Global Engagement and International Student Program 

 Melbourne International Comedy Festival 

Term 2 began with exciting news as we learned that one of our international students, Audrey Wang Year 10 was invited to perform at Melbourne’s Comedy Festival. At MGC, we have had the privilege of enjoying Audrey’s performances and now so does the wider Melbourne community. We are very excited for Audrey and cannot wait to follow her journey.  

On the 17 of April, I participated in the Melbourne Comedy Festival and performed in a small venue in the Docklands. This performance was a stand-up comedy show in Mandarin. Taking part in the Melbourne Comedy Festival was an unforgettable experience for me. As a high school student, I was nervous at first because it was my first time performing in front of such a large and unfamiliar audience. But once I stepped on stage, I felt a mix of excitement and focus that helped me push through the nerves. 

One of the biggest things I learned was how important timing and audience reaction are in comedy. Sometimes a joke landed well, and the laughs gave me confidence. Other times, when the response wasn’t what I expected, I had to stay calm and keep going. This taught me to stay flexible and not take things personally on stage. 

Writing my own jokes was also a big challenge. It took a lot of time to come up with jokes that felt true to my voice but were still funny to others. I rewrote some parts many times, and sometimes what seemed funny in my head didn’t work as well out loud. But all that effort felt worth it when people laughed or reacted to something I had written myself. 

After the show, a few audience members even came up to talk to me. Some said they remembered my set, and one person told me a certain joke made their day. That really meant a lot to me. It made me feel like what I created had an impact, even in a small way. 

Overall, this experience helped me grow, not only as a performer but also in confidence. It was challenging, but it was also a lot of fun, and it made me want to keep improving and maybe perform again in the future. Comedy brings people together. 

Audrey Wang 

Year 10  

International Excursion 

A vote by our international students favoured an excursion to the Comedy Theatre to see Lord of the Rings. Initially we were surprised at the choice for an excursion but after a delicious lunch together at a food court in Chinatown, all we could hear on our walk to the theatre was excited chatter. While the show was on, we witnessed expressions of delight, laughter and even a few dancing along.  

The Lord of the Rings Musical Experience 

During our recent International Excursion, I had the chance to watch The Lord of the Rings musical, and it was truly unforgettable. From the moment the show began, the beautiful music and stunning lighting drew me into the world of Middle-earth. Each scene was so well designed. The Shire felt peaceful and warm, while the darker parts of the story were full of tension and emotion. 

The actors performed with such passion that the characters felt alive. I especially enjoyed the way the music matched the scenes perfectly, making the whole experience more immersive and moving. 

What made it even more special was sharing this moment with classmates. It wasn't just a show, it was a memory we made together. I feel lucky to have experienced such a magical performance. It reminded me how powerful stories can be, especially when shared with others. 

Maxine JIANG

Year 10 

Emerging Leaders Forum 

A group of six students from Year 8 engaged in three online sessions with over 300 participants from a range of both local and international schools. This fully funded initiative, supported by the Victoria Department of Education, offered students the opportunity to strengthen essential skills in global citizenship, intercultural understanding, and leadership while connecting with peers across the Asia-Pacific region.   

Students tackled 21st-century challenges, created innovative solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and fostered social friendships while enjoying a few dancing brain breaks. The final session culminated in a presentation to demonstrate their collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership skills while sharing real-world projects.   

  Kylee Clifford & Jielei Cui 

Global Engagement and International Student Program Leaders