Parent Update

Whole School News

Why We Have a School Dress Code

As we return to school for Term 3, I would like to remind parents of the requirement for students to wear the correct school uniform. Winter is the most problematic time for variations to the uniform to appear; however, there are a number of options that are available through Uniform Concepts in Willetton. The Applecross Senior High School Board has endorsed the School Dress Code as outlined by the Department of Education policy. All students are expected to adhere to it. 

 

There are a number of reasons why uniforms are important:

  • Security of students is of paramount importance. Uniforms allow easy identification of Applecross students. Fortunately, it is rare in this school that outsiders enter the school premises. On these rare occasions, it makes them easily identifiable.

  • Uniforms reduce peer pressure and competition between students over clothing choices.

  • These days, many workplaces require staff to wear a uniform. Many students with part-time jobs already do so. It reinforces the message that uniforms are a normal part of a person’s life, and many of them will be required to wear them during their working lives.

  • It is the start of a student’s structured day. You put your uniform on, get to school on time and take school seriously when you get there. You don’t need to make decisions about what you wear. The uniform contributes to a more structured environment, and with 2000 students in the school, this is important.

  • Wearing the school uniform instils a sense of belonging in our school community. It reinforces our shared values. 
  • Schools are not places for students to become free advertisers for multinational companies with large logos on their clothes.

The vast majority of students adhere to these requirements every day without question. That is what Applecross students do. Students who do not follow the requirements of the school will not be permitted to attend extracurricular activities unrelated to their courses. At these events, staff must be confident that when an instruction is given (often for safety reasons), the students will follow it. If they can’t follow a clear instruction regarding uniform, we can’t be confident they will follow them in a less structured environment, such as an optional social event organised for them outside of school, supervised by staff on a volunteer basis.

 

The school dress code is a very simple policy to follow, and we appreciate all the students who comply every day. We value the support of parents in ensuring your children come appropriately attired for school.

Rex Lilleyman, Associate Principal Student Services

Finance Reminders

Thank you to all parents and caregivers who have paid the School Contributions and Charges for 2025.  If you have not made a payment, your immediate attention is requested in finalising your account for 2025.  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.

Finance Department

Wellbeing & Engagement Census

Young people’s sense of wellbeing is an important part of how they learn at school. The purpose of the survey is to seek students’ views about their wellbeing and their engagement with school.  Students in year levels 7 to 12 in WA schools will be invited to participate in the Wellbeing and Engagement Census. The information collected will help the education system and broader community to support young people’s health and wellbeing.

 

What is the survey about?

The survey asks students about their social and emotional wellbeing, school relationships and engagement, learning in school, physical health and wellbeing, and after-school activities. Students’ answers will be kept confidential – no one (including school staff) will use the results to identify individual students.

 

Will students’ information be kept confidential?

The Department of Education takes measures to ensure students’ personal information and their identities remain anonymous when participating in the survey.

 

Students who may want to speak to an adult about concerns or issues will be supported to do so by the Student Services team.

 

Where can I get more information?

Further information on the Wellbeing and Engagement Census can be found at www.education.sa.gov.au (search:wec) or can be collected from the school.  For questions or concerns, or to view the questions, please email Education.WEC@sa.gov.au.

 

Students will be completing the census during Core in Week 3. Students will require their device on this day.

  

If you have any questions, please reach out to your relevant Program Coordinator.

 

Program Coordinators - Student Services

Learning to Learn

The Power of Reflection and Goal Setting

 

At Applecross SHS, we have high expectations of all students and support them to strive for their PERSONAL BEST. We recognise that students are much more likely to achieve their personal best when they understand themselves as learners, establish challenging goals and think about the strategies they might use to achieve them. 

 

Goal setting can help students build competence, establish autonomy, cultivate interest in learning, and alter their perceptions of their own abilities. (Usher & Kober, 2012)

 

Sue Kovacevic, Teaching & Learning 

Upcoming Changes to BYOD Policy & Purchase Portal for 2026

 

We’re currently updating our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy and purchase portal in preparation for the 2026 school year.

 

The new BYOD portal will go live within the next two weeks, and we’ll include full details in the next parent update. If you're planning to purchase a device for your child, please wait for the updated policy and supporting documents, which will soon be available on our school website.

 

Thank you for your continued support as we work to ensure students have access to the best tools for learning.

 

Ben Percival, ICT Manager

Shaping Healthy Masculinity

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

 

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

 

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

 

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them. 

 

Here is the link to your Special Report 

https://applecross.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-shaping-healthy-masculinity-au

 

SchoolTV