At the school he’s just known by his anglicised nickname Jack, but Haochun Sun from St Paul’s Grammar School in Cranebrook, is making waves on the state stage.
He is one of three international student finalists nominated for the NSW government's International Student of the Year Award for 2016.
Jack started at the school in 2014 when he 14 after choosing Australia for its “culture, nature and fresh air”.
“I came here with very bad English. I thought Australia would be fun, the culture, the nature and the fresh air.”
The school’s international student co-ordinator, Julie McDonough, nominated him for the state honour after his election last year to a leadership position – house captain.
In his lunch time he translates exams for younger students and helps raise money for the school’s charity – an orphanage in the Congo.
“His position as a student leader indicates the respect Jack has earned from teachers and the student body. He willingly volunteers his time to others,” Mrs McDonough said.
He has already been given the school’s highest award, the Gold Hilbrand Tanja Award, which recognises his commitment to study, extra-curricular activities and community service.
“He is absolutely delightful and an exceptional ambassador for international students within the school. He embraces everything and does whatever he can to be involved,” Mrs McDonough added.
Jack has just graduated from Year 12 and will sit the International Baccalaureate in coming weeks.
Jack said he was “excited” to be nominated.
“The school inspires me, it encourages me to have a go - they give everyone an equal chance.”
He hopes to stay on in Australia and study education at Sydney University next year.
“He’s a real good student, he’ll romp in the mark,” Mrs McDonough added.
The school has also been nominated for a second award – for their international student program which has been running successfully for more than 20 years. There are currently 30 international students at the school and they brought “the gift of a distinct cultural perspective,” she added.
“My homestay parents deal with me like their own kids,” Jack said of the program.
The annual International Student Awards will be held at the Sydney Opera House on October 11.
NSW Trade Minister Stuart Ayres and Penrith MP, said international students were making “extraordinary contributions to their communities while completing their studies”.
”The NSW International Student Awards acknowledge that while receiving the highest quality education, international students are making a huge contribution not only to life on campus but across the wider community.
“International education is our largest services export worth $6.9 billion to the economy annually and last year more than 241,000 international students enrolled,” he added.
