Significant Events and Student Achievements
Doncaster Secondary College Featured in Study Australia Schools Showcase Digital Campaign
We are delighted to share that Doncaster Secondary College has been selected as one of only two Victorian schools to participate in the prestigious Study Australia Schools Showcase digital campaign, led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
This exciting opportunity highlights our school on a highly respected and official international education platform, allowing prospective students and families around the world to learn more about the outstanding opportunities, learning environment, and global connections available at Doncaster Secondary College.
As part of this campaign, an article featuring our school has been published across major Chinese digital platforms:
The articles have also been shared and promoted through official IEPD channels, further increasing the visibility of Doncaster Secondary College among prospective students and families.
Being the only metropolitan Victorian government school featured in this official China-wide marketing initiative provides our school with valuable international exposure, particularly within one of our key international education markets. This recognition strengthens our school’s profile and showcases the welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality educational experience we provide to international students.
The campaign has already received positive engagement from audiences. According to the campaign organisers, ‘interactive content such as the MBTI x Little Koala activity posts attracted strong participation, with many audience members sharing their experiences and perspectives, creating meaningful conversations and connections’.
We are confident that this increased global exposure will support future growth of our International Student Program and encourage more high-quality applications from students who are seeking a supportive and globally connected learning environment.
The Doncaster Secondary College International Student Program will continue to work closely with the IEPD Marketing Team to explore further opportunities to promote our school and celebrate the achievements and experiences of our school community and international student cohort.
Celebrating: Our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Students
The curtain closed; months of rehearsal and hard work came to a happy end. At the heart of this production were our extraordinary students! What a great group! Each brought something different to the experience. Some stepped onto the stage with confidence, while others had to overcome nerves. Some discovered new strengths as actors, singers or dancers, while others worked hard backstage, operating lighting, sound equipment, moving scenery, managing props, assisting with makeup or supporting Front of House.
What made this production so special was the way our students worked together. Students from different year levels formed friendships, encouraged one another and learned that a successful production depends on every person completing their role. Whether they were playing a lead character, performing as part of the ensemble, working backstage, operating technical equipment or helping the audience, every student made an important contribution.
We watched students develop confidence, resilience, independence and leadership. They learned to accept feedback, solve problems, recover when something unexpected happened and remain focused under pressure. Most importantly, they learned that theatre is not about one individual—it is about trusting and supporting the people around you.
Our students should feel enormously proud of what they achieved. The final performances were wonderful, but the real achievement was the growth we witnessed throughout the journey. Productions like this are never the work of one person. They are built by a community of generous people who create the conditions in which our students can thrive. They will carry the memories, friendships, skills and life lessons developed through this production with them for many years to come.
Thank you to our incredible production teacher team, Mrs Wendy Howes, Mr Dean and Ms Dance and to the many staff members, parents and students who contributed through choreography, technical production, publicity, photography, sponsorship, administration, sets, props, costumes, makeup and catering.
We sincerely thank the Rotary Club, VIC Prop, Turf Design, our College leadership team, Kristin Skennar and Principal Mr Glen Morris for supporting our Performing Arts program.
Finally, thank you to every parent, volunteer, staff member and supporter whose generosity helped our students achieve something truly remarkable.
Amanda Egglestone
Exploring Careers in Healthcare
A huge thank you to the healthcare professionals who generously volunteered their time — including giving up time on their days off — to speak with our students about careers in science and healthcare.
We were very fortunate to hear from:
- Cara Chen – Registered Nurse at Eastern Health (Box Hill Hospital)
- Steffi Ngau – Dentist at Lynbrook Dental Care & Carrum Downs Family Dental
- Faith Chen – Pharmacist at Balwyn North Discount Drug Stores
- Mitch Chia – Doctor (GP) at Dr Thompson & Associates Medical
- Isaac Ho – Physiotherapist turned Corporate Strategy Manager at Medibank
Each speaker provided students with an honest and practical insight into their profession and career pathway. They shared what their day-to-day work looks like, the university courses and academic requirements involved in entering their fields, and the different pathways that can lead to a career in healthcare.
Hearing from professionals working across nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, physiotherapy and corporate healthcare also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available to students with an interest in Science.
We are incredibly grateful to Cara, Steffi, Faith, Mitch and Isaac for giving up their time to support our students and for sharing their experiences so openly. Opportunities like these help students connect what they are learning in Science with real-world careers and, most importantly, make more informed decisions about their future study and career pathways.
Thank you once again to all of our guest speakers for helping inspire the next generation of students interested in science and healthcare.
Italian Big Day Out - Excursion to NGV
By Sarah Moshfegh, Year 10
At the end of Term 2, our Italian class had the opportunity to visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where we explored Italian language, culture and art outside of the classroom. We also had the chance to meet and participate alongside students from other schools who share an interest in Italian.
We began the day by listening to university students and guest speakers share their experiences of continuing Italian after high school. It was interesting to hear about their experiences and how learning Italian has continued to be a part of their lives beyond school.
We then participated in a range of Italian activities, which allowed us to practise our language skills in a fun and interactive way. These activities gave us the opportunity to work together with our classmates and students from other schools while using what we have learnt in a different setting.
To finish the excursion, we explored Italian artworks throughout the gallery. Seeing the artworks in person allowed us to learn more about Italy’s history, culture, and artistic traditions while connecting what we study in class with real examples.
Overall, the excursion was an enjoyable experience that allowed us to appreciate Italian beyond just the language itself. It showed us how language connects with culture, history and creativity, and gave us a memorable opportunity to experience another side of Italy. As someone who plans to continue studying Italian beyond school, I especially enjoyed hearing from the university students and learning about their experiences.
DSC Alumna Abbey Caldwell Wins Commonwealth Games Gold
Doncaster Secondary College is thrilled to congratulate Class of 2019 alumna Abbey Caldwell on winning gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, representing Australia in athletics.
Abbey’s remarkable achievement is the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her sport. Since graduating from DSC, she has continued to excel on the international stage, proudly representing Australia, including at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, before reaching the top of the podium at this year's Commonwealth Games.
Abbey's success is an inspiration to our current students and a wonderful reflection of the talent, determination, and resilience fostered within our College community.
On behalf of everyone at Doncaster Secondary College, we congratulate Abbey.