Connect Finigan School of Distance Education Term 2 Week 4

Queanbeyan Performing Arts Festival: We would love you to sign up!

How to Ask for Help

Sometimes it is hard to ask for help or even to know where to start when you are finding a task difficult. Here are some suggestions of things you might need help with.

Student Work

Year 11 Photography, Video & Digital Imaging

Check out the beautiful photographs taken by Year 11 Students, Ella and Ruby.

Join our 2025 Push-Up Challenge!

Last year, our students and staff collectively completed over 50,000 push-ups and raised $1,500 for Lifeline and mental health services across Australia. What a fantastic feat this was for our school community!

This year, we’d love to ‘push’ even further than this – by including more students and staff than ever before in the Finigan SDE Push-Up Challenge, completing more push-ups, and raising even more money for charity.

Does this sound like something you’d like to be a part of?

Join our school community in this challenge between the 4th-26th of June. You can join our whole-school team, by registering your name and details at the following LINK.

Alternatively, if you’re not keen on doing the push-ups, you might like to throw a few dollars in to fuel our fundraising campaign and post some encouraging words for our participants. You can donate to our school team, by using the following LINK.

We hope to have you join us and we’ll have some further updates soon!

Managing Device Use: Creating Healthy Tech Habits at Home

Thursday 22 May, 6:30pm AEST

With technology and personal devices playing an ever-increasing part in daily life, many parents are feeling stuck between making sure children meaningfully engage in the offline world, and allowing space for healthy curiosity and connection online.

Join Wellio's own David Threadgold to explore strategies that help you to:

• Balance Screen Time: set and hold boundaries while managing “Fear of Missing Out”
• Encourage Responsible Device Use: develop mindful, moderated technology habits with your child.
• Maintain Family Connections: strategies to keep positive relationships strong in a device-focused world.

If you can't make this session live, don't stress: we'll send out the recording and any relevant supporting resources to all registrants the day after the session.

Go to the Wellio website link below to learn more and register for the webinar:

2025 Parent Webinar Series | Humanitix

eSafety Parents & Carers Webinars: Term 2

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.

Some of the topics include:

Understanding & using parental controls to help protect your child online

Parental controls can be a useful addition to the strategies you use to help protect your child online. Parental controls can help keep children and young people by preventing access to harmful content, managing time spent online and who they communicate with.

Join us at this 45-minute webinar to find out about:

• the types of parental controls available and how to set them for your child’s safety including smart devices, in apps, gaming platforms and computers
• using parental controls with other online safety strategies to help your child build digital and critical skills to have safer experiences online.

It’s suitable for parents and carers of children in primary school.

Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):

• 3 June, 3.30pm

Sexual extortion: What parents & carers need to know

Sexual extortion or ‘sextortion’ is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image or video of a person unless their demands are met.

Sexual extortion is a serious, growing online concern, especially for young people. But what exactly is it? What conversations may help prevent it and how can you support your child if they’re targeted?

This 30-minute webinar will explain:

• what sexual extortion is
• the impacts and potential harms sexual extortion may have on young people
• strategies to support young people who may experience sexual extortion, including how to respond and access support; and how to encourage safer and more positive online interactions.

It’s suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary and secondary school.

Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):

• 28 May, 12.30pm
• 18 June, 12.30pm

eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you

eSafety has a range of programs and resources that can help parents and carers build knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safer online experiences.

This 30-minute webinar introduces:

• eSafety resources designed to help you start the conversation about online safety with your child
• how to help children and young people thrive online with 5 top tips to keep your family safe online
• how the eSafety Commissioner can help parents, children and young people that are experiencing online harms.

It’s suitable for parents and carers of children and young people in primary and secondary school.

Term 2 (Australian Eastern Standard Time):

• 21 May, 12.30pm

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

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

Careers

Personalised 2025 HSC written exam timetables are scheduled to be released via Students Online on Friday 2nd May.

Please see below link for other key NESA dates.

High school subject selection – A guide for parents

Here’s a subject selection guide for parents, with simple tips to help you support your teens while they make a decision.

5 work experience ideas for students who love music

Find out where your passion for music might take you by exploring your options through work experience – there’s more than you might think.

3 tips to find a life balance as a student

If you’re feeling you don’t have enough hours in the week to get things done, we have some tips to help you find life balance.

Open days: Your ultimate guide to campus visits – students considering university should consider exploring open days from Year 10

Wondering how to make the most of university open days? This blog covers everything you need to know, from what questions to ask and how to prepare.

How to become a Scrum Master

Becoming a scrum master offers you the opportunity to empower teams and drive change – find out how you can get there in this weeks Job Spotlight.

Launch your Career in artificial intelligence (AI)

Audience: Students in Years 9–12 are invited to explore the exciting opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) offers.

