International Students

DSC Shines Again at the 2025 Victorian Global Learning Awards!

The annual Victorian Global Learning Awards (VGLA) 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 proud to congratulate two of our outstanding international students on their remarkable achievements at the 2025 Victorian Global Learning Awards:

• Hong Yuet (Venus) Fung – Global Citizenship Award

  Watch the award video

• Meyly (Elly) Te – Academic Excellence Award

  Watch the award video

These prestigious awards not only celebrate the dedication, leadership, and academic excellence of our international students but also highlight the strength of the vibrant and supportive school community that surrounds them. Their success is a true testament to the collective efforts of our International Student Program (ISP) staff, dedicated teachers, coordinators, and the Principal Team.

Congratulations to Venus FUNG and Elly TE on their outstanding achievements—we are incredibly proud of you both!

The Department of Education’s official recognition of our international students' achievements over the years—including Harry Bui (2022 International Student of the Year – Ambassador Award) and Berry Eain (2024 International Student of the Year – Ambassador Award)—continues to enhance the reputation of our program.

These honours reflect the exceptional calibre of our students and position Doncaster Secondary College as a leading and highly attractive destination for international education.

A heartfelt congratulations to all of our outstanding international students—and thank you to the entire DSC community for your ongoing support and commitment to student success!

Venus’s Journey: A Champion of Community and Culture

Since joining our college in 2022, Venus has been a shining example of leadership, empathy, and global mindedness. As Chair of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee, she spearheaded a student-led video competition to raise awareness about community safety. She also initiated and successfully ran two annual Art Competitions, providing students and staff with a creative platform to express their cultural identities and artistic talents.

A passionate advocate for inclusion, Venus played a leading role in the International Student Buddy Program, where she helped foster meaningful friendships through lunchtime activities centred around fun, food, and cultural exchange. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on the international student experience at DSC.

Beyond school, Venus was recognised in an IEPD video competition and contributed to the creation of the Forum Anthem for the International Student Voice Forum. Her thoughtful writing in the college newsletter continues to amplify the voices and stories of international students.

Venus truly embodies the spirit of global citizenship. Her leadership, compassion, and creativity have left a remarkable legacy at our school.

Congratulations, Venus—we are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing what you achieve next!

Here is Venus’s reflection and appreciation for being selected as a recipient of the Global Citizenship Award. 

I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to have received the Global Citizenship Award. This journey has truly been life changing. As someone who isn’t naturally outgoing, stepping out of my comfort zone was a big challenge—but it taught me the importance of courage, resilience, and building meaningful connections across cultures.

Over the past two and a half years, I’ve had the chance to lead and contribute to projects that celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and support others—whether through videos, art competitions, the Buddy Program, or simply helping new students feel welcomed and seen.

Thank you to Ms. Huang for nominating me and always believing in me. To Becky, Christy, Giorgio, and Karl—thank you for being such a dedicated and supportive team. Every success was a shared one, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together.

A special thank you to my parents—not only for standing by me through all the ups and downs, but for letting me come to Victoria to study. That decision opened the door to all of these experiences.

To my school—thank you for giving me the platform to lead and for creating an environment where I felt supported and valued.

Leaving Hong Kong is not an easy decision but looking back I have no regret. This award is more than just a recognition—it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how many people have walked this journey with me. I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me always.

Elly’s Journey: A Story of Excellence and Leadership

We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Meyly (Elly) TE, winner of the Academic Excellence Award at the 2025 Victorian Global Learning Awards.

Elly’s academic record speaks for itself. She received the Year 10 Merit Award, and in Year 11, was honoured at the College Awards with multiple accolades, including the International Student Award, Academic Excellence in General Mathematics and Chinese Second Language, and Personal Achievement in Accounting.

But Elly’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She is a passionate and proactive leader. From representing DSC at the Global Youth Forum, to founding and leading the International Student Maths Mentoring Program, Elly has consistently demonstrated initiative and compassion. She also played a key role in organising school cultural events and contributed meaningfully as a member of the International Student Voice Forum. Her creativity and communication skills were further recognised when she won first place in the International SSS Video Competition.

