Welcome to Term 4 Week 3
What's in this week's Connect
- World Teachers Day: Celebrating our Finigan SDE Teachers
- Term 4 Camp: Don’t Miss Out
- Finishing Year 12: What needs to be done?
- Finigan Library News: NSW Aboriginal Languages Week
- Finigan Film Festival: Submit a film - any story, any genre
- Wellio Parent Webinar: Guiding Teens Through the Digital World
- eSafety Commissioner: Free webinars in Term 4
- Teen Mental Health Matters Webinars
- 2026 HSC Provisions: Do you need provisions for Year 12 2026?
- Careers: Career Ideas; Competitions; Scholarships; Traineeships
- 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
World Teachers Day: Celebrating our Finigan SDE Teachers
This term, our whole-school assembly will focus on World Teachers’ Day (October 31st) and acknowledging the hard work and human lives of our many terrific teachers here at Finigan SDE.
One of the events that will be run at this assembly is an awards ceremony for teachers at our school – and we need your help! We’d love for all of you to vote on teachers at our school, across a range of different categories – with the winners to be announced live at our assembly on Friday, October 31st.
You can vote in as many or as few of the categories that are listed, but what is important is that you vote. You can access the survey up to Wednesday 29th October, by using the following link:
There are ten categories for our students and parents to vote on:
Term 4 Camp – Don’t Miss Out
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Our Years 7–12 Camp is happening Thursday 27th – Friday 28th November 2025 at the stunning Camp Kianinny in Tathra. With exciting activities, the chance to make new friends, and loads of fun, this is the perfect way to wrap up the school year!
Permission forms are due by Friday 17th October 2025 – don’t miss the deadline!
Relive the excitement of School Camp 2024! Check out our video below to see all the fun activities our students enjoyed and the friendships that were formed. Don’t miss the highlights of this unforgettable experience.
Finishing Year 12: What needs to be done?
Finigan Library News
NSW Aboriginal Languages Week
Finigan Film Festival
Wellio Parent Webinar: Guiding Teens Through the Digital World
Wellio is hosting a free webinar for parents on how to support the young people in your life to navigate the digital world on Thu, 6 Nov, 6:30pm - 7:30pm AEDT.
With teens spending more time online, many parents worry about how to keep them safe while also nurturing their independence.
You’ll leave this session with tools that help you:
- Set Clear Limits: creating guidelines for your family that balance independence with online safety.
- Spot Online Pressures: how to identify and address signs of cyberbullying or social stress.
- Supporting Digital Connections: strategies you can use to help teens develop safe, meaningful friendships in the digital space.
CLICK HERE to register for the webinar
If you would like to know more, or have any questions, please email Wellio at -support@wellioeducation.com
eSafety Commissioner free webinars in Term 4
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 4 Topics include:
Go to the eSafety Commissioner website to learn more and register for the webinars.
Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
Available dates:
- 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
Do you need provisions for the HSC in 2026?
HSC Disability Provisions are now open for students in Year 12 2026. All Year 12 students will receive further information via email in Week 2 and 3 to help you to consider whether provisions can help you during your exam.
If you’ve got questions about HSC Disability Provisions or if you would like to start an application, please get in touch with Jessica Scarcella (HT Secondary Studies) by calling FSDE 6210 5200.
Careers
How not to panic when your teenager announces a wild career idea
Has your teenager come up with a wild career idea? Don’t panic, just read this article and check out the tips to encourage them.
Writing your elevator pitch
Ready to start networking? You’ll need an elevator pitch, and here’s your guide to writing one that gets you noticed.
7 compelling arguments to get your parents on board with your gap year plans
Need to get your parents on board with your gap year idea? Check out these reasons you can use in your conversations.
5 questions to get your teenager talking about their future (without mentioning careers)
Want to start a conversation with your teenager about their career plans? Try one of these five questions.
Opening your first bank account for work: A step-by-step guide
Have some questions on opening your first bank account? We have all the answers you need in this simple guide.
Why work experience in high school matters
Work experience while you’re still in high school can lead to real-world skills, better grades, professional connections, and workplace confidence before starting your career. CLICK HERE to read more.
Future Doctors Australia Program - Years 9-12 Students
We would like to remind students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine that spots for The Future Doctors Australia 2025 - 2026 program are filling up quickly.
The Future Doctors Australia program provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for students aged 14-18 who are passionate about a future in medicine. Over the course of 4 days, participants will engage in dynamic sessions led by experienced medical specialists, take part in practical learning activities, and gain valuable insights into the medical admissions process. This program is designed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed on their path to a medical career.
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
- Year 9: Aamir Aftab & Tracey O'Leary
- Year 10: Dylan Wood & Michelle Hill
- 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