Middle School

Global Youth Advocacy Forum - Lifelong Learning

On Tuesday, 27 October, five Year 9 students (Jo, Nishika, Suzie, Brandon & Berry) and Ms Taylor received a university-level lecture workshop on theoretical frameworks relating to the topic “Lifelong globalisation”. The Global Youth Advocacy Forum is a one-day leadership program for year 9 students to help them explore more in-depth about globalisation, aspects of school and particularly in education. They work together to create and share stories from Victoria and the Asia Pacific that demonstrate the diversity of identities, experiences and challenges and produce high-quality material for classroom discussions.

Student Reflections: 

“I learnt a lot from this forum”

“It was so fun and engaging”

“I might join again next year”

“It was great to talk to people from different schools”

“Perfect opportunity to learn about globalisation”

The students showed such leadership skills, developed their critical and creative thinking skills and worked together as a team. They discussed concepts that were beyond the Year 9 curriculum and I am so proud of how they pushed themselves to get the most out of the day. 

Courtney Taylor

Year 9 Coordinator

Chinese Language Reading Competition

For the last forty years, an annual Chinese language reading competition (CLTAV) has been held between private and public schools involving Year 7 to 9 students. There is great rivalry between the participants who are non-Chinese background students. Only one student at each year level can be nominated to participate. 

Chinese is an extremely difficult language to pronounce and read. I am pleased to announce that this year, Doncaster Secondary College was highly successful in this competition. Both Courtney J (8E) and Dina (7K) represented the College in the competition and achieved outstanding results. Courtney came 2nd in the state of Victoria against all combined competing schools and Dina received medallion’s excellence award. Our results exceeded many private schools including Ruyton Girls' School, Scotch College, Methodist Ladies College, Camberwell Girls Grammar School.

 This competition is highly regarded in the Chinese community and the Chinese speaking schools both public and private. Competing and winning an award in this competition is no easy feat. I am so proud of our students and their fantastic effort - Well done!

Ning Zhang

Chinese Language Teacher

Student Reflections on CLTAV Reading Awards

Courtney J (8E)

On Friday, 16th October I successfully participated in the CLTAV Victorian Chinese reading competition. This was my second year competing and in comparison, to last year, the experience was considerably different. For instance, due to COVID-19, the competition was held virtually, using the portal Zoom. When I joined the call on Zoom, they did a role call and emailed us the Chinese passage we would be reading, which contained both Chinese characters and pinyin. They assigned us into ‘break-out rooms,’ where we were given time to practice for approximately fifteen minutes. The passage consisted of roughly 120 characters. Instead of reading the pinyin, I had chosen to read the Chinese characters, as I was more familiar with doing this. There was only one character which I was unsure of how to pronounce, but I quickly reassured myself by using an online Chinese dictionary. After our designated practising time concluded, we were re-directed to the ‘main meeting room,’ where we began reading our passage’s out. I was slightly anxious, as I was worried I would make an error whilst speaking. I was taken by shock when they called my name second. I took a few breaths, to compose myself and then commenced my speech. After I finished speaking, I thanked the judges and muted myself. After about an hour of listening to nineteen other speakers, we had a short break, allowing the judges time to discuss and choose the winners. After the break, the results were announced. I placed second. I was so happy and couldn’t wait to tell my Chinese teacher, Ms Zhang. It was a memorable experience and I hope to be selected to compete again next year!

Dina (7K)

At the nearing of my turn,

After gathering my thoughts,

I managed to determine,

The pronunciation of unfamiliar words.

All calm and ready,

I begin the passage confidently.

Everything seems fine,

The first paragraph has come and gone,

The second emerging quickly.

My breath comes fast,

Waves rush forwards,

Bringing fear and nervousness

That I try to suppress.

A battle ensues,

Between me and the currents.

Second paragraph goes,

Third paragraph comes.

I take a deep breath

Inhaling and exhaling,

Calming the waves.

Another breath or more, 

I carry all the confidence I had before.

The waves have ceased,

No more to be seen,

And in their place,

Is a confidence that embraces warmly,

And carries me through confidently

To the end of my reading.