Elly’s dedication to supporting fellow international students—academically, socially, and emotionally—is truly inspiring. She embodies the spirit of global citizenship, leadership, and resilience.

Congratulations, Elly—we are incredibly proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished!

Here is Elly’s reflection and appreciation for being selected as a recipient of the Academic Excellence Award. 

I am truly honoured to be selected as a recipient for the Academic Excellence Award. This recognition means a great deal to me—it not only acknowledges my efforts but also motivates me to continue striving for personal and academic growth.

My journey as an international student has been both challenging and rewarding. Navigating a new education system, adapting to a different culture, and being far from home have all pushed me out of my comfort zone. But through these experiences, I’ve learned to be resilient, independent, and open-minded. Most importantly, I’ve come to understand the power of community and the importance of learning from those around me.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers who have supported and inspired me, the friends who’ve stood by me, and the school community that has welcomed me with warmth and encouragement. Your belief in me has helped me stay focused and confident, even during difficult times.

Being named an award recipient is not just a personal milestone—it’s a reflection of the collective support I’ve received along the way. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your encouragement has made all the difference, and I’m truly grateful.

The Dragon boat festival celebration 2025

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration held on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. One of the most iconic parts of the festival is dragon boat racing, along with eating Zongzi—a delicious sticky rice dumpling filled with a variety of ingredients and wrapped in bamboo leaves.

This year, the festival falls on Friday, 31 May 2025. Thanks to the generous support of DSC’s leadership team, all international students received a small bag of Zongzi to mark the occasion. This thoughtful gesture brought a sense of comfort and cultural connection to our students, many of whom are far from home. Several students and their families have asked me to express their heartfelt appreciation for this meaningful gift. It truly lifted their spirits and reminded them that they are cared for and supported by the school community.

Adding to the warmth of the celebration, two of our international student leaders, Kyle Te and Elly Te, generously volunteered their time to help unpack and distribute the Zongzi to fellow students. Their involvement made the experience even more special and meaningful for everyone.

Here are Elly and Kyle’s reflections on the experience:

Every year, during the Dragon Boat Festival, receiving rice dumplings from the international Student Program has always been a moment of joy and appreciation for us. Although it may seem like a small gesture, it carries a deep sense of care and cultural connection. It reminds us that even while studying far from home, we are seen, supported, and included in meaningful traditions.

This year, we had the special opportunity to be involved in the organising and delivery of the rice dumplings. From unpacking the boxes to making sure each international student received one, we were part of every step. It was heartwarming to witness the smiles on everyone’s faces and to know that we played a role in brightening their day.

Being part of this tradition gave the experience a whole new layer of meaning. It wasn’t just about handing out food—it was about sharing a piece of culture, creating a sense of community, and making people feel welcomed and valued. We felt proud and honoured to contribute in this way, and it deepened our appreciation for the school’s efforts to celebrate diversity and bring people together.

Moments like this remind us of the power of simple acts of kindness and how they can leave lasting memories. We are truly grateful to be part of a school community that embraces cultural traditions and makes them come alive for all of us.

Please find international students’ reflection below: 

As an international student studying here, I didn’t get the chance to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in China this year, but I was still able to feel the spirit of the festival at school. Ms. MCGEE and Ms. HUANG kindly gave us rice dumplings (Zongzi) so that we could celebrate together, even though we were far from home. It was a simple gesture, but it meant a lot to me.

This is my second time experiencing the Dragon Boat Festival while living abroad. Although the atmosphere is quite different from what I’m used to back home—where the streets are filled with decorations, dragon boat races are held, and families gather—it still felt special. The school made a real effort to help us feel connected to our culture, and I truly appreciated that.

Eating Zongzi with other international students reminded me of the warmth of home and helped me feel less alone. What made the experience even more meaningful was learning more about the traditional customs and history behind the festival. It reminded me that even though I’m in a different country, my culture is still with me, and there are people here who support and care about us.

Moments like this make me feel truly welcomed and understood. I’m grateful to be part of a school community that respects and celebrates cultural diversity. 

