International Students

Monash Big Data Challenge

Krystal Chen (12I) participated in the Monash Big Data Challenge. Her team came the first in the ‘Applied Mathematics” workshop. Big Data Challenge is designed for high-achieving students studying units 3 and 4 Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths. Students will be placed in teams to consider what Melbourne might look like in 2050 through the lens of business analytics, actuarial science, applied mathematics and data science. Krystal worked with students from other schools to find solutions to reduce traffic congestion in the Melbourne metropolitan area using mathematical modelling and optimisation. They competed with three other groups and their team managed to find the best solution. Krystal enjoyed this challenge very much and they also got to meet some current and ex Monash students who shared their university life and career in the science/IT/commerce fields. It was a fantastic learning experience for the kids not only academically but also finding out what they want to do in the future or what they want to study at university. Well done! Krystal. 

Heidi  Luo

International Student Program Education Support

Year 10 Careers Experience Training Session

As part of Year 10 and Careers Curriculum in 2019, all year 10 students, including the International Students, will undertake a week’s Careers Experience Placement. Students can work in a variety of industries which might be related to their future study plan. Therefore, the Careers Experience allows students to develop these skills in an authentic environment and to see the connections between different study areas. Ms Ramsay came to our Intensive Homework club to deliver the special training session for our newly enrolled students. Everyone was nervous about looking for a placement. At the same time, they were also very excited to participate in a work environment rather than studying at school. After the training session, the students feel more confident and they have a couple of idea about where to start. They are looking forward to the Career Experience week in June.

Sharon MU

International Student Program Education Support

Host Families 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 school and International Student Program Coordinator.

We need homes within walking distance or with good transport access to the school and students must have their own room, furnished with 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

International Student Program Coordinator

Doncaster Secondary College

Phone: 9848 4677