International Students

Reading program

2025 is the Year of the Snake, which is considered a "Little Dragon Year" in China. It is believed to be a year of growth, prosperity, and good fortune. Our international team is using this opportunity to inspire students to love learning, support their mental and emotional well-being, and assist those who need extra help. This reading program aims to strengthen students’ learning habits and enhance their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

We have worked with ELC/EAL teachers to explore ways to improve students' English proficiency. By reading teachers’ lesson plans on Compass, our team identifies specific areas for improvement and tailor our support accordingly. We prepare learning materials for students or encourage them to bring their own from class to use during the reading program. Additionally, we guide students to review their notebooks, where they take notes in class, to reinforce their understanding of ELC/EAL lessons and consolidate the skills they have learned.

The students are currently reading storybooks such as Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, The Long High Jump, and Hungry Ghosts by Christine Harris.They first read the text and then answer questions such as:

• What is the difference between "bend" and "stoop"?
• How does the author use descriptive language to highlight Minli’s family’s poverty?
• What time did Pete wake up on Saturday morning?
• Why did Pete avoid doing sports in front of others?

All in all, we hope our international students improve their English skills through dedication and consistent effort while developing good learning habits. With perseverance, they can keep it up and achieve success in their future learning at DSC!

Ning 

International student program assistant

2025 global learning student voice Ambassador

Our international student, Meyly (Elly) Te, has taken on a significant leadership role as a Student Ambassador for the 2025 Global Learning Student Voice Project. Proudly wearing her ambassador sash, Elly demonstrated exceptional leadership by inspiring and engaging her peers in brainstorming sessions and actively participating in various activities at the opening forum.

Well done, Elly! Your dedication and enthusiasm truly made an impact. Please find her reflection below:

Being selected as the student ambassador at the 2025 global learning student voice is an incredible honour and an important moment in my journey as an international student. This role represents more than just a title, it signifies the power of student voices in shaping a more inclusive and connected global community.

For me, being a student ambassador means advocating for the diverse experiences of international students, bridging cultural gaps, and fostering understanding among peers. It is about ensuring that every student regardless of their background feels heard, valued, and empowered. Through this opportunity, I can contribute to discussions that highlight the challenges students face and explore solutions that promote equity and inclusion in education.

The significance of this role extends beyond personal achievement. It shows how student leadership can bring real change. As ambassadors, we have the responsibility to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard, to inspire others to embrace their identities, and to encourage a spirit of collaboration in our schools and communities.

When I found out I was selected, I felt both excited and grateful. I’m excited because this forum gives me a chance to connect with other students who share similar passions, exchange ideas, and learn from different perspectives. At the same time, I feel grateful because I wouldn’t be here without the support of my teachers, friends, and the international student community, who have encouraged me to step up and take on leadership roles.

This experience reinforces my belief that student leadership is not just about representation, it is about action, resilience, and the willingness to make a difference. As I embark on this journey, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the forum and bring back valuable insights that will benefit my school community.

2025 global learning student voice opening Forum

The 2025 Global Learning Student Voice Project aims to empower student leaders by enhancing their advocacy skills and fostering global learning and engagement within their schools.

Doncaster Secondary College has been selected to participate, with six local and international students attending the opening forum. This event provides a valuable opportunity for students to explore meaningful international student connectedness and inclusion while deepening their intercultural understanding and global mindset.

Our student representatives fully engaged in all forum activities, contributing insightful ideas for future projects to be implemented at our school. They demonstrated exceptional teamwork and leadership, proudly representing Doncaster Secondary College. We couldn’t be prouder of their efforts!

Here is a reflection from our students:

It was an incredible experience. The event bringing together students from various Melbourne schools to discuss important issues and how we plan school activities. The forum taught me valuable skills, such as leading school initiatives and promoting diversity. Beyond the enriching discussions, we were also treated to delicious breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

During the activities, students were seated at mixed-school tables, allowing us to exchange ideas and experiences. I had insightful conversations with students from different schools, learning about their unique activities. We also brainstormed new school initiatives, sharing creative ways to enhance student engagement. Later, we returned to our school’s table to compile and refine the ideas we had gathered.

Overall, the forum was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow as student leaders, and I look forward to applying these insights to future school activities.

-William YAN

Firstly, we were introduced to Matt Flemming and Emilia Fields. Matt and Emilia both work in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education, and shared profound information about the concept of “student voice” and what it means. It was fascinating to hear all about their invaluable expertise of the topic and how it can be applied. We then heard from two student guest speakers, one of which was our own Kyle Te from Doncaster Secondary College. Kyle presented a wonderful speech about his experience living in Melbourne, and what the city has to offer. Elly Te, as this year’s student ambassador from Doncaster Secondary College, also received an award for her hard work and dedication.

