Whole School News

Celebrating Outstanding Results in Literacy and Numeracy Testing

I am delighted to attach our recent NAPLAN results. As you can see, most of our students attained a Strong or Exceeding standard. Achieving these great test results in national standardised testing for literacy and numeracy is a significant milestone.

Year 7 NAPLAN 2025 Summary Report

* In the “box-and-whisker diagram”, the highlighted orange proficiency level shows where the median score is located. The boxes illustrate the interquartile range of the cohort. Elements of the box plot that fall outside of the graph area are not displayed.

Year 9 NAPLAN 2025 Summary Report

Whilst these are one-off tests, standardised testing can be an essential benchmark for assessing student achievement and school performance. Here are some of the reasons we are so pleased with the results.

1. Validation of Teaching Effectiveness

Demonstrates Quality Instruction: High test scores reflect the effectiveness of our teaching strategies and curriculum implementation. We can take pride in knowing that our pedagogical approaches successfully enhanced student learning outcomes.
Encourages Teacher Morale: Positive results boost teacher confidence and morale, reinforcing our commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. When our teachers see their students succeed, it validates hard work and dedication.

2. Enhanced Student Confidence and Motivation

Empowerment Through Achievement: Great test results can significantly boost students' self-esteem and motivation. Students who perform well are more likely to feel empowered and encouraged to set higher academic goals.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Success in standardised tests fosters a culture of achievement, where students learn that hard work and dedication lead to positive outcomes. This aligns with Applecross SHS's vision of encouraging students to achieve their personal best.

3. Data-Driven Decision Making

Informed Curriculum Development: Standardised test results provide valuable data that can be used to identify curriculum strengths and weaknesses. This data-driven approach allows for targeted improvements in teaching practices and resource allocation.
Tailored Interventions: We can identify specific areas where students struggle by analysing test results. This enables us to implement targeted interventions and support systems to help all students achieve their full potential.

4. Alignment with School Improvement Priorities

Focus on Student Achievement and Wellbeing: High test results align with Applecross SHS's commitment to student achievement and wellbeing. They reflect the school's dedication to fostering a positive culture of growth and inclusivity, ensuring that every student is welcomed and supported.
Collective Teacher Efficacy: Achieving great test results reinforces the concept of collective teacher efficacy, where educators work collaboratively to maximise student outcomes. This shared commitment to excellence is crucial for ongoing school improvement.

Ultimately, these results reflect our commitment to fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their personal best while cultivating mutual respect within the school community. Join us in celebrating these successes so we can continue to inspire students and pave the way for a bright future in education.

Paul Currie, Associate Principal Years 7-9

Learning to Learn

Note-Taking

It sounds easy, but it’s actually quite a complex skill that consists of the five phases below. We explicitly teach the note-taking process because it is so essential to learning. In previous Parent Updates, I have provided a brief summary of the first four Phases. Today, we are focusing on Phase Four.

Phase 5: Applying the Learning

Note-taking always has a purpose, and your child’s notes, with all the layers of interaction, are key to the successful completion of learning tasks and assessments. The whole process of note-taking has improved long-term retention and deepened understanding, increasing the likelihood of academic success. It is in this final phase that students also self-reflect on the effectiveness of their notes as a study tool, and adapt their note-taking process and techniques accordingly.

Sue Kovacevic, Teaching & Learning

OLNA, Term 3, Weeks 8 – 9, 2025

Some Year 12, Year 11 and Year 10 students are due to sit the OLNA during Term 3, from Monday 8 September to Friday 19 September 2025. The OLNA provides students with the opportunity to successfully demonstrate the minimum standards of literacy and numeracy required for the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) awards the WACE at the end of Year 12 to students who have met all the requirements.

The OLNA consists of three components: writing, reading, and numeracy. The reading and numeracy components are comprised of 45 multiple‐choice questions, whilst the writing component is an extended response of up to 600 words. Students are allowed 50 minutes for the reading and numeracy components and 60 minutes for the writing.

If your child becomes unwell during the first week of testing, the Reading and Numeracy tests can be rescheduled to the second week of the testing window. However, the Writing test must be completed within the first two days of the testing window.

Students who have previously completed the OLNA will have received a list of the skills and understandings that they found challenging in the previous OLNA and should take the time to develop these skills using the OLNA Support website at https://olna.com.au. To maximise their chances of success, students are encouraged to complete the relevant Skill Builders for at least one hour, twice a week, leading up to the assessment period. This will also help them become familiar with the test format.

As the testing date draws nearer, the OLNA schedule will become visible in your child’s SEQTA timetable. This information can be found by scrolling forward in your child’s SEQTA timetable. Please ensure that your child is aware of their individual test requirements, dates, times, and locations. All tests will be held during Period 2, CORE and Period 3. Students completing tests in Period 3 will finish the test during Period 4 and return to their regular class within the hour. Tests will be conducted in Rooms C115 or C116, and attendance will be marked there.

It is important that students familiarise themselves with the online assessment software. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority provides access to practice and example tests on a secure website. The link to the secure website for practice and example tests is as follows:

Website: http://assess.scsa.wa.edu.au

Username: 4002

Password: prac14

If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 9314 9362 or donna.levar-uppill@education.wa.edu.au

Donna Levar-Uppill, School Assessment Coordinator

Applecross SHS Presents: Into the Woods JR

We are thrilled to invite you to the Applecross Senior High School production of Into the Woods JR, a magical musical adventure that brings beloved fairy tale characters to life on stage!

Based on the book by James Lapine, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and originally directed on Broadway by Lapine himself, this junior adaptation captures all the charm, wit, and wonder of the original in a performance perfect for all ages.

🗣️ “It’s time to go… into the woods!” Join us as our talented students take you on a journey through enchanted forests, unexpected twists, and heartfelt lessons.

📅 Performance Dates and Times:

Friday 22 August: 7-9 pm
Saturday 23 August: 7-9 pm
Sunday 24 August: 2-4 pm
Sunday 24 August: 7-9 pm

🎟️ Tickets: Available now via TryBooking🔗 www.trybooking.com/DDBVW

Drama Department