Connect Finigan School of Distance Education Term 3 Week 6

Finigan’s ‘Family Feud’:

At each assembly, we try to run a new and unusual activity – to keep our students and staff guessing and engaged!

For Book Week this time around, we trialled a ‘Family Feud’ style game. In this game, our teachers had been surveyed to find common responses to questions such as ‘What is an item or object that can be found in a library?’ and ‘What is a common emotion felt by someone embarking on an adventure?’. From these answers, points were allocated for the most common staff responses – which then became the ultimate guessing game for the students of two year groups at a time.

Each year group had a clear winner as outlined in the table below, but it turns out that it was Primary who came out on top overall for our school with a total score of 480 points! Well done!

‘Lit Happens’ – Kahoot quiz:

Our ‘Lit Happens’ quiz took a few twists and turns, where the students dominated over our teaching staff at Finigan SDE on the leaderboard!

Carlie, a teacher from the English faculty, took out the ultimate title of winner - but we did have Sami (Year 11) and Zara (Year 10) join her on the winner’s podium too.

Well done to all of our students and staff who participated in our Kahoot quiz!

Student Surveys & Interviews 2025

For students in Years 3 – 6: complete the survey via this link: https://forms.office.com/r/6BB7jyph72

For students in Years 7 – 12: complete the survey via this link: https://forms.office.com/r/CSiGHw2gde

For more information about the survey contact: Amanda Rowe (amanda.rowe6@det.nsw.edu.au)

Best Practice in Screen Use for Education

Finigan School of Distance Education has been invited to participate in ‘Best Practice in Screen Use for Education’. This is a research project led by Macquarie University, in collaboration with 10 other NSW universities, and supported and funded by the NSW Department of Education Screen Use and Addiction Research Fund.

The project aims to develop evidence-based guidelines and classroom resources that help students, teachers, and families build healthy and effective technology habits for digital learning.

The survey is open to students and parents/carers. Students require parent/carer permission to complete the survey. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and can be access here: https://mquni.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fF3g9JBb97QHEW . You can opt to receive a summary of the statewide results.

Why your participation matters

• Findings will inform a toolkit and professional learning resources that promote balanced screen use for students, parents/carers, and teachers across NSW schools
• Aggregate results and a summary report will be shared with all participating schools. Individual school, principal, teacher, student, or parent/carer results will not be reported.

Practical details

• If you would like to review any of the parent/carer, student, teacher or school leader survey questions, please visit: survey previews.
• Survey window: Please complete the survey within the next 2 weeks.
• Data security & ethics: Approved by the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 18877) and NSW SERAP (Ref: 3111). All responses are deidentified, and participation is entirely voluntary.

Thank you for your participation. Your insights will directly inform new classroom resources and policy.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Term 4 Camp

Student News

Support Alexis as she ‘steps up’!

This month, Alexis (Year 12) is walking/running 58 km (possibly more!) in a bid to ‘Step up to Breast Cancer’ for the 58 Australians who are diagnosed every single day.

She is hoping to raise around $250 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support vital research. Please consider viewing, and if possible, donating to her fundraising page to support her challenge: https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/AlexisRann/step-up

A very big thank you from Alexis for your support!

Australian Geography Competition 2025

Congratulations to William Gray for an outstanding result in the Australian Geography Competition this year, achieving a High Distinction.

We had other student also enter who do Geography as a single subject at Finigan SDE. They also did well and will be celebrated at their home school.

Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar

Available dates:

• Wednesday 27th August @ 7PM (AEST) - CLICK HERE to Register
• Thursday 11th September @ 7PM (AEST) - CLICK HERE to Register
• Thursday 9th October @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
• 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

eSafety Webinars: Term 3

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 3 Topics include:

Go to the eSafety Commissioner website to learn more and register for the webinars.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

Play Futsal in Term 4

If you live in the Queanbeyan area and are interested in playing Futsal please see the information below for details.

EOIs for Futsal in Term 4 are now OPEN so get your team and join in before it's too late.

Keen for your team to play futsal this summer? Don’t wait — spots are limited, and you won’t want to miss out on this awesome program! It’s fast, fun, and a great way for kids to stay active and enjoy the game. You can find more info here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Trxnh6U9/

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.

Careers

Career Ideas

Find fresh career ideas below.

External VET Provision (EVET)

Are you interested in Design as a part of your HSC pattern of study? Great news, the Certificate III in Design Fundamentals is offered through the EVET program (Sydney Design School). You will need to attend the EVET Information Session being held on Wednesday 27 August @ 7pm. Register HERE

This course provides you with a chance to get hands on with real design and figure out if design is a career path for you. If you love being creative, it probably is!

