2022 NSW Government Schools International Student Awards
Outstanding international students have been recognised by the NSW Department of Education in an awards ceremony held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia on 28 April 2022.
This year, 43 students from 16 different schools were nominated for an award. The students’ home countries included China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, South Africa, and the Philippines.
At the awards ceremony, Deputy Secretary Murat Dizdar highlighted the success of the international students program and acknowledged the work of schools, teachers and DE International staff in helping students to achieve their best, especially during the extraordinary challenges of 2021.
Nine student finalists were presented with certificates and the winners in each category were presented with a trophy and $1,000 prize.
School and staff awards were also presented to recognise outstanding professional excellence in supporting international students.
2022 NSW Government Schools International Student Award winners
Academic Achievement Award winner: Ly Tam Nhu (Ruby) Nguyen (Vietnam)
The winner of the Academic Achievement Award, Ly Tam Nhu Nguyen, was the International Student Captain at Bonnyrigg High School. She attained HSC All-Rounder status, achieving band 6 in Chemistry, English as an Additional Language/Dialect and Vietnamese Continuers, and received an outstanding Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 99.85. Ly Tam Nhu stood out in a very strong field of 26 nominees, three of whom achieved an ATAR above 99.
Ruby Nguyen (third from left) with NSW Department of Education representatives.
Resilience Award winner: Dany Teang (Cambodia)
Dany Teang attended Cabramatta High School where she was a diligent and committed student. She demonstrated extraordinary resilience amid the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and challenging personal circumstances.
Cabramatta High School Principal Mr Lachlan Erskine, Dany Teang and Deputy Secretary Murat Dizdar.
Leadership Award winner: Yimei Zhao (China)
Leadership Award winner, Yimei Zhao, attended Mosman High School where she was a School Vice Captain. Yimei represented the school in Zali Steggall's Youth Ambassador Program and initiated changes related to the environment, gender equality, and mental health. She set up buddy programs, organised morning teas and launched user-friendly school websites so that no student felt isolated, especially during the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mosman High School International Student Coordinator, Bernadette Smith, accepted the Leadership Award on behalf of Yimei Zhao.
International Student Coordinator of the Year: Diana Kulevski
International Student Coordinator of the Year, Diana Kulevski, has shown particular care and sensitivity in supporting international students at Cecil Hills High School throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She regularly meets with the school's international students and gets to know them and their unique stories. During lockdown, Diana organised for care packages to go out to international students to ensure they felt connected during this difficult time.
Diana Kulevski was presented with her winner's trophy by Deputy Secretary Murat Dizdar.
International Student Program School Excellence Award winner: Kogarah High School
The International Student Program School Excellence Award was presented to Kogarah High School, where a comprehensive structure of academic and wellbeing support is provided to international students, by the school executive and teachers, as well as administrative and support staff.
DE International Schools Support and Compliance Manager, Elvia Cacciotti, accepted the School Excellence Award from Deputy Secretary Murat Dizdar on behalf of Kogarah High School.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!
In 2021, 614 international students attending NSW government schools completed the Higher School Certificate (HSC) with 179 students listed on the Distinguished Achievers list for scoring over 90 in a subject, and five being named Top All-Rounders for scoring 90 or above in 10 or more units.
To find out more about the International Students Program, please visit the program page on the DE International website: https://www.deinternational.nsw.edu.au/study-options/study-programs/international-student-program