International Students

DSC International Student Program Partners with Neighbourhood Watch Manningham

With the support of our Assistant Principal, Ms Belinda McGee, Doncaster Secondary College’s International Student Program is proud to launch the 2026 NHW & DSC Project in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch Manningham.

This exciting student-led initiative aims to promote crime prevention awareness among young people by developing engaging and youth-focused resources. While Neighbourhood Watch materials have traditionally been delivered in printed formats that resonate more strongly with older community members, this project provides an opportunity for our students to explore creative and contemporary ways of communicating these important messages to a younger audience.

Recently, representatives from Neighbourhood Watch Manningham, Mr Morris and Mr Kloot, visited the International Student Learning Hub to meet with our 2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors. During the session, students presented their ideas and proposals and received valuable feedback. The NHW representatives offered practical suggestions to enhance the competition, particularly in making it more engaging, inclusive, and accessible for all year levels.

Our students demonstrated strong enthusiasm and initiative, asking thoughtful questions and sharing innovative ideas to maximise the impact of the campaign. This collaboration is part of our broader commitment to empowering student leaders with the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to both the school and wider community.

Students Reflection: 

Recently, we had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Neighbourhood Watch Manningham (NHW) to discuss the upcoming whole-school event that our school will be hosting in partnership with them. During the session, the representatives shared valuable information about the role of Neighbourhood Watch in promoting community safety, raising awareness, and encouraging people to look out for one another within the neighbourhood and prevent crimes. They also explained how the event will help students and the wider school community learn more about safety, responsibility, and community involvement. 

From this meeting, we learned more about how Neighbourhood Watch works closely with communities to build safer environments and how schools can play an important role in spreading awareness. The discussion also helped clarify our plans for the event, including ideas for activities, how students can be involved, how to make the activity more interesting, and ways we can effectively promote the message of community safety. Overall, the session was very helpful in guiding our planning and ensuring that the event will be both meaningful and engaging for the whole school community.

2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors: 

Kuysing (Kyle) Te, Nelly Carol (Nelly) LIM, Zian (Mia) GAO, Guqin (Grace) XU, Elyse VAN DER MEI, Madison NGUYEN, Tsz Wai (Josephine) KUNG, Boxuan (Danny) WANG, Junyu (William) YAN, Chenxinyi (Celine) ZHAO

Q&A Session with Ms Nicole Werner

Recently, a group of our international students had the privilege of attending a Q&A session as part of the International Women’s Day event, featuring Ms Nicole Werner, Member for Warrandyte in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.

The session provided students with valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and community engagement. Ms Werner shared her personal journey, including overcoming a fear of public speaking and persevering through challenges before achieving success in her political career. Her experiences offered a powerful message about growth, determination, and the importance of learning from setbacks.

Here is students’ reflection: 

The most interesting thing I learned was that she used to be very scared of speaking in public, even answering questions in front of her class. However, now she is confident enough to give speeches in front of many people without feeling nervous. I found that really surprising and inspiring.

the session helped me realise that leadership is not just about holding a position, but about listening to the community and trying to solve real problems. It also showed me that young people’s voices matter and that we can still contribute to our communities even if we are not in politics.

I asked her what inspired her to transition from community and charity work into politics. I chose this question because I was curious about what motivated her to move from helping people through community work to representing them in government. -Zian (Mia) GAO

Being inspired by Ms. Werner’s speech which tells us the way to become a woman leader, I was eager to learn more about the abilities to improve myself further as well as hope to contribute more to the society. Engaging in Q&A also helped me to understand how a young woman leader thinks of the society, my question is: what skills or experiences do you think are the most important for students who might want to work in public service in the future? She doesn’t think there is a particular answer, as long as we live in this diverse society, everyone’s experiences or skills may bring different contributions to the society. -Guqin (Grace) XU

Listening to Nicole Werner’s speech was really interesting to me. she said to us: “All the things you experienced in life can shape you into a better person.” This helped me understand that politics is not only about big decisions but also about improving everyday life in the community. I was also inspired because she worked in the community and charity before becoming a politician. It showed me that people in the community can make a difference. I used to think politics was something far away from young people, but Nicole Werner’s speech made me realize that young people can also care about community issues and share their ideas. If I could ask her a question, I would ask: “How young people can get involved and make positive impact in the community?”  - Chenxinyi (Celine) ZHAO

