International Students
#DSCrecharge: A day of reflection and creativity
Year 8 and 9 international students recently discussed their experience of #DSCrecharge Day during their after-school support sessions. They had a fantastic time sharing their images, artworks and creations. Please read the below student reflection.
Berry E (9E):
#DSCrecharge was a perfect opportunity for me to do different things and take a break from electronic devices. It had been a while since I'd been outside to enjoy the sunshine. I don’t think I've stayed away from my devices for this long since online classes began! It was awesome to focus on the world outside my screen. The activity I chose was to walk around my neighbourhood and take photos of things that captured my attention. I saw lots of beautiful buildings, roads, parks and flowers. This activity helped me gain knowledge about my surroundings, encouraged me to pursue my hobbies, keep fit, and allowed me to do things I really wanted to do. I hope we have more of these kinds of activities in the future, as it helps students and teachers stay away from their screens as much as possible."
Staying creative: Art in Isolation exhibition
Living in lockdown has been hard, particularly for our international students who are missing their family and friends.
The International Student Program team has continued to do everything they can to support international students at the College, which includes encouraging them to take part in all programs at DSC.
During a recent after school support session, students were motivated to become involved in the "Art in Isolation" exhibition. This is a project run by the College that encourages students to express their creativity through art and submit their creations for a special exhibition held at the school.
Although the exhibition has been postponed due to the pandemic, international students are still encouraged to create and photograph their artworks during their time in isolation, ready for when the exhibition can take place.
Focusing on expressing oneself creatively is an important outlet for students. It encourages them to channel their feelings into a creative project, helps them develop new skills and build their confidence.
Students are enthusiastic about getting involved in the "Art in Isolation" project and have already started sending in photos of their artwork.
We are very proud to see students display such positive attitudes and we look forward to seeing more of their artwork next term.
Souloung Lee
International Student Program Education Support
Student reflections: 'Art in Isolation'
Kit Yun H (Year11):
"Art in Isolation is fun and feels better than just having artwork physically displayed. I’m less afraid of creating something that isn't put on display, as it feels less formal. Art is a hobby that relaxes me. Even though I'm not creating original drawings, I still enjoy analysing pictures, capturing moods, and working out how to recreate images to my skill level. My skill isn’t extremely high, but I still enjoy creating something I find visually appealing. I’m not very creative but I enjoy interpreting. I like anime, manhua, manhwas and webnovels because the characters are often colourful and enjoyable. They have unique and cool personalities with obvious poses and appearances that express their attitude or personality. When I drew my artworks, I listened to relaxing music. I felt as though I'd completed lots of homework, and although I was tired by the end, it was very satisfying."
Cynthia L (Year 7):
"Art in Isolation is an interesting and fun activity that motivated me to do picture editing again! My work means a lot to me. I have developed a new editing style and my artworks turned out quite well. The people I chose to edit also hold a special place in my heart. The project made me happy and helped me to release stress."
Chloe W (Year 10):
"During isolation, it's easy to find art projects while staying at home. People are looking for ways to keep their spirits up. Creating art has helped me express my feelings and share my 'little world' with others. It has helped me release a negative mindset. My drawing is a modern style hand-drawing. The branch of the leaf and the blue wave are connected to each other. The leaf is a symbol of the soil element and the wave symbolises the water element. They connect with each other which means all elements in nature are tied together. They have their own responsibilities, using their own 'power' to keep the biological system balanced. When I drew the artwork, it was early in the day. Everything around me was quiet and that brought me some peace. My tears came out after a tired, harsh day. The work was being created because it was the best way to heal the tiredness within me."
Extra support to international students during lockdown
During Victorian’s second lockdown, the International Student Team has been providing extra support to students, to ensure they all receive the best care that we can offer.
Wellbeing support
We encourage all our international students to access the fantastic wellbeing support available at DSC.
During our after school support sessions, and one-on-one welfare interviews, we not only check in with international students, but also let them know how they can access counselling or wellbeing services offered by the school.
We also remind students that these services are confidential and free of charge, to ease any concerns about costs or causing trouble.
Each day, we check students' attendance records and follow-up any Compass chronicles, ensuring they stay engaged with their remote learning.
For students who are recorded as absent, the team follows up with phone calls/emails to students, their homestay family and/or parents.
Any significant Compass chronicles are followed up each day through emails or phone calls, to support international students and their families in isolation.
Sally Huang
Director of International Student Team