International Students

Language Week: International Student Performance

As part of the DSC Language Week activities, our international students put on a music demonstration at the outdoor performance stage during lunchtime. It was hosted by the international student leaders. The Performance included drums, guitar, piano and a traditional Chinese musical instrument. The weather was sunny and warm, the perfect temperature to watch them showcase their musical talents. 

Here is the reflection of the international student leaders and performers:

It was wonderful to see instruments from different cultures played by students from different countries. The event went really well and it was exciting to see the collaborations of different instruments. Normally, the teachers would be in charge of running the events. However, this year was different. Students were given an opportunity to stand up and organise all of this by themselves. Overall, the performances were incredible and we hope this will continue in the future.

Berry E. 10B, host of the performance

Being the host of the event, I was really impressed with how talented our international student are. With many amazing music performances with instruments come from different cultures such as Guzheng from China, piano from a Western country, our international students have showcased our diverse and talented community. Thank you to Ms Huang, international student coordinator for organising this event and all the students who played. 

Harry B. 12B, host of the performance

Language Week is a perfect chance to know and understand different cultures. It is interesting and exciting to hear fantastic music. In the International performance, I perform a famous Guzheng repertoire, General's Command. The song shows the scene of soldiers on the ancient battlefield getting ready to go, they are obeying the command of the general to fight. In the fight field, two armies facing each other, the drums are intensive, and the scene is finally returned from victory. I really enjoy this passionate tune. Hope all of you guys can win your own "fights" and have a life you enjoy!

Nicole L. 8J, Guzheng performer

International Student Reflection: College Council Representative and Art

Our international student Chloe W. 11J was successful in recently being selected to join the DSC College Council as a student representative. 

Here is her reflection of her College Council experience: 

On Monday, 17 March, I joined the College Council session at school. During the session, I went through some context. Such as democracy violence, code of conduct, conflict of interest and council standing orders. I enjoyed the session a lot because the teachers were all a friendly and great sense of humour. I had the chance to understand more about the school, about the concerns of school needing to achieve parental, children and social expectations. I also had a chance to give a speech on a student report. It was pretty hard because that was the first time meeting teachers and I had difficulty speaking at that time. Luckily, the teachers were paying a great amount of attention and encouraging me to keep my speech going. I felt being supported by the school community.  

Chloe also has a great passion for art: 

The topic of drawing is called “mixed media”. The idea of the drawings is to use and explore different media to create a unique image. I had an idea of doing self-portrait for a long time. That was the best time to achieve my desire. The drawing has special meaning for me: the left and right part of my face is different due to skin tone, pupil colours, hair colours and finer details. It symbolises the differences of cultural beliefs. The left part of my face is describing how my cultural beliefs are changing due to exposure to Australian culture. The right part of my face symbolises my Chinese cultural beliefs. The “WE” titles me as a unique person under the influence of both cultures and I am happy with it. 

Homework Club for International Students

The Homework Club for International Students this week is interesting and different as we have got engagement from wellbeing team members, Sam and Ann. Being the guest for the Homework Club, they have led the session for our international student to have them learned about the importance of mental health, and have a better understanding of the available supports which they can seek at Doncaster Secondary College. They have also introduced the Strength Card Game in this session and encouraged the students to pick the cards to determine their own strength. By doing this activity, the students are able to see the bigger picture of their potential that could help them to build up their confidence and self-awareness. After self-potential determination, they were asked to choose the cards to reflect the strength they can judge on other students. As a result of this card game, it is very obvious that most of them have never known their strength, and this is the opportunity for them to understand themselves better and clearer. Give this beneficial session, our international team is really appreciated Sam and Ann, who spent their valuable time and energy to run this particular session that really helps our international not only comprehend mental-health understanding but also identify their own capability to assist their academic progress and give them some hints on what they can do well in their future careers.

Soulong Lee 

International Student Program Assistant