It has been a great pleasure that I have been selected to receive this opportunity to attend this empowering ted-talk presented by Nicole Werner. As a Chinese Malaysian myself, I felt represented of my ethnic and nationality which made me feel a sense of security and connectiveness. Having to see that woman are contributors towards our society reflects on the progress women have made throughout history to be where we are today and Nicole Werner has been exemplary evidence of that. What I found really interesting was her dedication and the confidence she has in sharing her achievements. She shared her role as the member of the Warrandyte Legislative Assembly as a part of the Liberal party of Australia in 2023 by election. She discusses the local issues we as a community are actively facing such as the rising cost of living and local infrastructures as well as her anecdotal experiences as being a part of the community as well. The way she delivers her messages felt really inspiring to me, personally teaching me how to be confident in what I do and do what I like. Being a woman is definitely not easy especially when were under the influence of the of the male patriarchy that limits our ability as women to pursue in our dreams despite the long way, we've gone to have rights in this society. Nicole Werner breaks this systemic approach towards society, being the first woman to represent the electorate delivering the message towards women to never give up on their dreams, learn to empower themselves, and value themselves as members of the society that can contribute largely to our society. 

This overall session has changed my perspective on changes made in our community as I used to believe that the 'promising' of change was never true and that if change were to happen it would have been the change that benefited the majority instead of the minority groups we have as a society. However, Nicole Wener was able to fight this, and I now believe that people in the community do make a difference and that if we continue to speak up and fight for ourselves and the community, change can happen with time. It has made me believe that even if we are young, we can still make an impact towards our society one step at a time. - Nelly Carol (Nelly) LIM

2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors Mentoring Session

Our 2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors recently had the valuable opportunity to participate in an online mentoring session organised by the Department of Education.

This session provided a meaningful platform for students to connect with peers from other schools, share their experiences, and reflect on the contributions they are making within their own school communities. The mentor offered insightful guidance on effective teamwork, particularly in relation to collaborating with school leadership. Students gained a deeper understanding of how to present ideas and proposals clearly and respectfully, as well as the importance of patience throughout the process of implementing new initiatives.

The mentoring session also emphasised the importance of communication and collaboration as key skills for success. Students were encouraged to work constructively within their teams and to approach their projects with both patience and professionalism.

Students reflected positively on the experience, noting the value of engaging with others, sharing ideas, and learning from experienced mentors. The session has further strengthened their confidence and supported them in developing essential skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication.

Overall, the experience has empowered our Global Learning Student Ambassadors to continue making meaningful contributions to both their school and the wider community.

International Student Spotlight: Ian CHO-Our Swimming Star

At Doncaster Secondary College, our international students continue to strive for excellence across all areas of school life. This edition proudly highlights one of our talented swimmers, Ian CHO, whose dedication, resilience, and commitment to growth truly embody the spirit of our school community.

Swimming has been a constant and defining part of Ian’s life. Beyond competition, it has shaped his approach to challenges, fostering discipline, patience, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. Through consistent training, Ian has learned that progress may take time, but with focus and perseverance, meaningful growth is always achievable.

Last year, Ian made the significant transition from Korea to Australia. While adjusting to a new language and academic environment has presented challenges, this experience has strengthened his resilience and deepened his belief in long-term development through persistent effort.

At the recent division carnival, Ian delivered an outstanding performance, achieving impressive results across multiple events:

• 50m butterfly – 1st place 
• 200m freestyle – 1st place 
• 400m freestyle – 2nd place 
• 50m backstroke – 2nd place 

Notably, his achievement in the backstroke marked a personal milestone, as it is a discipline he has only recently begun competing in. Each race required different strategies, highlighting his adaptability and determination to perform at his best in every event.

Ian also values the importance of teamwork and the sense of belonging developed through daily training with his teammates. He emphasises the shared commitment, mutual support, and collective effort that contribute to both individual and team success. Representing Doncaster Secondary College is both a privilege and a meaningful responsibility for him.

