International Students

“Your Safety, Your Voice” Poster Contest Award Ceremony

Doncaster Secondary College was delighted to host the “Your Safety, Your Voice” Poster Contest Award Ceremony, a special event celebrating creativity, community engagement, and student leadership. Delivered in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch Manningham, the competition encouraged students and staff to explore important themes of community safety and crime prevention through artistic expression.

The award ceremony brought together award recipients, members of the College Principal Team, representatives from Neighbourhood Watch Manningham, and our 2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of participants. The event provided a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the talent, creativity, and thoughtful messages reflected in the winning artworks, while reinforcing the importance of creating safe and connected communities.

A highlight of the ceremony was the outstanding contribution of three of our student leaders—Guqin (Grace) Xu, Chenxinyi (Celine) Zhao, and Zian (Mia) Gao—who proudly served as Masters of Ceremony (MCs). Demonstrating confidence, professionalism, and maturity, they warmly welcomed guests, introduced speakers, and presented awards throughout the event.

Their leadership and poise played an important role in the success of the ceremony and reflected the values of Doncaster Secondary College. Through this experience, they further developed their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills while contributing to a meaningful community initiative.

The reflections shared by Grace, Celine, and Mia provide valuable insights into their experiences as MCs and highlight the sense of pride, responsibility, and personal growth that came from helping to deliver such a significant event.

“It’s truly an honour to be MCs for ‘Your Safety, Your Voice’ Poster Contest Award Ceremony and also got award from this contest. We are delighted to celebrate winners’ outstanding achievement and contribution to our community. Representing our school was also a valuable and memorable opportunity for all of our 3 MCs. Our major responsibilities were creating warm and welcomed atmosphere, cooperating with each other to make sure this ceremony runs smoothly and sending sincere congratulations to all the winners. Therefore, in preparation, we scheduled rehearsal from 3 days ahead to familiarize with the process and improve our speaking. We selected eight wonderful and thoughtful artworks to display as the background allowing presenters to learn from. This experience strengthened our adaptability, oral speaking skills and confidence under pressure. Throughout the competition ceremony, it was an absolute pleasure to reinforce the importance of community safety and crime prevention again as well as viewing artworks which also presented diversity. This special event offered both our participants and MCs a rewarding experience from learning outstanding thoughts from artworks. We’re incredibly proud of the impact this competition has had and honour the standout entries. Finally, we took a group photo to mark this memorable occasion with joy. Great appreciation to all the winners and presenters for this special, memorable event”.

Members of the 2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors shared their thoughts and reflections on being part of this special event: 

“Participating in the “Your Safety, Your Voice” poster contest was an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience. Organised in collaboration with Manningham Neighbourhood Watch, it encouraged students to raise awareness of community safety and crime prevention in a creative and artistic way. I was glad to receive second place in the competition. It gave me insights on how a safe and supportive community should be, and how individuals can take small actions to make our community safer. 

 

Beyond competing in the contest, I was also involved in planning and hosting the activity. I worked together with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee and the international student voice team, aiming to make the competition more engaging and meaningful for students. Working behind the scenes allowed me to see the dedication and teamwork required to bring the event to life. It was wonderful to see all the creative ideas and different perspectives displayed through each poster. It was inspiring to see everyone’s creative and meaningful pieces. 

 

I would like to express my gratitude to Manningham Neighbourhood Watch, the organisers, teachers, all participants who made this event possible, and Ms Huang who encouraged me to participate in this competition. Winning second place made me very proud, but more importantly, this experience reminded me that every voice matters and that creativity can be a powerful tool for inspiring positive change within our community.”

Award-winning student William K. also reflected on his journey through the competition, sharing the inspiration behind his artwork and what the experience meant to him:

"Your safety, your voice poster competition’’ was important to help me understand the importance of feeling free from harm and speaking up. My poster reflects making smart choices, including friends who will look out for you and speak up if you are feeling unsafe. This poster is also about Neighbourhood Watch, focusing on a strong community and remembering to lock, hide, and keep it safe. I felt honoured to be selected as the winner of this competition. It was a privilege to share my messages with the community and the school. I appreciate that they held a presentation to acknowledge all the participants and their efforts.”

