Awards spotlight international student achievement and staff excellence
The NSW Department of Education hosted its annual NSW Government Schools International Student Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 11 March 2025 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia.
The awards recognised the remarkable achievements and contributions of international students studying in NSW government schools and outstanding work by schools and staff in supporting them.
A highlight of the event was a special video message from the Hon Prue Car, Deputy Premier of NSW and Minister for Education and Early Learning. The Deputy Premier congratulated the outstanding student finalists, and thanked school and staff finalists for their commitment to student support.
The student awards were presented by Mr Murat Dizdar, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, who also gave the opening address, in which he underscored the important role of international education in developing intercultural competence across the student body.
Award winners and NSW Department of Education officials (from left: Parish Singh - Leadership Award winner, Qixiu (Jack) Li - Academic Achievement Award winner, Dr Sylvia Corish, Executive Director, Student Support and Specialist Programs, Mr Murat Dizdar, Secretary of NSW Department of Education, Ms Christine Anderson - International Student Coordinator of the Year, Ms Deb Summerhayes, Deputy Secretary Public Schools, Ms Debra Goodfellow - International Student Support Award winner, Mr Martin Graham, Deputy Secretary, Teaching Learning and Student Wellbeing, Ms Effie Niarchos, Principal of Canley Vale High School - International Student Program School Excellence Award winner, Liangpei (Luke) Liu - School Service Award winner)
Student award category winners
Academic Achievement Award Winner: Qixiu (Jack) Li (China), Epping Boys High School
Jack’s performance in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) placed him on the 2024 HSC Distinguished Achievers list for six subjects, Chemistry, Physics, EAL/D, Software Design and Development, Maths Extension 1 and 2. He was recognised as a 2024 HSC Top All-round Achiever, earning a result in the highest band across at least 10 course units.
Leadership Award Winner: Parisha Singh (Fiji), John Edmondson High School
Parisha Singh demonstrated exceptional leadership at John Edmondson High School, where she played a key role in Anti-Racism Workshops. She also made significant contributions to fundraising for Stewart House and the Cancer Council and volunteered with the Breakfast Club.
School Service Award Winner: Liangpei (Luke) Liu (China), Mosman High School
Luke significantly contributed to Mosman High School's Student Representative Council, advocating for international students and organised Lunar New Year, Harmony Day, and Multicultural Day celebrations. Luke also led fundraising efforts for Bandana Day and the Balmoral Burn charity run. He supported new students through the Buddy Program and contributed to the school’s cultural and extracurricular life as a leader of the Chinese Debating Team and a member of the school orchestra.
School and staff award category winners
International Student Coordinator of the Year: Christine Anderson, Strathfield Girls High School
Christine provides exceptional leadership and personalised support, ensuring international students’ academic success, wellbeing, and cultural integration. She runs International Student Home Rooms, conducts daily check-ins, addresses student concerns, and maintains ongoing communication with guardians. Christine organises cultural immersion experiences, including excursions to the Blue Mountains and a welcome evening. Under her leadership, international students have excelled academically, with the school dux for two consecutive years having been an international student.
International Student Support Award Winner: Debra Goodfellow, Cabramatta High School
Debra served as the International Student Administrator at Cabramatta High School for 12 years. She proactively identified and assisted vulnerable students, working closely with school staff, external agencies, and DE International to ensure student wellbeing. Working with over 100 international students, Debra expertly navigated policies, procedures, and compliance requirements to maintain a high standard of support. She played a key role in handling critical incidents, ensuring timely intervention and care for students in need.
International Students Program School Excellence Award Winner: Canley Vale High School
Canley Vale High School has adopted a whole-of-school approach to international student support, ensuring academic success, social integration, and wellbeing. Staff are provided with professional development on cultural competence, equipping them with strategies to support international learners. Initiatives such as cultural exchange programs, leadership opportunities, and Student Representative Council (SRC) involvement empower international students to develop confidence and contribute to the school community.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!
Find out more about the International Students Program in NSW government schools:
https://deinternational.nsw.edu.au/study-options/study-programs/international-student-program