WELC & International Student Reports

Message from the International Coordinator and WELC Coordinator 

WELC Update

Ms Debby Morgan

We have come nearly to the middle of Term 2 and students are busy working on learning English. We have a total of 53 students and are currently running 5 classes. Many of our students have being rewarded for their hard work and diligence and have been moved up to a higher group than last term due to their improved English skills. We encourage all students to continue to try their best in every lesson, do all the homework, practice new words and ask for help when they don’t understand. Teachers are constantly discussing students’ progress and students will be able to move to a higher class if they demonstrate they are ready.

WELC all participated in the Westall Cross Country competition and we are very proud of all students for trying their best. Several students placed in the top 3 for their age-group and we congratulate these students! 

All students went on an excursion last Friday to the city. Students took public transport and explored the museum for the day. They also saw an IMAX 3D film on Monarch butterflies. This ties in well with students’ Science classes. 

We will be holding Parent Teacher interviews this Thursday and all families are encouraged to attend. This is a good opportunity for families and teachers to discuss students’ progress and what work families can do at home to help support students to further improve their English. Please let the school know if you need to come in at a different time. We are always happy to discuss your child’s learning.

Swimming lessons start on Wednesday 21 May. These lessons are provided through the Swimming in Schools Initiative. Swimming is an essential skill in Australia as we are surrounded by water. It is wonderful that so many students are taking advantage of this opportunity, and we hope that families continue to support the swimming education of these students in the future so they can be safe around water. 

As we head into the second half of this term, I encourage all students to look for ways to improve their English. This could be by watching an English movie, singing English songs or reading an English book. Revision Club (Mondays 3:20 pm – 4:20 pm) and Reading Program (Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 am – 8:55 am) are also wonderful ways to practice and improve. 

Ms Debby Morgan

WELC Coordinator

Westall Secondary College Cross Country - WELC Results

The students of the Westall English Language Centre participated in the Westall Secondary College Cross Country event last Tuesday. Students were encouraged to not only participate, but also test their stamina, persistence and commitment to doing one’s best. The results of four of our students were extremely exciting! 

We would like to congratulate the following students:

Yiming for winning First place in the Year 7 Boys’ event.

Sumire for winning First place in the Year 9 Girls’ event.

Saeed who won Second place in the Year 8 Boys’ event. 

Karima who won Second place in the Senior Girls’ event.

Well done to all who participated!!

‘On Tuesday 13th May, my school had an event that called ‘Westall Cross Country’. We ran out around the school and all students in school had to take part in the event. However, all students didn’t run in once time, we divided in different run’s time.  The Westall Cross Country happened at soccer field and run straight out of the gate to start the race. The boys in Years 7,8,9 must run 3 rounds, only the boys in Year 10 must run 5 rounds. The girls from Years 7 to 10 ran around 3 rounds. In the road of the race has a teacher on one corner to care about safety of the students. They also cheer up the students. Years 7 and 8, they ran in the morning and Years 9 and 10 ran in the afternoon. Luckily, the weather that day was nice-sunny but not too hot.’  (Vy)

WELC Cooking Elective

In WELC, students choose an elective like music, sport, art, dance or cooking to do for the term. The cooking students will learn how to read and follow easy recipes.

My first cooking lesson by Lucy Tran, Group 1, WELC.

 In elective I chose cooking. In my first lesson of cooking I learned how to make mini chocolate ripple cake. During the lesson I saw my teacher doing a demonstration first and then we took our equipment and ingredients for making the mini chocolate ripple cake. This experience was very easy because I just needed to use whipped cream and some strawberries for decoration. I spread the whipped cream between and around the chocolate ripple biscuits. After leaving it in the fridge for a while, I tasted the cake and found it very soft and yummy. This elective is very interesting and I love learning how to make different things.

My first cooking experience by Sereivichara Ros, Group 1, WELC

I did cooking in elective this term. My first cooking lesson was making a mini chocolate

ripple cake which was really new. My first impression after getting into cooking class was

that it was beneficial. I got to learn new skills and read new recipes. The taste of the cake

was delicious and I couldn’t get enough of that. I hope we will make some new and

something fun next week.

My first cooking class by Ha Vy Nguyen, Group 1, WELC. 

In the first lesson, I studied at the cooking class, we learned how to make a mini chocolate

ripple cake with Ms Chow. I really enjoyed the cooking class because it was really funny

and I learned a lot new skills about cooking. During the lesson, I learned how to cover the

cake in whipped cream and decorate it with strawberries. After we finished putting cream

into the cake, we put the cake in the fridge for about 6 hours. The taste of the cake was

really nice.

Melbourne Museum - IMAX Excursion

On Friday 16th May, our students enjoyed an exciting and educational excursion to the Melbourne Museum. They explored a range of fascinating tours, including Dynamic Earth, 600 Million Years, and The Melbourne Story.

The day ended with a 3D IMAX screening of Flight of the Butterflies, a breath-taking film that followed the epic migration of monarch butterflies and the lifelong quest of a scientist to uncover their secrets.

It was a day full of curiosity, learning, and an experience our students won’t forget!

International Student Program Update

Ms Summer Bao

As we move through Term 2, the International Student Program has been celebrating milestones and preparing for exciting activities ahead. Here's a quick look at what’s been happening and what’s coming up.

Term 1 Stars Shine Bright

We started Term 2 by celebrating our Term 1 Stars—four outstanding international students who impressed their teachers and coordinators with their hard work and positive attitude.

• Two of our Year 11 students, Leap and Lily both new to the school, have been settling in remarkably well and received high praise from their Year Level Coordinator.

• Huyen, a Year 12 student, was described as a “quiet achiever” by Ms. V. She has been putting in consistent effort and showing great determination.

• Reach, a new Year 7 student, has also stood out, receiving positive feedback from Ms. Cichy for being an active and enthusiastic learner in his classes.

Congratulations to all four students—we are proud of your efforts!

April Birthday Celebrations

This term, we also celebrated the birthdays of our April babies! Students invited their friends to join in a joyful lunch, complete with cake and laughter. It was a warm and happy gathering where everyone had the chance to share in the celebration.

Important Notices for Parents and Guardians

Please take note of the following updates and reminders:

1. Excursion – Week 9:

   All international students will go on an exciting outdoor excursion to Treetops Adventure Belgrave. It’s a chance to challenge themselves and enjoy nature with their peers.

    

2. Year 10 Work Experience – Final Week of Term:

   Year 10 students will be out on work experience during the last week of this term. There will be no regular classes for them. If your child is struggling to secure a placement, please encourage them to speak with our amazing Careers Coordinator Ms. Geraldine or the ISP team—we are here to help!

    

3. Travel Plans – Check Term Dates First:

   As we approach the end of term, please make sure to check the official term dates before booking flights or making travel plans for your children. This ensures they do not miss important school activities or assessments.

Miss Summer Bao

International Coordinator