International Students
Intensive English Program - Healesville Sanctuary Excursion
Our Intensive English international students enjoyed a fantastic excursion to Healesville Sanctuary on Monday, 21 October. Here are some student reflections from the day:
"Yesterday was a wonderful day for me. It’s not only the first time I have had a trip with my new friends, but also my first time going to an Australian zoo. When I just set my foot in the zoo, I was impressed by the wonderful scene. It looked like a forest instead of man-made zoo. I had a chance to see many interesting animals especially the endangered animals. Australia is very smart in the way they protect animals and set up a zoo. The most interesting thing for me was the bird show, where they trained birds in a special way and showed audiences. The trip changed the way I think about Australian animals - Australia has many special animals not just koalas or kangaroos. Keep going on protecting animals, Healesville Sanctuary." Harry B, 10A
"We went to Healesville Sanctuary Zoo on Monday, 21 November. I had a great time there and I saw Australian animals. This place is also known for protecting endangered animals, so there are 10 endangered animals there. The most enjoyable part for me was the bird show because they do some unbelievable things with birds. For example, one of them broke a fruit with a small rock on his first try and Kevin (an Australian parrot) can talk easily. Overall it was fun." Kiarash L, 8L
"Yesterday's Healesville Sanctuary Excursion was very special to me. It made me feel the unique beauty of Australia and the beautiful scenery of animals. It also helped me understand the unique feel of snakes, lizards and hedgehog skin. I also realised the joy of feeding the animals personally, and learned how to protect the animals and their habitats. This event not only brought me happiness, but also taught me some interesting things." Oliver W, 8L
Year 12 Formal
Friday, 18 October 2019 was the most memorable day for all Year 12 international students at DSC, as they celebrated their wonderful high school experience with their friends at the Year 12 Formal.
With gorgeous dresses, fashionable suits, professionally done make-up and hairstyles, they all looked stunning and completely different than when they're in school uniform!
I was so glad that I was there by their side — shaking their hands, hugging them and taking photos with them!
I wish you all the best for your exams and new life chapter.
Sally Huang
Director of International Student Program
Sex Education
On Wednesday, 23 October, Year 10 international students attended a session on Sex Education provided by Family Planning Victoria.
The main purpose of this seminar was to educate students on safe sex practices and how to prevent sexually transmissible infections. Despite it might not having been a comfortable session for most of the students, the information included was useful and students were all engaged.
“The sex education seminar I attended on Wednesday was extremely beneficial as we now are in the most vulnerable stage of adolescence. As an international student, understanding the different cultures and social structures are crucial for assimilating in this new environment. Thus, learning about the Australian guidelines/laws regarding relationships between two individuals gave me great insights as to how I should conduct myself. I learned how important the notion of mutual consent and trust is, but also about some practical and important items needed in times of having a relationship. Although it was a bit daunting at the start of the lesson, the lecture held an easy-going, almost humorous atmosphere, and I could listen to the lecturer without feeling a sense of nervousness or hesitation. I would like to thank everyone who has enabled us to obtain such beneficial knowledge, particularly the school staff and the lecturer who gave us a wonderful experience.”
Franchesca L, 10A
“From the sex education lesson I gained knowledge about sex for the first time. This lesson was very different than sex education in China. In this class, my classmates and I clearly recognised the props and physiology related to sex and we even familiarised ourselves with some knowledge about contraception. This has brought a lot of help to our Chinese students, and it has made us more aware of safe sex."
Rebecca Z, 10A
“The session presented a mix of information I already knew and also things I never realised. It was helpful and not necessarily embarrassing because, the speaker was quite relaxed. Not only did it cover consent but it also covered laws which are often hard to understand. The medical aspects were also appreciated as there were many things mentioned that aren’t commonly known. The practical may have been chaotic but I can only imagine that it could still be helpful to some. Overall, I felt the whole experience was rather educational and clear.” Kit Yun H, 10D