Later, we were granted the privilege of being able to speak personally with students from several schools. We spoke about any issues we believe international students may be facing, and what we can do as a team to combat these issues. It was fantastic to be able to talk with these students, as it gave us all a solid understanding how we can improve and work together as a team to create a welcoming environment where both local and international students can thrive and perform at their best.

Finally, we presented our findings to the rest of the students. I enjoyed being able to share my thoughts and ideas to such a diverse audience with many ideas of their own. 

Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea were also provided at the event. We thoroughly enjoyed all the food and are sure everyone else did too!

To conclude, we all had an amazing time at the seminar. We gained useful knowledge, confidence, and new exciting ideas. We are all deeply appreciative foe the opportunity to be able to attend an event like this and are excited to return in September!

- Elyse VAN DER MEI and Madison NGUYEN

2025 Voice Project Team hosting Buddy Program

2025 Global Learning Student Voice Project Team Leads the International Student Buddy Program. A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers for stepping up as buddies and creating a warm, supportive environment for our new international students!

In Term 1, 2025, the Global Learning Student Voice Project Team is hosting weekly Buddy Program sessions every Thursday at lunchtime in the International Student Learning Hub. These sessions feature a variety of fun and meaningful activities designed to foster friendships and help new students settle in smoothly.

This program provides a fantastic opportunity for new students to connect with their buddies, ask questions, and gain insights into school life and Australian culture—all while enjoying multicultural snacks and celebrating the wonderful diversity of our school community.

Reflection from student leaders below: 

We are so happy and proud to have hosted the Buddy Program. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with others, share our cultures, and create meaningful friendships. Throughout the program, we had a great time organizing activities that encouraged teamwork and learning, making the experience both enjoyable and enriching.

One of the highlights was playing fun games, such as “Explain and Guess,” where we described different countries’ foods and school buildings. It was exciting to see everyone engaged, laughing, and eager to learn about different cultures. These activities not only made the program enjoyable but also helped us develop communication skills and a deeper appreciation for diversity.

Overall, the Buddy Program was a great success, and we are grateful for the opportunity to take part in it. It brought people together, created lasting memories, and strengthened our sense of community. Thank you for your support in making this program possible—we truly enjoyed every moment of it!

- Meyly (Elly) Te, Kuysing (Kyle) Te & Baoyinge (Peter) Xue

On Thursday during lunchtime, Madison and I along with the other International Voice Project Forum Team members run our weekly student Buddy Program sessions. The program aims at uniting both local and international students by allowing them to participate in fun activities, such as get to know you games, and other activities which strengthens the student’s ability to talk to new people. The program has much to offer, by participating, we get to learn about many different cultures and meet people from all over the world. There are also very tasty snacks available during the Buddy Program sessions, which we all enjoy!

Running these sessions has significantly improved our ability to engage in social interaction and coordinate events and activities. It’s amazing that we are able to improve our interpersonal capabilities whilst enjoying our time together partaking in engaging activities that assist us in connecting with many different students. It’s truly great to see the local buddy participants help the international students adjust to life at Doncaster Secondary College.

- Madison Nguyen & Elyse Van Der Mei

This term, I had the opportunity to participate in the Buddy Program as both a host and a buddy, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a pleasure to be involved in organizing and facilitating the program, and I truly enjoyed the activities. In addition to hosting, I also assisted in scoring the activities.

Before leading the sessions, I reviewed the PowerPoint materials provided for both the program and the Voice Team, which helped me gain a clear understanding of our roles and objectives. Through this experience, I have developed my organization and leadership skills, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in future initiatives.

Junyu (William) YAN

Reflection from buddy program participants below: 

"I really enjoyed the International Buddy Program. I think it was great because we had the chance to talk to each other and make new friends." – Cindy LIN

"The Buddy Program is very useful for new international students because it helps them learn about the school quickly. Every Thursday, we have this program, and there are lots of snacks to choose from. There are also fun activities that I enjoy." – Judy WANG

"I really like and enjoy the program because I get to meet more friends." – Danny WANG

"The part I enjoyed the most in the program was probably chatting with friends. During this time, I could make new friends and get to know more about them." – Leo HAN

"The most unforgettable activity was guessing the name of different foods. It was really interesting, and we had a lot of fun!" – Daisy ZHANG

"I really enjoy the Buddy Program because I have made new friends. I like playing with others, and my Favorite game is UNO." – Mia YANG

"I really enjoyed the International Student Buddy Program. It helped me make more friends and have fun. During my nine weeks at school, my English has improved, and the Buddy Program has helped me learn more about the school." – Eddie XU

Guest Speaker for 2025 Global Learning Student Voice

The 2025 Global Learning Student Voice Project is designed to empower student leaders by strengthening their advocacy skills and promoting global learning and engagement within their schools.

