Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival(中秋节) is a harvest festival celebrated by the peoples of East Asia and Southeast Asia, including the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese people. The festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar with full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar with a full moon at night. Mooncakes, a rich pastry typically filled with sweet-bean or lotus-seed paste, are traditionally eaten during the festival. The festival was a time to enjoy the successful reaping of rice and wheat with food offerings made in honour of the moon. Today, it is still an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and relatives to eat mooncakes and watch the moon, a symbol of harmony and unity.

We bought mooncakes for all our international students to celebrate. One of our talented international students gave us a hand-made card for celebrating the festival. We would like to make the overseas students feel supported and belonged in school. In the meantime, we would like to share the traditional Asian culture school-wide, wishing all staff and students can enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Heidi LUO

International Student Program Assistant

Multicultural Meet a Lifeguard

With the main purpose of educating students about water safety, a seminar called ‘Multicultural Meet a Lifeguard’ was delivered to middle school international students on the 4th of September. It was quite an informative session, however, the instructor presented the information in an interesting and engaging way that all students were absorbed. Beyond the session, the students were also surprised to learn that the instructor, whose English is as good as Australian native, only came to the country 8 years ago. The instructor shared his experience with the students that when he first came to Australia, he barely spoke English, and using English to communicate with his friends is what had really helped him in learning the language.

Mary LIAO

International Student Program Multicultural Aide

I learnt a lot about water safety, the teacher also showed us how to help others when they are in danger. This class makes us better understand how to protect ourselves and others in our life.

John Z. 9K

It was a great experience, I now know some new information about Australian beaches and their rules that I did not know before. I think it was good and useful too because when I go to the beach, I know what should I do and how I can keep safe.

Kiarash L. 8L

In the seminar, we learned about the dangers and things to watch out at the beach. The speech was very interesting and I learned a lot of knowledge, I am very glad to participate in it.

Frank W. 8L

Annual Art Exhibition

Recently we had our Annual Art Exhibition. Some of our wonderful international students were keen to “show off” their excellent artworks. As some of our international students are not able to communicate effectively in English yet, art is a fantastic outlet for them. Art is a universal language and through art, they can express themselves to the whole school community. Linh UONG, from Vietnam, is one of these international students who participated in this wonderful Exhibition and showcased her artwork with pride and sense of belonging.

Sally HUANG

Director of International Student Program

Ski Camp Reflection

The best part of ski camp was obviously the activity itself. The teachers and instructors were really understanding and didn’t force us to ski if we were tired, instead of after lessons (Which were thirty minutes long) we got free time to either rest in A-Bom or to free ski in safe areas. I had only gone to two areas, Bourke Street and Mercedes.

At the lodge we were also given time to rest, my recommendation would be to bring painkillers or patches for sore muscles if you plan to ski a lot. Also in the free time make sure you at least have one other person to ski with you, just to stay safe.

Finally, skiing will no doubt be difficult for beginners and your shins will burn but, it is very convenient for getting around the mountain quickly. Just bring a face mask, tight hair tie, moisturiser, sunblock and lip balm. The wind is cold and could “burn” your face so to avoid having your mouth and face in pain just keep applying. You won’t regret taking this advice.

Kit Yun HOH 10H

Year 10 International Student works as a Library Assistant

Year 10 international student, Franchesca, enjoys her role as a Library Assistant. Below she reflects on some of the highlights so far.

What do you enjoy the most of this job?

The job I have taken was not completely easy. Books were heavy. Books were dusty. And most of all, there were so many of them to reorganise - returned books were exhausting, but the uncountable number of books haphazardly lying on the shelf was... sometimes 'provoking'. However, whenever I looked upon the neatly arranged books in a row, I felt a sense of fulfilment and a sense of perfection. I felt as if my mind was also being reorganised - taking in the good, taking out the bad. Although working in the library might seem trivial and insignificant, it does require a good amount of responsibility, and there is a number of valuable lessons one wouldn't otherwise obtain throughout one's lifetime. Despite some hardships, being a member of the school library gave me unforgettable moral lessons and memories. I would like to take this chance to express my thanks to all school librarians for giving me endless support and valuable life lessons.

Dates to Remember