Bishop Druitt College hosts Ukrainian educators in a three-week professional learning partnership

International Education Partnership at Bishop Druitt College

Bishop Druitt College (BDC) in Coffs Harbour has recently concluded a three-week professional learning and cultural partnership program with three visiting educators from Ukraine, creating a meaningful opportunity for shared practice, perspective, and connection through education.

The visiting educators — Viktoriia Topol, Yuliia Pietrishcheva, and Iryna Kaika — came from Kharkiv, Kyiv, Pryluky. While in Coffs Harbour, they spent time with staff and students across programs focused on student wellbeing, digital technology/online learning, and English language learning for students affected by conflict.

Their visit was supported through local sponsorship and the generosity of the BDC community, including accommodation and assistance provided by homestays with staff and local partners. It formed part of the college’s broader commitment to global awareness, service, and learning that extends beyond the classroom while living our motto “Faithfulness in Service”.

Bishop Druitt College Principal, Mr Simon Doyle, said:
“It has been a privilege to welcome Yuliia, Viktoriia and Iryna into our school community. Their courage, generosity of spirit, and deep commitment to education, despite the circumstances they are living through, have left a lasting impression on our staff and students. In return, our community has been reminded of the power of education to connect people across distance, culture and hardship, and to offer hope even in difficult times.” Service lived through action is embedded in the BDC Way.

Ukrainian Educators Share Teaching Experience from Conflict-Affected Regions

During their time at the college, the educators observed classes, took part in professional conversations, and shared their own experiences of teaching during a time of ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

For Yuliia, a teacher from Kharkiv, the Coffs Coast made a strong first impression.

“Coffs Harbour is a beautiful coastal paradise, surrounded by tropical greenery, green mountains and the brilliant blue of the Pacific Ocean. With every breath, you can enjoy the incredibly fresh air.”

Yuliia has been teaching online for the past four years due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, making this her first international trip. She also spoke warmly about the welcome she received:

“Thank you so much for this incredibly warm welcome. People are so friendly and kind, and we have already found so many wonderful things to talk about. They have made me feel right at home.”

Focus on Student Wellbeing, Digital Learning, and English Language Support

Viktoriia Topol, Head of the Board of Learn and Teach UA, has worked in education, journalism, and communications for almost nine years, including contributing to Ukraine’s national school reform. She reflected on both the region and the school community.

“I was surprised by the hot weather during the winter and, of course, by the ocean. I also saw kangaroos for the first time in my life, and I was so happy at that moment.”

Of Bishop Druitt College, she said:

“The school environment is healthy, kind and supportive. Students are respected not only by teachers but also by their peers. It is wonderful to see how proud the school is of every student’s achievement — whether academic, artistic or sporting.”

She also noted the focus on student wellbeing, describing it as a point of difference from her experience in Ukraine, where academic outcomes are often the main focus.

Iryna Kaika, Project Coordinator with Learn and Teach UA, also experienced her first visit outside Ukraine during the program. She said:

“My experience at BDC has been incredibly positive and inspiring. I have been impressed by the welcoming atmosphere, the strong sense of community, and the care shown to students.”

She added that the opportunity to connect with Australian educators was something she valued both personally and professionally.

All three visitors contributed to school life, working with students, speaking with staff, and sharing insights into education and everyday life in Ukraine.

Yuliia also reflected on teaching and learning at BDC:

“Students get to explore areas such as cooking, music, practical art and sport, which allows them to discover their potential. BDC provides opportunities to develop students’ skills in different ways.”

Cultural Exchange Strengthens Global Understanding in Education

The visit also highlighted several ongoing initiatives within the BDC community, including the Hope25 project, which supported Ukrainian schools through books and letters, a $2000 donation from the Class of 2025, and the donation of art packs for students in Ukraine, alongside wider community support and outreach led by staff and Principal Mr Doyle.

Classrooms Without Walls (CWW) is the connector for volunteers like BDC Principal, Simon Doyle, for the Project Ukraine Speaks English by Learn and Teach UA. This is the project where volunteers assist children in Ukraine to practice their English. 

The partnership with BDC reinforced the role regional schools can play in building understanding across cultures, particularly at a time when many communities continue to live with the impact of conflict and displacement. More than anything, the partnership was a reminder of what education can do by bringing people together from across the globe.