Launch your Career connects students with industry professionals. Discover amazing opportunities within artificial intelligence information including:

In a one-hour interactive session, participants will explore:

• opportunities in AI: Uncovering the vast potential AI holds.
• transforming work practices: See how generative AI is revolutionising the workplace.
• AI in finance: Learn about AI’s impact in the finance industry.
• AI in education: Discover how AI is reshaping education.
• The future of AI: Gain insights into what lies ahead for AI.

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER

University Information & Open Days

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

AIE's Open Day

Monash University

Discover Radiation Sciences, Radiography and Medical Imaging

• Online
• May 21, 2025

Register HERE

UNSW Sydney

Year 12 Information Evening

Learn more about admission pathways, UAC preferencing, scholarship tips and more. Register for the on campus event at the Roundhouse on Thursday 12 June or Livestream on Tuesday 10 June (6 – 8pm). Both evenings will share the same content – those who join in-person will get the opportunity to network with industry partners and faculties.

UNSW Business School Information Evening

Students will hear directly from expert academics and current students. You will also learn about the 2026 application process, career pathways and degree options. Register here

Discover how to gain early entry through the Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme. At this event you will learn how to craft a standout portfolio for degrees in Arts, Design and Architecture (ADA). This is an in person event, register your interest. Faculty of Engineering portfolio event is online, Wednesday 16 July (6-7pm) register your interest here.

University of Sydney

Life of an agricultural scientist | Wednesday 21 May, 4 – 4:30 pm

Are you looking for a career that's impactful, future-focused, and vital to our nation's well-being? Then look no further than studying Agricultural Science at the University of Sydney. Join this session with one of USYD’s very own agricultural scientists to learn about their career and what they get up to in a day. From agribusiness to influencing policy, sustainable practices, and improving the food crops that feed the world, you will discover what our newly launched 3-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science, and 4-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science Honours have to offer you and the diverse and rewarding career that lies ahead. Register here

Year 12 Information Evening (online) | Wednesday 11 June, 6 – 7:30pm

Jump online for an information evening designed for Year 12 students and their caregivers. Learn about university entry, scholarships, study options, and more — all from the comfort of your home.

You'll hear about entry schemes, student support, life as a Sydney student, accommodation options, interstate-specific information and the application process through UAC. Our online event will also feature a presentation from UAC and a University of Sydney alumni, and a live Q&A.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your future options and get your questions answered about joining the Sydney student community in 2026. Register here

Accommodation Exploration Webinar | Tuesday 24 June, 5 - 6pm

MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme for students residing in low socio-economic areas? Register for our webinar to learn about the great benefits offered, including entry on a reduced ATAR, a $8,500 per annum scholarship and a range of ongoing support. Find out about eligibility criteria, how to apply, frequently asked questions and more! Register here

Regional & Remote Entry Scheme Webinar | Tuesday 24 June, 6 - 7pm

Find out how students residing in regional and remote areas can enter their dream course through our Regional and Remote Entry Scheme. Register for our webinar to hear about the great benefits offered, including entry on a reduced ATAR and a range of ongoing support, and learn about eligibility criteria, how to apply, scholarships for regional students and more! Register here

University of Wollongong

Early Admission - UOW’s early entry scheme opens towards the end of this term. UOW Early Admission will open Monday 16 June and close Friday 8 August.

We are happy to offer Early Admission workshops for your students for late Term 2 or early Term 3 where we can guide students through the process. Please email me with a couple of preferred times and dates so we can get you booked in.

More information on Early Admission is available on the UOW website.

Open Day - If you would like to learn more about UOW before you apply, UOW Open Day provides an opportunity to attend information sessions, talk to academic and service staff and visit campus. There will be 2 events in 2025:

• 28 June: Wollongong Campus
• 26 July: Liverpool Campus

Charles Sturt University (CSU)

CSU is holding a career Discovery Series

• When: Sessions run from 13–22 May, 6.00–7.30pm
• Where: Online via Zoom

Register here

• Hear from industry experts, academics, current students and graduates.
• Discover everything you need to know about the right course for you – including how to apply.
• Get your questions answered so you can kickstart your career with confidence.

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

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)

2026 course guide

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

National Institute of Education: UCAT & Pathways into Medicine

UCAT and Pathways into Medicine Webinar Recording and PDF Slides - Students in Year 9, 10, 11 or 12 considering a career in medicine or dentistry, and missed the previous ‘UCAT and Pathways into Medicine/Dentistry’ information session, you can access the recording and PDF slides of the presentation here https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-free/free-ucat-information-sessions

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

Western Sydney University Open Day | Sunday 6 July - The date for Western Sydney University's 2025 Open Day has been set for Sunday 6 July. Taking place at our vibrant Parramatta South Campus, Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for future students, teachers and the community to tour the facilities, chat to academic staff and current students, and learn all about what Western has to offer. For more information visit https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/openday.

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.

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: Milly Hammond
• 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

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Our School Values

Have a fantastic week!