DSC Assistant Principal, Ms Belinda McGee, also delivered inspiring speeches during the ceremony. Belinda has kindly agreed to share her speech with our DSC community:

“Good afternoon, everyone, 

 

It is a great pleasure to be here today to celebrate the winners of the “Your Safety, Your Voice Poster Contest” — a wonderful initiative that has brought together creativity, student voice, community connection, and an important message around safety and crime prevention.

 

This meaningful project, proudly led by our International Student Program in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch Manningham, has provided students and staff with a valuable opportunity to express their ideas, perspectives, and community awareness through creative poster design.

 

The outstanding posters submitted throughout this competition not only showcased impressive artistic talent and originality but also demonstrated thoughtful reflections on the importance of safety, inclusion, respect, and community responsibility. It has been incredibly encouraging to see so many members of our school community actively engage with such an important topic.

 

To all of our winners — congratulations. Your work stood out for its creativity, clarity of message, and strong connection to the theme of community safety. You should all be extremely proud of your achievements and the positive impact your work has made.

 

I would also like to sincerely thank our judging panel for generously contributing their time, expertise, and thoughtful consideration throughout the judging process. Your support and involvement are greatly appreciated.

 

A very special acknowledgement must go to our outstanding 2026 Global Learning Student Voice Project Team:

 

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, 

and Chenxinyi (Celine) Zhao.

 

Thank you for your leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and dedication in bringing this initiative to life. From organising the competition, promoting participation, checking submissions, and supporting the judging process, your efforts have been outstanding. You have represented our school community exceptionally well.

 

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our International Student Team for their ongoing support and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for student leadership and global learning.

 

Finally, thank you to everyone who participated in the competition and supported this initiative. Together, we have shown that when creativity is combined with purpose and community spirit, we can raise awareness, strengthen connections, and make a positive difference.

 

Congratulations once again to all of our winners and participants and thank you everyone for being here today.”

Official Videos of the 2026 Victorian Global Learning Awards (VGLA) Winners

Dear DSC Community,

Doncaster Secondary College is proud to share the official videos celebrating the achievements of our 2026 Victorian Global Learning Awards (VGLA) winners.

These inspiring videos not only recognise the dedication, resilience, leadership, and academic excellence of our students, but also reflect the strength of our inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The Victorian Global Learning Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of students, teachers, coordinators, homestay families, schools, and the broader education community in fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding—values that remain at the heart of our work at DSC.

We extend our sincere thanks to all students and staff who contributed to the creation of these videos, including those working behind the scenes. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment have helped bring these stories to life and enabled us to share our students' remarkable achievements with the wider community.

Congratulations to our outstanding award winners:

• VGLA 2026 Year 12 Global Citizen Award Winner – Meyly (Elly) Tehttps://youtu.be/NvP_r16utcE
• VGLA 2026 Year 11 Global Citizen Award Winner – Kuysing (Kyle) Tehttps://youtu.be/P4Vr9EXWqZs
• VGLA 2026 Junior High School Student Leadership Award Winner – Junyu (William) Yanhttps://youtu.be/z6gIXUj9Idc
•  

We invite our school community to watch these inspiring videos and join us in celebrating the exceptional achievements of Elly, Kyle, and William.

We are immensely proud of your accomplishments and the positive contributions you continue to make to our school and the broader community.

Warm regards,

Sally Huang,

Director of International Student Program

2026 VGLA Success Stories

Following Doncaster Secondary College’s outstanding success at the 2026 Victorian Global Learning Awards (VGLA), the International Student Program (ISP) Team had the privilege of interviewing our four award-winning students to reflect on their educational journeys, experiences, and achievements.

Through these inspiring conversations, students shared the challenges they have overcome, the opportunities they have embraced, and the support that has contributed to their success. Their stories highlight the resilience, dedication, and global perspectives that enrich our school community.

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these exceptional students and look forward to sharing their inspiring success stories with our community.

