International Students

Homestay for International Students

We are currently refreshing our list of Homestay Providers for our International Student Program!

 

You must be able to speak English fluently, willing to help the student(s) adjust to life in Australia and improve their English through a variety of means. Some of our current hosts provide daily conversation, homework assistance, watching Australian television and reading through an English novel or magazine together. You will act in a semi-parental role and keep the school informed about any welfare issues. As a host of a student under 18, you and all your family members who are over 18 will need a Working with Children’s Check. You will also be given lots of support from the school and International Student Program Coordinator.

 

Your home must be within walking distance or with good transport access to the school and students must have their own room, furnished with a bed, cupboard/wardrobe, desk, chair and lamp. 

 

 

The benefits to you are that you can share in the life of a young person, playing a role in their successes in life and learn more about the world.  The payment for their accommodation is generous. 

 

Please contact me at huang.dong.p@edumail.vic.gov.au if you have any questions or would like an application form.

 

Sally HUANG

Director of International Student Program

Introduction to Stress Management

On Wednesday 24 and 31 July, we ran two Wellbeing seminars for Year 12 Chinese International students, covering the contents of wellbeing introduction and stress management. 

 

The session of Wellbeing Introduction provided an opportunity for Chinese international students to deeper understand the information of wellbeing or mental health from the consideration of Chinese culture, factors impact on wellbeing, problems faced by international student and factors affecting them to seek help. Additionally, it also introduced the DSC Wellbeing team, whole-school approach to wellbeing and community resources they are available to get help.

 

During the Stress Management session, we experienced meditation, introduced the information of procrastination, exam stress, symptoms of experiencing stress and some tips beating stress. Besides, the students discussed their social support network, emotional management, and shared stress coping strategies. 

 

The students were well behaved, engaged and interactive. They learned skills and strategies to manage their stress symptoms, as well as where to seek help.

 

Carrie ZHANG

Wellbeing Placement Teacher

Compulsory Homework Club

The International Student Program offers 3 Compulsory Homework clubs, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after school where newly arrived international students can get help to become more familiar with school life. International Student Program staff Mary LIAO and Heidi LUO takes turn to assist students in these clubs. Here is a short reflection from each of them on what they have been doing in these sessions with the students.

 

We have organised three sessions of homework club every week for all new international students and their buddies to attend. During these sessions, we cover many topics. We went through the school policy in the student planner last Tuesday with the students and their Year 8 buddies. They discussed what the policy meant with each other to ensure the group international students understood clearly. They had asked questions about any sections of the policy they were not clear on, which we clarified for them.

Heidi LUO — International Student Program Assistant

We covered the information regarding anti-bullying, harassment and child safety as well as the associated useful links and helpline details. Instructions on Compass about purchasing textbooks have also been provided. We had our volunteer session, during which the students were separated into two groups, each led by a volunteer, and studied two short English articles, namely, The Age of Exploration, and Indigenous People. Students also received support and assistance in their studies and the completion of homework.

Mary LIAO — International Student Program Multicultural Aid