CLICK HERE to explore the course

Learning to suit you

Choose from three different learning options:

• Half day per week on campus during school terms
• Half day per week in a virtual classroom during school terms
• Weekly blocks on campus during school holidays

After attending the information session, you decide that this course is for you then you will need to select EVET on your subject selection form and fill out the EVET EOI form. If you require further information, please reach out to jenny.brunskill1@det.nsw.edu.au.

Psychology vs Counselling: What’s the difference?

Discover the key differences between psychology and counselling and find out which career could be the right fit for you.

Master your reading with the SQ3R technique

Turn reading into real learning with the easy five-step SQ3R method to boost understanding and memory.

How to become a Social Worker

Social workers help vulnerable clients access essential support services – see if it might be the right career for you in this weeks Job Spotlight.

How to get the most out of an informational interview

Career conversations – whether they’re casual chats or more formal informational interviews – are one of the most powerful tools you have for exploring your future.

Where history can take you

History develops critical thinking, research and communication skills that are highly valued across all industries and career paths. Find out more about where it can take you!

10 things every entrepreneur should know

Essential entrepreneurship lessons for ambitious students, from problem-solving to money management, with practical startup advice.

What is an undergraduate certificate?

What is an undergraduate certificate, and why might you like to study one? Find out everything you need to know in this blog.

7 tips to protect yourself from workplace bullying

Many of us grow up thinking of bullying as something confined to childhood. For too many Australians, bullying doesn’t stop at the school gates. It shows up again in workplaces, where it can be harder to spot and even harder to escape. Click HERE to read more about how to protect yourself.

How to become a visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers create eye-catching store displays and window arrangements to entice customers – learn more about the role in this week’s Job Spotlight.

Career convo with Rob the Chief Engagement Officer

Get insight into what it’s like working as Chief Engagement Officer for a small business, and the interesting career path which led there.

Competitions

JMC No Limits National High School Competition

JMC Academy is proud to present their National Competition for 2025. Students in Years 10 – 12 are invited to challenge themselves to create in an area they’re passionate about.

2025 Insight Creative Writing Competition

This competition is open to high school students around Australia with the aim to ignite a passion for creative writing and inspire the voices of the future. The optional theme for 2025 is: Soulmates.

• Opens: March 20, 2025
• Closes: September 1, 2025

International Chemistry and Art Competition

Students from around the globe are invited to submit an entry focused on this year’s theme “What is Chemistry to me?” With a total of $2500 AUD in prizes - $500 for each age group and an additional $500 for the People’s Choice winner.

• Opens: August 1, 2025
• Closes: October 1, 2025

Sony World Photography Awards Youth Competition

Enter your favourite photographs taken in 2025. Submit up to three of your striking single images from the past year and share them with the judges.

• Opens: June 1, 2025
• Closes: January 6, 2026

Scholarships

Charles Sturt Transgrid Engineering Scholarship

Charles Sturt University has partnered with transmission network leader Transgrid to develop a new Transgrid Engineering Scholarship Fund.

Public Education Foundation Scholarships

The Public Education Foundation’s Campbell-Carter Scholarship supports public school students from regional, rural and remote areas in Australia. Click HERE to find out more.

RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships

A RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship can help ease some worries and allow greater freedom to more regularly visit home for students in regional areas who have to relocate for study.

Teach NSW Teacher Education Scholarship

If your future plans include completing an initial teacher education degree or you are currently studying to become a secondary mathematics, science, technological and applied studies (TAS) or English teacher or an inclusive/special education teacher (K-12), you could be eligible for the Teacher Education Scholarship.

Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship

The Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship Program provides practical support to lift the educational and career aspirations of high potential Australian girls who are facing socio-economic hardship.

The Pinnacle Foundation – scholarships

Traineeships

JPMorgan Chase 2026 Traineeship program

JPMorgan Chase 2026 Traineeship program applications are now open.

JPMorgan Chase are providing a unique opportunity for Year 12 students who are interested in starting a full-time career immediately after high school. The 2026 Sydney Traineeship Program at JPMorgan Chase offers a dynamic pathway for students to build a long-term career in the financial industry. Here are the key highlights:

• Eligibility Criteria: Open to current Year 12 students who will have obtained a high school certificate by end of 2025, are Australian citizens or Permanent Residents, and have not commenced or graduated from a degree or Certificate IV qualification.
• Comprehensive 2-Year Paid Program: Students will gain essential knowledge and skills in either Operations or Finance & Business Management (F&BM) tracks, with hands-on experience in optimizing services for global clients or engaging in financial analysis and reporting.
• Strategic Role and Responsibilities: Trainees will act as trusted advisors, ensuring the integrity of financial statements, driving key initiatives, and contributing to strategic business decisions, all while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Skill Development: The program emphasizes strong attention to detail, communication, and interpersonal skills, with opportunities to work in teams, and engage in process improvement.
• Program start date: March 2026

This traineeship program is an excellent opportunity for students to embark on a rewarding career journey with JPMorgan Chase.