Junyu (William) Yan

Student Leadership Award – Junior High School (Years 7–8)

‘My Journey as an International Student at Doncaster Secondary College

When I first arrived in Australia as an international student at Doncaster Secondary College, I stepped into a completely new environment filled with both opportunities and challenges. Adapting to a different language, culture, friendship group, and education system was not always easy. There were moments of uncertainty and difficulty, but each challenge became a valuable opportunity for me to grow, develop resilience, and become more confident. 

Throughout my journey at DSC, I have always tried to embrace every opportunity to learn and contribute to the school community. One of my proudest achievements was receiving the Victorian Global Learning Award in leadership category, which represents not only my personal efforts but also the support and encouragement I have received from my teachers, friends, and family. Aside from this remarkable achievement, I also participated in many math competitions including AMC and achieved multiple distinction and high distinction awards.  

Beyond academics, I believe that leadership and community involvement have been important parts of my growth. I have had the opportunity to take on leadership responsibilities and contribute to meaningful initiatives, including collaborating with Manningham Neighbourhood Watch in the “Your Voice Your Poster” competition, where I was honoured to receive second place. Through these experiences, I learned the importance of communication, teamwork, and using my voice to make a positive impact on the community. 

My journey would not have been possible without the continuous support from the International Student Program and the dedicated staff at DSC. The teachers and coordinators have not only guided me academically but also helped me adapt to life in a new country, encouraged me to challenge myself, and celebrated my achievements along the way. Huge thanks to Ms Huang, Ms Mcgee, Mr Morris, who have given me many marvellous opportunities, especially supported me so much. Without them, I will never achieve such wonderful achievements. 

I would especially like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my teachers and the International Student Program team, whose patience, encouragement, and dedication have played a significant role in my journey. In particular, I am deeply thankful to Ms Huang, my International Student Coordinator, for her constant support and guidance. From helping me settle into a new environment to encouraging me to take on new challenges and pursue my goals, her kindness and belief in me have given me confidence throughout my time at DSC. I am truly grateful for the care and opportunities that she and all my teachers have provided, which have made my experience as an international student both meaningful and memorable. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Ms McGee, for her continuous support and encouragement. She has provided me with valuable opportunities to grow as a student and a leader, particularly by inviting me to become a member of the Junior School Improvement Team. Her trust in my abilities and her willingness to support my ideas have helped me build confidence and become more actively involved in the school community. 

To current and future international students, my advice is to step outside your comfort zone and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Do not be afraid to ask questions, participate in school activities, and connect with people around you. The journey of studying abroad may have its challenges, but those challenges can become the experiences that shape your confidence, independence, and future success.  

Looking back, I am grateful for everything I have experienced at DSC. Being an international student has taught me not only academic knowledge but also resilience, leadership, and the courage to grow. I hope my story can encourage other students to believe in themselves and make the most of every opportunity they receive.’

Zian (Mia) Gao

Student Leadership Commendation Award – Middle School (Years 9–10)

‘My journey at Doncaster Secondary College began last year when I arrived as an international student. At first, I was very nervous because everything was new to me. However, DSC provided a welcoming and inclusive environment where different cultures are respected and accepted. The teachers and students were always kind and supportive, which helped me settle into school life and feel a sense of belonging.

One of the highlights of my time at DSC has been joining the Wind Symphony Band as a percussionist. Music gave me the opportunity to connect with other students, develop new skills, and become more involved in the school community. I was also honored to be selected as part of the Victorian Global Learning Awards (VGLA) team and to receive the Commendation Award in the Leadership category of the 2026 International Student Awards.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was speaking in front of others. When I first arrived, I found it difficult to answer questions in class or express my ideas confidently. Through continuous practice and encouragement from my teachers and classmates, I gradually became more confident. I was able to deliver speeches in front of my class and present at the VGLA Closing Forum in front of students and teachers from many different schools. Performing with the Wind Symphony Band also helped me build confidence and courage, as it allowed me to perform in front of large audiences and become more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.

The support I received from the International Student Program and DSC staff played an important role in my growth. In particular, Ms. Huang, the International Student Coordinator, provided me with tremendous support throughout my journey. She regularly checked in with me to make sure everything was going well, both academically and personally, and was always available whenever I needed help or advice. Her encouragement and care made me feel welcomed and supported as an international student. Along with the support of my teachers and classmates, she gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and make the most of the opportunities available at DSC.

