Welcome to Term 1 Week 8
What's in this week's Connect
- Neurodiversity Celebration Week
- NAPLAN parent & carer information for students in years 3, 5, 7 & 9
- Headspace - Starburst Group
- Access to Free Newspapers at National Library of Australia
- Student News
- Student Work
- Term 1 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
- Careers
- Scholarships
- University Information & Open Days
- Learning & Wellbeing Coaches 2026
- Wellbeing 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
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Each term, our student leaders host a whole-school online assembly in recognition of an event that we have deemed to be of importance to our school community. This term, our team has decided to recognise Neurodiversity Celebration Week! Neurodiversity Celebration Week is recognised internationally this year, between March 16th-March 20th. It is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and ways of thinking differently about the world. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported, by recognising the many skills and talents of these individuals. Our student leaders will be hosting a whole-school assembly in recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration Week in Week 9 of this term, on Wednesday 25th March, between 9-9:45am. A link will be emailed to all student and supervisors over the next week. We’d love to have you join us on the day, to celebrate the unique strengths of our brains and individual abilities!
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
Headspace - Starburst Group
Library News
Access to Free Newspapers at National Library of Australia
Student News
Yr 12 Student Abbey Whitchurch represented Finigan School of Distance Education at the opens South Coast School netball trials recently and made it into the team. She will now be competing at the NSW CHS (Combined High Schools) State Championships this May in Port Macquarie. Contratulations Abbey!
Student Work
Year 8 Visual Arts
The Water topic focuses on painting and Australian artists. Year 8 students created some amazing artwork with the theme of 'Flood'.
Term 1 eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars
Careers
Weird and wonderful ag careers you’ll love
Think agriculture is just tractors and paddocks? Think again. Here are 12 surprising careers that prove farming is far more fascinating than you’d expect.
Where business can take you
Ever wondered how companies grow, how products reach your favourite stores, or why some ideas turn into successful businesses while others don’t? Read more.
The pros and cons of using AI to help you get a job
AI can be a genuinely useful tool when job hunting but knowing where it helps and where it hurts could make all the difference. Find out more.
Environmental science vs ecology: What’s the difference?
Passionate about the environment but unsure which degree suits you best? Understanding the difference between environmental science and ecology can help you make the right choice.
Setting milestones
Milestones are the perfect tool to take all your wildest goals and dreams and make them far more reasonable and achievable.
ATAR calculators: What are they?
Lots of universities start taking applications before you get your ATAR. Make sure you’re on the right track with an ATAR calculator.
How to become an Outdoor Education Instructor
Outdoor Education Instructors lead groups through wilderness activities like bushwalking, kayaking, and rock climbing, teaching adventure skills whilst helping participants build confidence and resilience.
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
University Information & Open Days
EducationUSA Australia ‘Research your Option’ Webinar
EducationUSA Australia will be holding a virtual webinar the evening of Tuesday, March 24 for any students, parents or guardians interested in learning about researching options for pathways to studying in the United States. Session Details:
- Tuesday 24 March
- 6:30pm – 8:30pm AEDT
Topic: ‘Research your Options’ This interactive session will support participants through the essential steps of exploring higher education opportunities in the United States. Attendees will learn how to identify programs that match their academic interests, understand admission requirements, and make informed decisions about their educational future. Whether you are just beginning your search or narrowing down your choices, this webinar will provide practical tools and reliable resources to help you navigate the process with confidence. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to get your questions answered and take the next step toward studying in the the U.S. Register here: Webinar Registration - Zoom
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
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
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