Welcome to Term 3 Week 10
What's in this week's Connect
- School holiday dates: Classes finish 3pm this Friday 26 September, Students return Tuesday 14 October
- World Teachers Day: Do you have a great teacher? Let them know!
- 2025 FSDE Student Survey: Prize draw winners
- Term 4 Camp: Don’t Miss Out
- Finigan Film Festival: Submit a film - any story, any genre
- Student Work: Primary - how to take care of Country
- UC School Holiday Program: The Ethical Hacker
- Circle of Security Parenting Program: October 22 - December 10
- Headspace Queanbeyan Parent/Carer Webinar: 18 September
- Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
- Careers: 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
School Holiday Dates
- Classes finish for Term 3: 3pm this Friday 26 September
- Classes start back for Term 4: Tuesday 14 October
We hope you have a wonderful and relaxing break filled with fun, rest, and quality time together. Remember to recharge and enjoy the time away from school before returning refreshed for Term 4.
World Teachers Day
Do you have a great teacher? Let them know!
At Finigan SDE, we have around 90 teachers from K-12, supporting our students and families each day – so let’s take an opportunity to recognise them!
World Teachers' Day celebrates quality teaching and inspirational teachers across the world. It is celebrated every year on the 5th of October internationally. As this date is within the school holidays for us, NSW celebrates on the last Friday of October each year – this year, landing on Friday 31st October.
NESA (NSW Educational Standards Authority) have set up an interactive map, where you can give a shout out to a teacher at your school. We’d love for you to put Finigan School of Distance Education on the map!
You might shout out a teacher at Finigan SDE who has:
- Inspired you and your learning
- Supported you at school
- Helped you with your course work or understanding content
- Guided you and helps you do your best
- Provided you with useful feedback
We will then share your comments back with our teaching staff next term.
Scan the QR code below or click on the link provided, to give a shout out to a teacher at our school:
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/events/world-teachers-day-in-nsw
2025 FSDE Student Survey
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!
Accessing ePlatform for eBooks & audio books
Finigan Film Festival
Student Work
Primary
Primary students have been learning about Country and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use knowledge of land and water in everyday life. Willah and her brother, Dusky explained how we can care of Country.
UC School Holiday Program: The Ethical Hacker
This September, Innovation Central Canberra at the University of Canberra is running a new Holiday Tech Day – School Holiday Program! The Ethical Hacker program is suitable for high school students (grades 9 - 12).
It’s an engaging, puzzle-filled day where students will:
- Step into the role of an ethical hacker
- Track down clues from a simulated cyberattack
- Solve Capture the Flag challenges
- Build problem-solving and cyber awareness skills
Program details:
- When: Monday 29th September 2025, 9:30am – 4:30pm
- Where: Innovation Central Canberra, University of Canberra, Building 27 - Level A
- Cost: $95 per child (excluding booking fee), snacks and pizza lunch included
Spots are limited, register here! - see flyer below
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact innovationcentral@canberra.edu.au
Circle of Security Parenting Program
If you live in the Queanbeyan area you might be interested in the free parenting program below.
Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
Available dates:
- Thursday 9th October @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
- Monday 20th October @ 7PM (AEDT) - CLICK HERE to Register
- 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
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
Career Ideas
Find fresh career ideas below.
Public speaking made easy: 9 tips for overcoming stage fright
Preparing for a class presentation or just want to feel more confident? These tips can help you improve your public speaking skills.
The four types of study and when to use them
Find out how you can make the most of your time spent studying by choosing the right type of study to achieve your goals.
7 reasons to get a holiday job
Wondering why you should give up some of your holidays to work instead? Here are some reasons why you should consider a holiday job.
9 tips to help your teen through exam time
See tips for carers of stressed-out teens to help create a calmer home environment and boost their wellbeing during exam time.
How to become a Food Technologist
Food technologists develop and test new food products using science - find out if it's the career for you in this Job Spotlight.
Virtual WorkAbility Expo 2025
Attend the Virtual WorkAbility Expo online in December 2025 from anywhere! You will find employers and support services who can help you on your employment journey.
WorkAbility Expos are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, and designed to help people with disabilities find meaningful employment.
The welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to network, setting you up for success.