My advice to current and future international students is to step outside your comfort zone and get involved in school activities. It may feel challenging at first, but every experience helps you grow. Joining clubs, participating in events, and taking on leadership opportunities can help you develop new skills and build meaningful connections. Be confident, try new opportunities, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. With determination, hard work, and the support available at DSC, you can achieve more than you expect.

I am grateful for all the opportunities DSC has given me, and I am proud to be part of such a supportive and diverse school community. My experiences at DSC have helped me grow not only as a student but also as a more confident and capable person, and I look forward to continuing my journey and contributing to the school community.’ 

Kuysing (Kyle) Te

Global Citizen Award – Year 11

‘Did I expect this? Honestly no. I did not join these programs thinking I would get an award. I did them because I knew how much it meant to feel supported and I wanted other students to feel that way too. This recognition means a lot to me because it reminds me that even small actions can really make a difference.  I want to thank the Victorian Department of Education and the International Education Division for recognizing and celebrating what international students have achieved. Events like this remind us that our stories, contributions and voices are important.  I also want to thank Doncaster Secondary College for giving me chances to grow. Thank you to my principal, teachers and school staff for supporting students to have a say and encouraging students like me to try things. I especially want to thank Ms. Huang and the International Student Support Team. 

Thank you for guiding me, encouraging me and always reminding me to keep trying when things felt tough. Your support has helped me become more confident, more responsible and more willing to take initiative.  I also want to thank my family. Thank you for giving me the chance to study in Victoria and for supporting me even from far away. I know this journey has required sacrifice, trust and love. I am very grateful for everything you have done for me. To my friends, classmates, mentors, homestay family and everyone who has supported me along the way thank you. You have made this journey easier, happier and more meaningful.’

Meyly (Elly) Te

Global Citizen Award – Year 12

 ‘When I first arrived in Australia, I was excited but also nervous. Like many international students, I faced challenges adapting to a new environment, a different education system, and communicating in English. Coming from Cambodia, I often worried about making mistakes and whether I would fit in. At times, these challenges affected my confidence and made me question my abilities.

However, my experience at Doncaster Secondary College completely changed my perspective. From the very beginning, I was welcomed by teachers, staff, and fellow students who supported me not only academically, but also personally. They helped me realize that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growth.

Throughout my time at DSC, I actively participated in leadership and global learning initiatives that shaped who I am today. Through the Global Learning Student Voice Project, I worked with students to promote intercultural understanding and inclusion within our school community. Together, we led projects such as the “Your Culture, My Culture” art competition, which encouraged students to share their cultural identities and stories through art. Seeing students learn from one another and celebrate their differences reinforced my belief in the importance of global citizenship.

I was also privileged to co-lead the Buddy Program, where we welcomed new international students and helped them build connections with local and international peers. Having experienced the challenges of arriving in a new country myself, I understood how important it is to feel that you belong. One of my proudest achievements was helping create an environment where students felt safe, supported, and valued.

In addition, I founded the International Student Maths Mentoring Program and co-led the International Study Circle. These initiatives aimed to support students academically while building their confidence. I wanted students to recognize their strengths and feel capable of succeeding despite language barriers or other challenges they might face.

Beyond academic and leadership activities, I also enjoyed helping organize cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Moon Festival. These events brought students together, celebrated diversity, and helped many international students feel a sense of home while studying abroad.

One of the highlights of my journey was being recognized as the Global Citizenship Award recipient at the Victorian Global Learning Awards. This achievement was incredibly meaningful because it reflected values that are important to me: inclusion, empathy, leadership, and taking action to support others.

Looking back, the greatest lesson I have learned is that growth happens when we are willing to embrace challenges and take opportunities, even when we do not feel fully ready. My journey at DSC taught me to be more confident, open-minded, and proactive. It also inspired me to continue creating positive changes within my community.

I am deeply grateful to the International Student Program team, my teachers, and the wider DSC community for believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that I once thought were beyond my reach.

To current and future international students, my advice is simple: do not be afraid to put yourself forward. You may not always feel ready, and you may make mistakes along the way, but every experience will help you grow. Take every opportunity you can, believe in yourself, and remember that you belong here. The connections you build, the challenges you overcome, and the impact you make may surprise you.’

