Whole School News
The P&C held the final General Meeting of the year a few weeks ago and has already seen the outcome of some approvals.
- The Music Subcommittee purchased a set of Tubular Bells, and we look forward to hearing them played.
- The Tennis Subcommittee contributed to the players' attendance at Nationals, and we wish them luck in their matches.
- The Art Subcommittee contributed prizes towards the yearly Art Exhibition, with a guest judge, Dr Kieron Broadhurst, Lecturer, School of Media, Creative Arts & Social Inquiry at Curtin University
The Second Hand Uniform Shop will be open on the two Orientation Days, coinciding with the Year 6 Parent Information Sessions on Tuesday 25 November, and Friday 5 December, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. We would appreciate it if anyone has any uniform donations to drop them off before these sessions, please! All uniforms will be available for sale, including music shirts and tennis uniforms.
We are trying something new, instead of a Sundowner at the end of this year, a Meet and Greet is organised for Term 1 Week 3, Monday 16 February next year for all subcommittees and parents wishing to join or participate in the P&C. Please come along and learn more about what the P&C does and learn about each of our subcommittees and the Second Hand Uniform Shop.
Following this, we will hold the Annual General Meeting on Monday 23 February, at which we will conduct elections and ratify the subcommittees.
Thank you for your continued support, and have a lovely weekend!
P & C Committee
SPECIAL REPORT: New Social Media Regulations: What you need to know
From 10 December 2025, new laws will take effect in Australia to protect young people online by restricting access to social media for those under the age of 16. This important change reflects growing community concern about the impact of early social media use on children's mental health, wellbeing and development.
Research shows that social media can expose children to unrealistic comparisons, online pressure and harmful content long before they are emotionally ready to manage it. While regulation is a positive step forward, real safety begins at home. Families continue to play the most powerful role in helping children build confidence, resilience and awareness in the digital world.
These new regulations provide an opportunity to talk openly with your child about their online experiences and what these changes mean for them. It's also a chance to review family technology habits, reinforce healthy routines, and explore age-appropriate ways for young people to connect, learn and express themselves.
This Special Report explains what the new laws mean in practice and offers practical guidance to help families prepare for the upcoming changes.
Here is the link to your Special Report https://applecross.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-new-social-media-regulations-what-you-need-know
Ebony Morrison, Program Coordinator Years 11-12
Australia Raises Social Media Age Limit
Starting 10 December 2025, Australia will implement a major shift in online safety policy: the minimum age for social media use will rise from 13 to 16. This landmark change is designed to protect young people better online and will have wide-reaching implications for families, schools, and digital platforms nationwide.
To help parents and children navigate this transition, the Cyber Safety Project—Australia’s leading online safety education provider—is hosting a live, online family workshop titled “Social Media Delay.” Scheduled for Wednesday, 19 November 2025, from 7:00 to 7:45pm AEDT, this 45-minute session is tailored for families with children under 16.
This is not just a legal update—it’s a chance for families to come together, understand the implications, and prepare for a safer digital future.
How to Join
Participation is free and open to all families with children under 16. To register, simply scan the QR code on the flyer or visit bit.ly/SMDelay.
Lachlan Silberstein, Program Coordinator Years 7-8
𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
Join us in celebrating the incredible creativity of our Gifted & Talented and General Year 7–11 Visual Arts, Design, and Media students!
🖼️Exhibition Opening Night
🗓️Friday 28 November
🎈6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
👀Viewing Times
🗓️Saturday 29, Sunday 30 November & Monday 1 December
🎈10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Applecross Senior High School, A Block (off Ardessie Street)
Come and be inspired by the next generation of artists!
Stephen Armitstead, Head of Learning Area - Arts
School Fun Run - 10 December
Hi Applecross SHS families
In collaboration with School Fun Run, we are holding a Colour Run this year. We will be raising much-needed funds in the lead-up to our cancer awareness and support event, with a target of $20,000, so we’re asking all families to pitch in!
We are very excited to announce that we will be holding our event on Wednesday, 10 December, on the school oval.
What is the School Fun Run?
It is an online fundraising program where all families can create their own online profile. You then choose your target prizes and work towards hitting your target! In your profile, you will have a unique cyber safe link to share with your family and friends to donate to get you close to your target.
What do we need you to do?
All we need you to do this week is create an online profile at funrun.com.au. Students who would like to create an account can do so using the link and signing up with their school email address. The class with the most profiles by 29 October will all get an icy pole!
Also, in the second week of our campaign, keep an eye out for the Wristband Competition for a chance to win a $500 Prize Credit!
Thank you all in advance, and if you have any questions, please contact me.
