Victorian Global Learning Awards 2023
Congratulations to Winnie Lao (OW2022) and Tracey Peng (OW2022) who both received prestigious awards at the 2023 Victorian Global Learning Awards last week. The awards celebrate international student excellence and recognise schools for outstanding global learning and engagement.
Winnie Lao received a commendation for the Year 12 Academic Excellence award which celebrates international students with the highest ATAR scores in the state.
Winnie started at Wesley College in our English Language Preparation Program, our in-house intensive English program held at our Glen Waverley Campus. A diligent student, Winnie was always seeking ways to improve her English skills and achieve excellent academic results. She received academic distinctions in five Year 11 subjects and academic awards for two Year 12 subjects.
Winnie was a member of the Student Representative Council, supporting her fellow students and their wellbeing. 'I encouraged my friends who were not accustomed to Australian learning methods to push themselves out of their comfort zone, just as I did,' Winnie said.
She is studying a Bachelor of Design at the University of Melbourne.
Tracey Peng won the Year 12 Arts Achievement (Visual Arts) Award which celebrates exceptional contribution to and participation in the arts. Through her paintings and 3D artworks, Tracey has demonstrated her sensitivity and concern for the world through examining issues relevant to young people everywhere. She excelled by creating artworks about her transition from life in China to studying in Australia.
Throughout her time at school, she championed The Sea of Hands project to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, collaborating with her teachers to create an engaging, hands-on artistic event for the campus. Tracey was actively involved in the International Relations Club, helping to organise a variety of events to promote an awareness of cross-cultural understanding, including Cultural Diversity Week and an international dinner.
'As an international student studying here for almost three years, I believe that being able to integrate into and adapt to local life is the main issue faced by international students today. I try to be a supportive friend on a daily basis by showing a willingness to help and listen.' Tracey said.
Tracey is now studying a Bachelor of Design, Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne. As Tracey was overseas at the time of the awards ceremony, Jill Caple, Head of Senior School, accepted the award on her behalf.
We are extremely proud of our OWs for this achievement which celebrates their exceptional contributions to the College and the wider Victorian school community.
