International Students

DSC NHW Competition Award Ceremony

The Award Ceremony for the Neighbourhood Watch Safety Spotlight Video Competition was held on 21 November 2024 during lunchtime at the International Student Learning Hub. The event was expertly hosted by our talented student leader, Venus Fung.

We were honoured to welcome members of the DSC Neighbourhood Watch Committee, the Neighbourhood Watch Chairman and Secretary, and the DSC Principal Team, who came together to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our award recipients.

Congratulations to all the winners of this competition! Your creativity and dedication have truly shone through. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the DSC Neighbourhood Watch Committee members for their tireless efforts and invaluable contributions in organising and launching this fantastic initiative.

A special acknowledgment goes to DSC Assistant Principal Belinda McGee for her exemplary leadership and guidance, which were instrumental in steering this project to success.

Below is a reflection from members of the DSC Neighbourhood Watch Committee:

Our motivation for joining the DSC Neighbourhood Watch Committee stems from a desire to protect ourselves and our international peers from crime, promote safety in our new living environment, and educate others on how to respond effectively in the event of criminal activity.

We have actively participated in meetings, brainstorming sessions, and discussions with other committee members and peers. Through this, we had the opportunity to meet the Neighbourhood Watch Chairman, Mr. Geoff KLOOT, and the Secretary, Mr. Ian MORRIS.

The Neighbourhood Watch Competition is a crucial initiative because it raises awareness about community safety and encourages students to take an active role in crime prevention. By engaging students in fun and educational activities, the competition equips them with the skills to identify and report suspicious behaviour, contributing to a safer and more connected neighbourhood for everyone.

-Elly TE and Kyle TE

As a committee member of the Neighbourhood Watch program, I had the opportunity to participate in various activities, including a session with Jeff from the Manningham Neighbourhood Watch, who shared insights about the program. Together with other committee members, we brainstormed ideas to further its goals.

The Neighbourhood Watch program is an outstanding initiative that highlights the importance of creating and maintaining a safe and secure community. During the award ceremony, our Assistant Principal, Ms. McGee, the Director of the International Student Program, Ms. Huang, along with Jeff and Ian from Neighbourhood Watch, spoke passionately about its significance and the impact it can have.

Overall, the Neighbourhood Watch program is a valuable activity that raises awareness about the importance of living in a safe community and equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to help make that vision a reality.

-William YAN

Newsletter-Farewell to 2024 Year 12 International Students

Our Year 12 international students recently joined their classmates and close friends for the Year 12 Valedictory Assembly at Doncaster Secondary College. The ceremony was a heartfelt occasion, brimming with a range of emotions: joy, excitement, tears, and laughter. Over their years at DSC, these students forged enduring friendships both in and outside the schoolyard—connections that will undoubtedly outlast their time at school.

We commend all our Year 12 international students for their resilience and determination in navigating the pressures of their final exams while managing the unique challenges of this year. Congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes as you embark on the next chapter of your lives!

Below is the farewell message from Venue Fung, our Year 12 International Student Leader:

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A Farewell Message from Venue Fung

As my journey as a Year 12 international student comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the incredible friendships and memories that have shaped my experience at DSC. Throughout these years, I’ve been fortunate to form meaningful connections with peers who shared similar challenges and ambitions. These friendships brought comfort and joy, making the difficult times more bearable and the happy moments even brighter.

One of the highlights of my time at DSC has been serving as an ambassador for the International Forum over the past two years. This opportunity allowed me to grow as a leader, share my ideas, and gain valuable experiences that shaped who I am today. Representing the international student community has been a privilege, and I’m proud of the contributions I’ve made.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. Huang, our international student coordinator, for offering me countless opportunities to explore, grow, and thrive. Her unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey. I’m also profoundly thankful to all the teachers who guided me along the way. Your dedication and care have been pivotal in helping me achieve my goals and have left a lasting impact on my life.

Finally, to my fellow Year 12 students: Congratulations on reaching this major milestone! We’ve faced challenges and overcome them together, and I couldn’t be prouder. To the students in lower year levels, especially next year’s Year 12s, I wish you every success in your studies—may you achieve all your aspirations.

Thank you for being part of my unforgettable journey at DSC. These memories will always hold a special place in my heart.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Venue Fung

Homestay Information and Awareness Session 2024

Under the guidance of the International Education Division, Doncaster Secondary College's International Student Program hosted a two-hour Homestay Information and Awareness Session via the online platform Webex.

The session provided comprehensive coverage of the following topics:

Critical Incident Policies and Procedures

• Guidelines and processes for managing emergencies and critical situations.

 Child Safety and Wellbeing

• An overview of the school’s Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy and Child Safe Code of Conduct.

Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse

• Key steps and protocols for recognizing and reporting actual or suspected child abuse.

Homestay Terms and Conditions

• Updates to the Homestay Responsibility Agreement, including revised terms and conditions.

Legislative Updates

• Information on any changes to legislation affecting homestay providers, student accommodation, and related policies or guidelines.

Homestay Provider Expectations and Responsibilities

• Clear outline of the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of homestay providers.

Support and Advice for Homestay Providers

• Resources and guidance to assist homestay providers in supporting their students effectively.

Q&A Session

• Opportunity for homestay providers to ask questions and seek clarification on key topics.

On behalf of Doncaster Secondary College, Assistant Principal Ms. Belinda McGee and Director of International Student Program, Ms. Sally HUANG expressed heartfelt gratitude to all our homestay hosts for their exceptional support and dedication to our international students throughout 2024.

