International Student Learning Hub Hosts Orientation Day

In Term 1 of 2025, we were thrilled to welcome 12 new international students, each bringing enthusiasm, positivity, and a strong eagerness to embark on their educational journey. Coming from China, South Korea, and Thailand, these students have quickly become valued members of our school community.

To support their transition, the International Student Program organised a comprehensive Orientation Day, thoughtfully designed to familiarise them with their new environment. The event featured informative sessions and engaging activities aimed at helping students settle into both academic and social life at our school.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated international student leaders and buddies, who have been paired with the new students to provide ongoing guidance and friendship. Their commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere is truly commendable.

We are also grateful to Principal Glenn and Assistant Principal Belinda for taking the time to personally welcome the students and their families, ensuring they felt valued and supported.

The day also marked the launch of our Buddy Program, allowing local students to connect with their international peers. It was inspiring to see students from diverse backgrounds come together, fostering meaningful friendships that will enhance their high school experience.

As these students embark on their journey at our school, we are confident they will thrive academically and personally, contributing to our vibrant and inclusive community. With the continued support of our dedicated staff and student leaders, we look forward to witnessing their growth and success in the years ahead.

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.

International Study Circle

Dear International Students and Families,

We are pleased to introduce the International Study Circle, a new initiative dedicated to supporting international students in their studies. This club provides a welcoming and supportive environment where students can receive assistance with homework and test preparation.

We deeply appreciate the incredible support our teachers have provided throughout our time at DSC. Inspired by their dedication, we hope to give back by offering guidance and academic support to our fellow international students.

As international student leaders, we speak multiple languages, making it easier for those facing language barriers to seek help. We will be available to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide academic support across various subjects.

Beyond academics, the International Study Circle serves as a collaborative space where students can discuss school-related concerns, strengthen their understanding, and prepare for upcoming assessments. By working together, we can support one another in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

We warmly invite all international students to join us every Monday after school (3:30 – 4:30 PM) at the International Student Learning Hub.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Best regards,

Sally Huang

Director of International Student Program

On behalf of the International Student Leaders: Meyly (Elly) Te, Kuysing (Kyle) Te & Baoyinge (Peter) Xue

International Students Buddy Program T1 2025

Term 1 2025, the International Student leaders have successfully organized weekly sessions for INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BUDDY PROGRAM. The BUDDY PROGRAM has strengthened the connection between newly arrived international students and local students at our school.

So, a big congratulations to our International Student leaders! Below is their reflection:

Being part of the Buddy Program has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience for all of us. Welcoming new students to our school and helping them adjust to their new environment has not only been meaningful but also an opportunity for us to grow as individuals.

From guiding them around the campus and introducing them to key locations to answering their questions and simply being a friendly face, we have seen firsthand how small gestures can make a big difference. Watching them gradually become more comfortable, confident, and engaged in school life has been truly heartwarming.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this experience has been meeting students from diverse backgrounds and learning about their cultures. The Buddy Program is not just about helping others—it’s about building connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a supportive school community where everyone feels valued.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program and look forward to continuing to support new students as they begin their journey at our school.

-Meyly (Elly) Te, Kuysing (Kyle) Te & Baoyinge (Peter) Xue

The participants also provided positive and valuable feedback for the buddy program:

Being part of the International Buddy Program as a local student is amazing. It’s great to be able to meet many new people from different places and cultural backgrounds. I specifically enjoy participating in activities during the Thursday lunchtime sessions, as it is a great way to get to know others who you wouldn’t have otherwise become friends with. My buddy this year is Mia, she’s a year 7 student from China who enjoys drawing and playing badminton. I along with Stella help Mia adjust to life at Doncaster Secondary College by being supportive friends and answering any questions she may have about the school or her classes. I am truly grateful for the amazing opportunity being part of the International Buddy Program has given me. - Elyse VAN DER MEI

My time at the International Buddy Program as a local student has given me lots of opportunity meeting people from multiple different countries. I’ve been a buddy for the past 2 years; my first buddy was Josephine and this year my buddy is Teresa who is in year 7. My other buddy Ruby and I have helped Teresa settle in by meeting every Thursday at lunch time along with the other internationals and their buddies to engage in activities that let us get to know each other better and help them settle into Doncaster Secondary College. -Madison NGUYEN

I’ve met a lot of new friends, including my Buddy, William, and Kevin, Denny and Steven. As I’m new to this school and even this country, they taught me a lot of things that I have to know. This includes, how to take each class, where is our locker bay situated in, and other notices. -Leo Han

My buddy is Stella. She is from China, and she is in year 11. She likes playing badminton and swimming and she also likes drawing. I like my buddy very much. -Mia YANG

My buddy is Leo. He is from Chongqing, China. This year is his first year in Australia and he is studying in the same class as me. This is the second time for me to join the buddy program as a buddy. I enjoyed chatting with Leo and having multicultural snacks a lot during the weekly Buddy Program session. Leo is now my good friend. We meet every morning and go to class together. We also go to the library and play chess with our classmate during recess. -William YAN

my buddy is Diana who is a kind and caring person, she is easy to talk to. One of her greatest strengths is her patience. She took me to the classroom patiently, and she told me the things about school seriously. She is good at sports, such as badminton and soccer, I like her very much. -Mia GAO

Lunar New Year Celebration for internationals students

The year 2025 marks the Year of the Wood Snake, a unique alignment that carries deep cultural significance. In Daoism, the wood element represents a return to one’s true nature; in Confucianism, it symbolises self-cultivation and refinement; and in Buddhist thought, it is associated with letting go to foster growth.

