry Day
On May 28th, our Finigan SDE school community came together to commemorate National Sorry Day with a meaningful and respectful assembly hosted by our student leaders.
Our students and staff took a moment to pause and reflect on the injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout our national history, whilst also considering our shared responsibility in reconciliation as well.
The assembly featured a range of activities, for both students online and those attending our Term 2 Mini School in-person. This included: an Acknowledgement of Country, an overview on the purpose of National Sorry Day, an interactive activity where students had to sort key events from our past into chronological order, and then a craft activity which had students decorate a hand to build into our shared artwork (as below).
We thank everyone who was involved in the planning and delivery of this event, particularly our student leaders who hosted or designed an aspect of the assembly – including Frankie (Y8), Angel (Year 11), Emily (Year 11) and Alexis (Year 12).
By observing National Sorry Day together, we have deepened our understanding of our past and have strengthened our school community’s dedication to creating a more inclusive future for all Australians.
Reconciliation Walk
Last Tuesday, a group of staff participated in the annual Queanbeyan-Paletang Regional Council Reconciliation Walk. Inspired by the original 2000 Walk for Reconciliation in Sydney, this yearly event is a way of showing our commitment as a school and local community to truth-telling and justice in the pursuit of greater equality between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. The end of the walk met in Queanbeyan Park where we got to hear a Welcome to Country from Uncle Billy T. Then we heard speeches from the Mayor Kenrick Winchester, the hon Kristy McBain MP and Counsellor John Preston where we reflected on our history as a country and our shared hopes for the future.
Huge thanks to all the staff who showed their support! We appreciate you representing the school and showing your support for reconciliation.
Mini School Hits the Road! Who Says History is not interesting?
On Wednesday, 28th May, Mini School set off for an exciting visit to Old Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). It was a perfect late Autumn Day in Queanbeyan, and we were off on an adventure!
Everyone was buzzing with excitement as we hopped on the retro bus, expertly driven by Peter Breen. Students were especially impressed with the peculiar smell on the bus and, when Peter turned on the air, the volume of dust that covered the students like an eruption of Mt Vesuvius was an indication that we were in for a history excursion treat. The fan was quickly turned off, but the students weren’t.
Students were impressed by how smoothly the bus navigated the corners of Canberra's roads, even if it took some time to get going from traffic lights. Back seat bus driver, Will Thornton, offered moral support and encouragement to Peter, who reminded Will that it had been at least 20 years since he had driven a bus of this size, and vintage!
A deep silence fell over the bus. Perhaps it could have been a mix of shock, fear, apprehension, or simply the thrill of the adventures ahead. The journey from FSDE to Old Parliament House was uneventful, lasting a total of 17 minutes. Paul Boon joined us on the bus and was invaluable in helping students to access the excursion. You really don’t realise how many steps there are until you have to walk up them!
We couldn’t fault the bus driver or the behaviour of our wonderful students. We all arrived safely. The excitement building… as we stepped out and onto the steps of political history – Old Parliament House.
Once at the museum, students participated in a collaborative, hands-on activity, focused on political cartoons, that aimed to develop their media skills. Students explored the role of the media in our democracy and examined current political cartoons to identify techniques and meaning They even constructed their own cartoons to consolidate their skills.
It was impressive to see how our students demonstrated a deep understanding of the Ngunnawal country we were on and how knowledgeable they are about political issues. Thought-provoking questions were asked and some students even lamented that they needed more time to explore further!
A big thank you to Erin Carney for organising the excursion and to Milly Hammond and Paul Boon for their exceptional supervision and support of our students. It was a BIG success! And of course, to our wonderful students. You are amazing and we are proud of how you represented yourselves and your school.
Alanah Miszuk - Head Teacher History
NSW Public School Survey
Our school is taking part in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey which is conducted by the NSW Department of Education.
The survey invites full time students in years 3-12 to provide valuable feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them.
