International Student Hub

Doncaster Secondary College International Student Learning Hub 

Opening Ceremony

On Wednesday 7 December 2022, Doncaster Secondary College held the official Opening Ceremony for our brand-new International Student Learning Hub. 

Our guest list is below. 

• Ms. Linda Vaughan - Executive Director of the International Education Division, Department of Education and Training
• Mr. Matt Flemming - Senior Marketing and Communications Officer of the International Education Division, Department of Education and Training
• Ms. Eva McMaster - Senior Education Improvement Leader, Department of Education and Training
• Mr. Glenn Morris - Principal, Doncaster Secondary College
• Ms. Belinda McGee - Assistant Principal, Doncaster Secondary College
• Ms. Sally Huang - Director of International Student Program, Doncaster Secondary College
• Ms. Lisa Fairweather - Communications and Marketing Officer, Doncaster Secondary College
• Tien Hieu (Harry) Bui – 2022 VGLA International Student of the Year, 2022 VGLA YEAR 12 Global Citizenship Award, 2021 VGLA YEAR 11 Global Citizenship Award
• Berry Eain - DSC 2023 College Capitan, DET 2022 International Student Voice Forum representative, 2021 International Student Public Speaking Award.

Whilst the official Opening was held this week, our International Students and their local buddies have spent the past term decorating and creating a serene, warm and welcoming environment in the centre. Trophies, certificates, awards, and artwork are proudly on display here.

This feeling of welcome was expressed by Ms. Linda Vaughan as she entered the College and toured the International Student Hub on Wednesday. Doncaster Secondary College has offered an International Student Program for the past 20 years and is one of the first schools in Victoria to do so.  The opening of the International Student Hub signals our school's intent to re-ignite our strong program following the disruption of the global pandemic. 

Our International Students come from all over the world including China, Hong Kong, Cambodia, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, Malaysia, Nigeria, Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Some of our international students stay with local homestay families, allowing them to experience Australian culture and community, while also enhancing their English language capabilities. Ms. Eva McMaster, who is a previous Doncaster Secondary College Principal, spoke about the importance of cultural diversification and the positive role International Student Programs in government schools can benefit all of our community. 

Someone who has given so much to our College community and the wider community is DSC Alumni, 2022 VGLA International Student of the Year, and 2022 VGLA YEAR 12 Global Citizenship Award - Harry Bui. Harry shared his experiences and memories with all guests.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land we are meeting on today, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and emerging leaders. I extend that respect to all Elders and Aboriginal people here today.

Our school has always been famous for having one of the best international student programs in the state with amazing teaching quality, top facilities, and the wonderful support we receive from Ms. Huang and the International Student Support Team. I am very grateful for the study experience I had here which contributed greatly to building the person I am today. All the knowledge I acquired, and the relationships I fostered here will follow me forever on my path to finding success. 

There is a saying that I love: “Even perfection has room for improvement.” As amazing as our international student program is, this new International Student Hub is simply the answer to the question of how our program can be even better than it is already. I believe with this new centre, our international students will not only thrive on their academic journey but also build a stronger, more solid international student family. International students at Doncaster Secondary College are different because of how close we are as a family; this centre will bring us even closer. 

To my beloved international students, I am very jealous that I don’t get the chance to experience this. I know you will always make great decisions and grow into the best version of yourself. Whatever you do, do it with conviction. No mountain is too high and the sky is only the limit. Be limitless in all that you do and I believe you will succeed. I look forward to seeing all the success you guys will achieve. 

- Harry Bui, 2022 VGLA International Student Ambassador of the Year

Ms. Linda Vaughan, Executive Director of International Education Division (DET), gave a closing speech in which she congratulated the excellent support that the DSC international student program offers to all international students, and the high performance our students have achieved in all areas. 

To announce the official opening of the International Student Hub, Mr. Glenn Morris and Ms. Linda Vaughan cut a commemorative ribbon at the entrance of the centre. The Doncaster Secondary College International Student Hub is now open for our students!