Finding Community Through Music: My Journey with String Orchestra

At Doncaster Secondary College, our international students enrich our school community in many ways, demonstrating talents and strengths that extend well beyond the classroom.

One such student is Nelly Carol (Nelly) Lim, a dedicated violinist and valued member of our String Orchestra. Through her passion for music, commitment to regular rehearsals, and enthusiasm for performance, Nelly has made a meaningful contribution to our vibrant performing arts program.

Her involvement reflects the many ways international students enhance school life—not only by showcasing their individual talents, but also through their willingness to connect with others, collaborate as a team, and contribute positively to the broader DSC community.

In the following article, Nelly shares her musical journey and reflects on the opportunities, challenges, and strong sense of belonging she has experienced as a member of our school’s music program. 

"As an international student and a member of the Doncaster Secondary College music community, joining String Orchestra this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my school journey.

After taking a break from violin several years ago, I decided to join String Works to rebuild my confidence and strengthen my musical foundations before progressing to a senior ensemble. Moving from String Works to String Orchestra was a significant step, bringing new challenges and more complex repertoire. While the transition was demanding, it also provided valuable opportunities for growth and learning.

Since the beginning of the year, our ensemble has met for rehearsals every morning at 7:30 am, working together to prepare for the Winter Concert held on 10 June 2026. Through these regular rehearsals, I quickly developed strong friendships with my fellow musicians, especially my desk partner, who also shares violin lessons with me. The supportive environment created by our ensemble has helped me feel connected, encouraged, and motivated to improve.

Many of the pieces we performed were challenging, particularly when learning to play as part of a large ensemble. However, through teamwork, persistence, and weekly sectional rehearsals during lunchtime, we were able to overcome these challenges together. These extra practice sessions not only improved our performance but also strengthened our sense of community and collaboration.

One of the most exciting opportunities this year has been our collaboration with the Concert Band on the piece Angel's City, which will be performed at the upcoming Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF). Working alongside another ensemble has been a wonderful experience, allowing us to combine our talents and contribute to a larger musical performance. It highlights how music can bring different groups together to create something meaningful and inspiring.

Music is much more than learning notes and rhythms. It teaches dedication, teamwork, and commitment to a shared goal. Participating in rehearsals, concerts, and music festivals has given me a strong sense of belonging within the Fine Arts community at Doncaster Secondary College. It has shown me how individuals can contribute their unique talents while working together to enrich the school community.

Looking ahead, I am inspired by the performances of other ensembles and hope to learn additional instruments beyond the string family. By expanding my musical skills, I hope to contribute even more to the Music Department and continue supporting the vibrant arts culture that makes our school such a welcoming and diverse community.

I am grateful for the opportunities music has provided and look forward to continuing my journey of learning, performing, and giving back to the Doncaster Secondary College community."

2026 Dragon Boat Festival Celebration

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration observed on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. One of the festival’s most well-known traditions is dragon boat racing, accompanied by the sharing of Zongzi—sticky rice dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients and wrapped in bamboo leaves.

This year, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on Friday, 19 June 2026. Thanks to the generous support of the DSC leadership team, all international students received a gift bag containing Zongzi to celebrate the occasion.

This thoughtful gesture provided our students with a meaningful connection to their culture and a sense of comfort, particularly for those who are celebrating away from their families and home countries. Several students and their families have asked us to convey their sincere appreciation for this act of kindness, which reminded them that they are valued members of the DSC community.

Adding to the spirit of the celebration, our 2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors generously volunteered their time to assist with unpacking and distributing the Zongzi to fellow students. Their enthusiasm and willingness to support others helped make the celebration even more memorable and fostered a strong sense of belonging across our school community.

Here are 2026 Global Learning Student Ambassadors’ reflections on the experience:

This year, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to assist with organising and distributing the Zongzi for the Dragon Boat Festival celebration. From unpacking the boxes to ensuring that every international student received a gift bag, we were involved in each stage of the process.

