Finigan School of Distance Education

02/09/2026

We're incredibly proud of the new artwork installed in our foyer last week - the result of a long and collaborative journey. We worked with local artist Jazz from Wilay Designs, and then partnered with Edugrafix to bring that artwork to life in a way that suits our foyer space beautifully.

What we love most is how the artist's story has been woven throughout the piece. It tells the story of Finigan, and it tells the story of our students - representing their journeys, the many places they have come from, and the path they're on with us in education and beyond.

We can't wait for our community to see it! 🎨💛

28/08/2026

Yesterday, our Finigan School of Distance Education community came together - from wherever our students are logging in - to celebrate 💜

Even though our classrooms stretch across screens and distances, days like this remind us that connection knows no boundaries. Our teachers proudly wore purple to show every student that they are seen, valued and supported exactly as they are - because inclusion isn't just a colour, it's something we live every day at Finigan.

Thank you to our incredible staff for showing up with such heart today 💜

21/08/2026

Inspiring Through Excellence | Physical Domain

At FSDE, we celebrate students who pursue excellence across the four domains of the Department of Education's Inspiring Through Excellence initiative.

Year 12 student Abbey Whitchurch is demonstrating excellence in the Physical Domain, with outstanding achievements across both athletics and netball this year.

At last week’s South Coast Athletics Carnival, Abbey placed 🥈 2nd in shot put, qualifying for the State Athletics Carnival, as well as finishing 7th in discus.

This will be Abbey’s second State sporting carnival this year, having already represented at the State Netball Carnival earlier in 2026.

Her achievements across two sporting disciplines reflect the skill, commitment and dedication that define excellence in the Physical Domain.

Congratulations, Abbey, and best of luck at State! 👏

11/08/2026

Inspiring Through Excellence | Social-Emotional Domain

At Finigan, we celebrate students who pursue excellence across the four domains of the Department of Education's Inspiring Through Excellence initiative, including those who use their voice and leadership to make a genuine difference within their communities and far beyond.

Year 11 student Ella Johnson, who studies Dance with us via Distance Education, was named Penrith City Council's 2026 Young Citizen of the Year last week, recognised for her advocacy for improvements to the health system — driven by her own lived experience accessing health services over many years.

Ella's award reflects exactly the kind of self-directed impact that defines high potential in the Social-Emotional domain: identifying a need in her community and taking sustained, purposeful action to address it, rather than waiting to be asked. Her advocacy has already opened doors on a national stage — later this month, Ella will travel to Canberra to represent her federal electorate at the National Youth Parliament (16–20 August), a highly selective program that saw close to 2,200 applications nationally for just 150 places.

"It was very important to me, as I wanted to give a voice to other young people in the health system — I know what it feels like to not have a voice," Ella said.

Ella's commitment to advocating for change, both in her own life and for others in her community, embodies the Social-Emotional domain of the Department of Education's Inspiring Through Excellence initiative.

Congratulations, Ella, on this outstanding achievement. We are incredibly proud of you, and we look forward to following your journey to Canberra and beyond.

Thank you also to the Penrith community for their support of Ella — she is grateful for the opportunity to study Dance as a subject through Distance Education, allowing her to pursue both her advocacy work and her creative passions alongside her schooling.

🎥 Hear from Ella about what this recognition means to her in Penrith City Council's video.

06/08/2026

As Public Education Week draws to a close, we're proud to celebrate what "Inspiring Excellence" means at Finigan School of Distance Education.

Every day, our teachers, support staff and school community connect with students across New South Wales, throughout Australia and around the world—ensuring that distance is never a barrier to learning, opportunity or belonging.

Whether our students are learning from regional communities, interstate or overseas, they remain part of a connected public education community where they are known, supported and encouraged to achieve their personal best.

Thank you to our students, families and staff for making Finigan such a remarkable school community. Together, we're proving that inspiring excellence knows no boundaries.

💙 Happy Public Education Week!

06/08/2026

Inspiring Through Excellence | Creative Domain

At FSDE, we celebrate students who pursue excellence across the four domains of the Department of Education's Inspiring Through Excellence initiative.

Year 11 student Abbigail Hampson, who studies Textiles and Design with us as a single-course student, is a wonderful example of the Creative domain in action.

Alongside her studies, Abbigail continues to pursue her passion for dance. This year, she performed with the Sydney Dance Ensemble at the In The Spotlight Dance Festival, showcased her talents at a ballet performance with her dance studio, and choreographed and performed her own original ballet solo at Heathcote High School's MADD Night.

Abbigail's commitment to developing her creative talents, both in and beyond the classroom, is an inspiring example of creative excellence in action.

"Dance has taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and dedication. I enjoy learning new skills and pushing myself to become a stronger, more confident dancer."

Congratulations, Abbigail, on your outstanding achievements. We wish you every success as you continue to pursue your passion for dance.

27/07/2026

📢 Free Autism Workshop for Parents & Carers – Queanbeyan

Positive Partnerships is running a free 1-day workshop for parents, carers and grandparents of school-aged autistic children, right here in Queanbeyan!

🗓️ Wednesday 9 September 2026
🕘 9:15 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Royal Hotel Queanbeyan, 85 Monaro Street, Queanbeyan NSW
💰 Free (morning tea & lunch provided)

You'll learn about the diversity of autism, sensory processing, and how to build stronger home-school partnerships — plus practical strategies to support your child's learning.

👉 Register now: https://positivepartnerships.arlo.co/register?sgid=354aaa614322499493d56eb30dc58665

Working with parents, carers & educators of school-aged children on the autism spectrum to provide evidence informed information - workshops & online…

23/06/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Mya Caldwell! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Mya has been awarded a full boarding scholarship to attend the National Art School’s HSC Visual Arts Intensive Studio Practice course over the school holidays.

This exciting opportunity is a reflection of Mya’s dedication and talent, supported by her strong application and recent participation in the Dobell Drawing School at NAS.

Well done, Mya – we’re so proud of you! 🎨👏

04/06/2026

Today, Finigan stands united in acknowledging the urgent need for action to protect our planet. The environmental challenges we face are profound, and it is essential that we take these seriously to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

As educators, we have the privilege of teaching the next generation of leaders, and we are heartened to see our students showing awareness, passion, and motivation to make a real difference. Together, we can foster the knowledge and commitment needed to tackle this global crisis.

Let’s continue to inspire and empower our future leaders to act boldly for the environment — because the health of our planet depends on it. 💚

02/06/2026

We’re excited to share Ella’s creative vegetarian cookbook concept! Using photography, art, and fresh ingredients, Ella brings playful landscapes to life—with her dad and their dog as charming recurring characters. Her work tells a heartfelt story of family, companionship, and how food connects us all. Each page blends real ingredients with imaginative scenes, inviting you to explore, smile, and be inspired.