Further information about the NSW Public Schools Survey can be found by clicking the link below.
If you do not want your child to take part in the survey, please click the link below, complete the form, and return by 13th June 2025.
Push-Up Challenge: 4-26 June 2025
The Push-Up Challenge is well underway for our Finigan SDE community this year – and what a start our students and staff have had!
When putting together this post at the end of last week, we had already:
- Allocated a student ambassador for our school – thanks Alexis!
- Had 13 staff and 32 students across Years 7-12 sign-up to the challenge.
- Completed at least 2,500 push-ups (or alternative exercises).
- Blitzed our initial fundraising goal of $1,000 – having achieved this aim just one day after the challenge commenced!
This is such incredible news! We don’t want to slow down now though…
If this is a challenge that you’re thinking about getting involved in, there’s no time like the present to sign up. You can find our ‘FSDE’ community, by either searching for us on the Push-Up Challenge website – or by going to the following LINK and finding your cohort at the bottom of the page.
If the challenge isn’t for you, but you’d still like to play an important role – we’d encourage you to do one or all of the following:
- Donate a few dollars to our cause.
- Send a message of encouragement to a friend or staff member who might be participating in the challenge.
- Advertise our school’s campaign on your own social media platforms, with a link to our page. You might like to use the image provided (below) and the following LINK.
To those participating already, keep on ‘pushing’ through each day!
Student News
Alessio Genova to Represent Australia on Global Stage
In a thrilling achievement that has lit up the Finigan community, Year 12 student Alessio Genova has been selected to play soccer for Australia in the prestigious UEFA Friendship Cup. The tournament, held in early June in Nyon, Switzerland, brings together the world’s top Under-18 football talent, with teams representing Argentina, France, Japan, Portugal, Senegal, Uruguay, the USA—and now, proudly, Australia.
Alessio’s selection is no surprise to those who have followed his rise through the ranks. A standout performer for Cittadella, a respected Italian club, Alessio has consistently impressed coaches with his skill, discipline, and maturity on the pitch. His recent training sessions with the first team only confirm what many already knew—this young man is going places.
As he pulls on the green and gold, Alessio won’t just be representing his country—he’ll be representing his school, his mates, and every young Australian athlete with big dreams.
We’ll be watching. We’ll be cheering.
Go get ’em, Alessio.
Outstanding Performance at the Nowra Eisteddfod
Congratulations to Zyggy Gray, who distinguished himself with his performances at the Nowra Eisteddfod. Zyggy came first in high school composition, first in open composition, first in under 25 instrumental performance and second in under 17 instrumental performance.
He has been asked to perform at the Stars of the Eisteddfod concert on Sunday 15th June.
Well done Zyggy!
Student Work
Year 11 Visual Design
Primary: Stage 2
Stage 2 (Years 3&4) students stepped into the world of poetry, creating powerful stanzas inspired by their experiences with rain. As part of our unit based on the significance of cultural narratives, students experimented with figurative language to bring their writing to life.
This was our first time using personification, similes, and metaphors, and the results were impressive! We also focused on using the five senses to paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind - what does rain look, sound, feel, smell, and even taste like?
We're so proud of the creativity and expression students showed in their work. Their rain poems truly captured the mood, movement, and magic of a rainy day.
The most exciting part of sharing these work samples, is that this is just the beginning. I cant wait to see what these students create next!
This week, we’re also celebrating the wonderful work of Kora in Year 2. She has also has been learning about figurative language, and her poem Waves is a beautiful example of how words can create powerful images and feelings.
In her poem, Kora uses personification and similes to bring the ocean to life, helping the reader see, hear, and feel the waves as if they were right there on the shore.
Well done, Kora—we’re so proud of your hard work and poetic voice!
Primary: Stage 1
Students in Stage 1 learnt about the elements of art and the emotions attached to artworks. They looked at different styles and techniques that artists use when creating artworks and explored these when drawing their own self-portraits.
