Significant Events
Finalist for the 2025 Victorian Global Learning Awards
The annual Victorian Global Learning Awards celebrate the excellence of international students while recognising schools and homestay families for their outstanding contributions to global learning and engagement. These awards highlight the strength of Victoria’s international relationships and our esteemed reputation for fostering intercultural understanding. Most importantly, they honour the students, teachers, parents, principals, and homestay families who play a vital role in creating a diverse and inclusive educational community.
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Venus Fung, an international student at our college, who has been selected as a finalist for the Global Citizenship Award in the 2025 Victorian Global Learning Awards!
Since enrolling in 2022, Venus has displayed exceptional dedication and leadership, making significant contributions to various school programs and initiatives that promote intercultural understanding and community engagement.
As the chair of our Neighbourhood Watch Committee, Venus has taken the lead in raising awareness about community safety. She and her team organised a video competition encouraging students to create engaging content that inspires young people to take an active role in making their communities safer.
In 2023 and 2024, Venus successfully organised Art Competitions for both staff and students, providing a creative platform for individuals to showcase their artistic talents while expressing their cultural identities. These competitions have been instrumental in fostering cultural awareness and appreciation within our school community.
Venus is also a key leader in the International Student Buddy Program, which facilitates meaningful connections between local and international students. Through weekly lunchtime activities focused on fun, food, and cultural exchange, Venus and her team have played an integral role in helping international students feel welcomed and connected to the school environment.
Her commitment extends beyond the school grounds—Venus has received recognition for her entry in an International Education Division (IED) video competition and played a pivotal role in developing a Forum Anthem for the International Student Voice Forum. Her contributions to the college newsletter further showcase her dedication to sharing the international student experience and fostering a more inclusive school culture.
Venus embodies the spirit of global citizenship, and her achievements are a testament to her passion for leadership, cultural exchange, and community engagement. We are incredibly proud of her and wish her the best of luck in the final stage of the awards!
Here is her reflection and appreciation for being selected as a finalist for this award:
I am truly grateful to be named a finalist for the Global Citizenship Award. This recognition is not just an achievement but also a meaningful affirmation of the efforts I have dedicated over the past two and a half years. This journey has not been easy, especially as someone who is not naturally outgoing. Stepping outside my comfort zone required courage, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
I would especially like to thank Ms. Huang for nominating me and for always believing in my potential. She has given me opportunities I never imagined myself taking on, and if she hadn’t pushed me, these past two years would not have been as enriching. Her encouragement and support have played a huge role in my growth, and I truly appreciate everything she has done for me.
I am also incredibly grateful to my forum team—Becky, Christy, Giorgio, and Karl—who have been not just my teammates but also my greatest supporters. The success of each event was never just my work; it was the result of teamwork, dedication, and our shared commitment to making a difference. Without them, this journey would not have been the same.
Most importantly, I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support. Whenever I felt stressed or uncertain, they were always there to encourage me and remind me that they had my back. Their belief in me gave me the strength to keep going and continue pursuing what I am passionate about.
Last but not least, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my school for giving me opportunities I never imagined. Studying here has been a life-changing experience, and the support, encouragement, and chances I’ve been given have made me feel truly at home. Because of this, I have no regrets about leaving Hong Kong to study in Melbourne—it has been a journey of growth, learning, and unforgettable memories.
This nomination reminds me of how much I’ve grown—not only in leadership and communication but also in understanding different perspectives and fostering inclusivity. No matter the outcome, I will carry these experiences forward, continuing to embrace challenges and advocate for positive change.
Doncaster Secondary College Students Awarded the Menzies Shield for 2024
In 2024, Doncaster Secondary College proudly had two students recognized with the prestigious Menzies Shield for their exceptional leadership and community spirit. The award, which is presented annually by Keith Wolahan MP to students in the Federal electorate of Menzies, honours the legacy of Sir Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister.
This year’s recipients, Chloe Lau and Alexya Charalambous, were selected by our school for their outstanding contributions to both the school community and beyond. Their dedication to leadership, teamwork, and creating a positive and inclusive environment made them stand out as exemplary role models.
The Menzies Shield is awarded annually to students from over 30 schools in the electorate, with each school selecting students who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership and community spirit. In 2024, 32 schools participated in this award, meaning there were over 32 students across the electorate who were celebrated for their contributions.
Chloe and Alexya were presented with their Menzies Shield by Mr. Wolahan during the Year 12 Valedictory, marking a proud moment for the school community.
Congratulations to Chloe and Alexya on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to seeing them continue to inspire their peers with their leadership and commitment to making a positive impact.