At Doncaster Secondary College, we take great pride in celebrating Lunar New Year with our international students. This year, the International Team prepared bright, beautifully designed red envelopes (hóngbāo) filled with Lucky Lollies for all international students. In East Asian cultures, the colour red is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, making these envelopes a meaningful part of the celebration.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Belinda McGee, College Assistant Principal, for personally delivering these red envelopes to our students, spreading joy and festive spirit throughout our school community!

Here are our students' reflections:

I feel grateful that we are able to celebrate Lunar New Year even in Australia with the International student community. We got to receive a red envelope packed full of my favourite strawberry flavoured lucky candies - also called lai see candy in Cantonese, it signifies good fortune and luck when given to someone or when it is eaten. I'm glad to be able to enjoy traditional treats that are popular in my homeland Hong Kong. It makes me miss home but also feel grateful for what I have in Australia now. -Rup YIP

The Chinese New Year celebration was a heartwarming experience, especially when we were away from hometown. Receiving the red envelope was the best part as it wasn’t just about the candy inside, but the lovely surprise and the cultural Inclusiveness from our school and community. I shared the candy with my friends and family, as it reminded me of how my family back home before would exchange red envelopes as a symbol of good luck and best wishes. The celebration made me appreciate how traditions can bridge cultures, and it left me feeling grateful and hopeful for the coming year. -Stella ZHAO

Here are our international student leaders’ reflections:

Participating in the Lunar New Year celebration for international students was a truly meaningful and rewarding experience for all of us. One of our key roles was helping to prepare the red envelopes, which are an important symbol of good luck, prosperity, and happiness in many East Asian cultures. Knowing that these envelopes would bring joy to our fellow students made the process even more special.

Beyond the preparation, the highlight of the experience was seeing the excitement and appreciation on the faces of the international students as they received their red envelopes. Their smiles and gratitude reinforced the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering a sense of belonging and connection within our school community.

This event reminded us of the power of small gestures in making others feel welcomed and valued. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute and look forward to being part of future events that celebrate diversity and bring our school community closer together. Thank you for allowing us to be involved!

-Meyly (Elly) Te, Kuysing (Kyle) Te & Baoyinge (Peter) Xue

Venus FUNG Hosts Training Session for Student Voice Project 2025

Venus FUNG, a leading member of the 2024 International Student Voice Forum and our 2025 Victoria Global Learning Awards (VGLA) finalist, generously volunteered her time to return to Doncaster Secondary College to deliver a training session for the Student Voice Project 2025 team.

Below is Venus’s reflection on this experience:

Meeting with the new International Forum team was a truly interesting experience—it felt like passing the torch to a new group of passionate individuals ready to continue the journey. As I shared what our forum team has accomplished over the past two years, I couldn’t help but feel proud of the impact we’ve made. From organising events that celebrated multiculturalism to running initiatives that supported international students, our team worked hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.

I also reflected on my role in hosting events, highlighting both the successes and the challenges. While we had many successful initiatives, not every event attracted a large audience. I made it clear to the new team that there is always room for improvement, especially in advertising and making events more engaging for the school community. Learning from these experiences will help them refine their approach and continue building on what we started.

Ms. Huang also reminded me that my time in the forum has been more than just event planning—it has helped me build strong friendships and understand the true importance of teamwork. To the new leader of this year’s forum team, I want to emphasise that leadership isn’t just about telling what people need to do; it’s about being responsible, ensuring everyone feels included, and guiding the team toward a shared goal. A strong leader supports their team, listens to different perspectives, and fosters an environment where everyone can contribute.

Seeing the enthusiasm of the new team reminded me of when I first joined and how much I’ve grown since then. I’m confident they will bring fresh ideas and energy to the forum, and I look forward to seeing how they shape its future.

Here’s a reflection from the members of the Student Voice Project 2025:

A big thank you to Venus for sharing her time and resources for the 2025 Student Voice Project and Buddy Project! Her insights, especially on gaining sponsorships and acting quickly, will be invaluable. The meeting was productive, and everyone showed a clear understanding of their roles. Moving forward, improving team communication will help us coordinate better and build on last year’s success. -Elly TE, Kyle TE, Peter XUE

It was great to be able to talk with Venus. She shared a lot of very useful information which myself and the other International Student Forum Team members will be able to use. We now have many useful resources we can use such ad PowerPoints and activities we can run during the Buddy Program sessions. I look forward to running the sessions using the resources she has provided. -Elyse VAN DER MEI

Talking with Venus was great, she gave us lots of ideas and useful information for the Student Forum team members to use on on-going buddy program sessions. Venus showed us previous ideas the Forum Team have used and how we can get sponsorships for our art competitions and varies games we can play in our buddy program sessions. With everything she has showed us I look forward to using this new information on our weekly sessions. -Madison NGUYEN

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