International Student News
International Student Program - Winner at Global Learning Awards 2023
At the International Education Division’s Global Learning Awards, one of the homestay families of the College was awarded the “Homestay family of the Year.” She was selected by a panel who considered applications from both state and private schools. We would like to congratulate Nicolette Mark and share her win with the community. Nicolette received her award from Vicki Ward, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and member for Eltham at the Awards ceremony on 8 June 2023. The ceremony was attended by diplomatic dignitaries like the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia and the Malaysian Consul-General to Australia, Principals and International Student Coordinators.
About our winner:
Nicolette Mark has been a caring homestay mum with East Doncaster Secondary College for four years. During that time she has cared for Bella from Years 9 - 12. Bella has never wanted to leave but other students have wanted to move in because of what Bella has told them about Nicolette.
Nicolette has always treated the students as part of the family. Here's what Bella wrote about Nicolette which is quoted in an IED publication for East Doncaster: "It is hard to find a place that makes you feel like home, but mine does; she's not just a host, she is my mum, my grandma."
During the pandemic Nicolette, with parental consent, booked Bella into her own private doctor to get vaccinations and checkups. She also offered to pay for Bella to attend the Valedictory Dinner as she felt that it was an invaluable experience and a rite of passage for her as she completed her secondary education in a Melbourne state school. Nicolette would often pick Bella up if it was raining or offer to prepare a dinner that Bella fancied as she never got to go home and see her family for four whole years.
During summer vacations Nicolette took Bella down to her holiday house where they enjoyed a change of scenery together. Nicolette has gotten to know many of Bella's friends who have visited with permission and eaten her delicious Greek cuisine from Spanakopita to Souvlaki with a bit of Turkish Delight thrown in!
Nicolette herself a retired EAL teacher, has also provided free tutorial assistance for Bella as she grappled with the complexities of VCE. While Bella feels safe and supported in this homestay she also got more than she bargained for in that her host is not just her family she is also a teacher who can communicate with love and affection!
Nicolette has always attended all school activities from Homestay training to parent teacher interviews. Nicolette has a lot to share from her own experience of hosting in a humble and caring way so she is the perfect candidate to speak at our annual Homestay afternoon tea.
When Nicolette comes to parent teacher interviews she books in to see all teachers to show her support for Bella's education. However, Nicolette doesn't just attend the interviews, she follows up with emails to teachers to ensure that Bella is heading in the right direction. Nicolette is very focused on ensuring that Bella is up to speed with her EAL especially as she understands how crucial the language is, not just for academic success, but for her ability to interact with others and feel like she belongs to our community.
More than this however is Nicolette's generous offer to assist with tutoring other International students. How lucky the school community is to have a retired EAL teacher assisting with tutoring and our after school homework program. Not only is this a wonderful marketing point of reference for prospective international students but it also is a testimony to her character of going above and beyond in supporting our school community.
Warm and approachable, Nicolette always treats the homestay students who live with her as part of her family, taking them to family events and holidays as well as introducing them as her “daughter” or “son.” This makes the students feel loved, knowing that although their parents are overseas, they are living with someone who will care for them as their own parents would.
Nicolette has proven to be an outstanding member of the EDSC homestay community. Her sharing of practices that are effective in ensuring that students benefit from studying in Melbourne are an annual event at EDSC during our end of year afternoon tea sessions. She is truly an extraordinarily kind woman and an asset to our program.
Jasvinder Kaur
Assistant Principal
English Language Centre Excursions
ELC students explore Healesville Sanctuary and Melbourne Museum during their Term Two excursions as part of the curriculum where students learn about Australian native wildlife and First Nations indigenous culture.
Simon Veerhuis
International Student Coordinator
English Language Centre Make Their Own Stools
During Semester 1, the students of the English Language Centre (ELC) were able to participate in a range of subjects such as Food Technology and Product Design and Technology. Every fortnight, on a Wednesday afternoon, students attended Product Design & Technology class. Students designed elements of the leg, rail, and stool top to individualise their stool. Students worked eagerly and safely to construct their stool applying a range of tools, such as a coping saw, hand held drill, and a plethora of new skills that are transferrable into ‘real life’.
As their teacher, I have been incredibly impressed with their willingness to learn new things and work productively. Well done ELC!
Ebony Pham
Product Design & Technology Teacher