A Fruitful Year for Our International Students

2024 has been a remarkable and rewarding year for our international students, filled with achievements, milestones, and well-deserved recognition. At the school’s end-of-year presentation ceremony, we proudly celebrated the success of many international students who received awards for their outstanding performance.

These awards reflect not only the students’ hard work, resilience, and dedication but also the incredible support from our teachers, mentors, and families who have guided them along their journey.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students who achieved excellent results this year. Your accomplishments are a testament to your perseverance and commitment to excellence.

As we reflect on the success of 2024, we look forward to another year of growth and achievement in 2025. To all our students: continue to aim high, stay inspired, and keep making us proud!

Loving and Caring Homestay – Diana & Alvin

Homestay families play a pivotal role in the learning journey of international students at Doncaster Secondary College. By opening their hearts and homes to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, our homestay providers create nurturing environments that support not only academic progress but also personal growth and cultural exchange.

One shining example of this dedication is Diana and Alvin, who have partnered with our school for over a decade. In 2022, they were honoured with the Homestay Family of the Year Commendation Award by the Victorian Global Learning Awards (VGLA), a recognition of their exceptional commitment to fostering a supportive home for international students.

This year, Diana and Alvin welcomed two new students, Elly and Kyle, into their family. Reflecting on their experience, they shared:

Welcoming Elly and Kyle into Our Family

“We were thrilled to welcome Elly and Kyle into our family this year. As a homestay family, we’ve embraced the opportunity to support their growth and celebrate their achievements. One of the ways we’ve bonded is through game nights, a cherished family tradition. These evenings are filled with laughter, friendly competition, and teamwork as we come together over board games—a highlight for everyone.

Elly has had an incredible year, earning multiple awards at her school’s Senior Night. These accolades are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance in her school subjects. Her achievements have been a source of pride and inspiration for us all.

Kyle also made us immensely proud as the student representative at the 2024 Australian International Education Conference (AIEC). Sharing the stage with the host, Stan Grant, Kyle delivered a remarkable speech to an audience of nearly 1,900 guests. Supporting him in preparing for this momentous occasion was an honour, and witnessing his success was truly unforgettable.

Another highlight has been celebrating special occasions together. Our recent Christmas celebration was particularly memorable. Elly and Kyle took an active role in decorating the Christmas tree, preparing festive treats, and exchanging heartfelt gifts. These moments brought us closer as a family and created beautiful memories that we will cherish forever.

Elly and Kyle have enriched our family life in countless ways. Their vibrant energy, humour, and unique perspectives have made our home a place of laughter, learning, and love. From lively game nights to heartwarming holiday celebrations, their presence has created cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Their growth and accomplishments continue to inspire us, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of their journey."

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The dedication of families like Diana and Alvin is a cornerstone of the success of our International Student Program. Their unwavering support, care, and encouragement create a home away from home for our students, allowing them to thrive academically and personally.

We are deeply grateful to Diana and Alvin, and all our homestay providers, for their ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of international students at DSC. Your kindness and dedication leave an indelible mark on their lives, making their time in Australia truly extraordinary.

Attendance Award– International student of Term 4

Congratulations to the following students for achieving 100% attendance in Term 4.

They have demonstrated exceptional resilience and responsibility in their studies, serving as outstanding examples of commitment and dedication.

William Yan: A Star International Student’s First-Year Journey at DSC

William Yan, Year 7 International Student, has excelled in his first year at Doncaster Secondary College (DSC), earning multiple accolades at the Junior School Presentation Night. These include the Academic Excellence Award, the Perfect Attendance Award, and the prestigious Principal's Award for Academic Excellence.

William’s exceptional achievements reflect his dedication, resilience, and love for learning. His hard work and determination have earned him not only academic success but also the admiration and respect of his teachers and peers. Recognised for his consistent excellence, William received Academic Excellence nominations across all subjects—a testament to his remarkable commitment.

A role model for his fellow students, William embodies qualities of diligence, ambition, responsibility, and warmth. Here is his heartfelt reflection on his first-year journey at DSC:

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William’s Reflection:

As my first year at Doncaster Secondary College came to an end, I had the privilege of attending the Junior School Presentation Night. There, I was honoured to receive the Academic Excellence Award, the Perfect Attendance Award, and, to my great surprise, the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence. It was an unforgettable moment. Neither my mother nor I knew about the Principal’s Award, so when my name was announced, I was thrilled. Seeing my mother and teachers smile proudly as I walked up to the stage made me incredibly happy.

These achievements are not solely my own; they are the result of the incredible support I’ve received from my teachers, the International Student Program (ISP), my family, and my friends.

This year, I took part in various programs, such as the International Student Buddy Program, the After-School Club, the NHW DSC Committee, and the Interact Club. I also participated in school events like Interschool Sports, the Student Talent Show, and the Short Story Competition.

The International Student Learning Hub has been a second home for me. I always feel welcomed and supported there by Ms. Huang and Ms. Hong, who are always ready to help. Celebrating Chinese festivals like the Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival with Zongzi and mooncakes brought me comfort and a sense of belonging.

One particularly touching moment was on my birthday, when Ms. Huang, Director of the ISP, gave me a set of rulers as a gift on behalf of the program. This thoughtful gesture moved me deeply. Whenever I’ve faced challenges or felt homesick, Ms. Huang and Ms. Hong have been there to encourage and uplift me, giving me the confidence to thrive in a completely new environment.

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William’s first year at DSC is a story of resilience, growth, and success. He continues to inspire others through his achievements and his humble acknowledgment of the support system that has helped him flourish. We look forward to seeing more from this remarkable student in the years to come!