It was incredibly rewarding to see the smiles on students’ faces and to know that we had played a small part in making their day more special. Being involved in this tradition gave the experience a deeper meaning. It was about much more than sharing food—it was an opportunity to celebrate culture, foster a sense of belonging, and help students feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

We felt proud and honoured to contribute in this way, and the experience strengthened our appreciation for the school’s commitment to celebrating diversity and building an inclusive community.

Moments like these remind us of the impact that small acts of kindness can have and the lasting memories they can create. We are truly grateful to be part of a school community that embraces cultural traditions and brings them to life for everyone.

-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

Please find international students’ reflection below: 

 As a Muslim, I have specific dietary requirements, and the International Student Team carefully considered my needs by preparing a vegetarian Zongzi especially for me. Their kindness and attention to detail made me feel genuinely cared for and included. It reminded me that, even though I am far from home, I am part of a supportive and welcoming school community. -Lidanna (Diana) HUANG

As a member of 2026 Global Learning Student Ambassador Team, I am extremely delighted to experience the happiness of the Dragon Boat Festival. This year, celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival was made incredibly special when I received a zongzi from Ms. McGee. The zongzi help me connect and celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.

After my parents cooked the zongzi, I smelled a unique smell from the leaves around the zongzi. I enjoyed the zongzi, the distinctive flavour and rich texture were delicious. Zongzi is not just a luscious traditional food; it lets me explore the cultural history of Dragon Boat Festival. This activity also allowed me to share a meaningful cultural celebration with my teachers and my peers. -Josphine KUNG

Receiving Zongzi from my school made me feel warm, welcomed, and happy. It gave me the opportunity to experience the traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival and learn more about the rich cultural significance behind this special celebration. The thoughtful gesture created a wonderful festive atmosphere and helped bring our school community together. I hope everyone enjoys the Dragon Boat Festival and has a memorable and meaningful celebration. -Ziyan (Lily) Wang

I received a Zongzi from the International Student Hub, beautifully wrapped in green bamboo leaves and presented in a gift bag. It looked very special and immediately created a festive atmosphere. We also exchanged warm wishes by saying, “Happy Dragon Boat Festival” to one another. Receiving the Zongzi made me feel happy and excited. I was grateful to be part of the celebration and the group photo. The Hub was filled with laughter, smiles, and a wonderful sense of community. The Zongzi was delicious, and it made the celebration even more memorable. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the traditions and cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival. - Xiaoxi (Rachel) Shi

International Students Got Talent: Mia Gao's Musical Journey as a Percussionist

At Doncaster Secondary College, our international students demonstrate a wide range of talents and make valuable contributions that extend far beyond academic achievement.

One such student is Zian (Mia) Gao, a talented percussionist who plays an important role in our school band program. Through her passion, dedication, and commitment to music, Mia has enriched our vibrant performing arts community while inspiring her peers through her teamwork and enthusiasm.

Her involvement in the music program highlights the many ways our international students contribute to school life, showcasing not only their individual talents but also their willingness to connect, collaborate, and make a positive impact within the DSC community.

Below, Mia shares her musical journey and reflects on the opportunities, challenges, and sense of belonging she has experienced as a member of our school band.

“As an international student at Doncaster Secondary College, music has become an important part of my school life and has provided me with many valuable opportunities to challenge myself, develop new skills, and connect with the wider community. Throughout 2026, I have had the privilege of performing as a percussionist in the Wind Symphony at several significant community events, each of which has contributed to my growth as a musician and performer.

 

One of the most memorable performances was at the Manningham City Rotary ANZAC Day Schools Service. During this event, the Wind Symphony performed I Am Australian and Benediction to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand defence personnel. Being part of such an important community event helped me gain a deeper understanding of the ANZAC tradition and its significance in Australian culture. As a percussionist, my role was to support the ensemble by maintaining rhythm, enhancing musical expression, and contributing to the respectful atmosphere of the ceremony. It was a meaningful experience to use music as a way of honouring and remembering those who have served their country.