– Michelle YAO

May 31st marked the celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, a cherished traditional holiday in Chinese culture. In China, this day is often spent with family, enjoying Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in leaves) and watching thrilling dragon boat races. As an international student from China, this time of year always makes me think of home and brings a strong sense of homesickness.

This year, however, I felt something truly special Ms. HUANG, the Director of the International Student Program at our school, thoughtfully prepared Zongzi for all the international students so we could celebrate together. What touched me the most was her attention to individual needs—knowing that I am Muslim, she specially prepared vegetarian Zongzi just for me.

That small gesture meant so much. It made me feel seen, respected, and cared for in a place far from home. Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with my peers at Doncaster Secondary College reminded me that kindness and cultural understanding can bridge any distance. Even though I was far from my family, I still felt a sense of belonging and warmth that day. 

– Diana Huang

Even though I am far from home, I was still able to celebrate this special day at school, which meant a lot to me. As I carefully unwrapped the fragrant leaves and tasted the familiar flavours of Zongzi, a wave of emotion washed over me. The taste instantly brought back heartwarming memories of my family—making Zongzi with my grandparents, laughing with my cousins, and sharing stories as we prepared the fillings together in our family kitchen.

In that moment, I felt both deeply proud and genuinely joyful. Proud to be part of a culture rich in history and meaningful traditions, and joyful that I could still feel so connected to my heritage, even while living far from home. Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival at Doncaster Secondary College with other international students reminded me that no matter where I go, my culture, my memories, and the love of my family will always stay close to my heart. 

– Mia Gao

It is heartwarming to see cultural traditions like this being embraced and celebrated in our school community, helping to promote cultural identity and inclusion. On behalf of all the international students, we'd like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the International Student program staff for their dedication and efforts in honouring this cultural celebration. 

– Nelly LIM

'Watch Out – Safe Zone’ Contest Winners Announced! 

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the ‘Watch Out – Safe Zone’ Contest—a creative and meaningful initiative proudly led by the Doncaster Secondary College International Student Program, in collaboration with Neighbourhood Watch Manningham and with the support of our Assistant Principal, Ms Belinda McGee.

This inspiring competition invited both students and staff to design street art-style illustrations promoting community safety and crime prevention. Through this unique project, participants were given the opportunity to express their creativity while helping raise awareness of vital safety messages within our local community.

After much anticipation, we are excited to share the outstanding results:

Lower Year Level (Years 7–9):

🏅 First Prize: Zev Antheunis

🥈 Second Prize: Sin Yu (Cindy) Lin

Higher Year Level (Years 10–12):

🏅 First Prize: Yu Shan (Ashlynn) Wong

🥈 Second Prize: Hoi Yin (Ruby) Yip

🎨 Special DSC Staff Award:

• Simon Tay

• Nalisha Kumarasinghe

Congratulations to all our winners! Your creativity, passion, and powerful messages have left a lasting impact on our community.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our esteemed judging panel, who generously volunteered their time and expertise to review the submissions:

• Mr Geoff Kloot – Chair, Neighbourhood Watch Manningham

• Mr Ian Morris – Secretary, Neighbourhood Watch Manningham

• Leading Senior Constable Noni Bousfield – Manningham Crime Prevention Officer

• Senior Constable Sarah Davis – Youth Resource Officer

• Ms Belinda McGee – Assistant Principal, DSC• Ms Sally Huang – Director of International Student Program, DSC

A special thank you goes to the 2025 Global Learning Student Voice Project Team for their outstanding leadership and effort in bringing this project to life: Elly Te, Kyle Te, Peter Xue, Madison Nguyen, Elyse Van Der Mei, and William Yan – your dedication and teamwork made this event a great success!

Lastly, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Ms Belinda McGee for her visionary leadership and unwavering support throughout the entire process.

Well done to all involved—this initiative truly reflects the strength, creativity, and community spirit of Doncaster Secondary College!

Bowie–A Furry Friend Who Speaks the Language of the Heart 🐾

At Doncaster Secondary College, we often talk about how important it is for international students to feel welcomed, connected, and supported in their new environment. Sometimes, that support comes in unexpected — and very furry — forms.