- Tuesday, 2nd December 2025
- vFairs Online Platform | 9am-3pm
Why attend?
- Mainstream employers – discover employers from a wide range of industries
- Disability Employment service providers – connect with providers
- Australian disability enterprises – provide meaningful employment support
- Practical workshops – get job ready and advice on how to start your own business
- Employment resources – variety of resources aimed to support your employment journey
- Support services, advocacy and government organisations – engage with support services, advocacy groups and representatives from govt organisations
ANU Rocketry: Annual Showcase
ANU Rocketry are hosting their Annual Showcase on Wednesday 15 October 2025, 6–9 pm at ANU, and you are invited to attend.
The Showcase is a fun evening where the team:
- Reveals their new full-scale rocket “Solstice” and this year’s engineering projects
- Share what ANU students have been building in aerospace and innovation
- Welcome industry, community, and local businesses who support Canberra’s growth and talent
It would be fantastic to have the Finigan team represented on the night – both as part of the Canberra community and to celebrate the role of local organisations in supporting student-led innovation.
Event details & RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/anu-rocketry-showcase-2025
Goulburn Police Academy open day
Following on from our 3-day Careers Camp we would like to promote an opportunity for students (and parents) to attend the Goulburn Police Academy open day. You will need to register to be able to attend!
Competitions
JMC No Limits National High School Competition
JMC Academy is proud to present their National Competition for 2025. Students in Years 10 – 12 are invited to challenge themselves to create in an area they’re passionate about.
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
Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund for Emerging Athletes Aged 10-18
The Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund (SESF) empowers talented young athletes facing financial hardship by providing $1000 scholarships to athletes aged 10-18 years old, selected to represent their state, territory, or country. SESF scholarships are open during the whole school year. However, scholarships are only awarded prior to attendance of the sporting event.
- Opens: January 1, 2025
- Closes: December 31, 2025
University of Sydney - Year 11 Gadalung Program
Registrations for Year 11 Gadalung Program are open!
On-campus residential event: 8th - 12th December 2025
Our Gadalung residential program is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 (going into year 12 in 2026).
This program gives students the chance to experience university life, explore world-class facilities and meet current university students and staff. Students will learn useful skills for their final years at school and get a heads up for their future at university and beyond.
The application deadline is Sunday 28 September.
Indigenous futures at Sydney: Last chance for scholarship applications
As the scholarship application deadline approaches, this yarn will offer a final opportunity for you to ask any remaining questions about scholarship applications.
Don’t miss this chance to ensure you’re fully prepared!
- Date: Thursday, 25 September
- Time: 5 pm (AEST)
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
- Application deadline: 21 November 2025
This traineeship program is an excellent opportunity for students to embark on a rewarding career journey with JPMorgan Chase.
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.
How to apply to university: The complete guide
Navigate university applications with confidence using this step-by-step guide to choosing courses, selecting institutions, and securing your place.
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 Sydney
Explore Engineering | University of Sydney - Monday, 29 September, 9:15 am – 3:00 pm (AEST)
We invite Year 9 and Year 10 students curious about engineering careers to our hands-on discovery day at the University of Sydney on 29 September from 9.15 am to 3 pm. Activities include mini drones, toy car design, bone cement, coding, transport planning and more, plus a panel on what engineers do. You will have opportunities to develop your teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Project Management Spring Camp - Friday, 3 October, 8:45 am - 4:00 pm (AEST)
Project Management will be running our in-person Spring Camp on Friday, 3 October for students in Years 10-12. Join us to:
- Learn the foundations
- Hear about career pathways
- Tackle real-world challenges in fun group activities
- Understand Bachelor of Project Management
- Hear from industry professionals, academics, current students and alumni
- Make new friends
Past programs have included site tours to Google, Atlassian and Western Sydney Airport.
Come and join us for Ngara: Future Focus 2025 - Friday, 24 October, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm (AEST)
This event is designed to increase awareness among Year 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, starting year 12, about the range of programs, pathways, and support services available at the University of Sydney.
Throughout the day, students will gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities offered at the University and how to best take advantage of them. The event will also provide a chance to build meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and current students, helping participants feel supported and confident as they explore their future education journey.
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