Principal's Message

Dear Applecross SHS Families,

It is a privilege to join the Applecross Senior High School community, and I am grateful for the warmth and care I have received during my first two weeks in the role of substantive School Principal. As I complete my second week on campus, my first impressions have been extremely positive. It is clear that Applecross is a school characterised by pride, opportunity and community. A place where anything is possible.

During this time, I have had the opportunity to meet our School Captains, Milla and Jett, the P&C, the School Board, the Senior Leadership Team, and Principals from across the South Metropolitan region at the recent Principals’ Conference. I also enjoyed attending my first year group assembly with our Year 12 students. It has been a period filled with introductions to the many groups and networks that help shape the wonderful work occurring at Applecross each day.

Through these conversations, I have listened and learned about the strengths of our school and the aspirations of our students. The insights shared by those I have met are invaluable as I begin my journey here.

By way of background, I am originally from Perth and most recently served as Principal of Geraldton Senior High School for the past two and a half years. Prior to this, I was Associate Principal at Churchlands Senior High School for nine years, during a time of significant growth and change. These experiences have prepared me well for the continued development and projected expansion at Applecross, including future building programs and enrolment growth.

Throughout my career, I have also worked at Ellenbrook Secondary College, Swan View Senior High School and Karratha Senior High School, and I spent a year teaching in two international schools in Japan. I began my career as a Japanese teacher and have also taught senior secondary English.

On a personal note, I am a proud mum to Rayne and Violet, aged 7 and 8. As a family, we enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, including swimming, cycling, hiking and travelling, which are some of our favourite activities. We recently returned from a family trip to Finland, Austria and Italy before relocating back to Perth to begin this new chapter.

I look forward to embedding myself in the Applecross school community and working alongside families, staff and young people to continue building on the strong foundations already in place.

Kind regards

 

Karena Shearing, Principal, Applecross SHS