Nick Evernden, Year 8 Coordinator
SCHOOL BOARD AWARDS
Recognising Excellence at Applecross SHS
The Applecross SHS School Board is excited to announce the School Board Awards, celebrating the incredible contributions of our staff, students, parents, and volunteers.
These awards recognise individuals who demonstrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and service in ways that make a real difference to our school community.
How Can You Get Involved?
Parents are invited to nominate staff (teaching or non-teaching), students, or other parents who have made a positive impact.
View Award Categories and Criteria Here
When nominating, please include:
- A short description of why you are nominating the person.
Examples or evidence of their contribution and its impact.
Send nominations to:
kelly.nightingall@education.wa.edu.au
Deadline: 9:00 AM, Monday, 17 November.
Thank you for helping us celebrate those who make Applecross SHS an outstanding school!
Toni Jones, Vice Principal
Uniform Ordering for 2026 – Beat the January Rush!
As we prepare for the 2026 school year, we encourage all families—both new and returning—to plan ahead and visit our Willetton Super Store during Term 4. Located at 30 Kembla Way, Willetton, our store is your one-stop shop for all your quality school uniform needs.
Our friendly and experienced staff are here to make uniform shopping easy and stress-free!
Book Your Fitting Appointment Early
To avoid long queues in January, we strongly recommend that new students book a fitting appointment during Term 4. Appointments can be made by scanning the QR code below or by calling the uniform shop directly on 08 9270 4669.
Please note: The most popular appointment times are after 3 pm on weekdays and Saturday mornings, so book early to secure your preferred slot.
Take Advantage of Our $20 Layby Service
Why wait until January? With just a $20 deposit, you can layby your Back-to-School uniform order during Term 4. Pay off the balance and collect your order before 24 January to avoid the last-minute rush, long queues, and unnecessary stress.
Prefer to Shop Online?
You can also order uniforms online by visiting our website:🌐 nellgray.com.au
Store Opening Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm
- Closed Sundays, Public Holidays & partly during term breaks (please call for details).
- Festive Season Closure: We will be closed from 6 pm Thursday 18 December 2025, and will reopen at 9 am Monday 5 January 2026.
📞 Tel: 08 9270 4669
📧 Email: willetton@uc.nellgray.com.au
🌐 Website: nellgray.com.au
📚Extended Library Hours
We’re pleased to announce that our school library will continue to stay open until 4pm, providing students with a quiet, well-resourced space for focused study beyond the school day. This initiative supports the development of regular study habits, which are key to academic success.
Libraries are vibrant learning environments that foster curiosity, independence, and critical thinking. With extended access, students can complete assignments, revise content, access research materials and build confidence in their learning. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing every opportunity for our students to strive for their personal best.
We encourage families to discuss this opportunity with their children and consider how this additional study time might enhance their learning journey.
🗓️Library opening hours:
📕Monday to Thursday 7:30 am-4:00 pm
📗Friday 7:30 am-3:00 pm
Lainie Gara, Associate Principal Years 7-9
📣 Leaving Applecross SHS in 2026?
If your child will not be returning to Applecross Senior High School in 2026, please let us know as soon as possible by completing the form at the link below. 📝
Your early notification helps us plan effectively for the year ahead — thank you for your support.
🔗 Click here to notify us
Admin Computing
Finance Reminders
Thank you to all parents and caregivers who have paid the 2025 Contributions and Charges. If you have not made a payment, your immediate attention is requested to finalise your 2025 account. Please contact the Finance Department at your earliest convenience if you wish to discuss payment of your children’s school fees. Please be reminded that debt collectors are used for all outstanding school charges.
**Please note that if compulsory subject cost remains unpaid, students may be removed from high-cost subjects and timetabled into alternative lower-cost subjects
Finance Department
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) New Portal
Applecross SHS has launched a new Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Portal in partnership with CompNow.
By purchasing your device through this portal, you’ll benefit from:
- ✅ Special education pricing
- ⚙️ Faster setup with support from our IT Department
- 🔐 Pre-installed school essentials:
- School firewall certificate
- NAPLAN browser
This means devices arrive fully ready to operate within the school’s digital ecosystem.
📲 Visit the portal here: Applecross Senior High School Portal
👉 Click here to access the BYOD Requirements
Ben Percival, Manager Technology Communications
Back in Action: Second Hand Uniform Shop!
𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬! The P&C's 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩 is reopening just in time for spring!
Grab quality pre-loved uniforms at budget-friendly prices while supporting a more sustainable school community.
📍𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧
🗓️Term 4
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬: 7:30–8:30 𝐀𝐌 (Even Weeks Only)
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬: 2:30–3:30 𝐏𝐌 (Even Weeks Only)
💳Cash & EFTPOS accepted
👕All items are washed & ready to wear
🎁Donations welcome at the Front Office or Student Services!
P & C Committee