Inspired by athletes such as Son Heung-min and Shohei Ohtani, Ian admires not only their achievements but also their character. He aspires to demonstrate the same humility, respect, and dedication in his own journey as both an athlete and a student.

Ian expresses deep gratitude for the supportive environment at Doncaster Secondary College, noting the important role that teachers and staff have played in helping him adapt and continue to grow. He believes that with clear goals and consistent effort, even the most distant ambitions can be achieved over time.

Currently, Ian is preparing for the upcoming regional competition and looks forward to continuing to represent the school with pride. His journey is a powerful reminder that swimming is not just a sport, but a discipline that shapes character, resilience, and purpose.

We congratulate Ian on his achievements and look forward to his continued success as both an athlete and a valued member of our school community.

Our International Students’ SRC Journey

At Doncaster Secondary College, our international students actively engage in a wide range of activities, clubs, and events, contributing positively to our school community. A highlight of this involvement is their participation in the Student Representative Council (SRC), where they develop leadership skills and represent the voice of their peers.

We are proud to share the reflections of Leo and Nelly, who are valued SRC members and strong contributors to student life at DSC. Through their SRC journey, they have embraced opportunities to collaborate with others, share ideas, and help shape a more inclusive and engaging school environment.

Their experiences demonstrate the importance of student voice and highlight how our international students play an active role in school leadership. By participating in the SRC, they are not only building confidence and communication skills but also contributing to meaningful initiatives that benefit the broader school community.

We commend Leo and Nelly for their dedication and encourage all students to take advantage of similar opportunities to get involved, make connections, and make a difference at Doncaster Secondary College.

Being a member of the Student Representative Council (SRC) allowed me to contribute to the DSC community and support school activities in multiple ways. One event I helped with was the Valentine’s Day card writing organisation. I assisted in organising the stall for middle school, setting up the cards, and helping distribute them to students, and the event had run smoothly with me and my teammates’ effort.

I also participated in discussions with my academic focus group within the SRC. During these meetings, we shared ideas about VCE-related academic topics and discussed ways to improve the learning environment. I contributed my opinions while listening to others and working together to represent student perspectives. I especially want to appreciate our student leader Flick; her enthusiasm and eloquence have inspired the rest of our team members to share and contribute.

Seeing the positive impact of these activities was very rewarding. During the Valentine’s Day event, it was great to see students excited to receive cards from their friends, which created a positive atmosphere across the school. As for myself, I’ve also made a lot of friends during my participation in these events.

In conclusion, being an SRC member has been a meaningful experience. It allowed me to support school events, work with other students, and contribute to making the DSC community more connected! -Mingxi (Leo) HAN

Despite officially joining the SRC team as a new member in late 2025, I have already received countless opportunities to contribute and participate in collaborative leadership and teamwork within this time span. When I first joined the SRC, I attended the first meeting where we got to familiarize ourselves with the new and old members of the team, our newly appointed leaders of the SRC, and the overall contributions SRC contributed towards Doncaster Secondary College. On the first day of our meeting, each individual had the opportunity to join a 'team category' we were interested that aim to address the different parts of our school community such as school events, improvement proposals and so on. I joined the school improvement team where I had the opportunity to address my concerns around inclusivity and diversity within our school. This included collaborating with other team members, both in the same year group as me and some that were in year 11. Despite all this, we were able to navigate through disagreements and each of us was very active in participation, possessing the ability to communicate effectively while also maintaining a healthy relationship with my peers. It is great to see that the recent valentine's day event was a successful hit as I got to see the strong connectiveness and social cohesion our school has as a community and the relationship between each individual in our school. - Nelly Carol (Nelly) LIM

2026 Term 1 International Student Attendance Award

Congratulations to our international students who have achieved an outstanding 100% attendance rate in Term 1.

This accomplishment reflects far more than punctuality—it highlights each student’s resilience, sense of responsibility, and strong commitment to their learning. Through consistent attendance, these students have demonstrated excellent study habits and a genuine respect for their education and the opportunities available to them.

Their dedication sets a positive example for others and contributes to a strong culture of perseverance and excellence within our school community.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts and warmly congratulate all award recipients on this outstanding achievement.