International Students
Welcome new International students!
Orientation Day
On Tuesday 1st February, DSC welcomed 9 new international students who come from China, South Korea and Iraq. Our new students are confident, positive and very excited to start their high school here. International student leaders & buddies have already paired up with these students to support them and help them adjust to DSC life smoothly. DSC principal team Glenn, Belinda, Gary and Gina also showed their warm welcome to these students.
International Student Buddy Program
The International Student Program has launched a buddy program, pairing new students with existing DSC students, offering them support from peers who have adjusted well socially and achieved excellent academic results.
Here is the reflection of some of our buddies:
My buddy was Rana who has just come to Australia and she was a little nervous about her subjects and studying in DSC. So, I tried to introduce her to the subjects she is doing and answer her questions regarding our school. I try to meet her during the recesses and lunch times so I can help her, if she needs.
- Kiarash L, Year 11
What impressed me the most was the buddy program. When it comes to lunch time, two of my buddies Jenny and Tracy came to find me. We had a chat about some school stuff, such as the hobbies, what subjects that I have chosen and so on. They also told me a lot about school and subjects, they made me feel comfortable in this new country.
- Sylvia Z, Year 11
This is the first time that I had the opportunity to attend the DSC buddy program. My two buddies are Nicky and Mila, they are both from the same city in China and both in the same class in year 7. We had a good chat and shared a lot of common interests. Also, the abundant activities that take place in the future. Lastly, I hope they have a wonderful and fulfilling year in DSC and enjoy their year 7 camp.
- Cynthia L, Year 9
My buddy's name is Sookie, and her Chinese name is Yanjia Zhang. She is also in year 9 as well. Sookie loves cooking and playing video games. I'm excited to help new students get into our DSC, especially since it has helped me make more new friends. Now my relationship with Sookie is very close and we have lunch together every day.
- Che C, Year 9
I met my buddy Berry and she was kind and nice to me. she was from Myanmar, she was 16-year-old and she loves food.
- Alex P, Year 7
Lunar New Year Celebration
Red Envelope
Lunar New Year, also called Spring Festival, is typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries and begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later.
2022 is the year of the Tiger and starts from Tuesday 1st Feb. This year’s Water Tiger brings with it a sense of fearlessness and momentum, fostering opportunity and financial and entrepreneurial success. It’s said that the tiger also drives off household threats, quite timely given the COVID-19 variants plaguing our communities.
Doncaster Secondary College is always keen to celebrate the Lunar New Year with our international students. This year the International Team prepared bright, beautiful red envelope (known as 紅包, hóngbāo) packed with Luck Lollies for all internationals. The red colour symbolizes good luck and prosperity in Chinese (and other East Asian) cultures.
It was so great to see everyone back in school filled with both old and new faces. This year the international team provided us with a special gift for the lunar new year with some red envelopes. The envelope was filled with a handful of Chinese traditional candies. I think it was a very thoughtful way of sharing Chinese culture with everyone. Thanks to the international team for always being so kind to us!!!"
- Berry, Year 11
On Thursday I went to visit Ms. Huang and I received a red envelope as because of lunar New Year. As I was able to study Mandarin in year 9, I was familiar with the importance of red envelope and the fact that people give it to each other on new year’s day which and inside the envelope they put money. Inside the red envelope I received was some chocolates which were delicious.
- Kiarash, Year 11
I want to express my gratitude to the international community for the Lunar New Year present I received. I know it's a red envelope gift that the older generation gives to the younger, and I'm grateful to be a part of it.
- Christabel, Year 9
During Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year, Ms. HUANG gave me a red envelope, which means good luck. It takes me back to the scene of my family in China giving red envelopes during Chinese New Year. Even though we are thousands of kilometres from home, we can still receive this kind blessing from teachers at DSC. Almost all my teachers said “happy New Year” to me in my classes which made me felt really touched!
- Sylvia, Year 11
Ms Sally Huang
Director International Student Program