Bowie, our beloved school dog, has become more than just a familiar face in the International Student Learning Hub. He’s become a true friend to many of our students, including William Wan, who recently shared a beautiful reflection on his bond with Bowie.

William describes Bowie as “cute, friendly, and always full of energy, like a little boy.” 

Despite the language barrier, Bowie somehow understands and responds to the students, offering silent comfort and a sense of belonging through his actions. Whether he’s greeting students with a wagging tail or simply sitting quietly next to them as they read, Bowie provides a unique kind of companionship that words can’t express.

One special moment William shared was when Bowie sat beside him while he was reading. “It felt like we had a silent understanding,” William said, “a connection that didn’t need words.” These quiet, meaningful interactions show just how impactful Bowie’s presence is — reminding us of all that connection can come in many forms.

Bowie also brings a lot of fun and energy to the hub. His love for chasing tennis balls never fails to bring smiles and laughter. “He runs like lightning,” William wrote, “maybe it’s just because he loves playing with people so much.”

As the International Student Coordinator, I see daily how Bowie transforms the hub into a space of warmth, comfort, and joy. For many international students, adjusting to life in a new country comes with challenges, but having a loyal, four-legged friend like Bowie makes that journey a little easier — and a lot more heartwarming.

Thank you, William, for sharing your story. And thank you, Bowie, for being such an important part of our international student community. You truly speak the language of the heart.

International Students Embrace the Spirit of DSC Athletics

At Doncaster Secondary College, international students are not only dedicated learners but also enthusiastic participants in all aspects of school life — including sport and extracurricular activities.

This term, many of our international students proudly took part in the DSC Athletics Carnival, an annual highlight on the school calendar. Dressed in vibrant house colours and full of energy, they joined their peers in events ranging from sprints and long jump to novelty races and team relays. Whether competing or cheering from the sidelines, our students truly embraced the house spirit and had a great time connecting with the wider school community.

We are incredibly proud of the way our international students continue to immerse themselves in school life. Their enthusiasm, resilience, and willingness to try new things truly reflect the global spirit of Doncaster Secondary College.

The following is a student reflection on their recent experience.

I participated in the 100-metre sprint at the Athletics Carnival and was proud to achieve third place. I joined the event not only to contribute to my house team, but also to challenge myself. Although I am an international student from China, I had never experienced such a large and exciting sports carnival before — and I simply wanted to give it my best.

While I may not always feel confident in my academic performance, I’ve discovered that I have a real passion and talent for sport. A close friend once told me, “There may always be people better than you, but you are unique. Only through effort can you discover your true strengths. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back.”

Winning third place made me feel incredibly proud and honoured. It reminded me of my friend’s words — that with hard work, things can change. This experience has given me confidence, and I will continue to give my best, both on and off the field. 

– Danny WANG

This year, I had the opportunity to participate in several events during Athletics Day, and it was such a great experience for me. I took part in shot put, 100 metres, discus, and javelin. I’ve always enjoyed sports that involve throwing because they make me feel strong and focused. That’s why I chose events like shot put, discus, and javelin. I also did the 100m sprint, which I’ve participated in every year during Athletics Day since I came to this school.

One of the highlights of the day was getting second place in the discus event. When I heard my name called for second place, I felt proud and happy. It was a special moment for me because it showed that my effort and practice paid off. Competing in these events was not just about winning — it was also about having fun, trying my best, and being part of something that brings students together.

Athletics Day is one of my favourite school events because it gives me a chance to challenge myself and enjoy the energy and spirit of the school community. I’m already looking forward to next year! 

– Eddie Xu

I’m very excited to share that I participated in the Girls’ 100-metre race during our school’s athletics carnival. As an international student, this was my first time taking part in a sports event in Australia, and it was such a fun and memorable experience!

I’m proud to say that I came third and won a prize. I have always enjoyed running—it makes me feel free and strong. Standing on the podium and holding my certificate made me feel happy and confident.

This experience helped me connect with other students and feel more involved in school life. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and already looking forward to joining more events in the future! 

– Mia YANG

Attendance Awards - International student of Term 2

Congratulations to the following students for achieving 100% attendance in Term 2.

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