Connect Finigan School of Distance Education Term 2 Week 5

Welcome to Term 2 Week 5

What's in this week's Connect

• National Sorry Day - Whole School Assembly: Wednesday 28 May
• Reconciliation Week: Reading Recommendations
• Queanbeyan Performing Arts Festival: We would love you to sign up!
• How to Ask for Help
• Student Work: Yr 10 History
• Join our 2025 Push-Up Challenge!: 4-26 June
• 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

National Sorry Day: Whole School Assembly

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of all Stolen Generation survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

This term, our FSDE student leaders will be hosting a whole-school assembly, with the focus on National Sorry Day – to be held during Reconciliation Week.

This assembly will be held between 10:15-11am on Wednesday, May 28th. It will be held online, but we will also run the session at our Mini School for all attending students as well.

During the assembly, our student leaders will host a range of activities to raise awareness about National Sorry Day, as well as providing some context about the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander throughout our history. There will also be an opportunity to get ‘digitally crafty’ as well, to consider our own role in history and leave our school community with a sense of hope.

A link to the Microsoft Teams space will be emailed out this week – please watch your Inboxes for this one.

We look forward to having you join us online!

Reconciliation Week: Reading Recommendations

A key part of understanding and sustaining our history is through storytelling, listening to the experiences of others, and reflecting on what this means for us in the present.

In recognition of Reconciliation Week (27th May – 3rd June) this week, we’d like to share a few reading recommendations with our school community. We encourage you to expose yourself to a range of diverse stories and voices, so that each of us can acknowledge key events of the past and understand what has been and what could be for our nation.

We’d like to recommend the following texts this week:

Queanbeyan Performing Arts Festival: We would love you to sign up!

How to Ask for Help

Sometimes it is hard to ask for help or even to know where to start when you are finding a task difficult. Here are some suggestions of things you might need help with.

Student Work

Year 10 History

Yr 10 History students have been studying the Decade of the 1960’s and considering why it was a significant period in Australia’s history. One development that we considered was the changing fashions of the time and how they reflected changing values and expectations. Students were invited to identify a particular 60’s fashion that appealed to them. Here are two of their responses.

The Mods - by Rehan

The 1960’s was a year of change in Australia, and as the social, political, and cultural identity changed, so did the fashion. A variety of styles appeared in the 1960s but the one that appeals most to me is ‘Mod fashion’. This style consisted of bold, vibrant colours, and predominantly fitted clothes. Mod fashion emerged in Britain and quickly spread to Australia, helped by the Beatles world tour in 1964. Key pieces of clothing of this style are, miniskirts, shift dresses, tailored suits, Chelsea boots and button-down shirts. Accessories were as important, oversized sunglasses, chunky jewellery, bold makeup for the women, and distinct hairstyles. The clothing often featured clean lines and a futuristic feel, drawing inspiration from both art and music. This fashion appeals to me because of how vibrant and visually pleasing it is. Wearing Mod clothing in the 1960s would have shown that I was someone who embraced change, stood for independence, and wasn’t afraid to break free from societal norms.

The Goths - by Yr 10 History student

The fashion trend I believe would have appealed to me most is Goth. The key elements of this style are its themes of darkness and mystery, they were often seen with messy hair, or makeup giving them paler faces, dark eyeshadow around the eyes and lips, maybe the lipstick would even be bright red. I don't have many clothes that aren't darker shades of colors, and I like collecting jewellery often stereotyped as gothic because of how the designs are unique and really pretty. Like many other goths, I find myself drawn to supernatural things and dark mysteries like unsolved murder cases that date back long before I was born. I believe that because of how I like to dress I would be put into the category of a troubled teen at that time and it would have earned me a few odd looks if I were walking down the street.

Join our 2025 Push-Up Challenge!

Last year, our students and staff collectively completed over 50,000 push-ups and raised $1,500 for Lifeline and mental health services across Australia. What a fantastic feat this was for our school community!

This year, we’d love to ‘push’ even further than this – by including more students and staff than ever before in the Finigan SDE Push-Up Challenge, completing more push-ups, and raising even more money for charity.

Does this sound like something you’d like to be a part of?

Join our school community in this challenge between the 4th-26th of June. You can join our whole-school team, by registering your name and details at the following LINK.

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on doing the push-ups, you might like to throw a few dollars in to fuel our fundraising campaign and post some encouraging words for our participants. You can donate to our school team, by using the following LINK.

We hope to have you join us and we’ll have some further updates soon!

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):

• 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

Careers

Personalised 2025 HSC written exam timetables are scheduled to be released via Students Online on Friday 2nd May.

Please see below link for other key NESA dates.

What you need to know about Co-op Scholarships

Thinking of applying for a co-op scholarship? Learn all about them and find out why they’re so sought after.

Adjustment factors explained

Think your ATAR is too low for your dream degree? Think again – adjustment factors could give you the boost you need to gain entry. Learn more HERE.

Work experience opportunities for students with disabilities

Do you have a disability and need some practical tips to find inclusive work experience opportunities and advocate for yourself? Click HERE to find out more.

High school subject selection: A guide for parents

HERE’s a subject selection guide for parents, with simple tips to hep you support your teens while they make a decision.

Bond University Excellence Scholarship

Bond University’s Excellence Scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate high academic achievement, as well as leadership skills and community involvement. Click HERE to find out more.

Torrens University Australia Bright Awards

Courtesy of Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia, the Bright Awards Design and Creative Technology competition highlights emerging talent across secondary schools in Australia. Click HERE to find out more.

UNSW Co-op Program

A Co-op Program scholarship provides industry training, professional development, networking and financial support for selected undergraduate students in the disciplines of Business, Technology, Engineering and Science. Click HERE to find out more.

How to become a Publisher

Are you passionate about connecting books with readers? You might like to work as a publisher – find out how in this week’s Job Spotlight.

Launch your Career in artificial intelligence (AI)

Audience: Students in Years 9–12 are invited to explore the exciting opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) offers.

Launch your Career connects students with industry professionals. Discover amazing opportunities within artificial intelligence information including:

In a one-hour interactive session, participants will explore:

• opportunities in AI: Uncovering the vast potential AI holds.
• transforming work practices: See how generative AI is revolutionising the workplace.
• AI in finance: Learn about AI’s impact in the finance industry.
• AI in education: Discover how AI is reshaping education.
• The future of AI: Gain insights into what lies ahead for AI.

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• Date: 5 June 2025
• Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
• Location: Teams webinar (link provided on registration)

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER

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.

To find out more, click here.

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.

Register now

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 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)

CSU is holding a career Discovery Series

• When: Sessions run from 13–22 May, 6.00–7.30pm
• Where: Online via Zoom

Register here

• Hear from industry experts, academics, current students and graduates.
• Discover everything you need to know about the right course for you – including how to apply.
• Get your questions answered so you can kickstart your career with confidence.

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)

2026 course guide

• 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

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Our School Values

Have a fantastic week!