Welcome to Term 1 Week 6
What's in this week's Connect
- NAPLAN: Parent & carer information for students in years 3, 5, 7 & 9
- Library News: We want photos & videos of you reading
- Australian Geography Competition: Entries close 20 March
- Student Work: Yr 9 Photographic & Digital Media
- Term 1 eSafety parents & carers webinars
- Careers: Career Ideas; Competitions; Scholarships; Traineeships
- Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2026
- 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
NAPLAN parent & carer information for students in years 3, 5, 7 & 9
NSW schools will participate in NAPLAN online testing from Wednesday, 11 March, to Monday, 23 March 2026. At Finigan SDE, students complete tests administered by supervisors in their current learning environment. The FSDE NAPLAN Coordinator will be monitoring and providing support from FSDE. It is our expectation that all students at FSDE sit the tests, as they provide valuable insights into their learning progress. Additionally, NAPLAN supports school improvement by enabling teachers to monitor student progress against national benchmarks, identify strengths, and refine teaching programs to address areas for improvement. More information about NAPLAN is available in the attached brochure. You will have received further information, including the full timetable, parent as supervisor form, and details regarding disability adjustments, in a separate letter from the school. Please ensure the Supervisor Agreement is completed and returned as soon as possible. In the coming weeks, students will have the opportunity to ensure they are ready for the tests. Parents and supervisors are encouraged to access the NAPLAN public demonstration site to support preparation at home. NAP - Public demonstration site Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website (https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/naplan) and the NAP website (https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers). If you have any questions or wish to discuss your child’s participation in NAPLAN, please contact Michelle Grasso via email at Michelle.grasso2@det.nsw.edu.au
Library News
Australian Geography Competition 2026
Why do the AGC?
If you are interested, then let your Geography Teacher know. Entries close 20th of March
Student Work
Year 9 Photographic & Digital Media
Year 9 student Phoebe has been practicing focus in Photographic and Digital Media. Check out some of the great images she has caputred below.
Term 1 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
Careers
ANU – Direct Entry applications open 11 March 2026 (for 2027 study)
Students can begin applying directly to the Australian National University (ANU) through the ANU Direct Entry Scheme as of 11 March 2026. Applications are free and include applying for academic admission, accommodation and scholarships in the one application. Early offers will be released in September using Year 11 or equivalent results and adjustment factors to calculate your ANU selection rank. Students who receive an early offer will need to complete their final year and obtain an ATAR or equivalent.
ANU Open Day is right around the corner. This is an opportunity to speak with academics and to engage with the ANU community.
- Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
- Time: 9am – 3pm
- Location: ANU Acton Campus
The 6 life skills you build through sport
Whether you’re running drills, joining a team, or just playing for fun, sport offers moments that push you to learn and grow. It’s an opportunity to discover how much more you can gain from the experience. Read more.
Where geography can take you
Have you ever wondered why some countries are wealthier than others, why cities grow the way they do, or how communities respond to natural disasters? Geography helps you answer those questions. Find out more HERE.
Careers expos: Your gateway to real opportunities
Careers expos connect you with real professionals, could reveal hidden pathways, and provide real life opportunities you won’t find online. Find out why.
What does minimum wage mean for a student?
If you are working part time, minimum wage directly affects your income. Before your next shift, make sure you understand how your hourly rate is set and what it means for you. READ MORE.
Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants
The Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grants program was founded with the purpose of reinforcing their commitment to the next generation of Australian plumbers. Find out more.
How to become an event planner
Event Planners coordinate venues, performers, equipment, and staff to deliver concerts, festivals, and touring productions across multiple cities and countries. Want to know more? Click HERE.
Scholarships
Scholarships to Study at the Melbourne Institute of Massage and Myotherapy
The Melbourne Institute of Massage and Myotherapy provides scholarships for students looking to study Remedial Massage and Massage Therapy. Click HERE to find out more.
Bria Joyce Scholarships to Cover Transport Costs for Education Related Travel The BusCharter Student Access Scholarship was established in 2022 to help Australian students who face transport challenges in accessing their education. Click HERE to find out more. Interested in finding out what else is out there in the way of Scholarships? Other Scholarships
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 2026
- Primary - Emma Marmont
- Year 7/8 - Michelle Hill
- Year 9 - Mark Huynh & Kerrie McKinlay
- Year 10 - Aamir Aftab & Tracey O'Leary
- Year 11 - Dylan Wood
- 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