2026 Career Starter Program

Are you looking to start your career and develop your skills? If so, a career in the Australian Public Service awaits.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Australian Government Career Starter Program.

The 2026 Australian Government Career Starter Program is a unique opportunity for school leavers to kickstart your career, gain real-world experience, develop skills and contribute to meaningful work. It is a 12-month career development program, with successful applicants gaining a full-time, permanent job in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The program combines a nationally-recognised qualification – a Certificate IV in either Government or Human Resource Management – with on-the-job training in the APS.

You can express a preference for a role in one of the two streams - Government (generalist) or Human Resources. This preference will help match you to a role in one of the 13 participating Australian Government departments.

The APS provides competitive salaries, generous superannuation and a range of other benefits.

Areas of opportunity:

On offer is a variety of work types, allowing you to explore areas that suit your interests and strengths.

Successful applicants will work in areas such as:

• Human resources
• Customer service
• Projects and policy
• Technical roles.

Applications close 31 August 2025.

Most positions are Canberra-based with some limited positions in Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Geelong, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney. For more information visit the Career Starter Information page or attend an online information session held via Microsoft Teams.

University Information & Open Days

ATTENTION YEAR 12! Applying to uni? Then you need to know this!

SRS application and offer dates:

• Application deadline: 5 September
• Course preference deadline: 6 November
• First offers released: 13 November (November Round 1)
• Conditional offers converted to unconditional offers: from 23 December (December Round 2)

Tips for navigating offers and preferences:

• SRS offers are only for eligible courses included in a student's UAC preferences at the time offers are made. Not every institution participates in SRS and not all courses are eligible. CLICK HERE for participating institutions and their criteria
• In November Round 1, students can receive one unconditional offer and multiple conditional offers. To convert a conditional offer to an unconditional one, students must keep the course in their UAC preference list and meet the institution's specified criteria.
• Students should always prioritise their dream course. In December Round 2, they won’t be penalised for ranking their dream course above a course for which they've received a conditional offer, even if an institution instructs them to list the conditional course as their 'highest eligible preference'.
• If they miss out on their dream course, their next choice will be considered, and so on. Their conditional offer will be considered after the courses listed above it have been considered. If the conditional course is listed as their top choice, and they’ve met the conditions, they will receive the offer and not be considered for courses listed below it.

CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOLS RECOMMENDATION SCHEME FAQs

All courses for Semester 1, 2026 should now be available for selection in the course search.

Early bird fee ends on 30 September. The fee will increase from $82 to $215. If you are unsure if you wish to go to university, you apply and receive an offer you can always apply to the university to defer your start date.

How to apply to university: The complete guide

Navigate university applications with confidence using this step-by-step guide to choosing courses, selecting institutions, and securing your place.

Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate: Your guide to university degrees

Confused about the difference between bachelor's, master’s and doctorate? Read this simple guide to different university degrees.

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

Rising Sun Pictures & University of South Australia

A decade-long partnership that has played a key role in developing industry-ready visual effects (VFX) artists who are now contributing to some of Hollywood’s biggest productions.

Specialised courses have been tailored to meet the evolving demands of global VFX industry. The collaboration has now led to a bachelor’s degree in visual Effects along with a suite of specialised post-graduate courses including 3D Animation, Creature Effects, Compositing and Tracking, Dynamic Effects and Lighting.

Study with RSP | Getting started in VFX

University of Canberra (UC)

University of Canberra - 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.

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

Macquarie University (MQU)

2026 course guide

• Open Day: 16 August 2025, 10am – 4pm

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

We believe chasing big goals shouldn’t mean leaving everything behind. That’s why thousands of students are choosing to stay near and go far – with a world-class education close to their community, then can focus on what really matters: their goals, their time and their people.

CLICK HERE for more information on HOW TO APPLY

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.

If you have any further questions, reach out to WSU’s friendly Student Services Hub team by phone, email, text or chat.

Ph: 1300 668 370 | Email: study@westernsydney.edu.au | SMS: +6482 095 590 | Chat live online (click icon bottom right on web)

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 (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

Follow Finigan on Social Media

Our School Values

Have a fantastic week!