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:
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):
- 18 June, 12.30pm
Careers
Personalised 2025 HSC written exam timetables have been released via Students Online.
Please see below link for other key NESA dates.
Understanding the ATAR: Common questions answered
From understanding why an ATAR of 100 is impossible to how scaling works, we’re here to answer the most common questions about the ATAR.
Learning your way: Study tips for diverse learners in high school
Here are some study tips for diverse learners to help you succeed academically and prepare for your future career.
2025 Newcastle Future Entrepreneurs Challenge
Here are some practical steps, strategies, and resources to help you make informed choices about your post-high school pathway.
How to become a Genetic Counsellor
Want to support people navigating complex medical decisions? Learn about how to become a genetic counsellor in this week’s Job Spotlight.
University Information & Open Days
Open Days Guide 2025
Click HERE to download a copy of the Open Days Guide 2025, for students and their families.
Gap Year Guide 2025
Click HERE to download a copy of the Gap Year Guide 2025, for students and their families.
The 2025 University Early Entry Guide
It’s arrived! The 2025 University Early Entry Guide!
- Early Entry Guide 2025: School Licensed Edition
- Early Entry Quick Reference Guide: Early Entry QRG 2025
- Early Entry – Accepting offers: Study Work Grow Education
University of Canberra (UC)
The Snow Scholarships Applications are now open!
Snow Scholarships have been co-created by Snow Foundation and UC. Snow Foundation believes in the power of education to change lives and open doors – helping students realise their potential and grow into confident, purposeful leaders. In partnership with the University of Canberra, they’ve committed $20 million to back students who have big dreams and just need the support to get there. The Snow Scholarships are designed to support students in Canberra and regional or rural NSW who face barriers to higher education.
Scholars receive:
- up to $30,000 per year to support living costs, travel, and accommodation
- wrap-around academic, personal, and leadership growth
- a welcoming, diverse community of peers and mentors.
With a Snow Scholarship, higher education isn’t just a hope – it’s a pathway.
Find out more and apply for Snow Scholarships
Early Offer Scheme Now Open for Applications!
If you’re a current Year 12 student applying to UC for undergraduate study next year, you could receive an early admission offer under the Early Offer Scheme using criteria other than your ATAR.
Applications for Early Offers opened on 19 May 2025.
Important dates:
- 19 May 2025 : Applications
- 17 August 2025 : Applications close
- 31 August 2025 : Early Offer document deadline
- 15 September 2025 : Offers released
What do you need to apply?
- Your official Year 11 NESA (NSW) report
- A 300-word personal statement about which course you are interested in studying, and why you have chosen to apply for this course at the University of Canberra.
To find out more and to start your application, click here.
The Aunty Agnes Shea Early Childhood Education Scholarships
Do you have an interest in Early Childhood Education and Care? Do you want to see our Booris thrive in the world?
The Aunty Agnes Shea Early Childhood Scholarships are available to Aboriginal people in the ACT seeking to start or progress their careers in the Early Education and Care Sector.
On offer:
- Cert III or Diploma in Early Child Eduation and Care, or Bachelor of Early Childhood Edcaution (birth to 5 years).
- Ongoing Support from the Scholarship team and broader Yerrabi team to help you succeed in your studies.
Discover FAD Holiday Workshops
Are you a Year 10-12 student? The University of Canberra's Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD) would like to invite you to our DiscoverFAD short courses these winter school holidays. Our short courses are facilitated by our talented academics and are a greatway for high school students to experience what life is like at University, and gain an understanding of their pathways to get there.
Click here to find out more and register for your workshops.
NIDA
YOU’RE INVITED TO NIDA OPEN DAY 2025
Thinking about a career in theatre, film, television, dance, opera, or live events? NIDA Open Day 2025 is your chance to explore pathways across a range of disciplines into the industry and experience life at one of the world’s leading performing arts institutions.