 

Another highlight of my year was performing at the 2026 Menzies Community Volunteer Awards, an event that celebrated the dedication and contributions of local community volunteers. For this performance, our Wind Symphony presented a varied program including I Am Australian, Afterburn, and Ruckus. I performed in the Percussion 1 section on the drum kit and had the exciting opportunity to play a solo section in Ruckus. This was one of the most challenging yet rewarding moments of my musical journey. I spent many hours practising the solo before the performance to ensure I was well prepared. Although I felt nervous beforehand, successfully performing the solo in front of an audience gave me a great sense of achievement and confidence.

 

Behind every successful performance is a great deal of preparation. Throughout the year, members of the Wind Symphony attended rehearsals every Thursday morning before school. These rehearsals allowed us to refine our performances, improve our timing, and strengthen our teamwork as an ensemble. Working closely with other musicians taught me the importance of listening carefully, supporting one another, and striving towards a shared goal.

 

Having been a member of the Wind Symphony since last year, I can clearly see how much I have grown as a musician. When I first joined, I often felt nervous performing in front of an audience and lacked confidence in my abilities. Through regular rehearsals, performances, and the encouragement of my teachers and fellow musicians, I have become more confident both on and off the stage. Each performance has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop resilience, discipline, and self-belief.

 

Looking back on these experiences, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities that music has provided. Being part of the Wind Symphony has not only improved my percussion skills but has also taught me valuable life lessons about commitment, teamwork, and perseverance. As an international student, these experiences have helped me feel connected to my school and local community, and I am proud to contribute to events that bring people together through music.”

International Student Leader Nelly LIM Participates in Student Parliament Day

Student Parliament Day is an exciting initiative that brings together student representatives from across Doncaster Secondary College to engage in meaningful discussions about issues that matter to students and the wider school community. The event provides a valuable platform for students to share ideas, debate perspectives, and develop solutions in a setting that reflects real parliamentary processes.

We are proud that our International Student Leader, Nelly Carol (Nelly) LIM, participated in this year's Student Parliament Day, contributing her unique perspective and demonstrating outstanding leadership.

Reflecting on the experience, Nelly shared that Student Parliament Day aimed to strengthen student voice across all year levels, from junior to senior school. Students worked collaboratively in mixed-year groups, ensuring that every cohort was represented in discussions. Topics explored included the school environment, community diversity, student achievement, and student wellbeing.

Nelly found the experience particularly rewarding as it enabled her to connect with students from different year levels and backgrounds, including both international and local students. Through these conversations, she gained valuable insights into the diverse experiences and perspectives within the school community while further developing her leadership, teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills.

One of Nelly’s most memorable experiences was witnessing the level of engagement and interaction among students from different sub-schools. She noted that the event highlighted the strong sense of community at Doncaster Secondary College and demonstrated how students can work together to create positive change.

“It took a little time for everyone to become comfortable with one another, but once we did, it felt like we were working together as one community with a shared goal of improving our school environment,” Nelly reflected.

As an international student, Nelly particularly valued the opportunity to contribute her experiences and perspectives while collaborating with local students. She expressed pride in participating in the continuing development of Student Parliament Day, having first been invited to the event as a Year 10 student.

Nelly’s involvement reflects the important role that international students play in shaping our school community. Her commitment to leadership, inclusivity, and student voice exemplifies the values of Doncaster Secondary College and highlights the strength that diversity brings to our community.

Congratulations to Nelly on her valuable contribution to Student Parliament Day and for representing the international student cohort with such distinction.

2026 Term 2 International Student Attendance Award

Congratulations to our international students who achieved an exceptional 100% attendance record in Term 2, with no absences, no late arrivals, and no early departures throughout the term.

This outstanding achievement reflects much more than simply being present at school. It demonstrates each student’s dedication to their education, strong sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and commitment to making the most of every learning opportunity.

Consistent attendance is a key factor in academic success and personal growth. By attending every class on time and actively engaging in their learning, these students have shown remarkable perseverance, reliability, and a positive attitude towards their studies.

Their commitment serves as an inspiration to their peers and helps foster a culture of excellence, resilience, and high expectations within our International Student Program and the wider school community.

We are incredibly proud of their achievement and warmly congratulate all recipients of the 2026 Term 2 International Student Attendance Award. Well done on this remarkable accomplishment. 

Sally Huang

International Student Program Director