We are incredibly proud that our Year 11 international student, Kyle TE, was selected as the student speaker representing the Australian Government school sector at this prestigious event, where he delivered an inspiring speech.

Kyle’s participation provided a fantastic opportunity to highlight our school and showcase the remarkable achievements of our International Student Program.

Please find Kyle’s reflection below:

"One of the moments that I’ll never forget was the moment I stood in-front of everyone and shared my experience of living in Melbourne. I gave a heartfelt speech, even though I was incredibly nervous. It felt good to open about my experiences and even better when knowing that the audience are from a diverse background. It reminds me of how powerful our voices can be. Sometimes, just telling your story is enough to help someone else feel seen or understood, and that means a lot to me. 

At the end of the forum, I was given a certificate for my participation and honestly, it was such a proud moment for me. Standing there, knowing I was standing for the government school sector, felt really special. It is not just a piece of paper; it was the culmination of all the challenging work that I and others had put into. I felt really proud of myself, and I will definitely remember this experience for a long, long time. "

Finalist for The Victorian Global Learning Awards (VGLA) 2025

The annual Victorian Global Learning Awards celebrate the excellence of international students while recognising schools and homestay families for their outstanding contributions to global learning and engagement. These awards highlight the strength of Victoria’s international relationships and our esteemed reputation for fostering intercultural understanding. Most importantly, they honour the students, teachers, parents, principals, and homestay families who play a vital role in creating a diverse and inclusive educational community.

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Meyly (Elly) TE, an international student at our college, who has been selected as a finalist for the Year 11 Academic Excellence Award at the VGLA! This is an incredible achievement — and even more exciting because it’s the very first time our school has entered the Academic Excellence category. 

Elly’s achievements have been widely recognised. In Year 10, she received the school's Merit Award for outstanding academic performance. In Year 11, she was honoured at the College Awards event with multiple distinctions, including the International Student Award, Academic Excellence in General Mathematics and Year 12 Chinese Second Language, Personal Achievement in Accounting, and the Subject Award for Chinese Second Language.

Beyond academics, Elly is a dedicated leader, making significant contributions to both the school and broader community. She represented the college at the Global Youth Forum, hosted by the Asia Education Foundation, collaborating with fellow international students on cross-cultural issues. She also initiated and led the International Student Maths Mentoring Program, providing invaluable support to her peers. Additionally, Elly plays a key role in organising cultural celebrations at the college and has been actively involved in the International Student Voice Forum team. Her leadership and creativity were further recognised when she won the International SSS Video Competition, facilitated by the International Education Division.

Elly deeply understands the challenges faced by international students and is committed to supporting her peers in both their academic and personal journeys in Australia. Her exceptional academic achievements, leadership experience, and dedication to helping others make her a highly deserving finalist for the Academic Excellence Award.

Elly’s remarkable success would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our exceptional school community. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to those who have played a significant role in helping her achieve these outstanding accomplishments.

A heartfelt thank you to Elly’s Year 11 subject teachers from last year, particularly those who generously dedicated their time and effort to writing her reference letters: Gary Rule, Marianne Yang, Ning Zhang, Josh Cowling, and Robbie Gedge. Your support and belief in Elly have been truly instrumental in her journey.

I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to College Principal Team members Glenn Morris and Belinda McGee for their invaluable assistance with Elly’s nomination application.

Once again, congratulations to Elly—we are incredibly proud of you. And to everyone who has supported her along the way, thank you for your dedication and encouragement.

Here is her reflection and appreciation for being selected as a finalist for this award:

I am incredibly honoured to be selected as a finalist for the Victoria Global Learning Award under the Academic Excellence criteria. This recognition is a reflection of the support, encouragement, and opportunities I have received throughout my journey.

Being an international student comes with its challenges, from adapting to a new environment to overcoming language barriers. However, these challenges have shaped me into a more resilient and determined learner. Through my academic journey, I have not only strived for excellence but also dedicated myself to helping others, especially through initiatives like the Maths Mentoring Program. Supporting fellow students and fostering a collaborative learning environment has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my experience.

This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support from my school. The welcoming environment, dedicated teachers, and various academic and leadership opportunities have played a crucial role in my growth. My teachers have guided me every step of the way, offering valuable feedback and encouragement that helped me refine my skills. The school’s commitment to celebrating diversity and supporting international students has made me feel truly included and empowered to pursue my goals. From academic mentoring programs to cultural celebrations, these experiences have enriched my learning journey and inspired me to give back to the school community.

I extend my deepest gratitude to my teachers, friends, and family who have supported me along the way. Their unwavering belief in me has fuelled my passion for learning and growth. This nomination is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the belief that education can transform lives.

Attendance Award-International student of Term 1

Congratulations to the following students for achieving 100% attendance in Term 1.

They have demonstrated exceptional resilience and responsibility in their studies, serving as outstanding examples of commitment and dedication.