Welcome to Term 3 Week 5
What's in this week's Connect
- Careers Camp: Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 August
- Book Week is THIS WEEK: online whole-school assembly Thursday, 21 August
- Student Surveys & Interviews 2025
- Term 4 Camp: 27-28 November
- Student Work: Yr 9 English, Year 9 Visual Arts, Yr 3 & 4 Maths
- eSafety Webinars: Term 3
- Play Futsal in Term 4
- Careers: Webinars for students; Career Ideas; Competitions; Scholarships; Traineeships
- 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
Explore Your Future at Careers Camp!
Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 August. Open to all year 9-12 students
Are you curious about what life after school could look like? Want to explore exciting career pathways, visit real workplaces, and connect with professionals in industries that interest you? Then FSDE Careers Camp is for YOU!
Running from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 August, this action-packed three-day experience is your chance to dive into future possibilities in a fun, supportive, and hands-on way.
- Day 1: We kick off with a warm welcome and Principal’s address before heading to the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn. You’ll tour the facility, enjoy lunch on-site, and get a behind-the-scenes look at life in law enforcement.
- Day 2: We’re off to the University of Canberra for a creative workshop in asset development for games, plus a campus tour and presentation. Then it's on to CIT Fyshwick to explore hands-on career options in trades and vocational education.
- Day 3: Back at FSDE, we’ll be inspired by keynote speaker Adam Newman – The Careers Guy, before a fascinating workshop with ANU Rocketry (yes, real rockets!), followed by lunch and a chance to reflect on all you've learned.
Careers Camp is a fantastic opportunity to explore, ask questions, and discover new passions, all while having a great time with your peers.
Places are limited, so speak to your teacher or careers advisor today and secure your spot! Open to all year 9-12 students. Cost $75.
See the image below for the Careers Camp program.
Michelle Lee Martin - Engagement & Careers
Book Week is THIS WEEK!
Book Week is finally here!
Finigan SDE will be celebrating Book Week together on Thursday 21st August. Our student leaders will be hosting an online assembly - and we hope you can join in with the fun!
During our assembly, we will be hosting:
- A virtual costume parade - come dressed as your favourite book character or an 'adventurous' character in line with the theme this year.
- Finigan's Family Feud - Can you guess what's on our tally board?
- A fast-paced and fun quiz about all things literature!
The assembly will be hosted between 9-9:45am on August 21st through Microsoft Teams, with a link to be sent to all of our students, families and supervisors soon.
We hope to have you join us!
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)
Term 4 Camp
Student Work
Year 9 English
Inspired by the poetry being studied in English this term, Ella submitted this poem about the use of mobile phones.
Using poetic techniques, Ella has captured the filtered version of reality that engages young people. The final stanzas encourage young people to disconnect, suggesting that real life is richer, warmer, and more meaningful than anything on a screen.
Year 9 Visual Arts
Year 9 Student Alexandra created a beautiful watercolour landscape.
Year 3 & 4: Adding & Converting Mass
Measuring Up with Mass
This week, our students put their measuring, converting and problem-solving skills to the test by building towers with a very specific challenge – each had to weigh more than 1 kilogram but less than 1.5 kilograms. Every student successfully met the challenge in their own creative way! While not all students recorded their converted combined mass, they were all able to confidently express it verbally during the lesson. A fantastic effort in applying their skills with both accuracy and creativity!
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
Webinars for Students
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.
Why you need Science: For people who don’t like science
Explore exciting STEM careers you never knew existed and see how science connects everywhere in your daily life.
7 skills every entrepreneur needs
Ready to begin working on your dream vision and reaching goals? Here are 7 skills every entrepreneur needs to start strong.
10 free skills that will boost your career confidence
There are heaps of skills that can improve your work prospects and personal life – and best of all, they’re completely free to build.
Vocational education – your path to career success?
Want to learn more about vocational career paths? Explore our comprehensive career guides and find out if vocational education could be perfect for you.
How much homework should you be doing in high school?
Discover the recommended homework amounts by year level and learn why quality beats quantity.
12 high paying dream jobs you didn’t know existed
Discover 12 unique, high-paying careers that prove dream jobs exist in unexpected places.
Mid-year study strategies to stay on track
In a bit of a slump at school? We have some mid-year study strategies that can help you stay on track and finish the year with confidence.
Homework help for parents
A practical guide for parents navigating homework challenges with high school students and finding the right support.
How to become an Animator
If you think a career as an animator might be right for you, learn more about how to get there in this week’s Job Spotlight.
How to become a Forensic Scientist
Interested in using science to solve mysteries? You might like to become a forensic scientist – find out how in this Job Spotlight.
Competitions
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
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.
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.
University of Wollongong
University of Wollongong - Early Admission Applications
Early Admission applications for current year 12 students are now open!
UOW Early Admission is our early entry offer program for students completing Year 12 (Higher School Certificate or other Australian equivalents) during 2025.
When you apply for Early Admission, UOW considers your unique skills and experiences, alongside Year 11 results, so you can earn an offer to university before you sit your first exam.
For students completing the HSC in 2025, your results will automatically populate into the Early Admission system when you apply.
All applicants will need to answer the following four questions:
- Academic Readiness: What are your study strategies when preparing for an important assessment task?
- Motivation and Passion: What has influenced your decision to pursue your course or courses of interest?
- Communication and Collaboration: Describe a time when you worked with others to achieve a goal.
- Planning and Persistence: Tell us about a time when you set yourself a goal and worked really hard to achieve a good result.
Apply Now - https://www.uow.edu.au/early-admission/
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
ADFA Open Day 2025
- Organisation: Australian Defence Force Academy
- Location: ADFA Canberra Campus and Online
- Date: 16 August, 2025
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
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