2023 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 30 March 2023.
This year, 41 students from 20 different schools were nominated for an award. The students’ home countries included China, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines.
At the awards ceremony, Cathy Brennan, Relieving Deputy Secretary School Performance North, 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.
Eight student finalists were presented with certificates and the winners in each student award 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.
2023 NSW Government Schools International Student Award winners
2023 International Student Academic Achievement Award winner: Xinwei (Bella) Zhou (China)
Xinwei Zhou appeared on both the 2022 HSC Distinguished Achievers list and the 2022 HSC All-round Achievers list. She achieved a perfect score of zero in the 2022 NSW Schools Titration Competition. At Strathfield Girls High School, she placed 1st in Maths Extension 1, Maths Extension 2 and Chemistry.
Academic Achievement Award winner, Bella Zhou, received her winner’s trophy from Murat Dizdar, Deputy Secretary School Performance South
2023 International Student School Service Award winner: Tararith Kaing (Cambodia)
Tararith Kaing was a committed member of the Student Representative Council and School Captain at Canley Vale High School. He played an active role in projects that had a positive impact both within the school and in the wider community. Tararith participated in World Refugee Day and the school’s Leo Club, as an Executive Member overseeing the treasury. Tararith often assisted teachers as a library monitor and with activities such as parent-teacher evenings. He also helped with the organisation and running of a range of community events, including the City2surf and a donation stand at the Moon Festival.
Award winner Tararith Kaing with representatives from Canley Vale High School (l-r, International Student Coordinator Jessica Nguyen, Tararith Kaing, Principal Effie Niarchos)
2023 International Student Leadership Award winner: Khanh Linh Nguyen (Vietnam)
Khanh Linh demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities during her time at Beverly Hills Girls High School. She served as Senior Executive Officer, Director of Finance and the Environment, on the Student Representative Council and started and organised the school Gardening Club. During the COVID lockdowns she initiated an Book Club that continues to connect students today. As a member of 'Empowering Youth to Inspire Change', Khanh Linh lead a campaign to raise awareness of issues surrounding refugees and racism.
Leadership award winner, Khanh Linh Nguyen, received her winner’s trophy from Murat Dizdar, Deputy Secretary School Performance South
International Student Coordinator of the Year: Monica Sharma - Northern Sydney Intensive English Centre
Monica provides mentoring and guidance to students throughout their studies. She runs a comprehensive orientation program introducing students to Australian customs and values, as well as how to access support services. Monica provides both academic assistance and mental health wellbeing support and care. She also runs a range of social and educational activities for international students, including lunch gatherings and excursions.
International Student Coordinator of the Year, Monica Sharma, received her winner’s trophy from Cathy Brennan, R/Deputy Secretary School Performance North
International Student Support Award winner: Lauren Weatherall - The Forest High School
Lauren is an EAL/D Coordinator and English teacher who goes above and beyond to help international students settle in. She runs a Conversation Club that fosters engagement between international and local students through games, guest speakers and activities. Lauren organised a stall at the local Westfield that depicted the experiences of international students via artistic and literary mediums. Lauren also engages with international students’ host families, providing opportunities for connection and information sharing at events, such as breakfast BBQs.
International Student Program School Excellence Award winner: Cecil Hills High School
Cecil Hills High School supports international students from the time they enrol to well after their graduation. The school employs a wellbeing focus to provide a schooling experience that allows international students to feel valued and safe. The buddy program at Cecil Hills pairs new international students with a current student, who guides them and eases them into the wider Cecil Hills community. Regular debriefing sessions allow students to share their classroom experiences and discuss any challenges they are facing over morning tea. These sessions also provide an opportunity to provide students with updates on requirements or services. The school celebrates the success and contributions of its international students with excursions, social activities and an awards ceremony.
Cecil Hills High School’s International Student Coordinator, Diana Kulevski, accepted the 2023 International Student Program School Excellence Award from Cathy Brennan, R/Deputy Secretary School Performance North
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!
2023 NSW Government Schools International Student Awards finalists and winners with NSW Department of Education Deputy Secretaries, Murat Dizdar and Cathy Brennan (centre back)
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