- When: Saturday 14 June 2025, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Where: On-campus at NIDA (215 Anzac Parade, Kensington) + select online sessions
Join us to:
- Learn about Bachelor, Master, and Diploma programs
- Tour state-of-the-art facilities
- Meet expert teaching staff, students & alumni
- See NIDA students in action on stage & behind the scenes
- Discover the vibrant creative community that makes NIDA unique
- Begin your journey in a creative career
The full program will be announced soon – register now to stay updated!
We look forward to welcoming you to NIDA.
UNSW Sydney
Year 12 Information Evening
Learn more about admission pathways, UAC preferencing, scholarship tips and more. Register for the on campus event at the Roundhouse on Thursday 12 June or Livestream on Tuesday 10 June (6 – 8pm). Both evenings will share the same content – those who join in-person will get the opportunity to network with industry partners and faculties.
UNSW Business School Information Evening
Students will hear directly from expert academics and current students. You will also learn about the 2026 application process, career pathways and degree options. Register here
Discover how to gain early entry through the Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. At this event you will learn how to craft a standout portfolio for degrees in Arts, Design and Architecture (ADA). This is an in person event, register your interest. Faculty of Engineering portfolio event is online, Wednesday 16 July (6-7pm) register your interest here.
University of Sydney
Year 12 Information Evening (online) | Wednesday 11 June, 6 – 7:30pm
Jump online for an information evening designed for Year 12 students and their caregivers. Learn about university entry, scholarships, study options, and more — all from the comfort of your home.
You'll hear about entry schemes, student support, life as a Sydney student, accommodation options, interstate-specific information and the application process through UAC. Our online event will also feature a presentation from UAC and a University of Sydney alumni, and a live Q&A.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your future options and get your questions answered about joining the Sydney student community in 2026. Register here
Accommodation Exploration Webinar | Tuesday 29 June, 5 - 6pm
MySydney Entry & Scholarship Scheme Webinar | Tuesday 24 June, 5 - 6pm
MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme for students residing in low socio-economic areas? Register for our webinar to learn about the great benefits offered, including entry on a reduced ATAR, a $8,500 per annum scholarship and a range of ongoing support. Find out about eligibility criteria, how to apply, frequently asked questions and more! Register here
Regional & Remote Entry Scheme Webinar | Tuesday 24 June, 6 - 7pm
Find out how students residing in regional and remote areas can enter their dream course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Register for our webinar to hear about the great benefits offered, including entry on a reduced ATAR and a range of ongoing support, and learn about eligibility criteria, how to apply, scholarships for regional students and more! Register here
University of Wollongong
Early Admission - UOW’s early entry scheme opens towards the end of this term. UOW Early Admission will open Monday 16 June and close Friday 8 August.
We are happy to offer Early Admission workshops for your students for late Term 2 or early Term 3 where we can guide students through the process. Please email me with a couple of preferred times and dates so we can get you booked in.
More information on Early Admission is available on the UOW website.
Open Day - If you would like to learn more about UOW before you apply, UOW Open Day provides an opportunity to attend information sessions, talk to academic and service staff and visit campus. There will be 2 events in 2025:
- 28 June: Wollongong Campus
- 26 July: Liverpool Campus
Charles Sturt University (CSU)
Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer - Session Recording
CSU held their first Charles Sturt Advantage Early Offer webinar for the year, and if you missed it you can catch up by watching the recording. You'll see Rebecca Baker speaking with Jordan Stewart CSU’s early offer co-ordinator and answering student questions live via the Q&A.
You'll see students questions being answered live via the Q&A.
View it on the CSU website: https://study.csu.edu.au/information-for/school-leavers/charles-sturt-advantage
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
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
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)
- Open Day: 16 August 2025, 10am – 4pm
National Institute 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
6 August 2025 at 7.00 pm (AEST)
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.
Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2025
The Learning and Wellbeing Coaches for 2025 are as follows:
- Primary: Milly Hammond
- Year 7 & 8: Mark Huynh (supported by Milly Hammond 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