Principal's Message

Dear Applecross SHS Families,

This week the school has celebrated NAIDOC Week and its theme, “50 Years of Deadly”. This theme celebrates five decades of NAIDOC Week and recognises the strength, resilience and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The school has celebrated the week with a whole school smoking ceremony and student performances, a yarning circle with a group of Aboriginal community members and student leaders, a series of activities delivered through Core groups and much more. 

The school has a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) that provides a framework to improve the school’s cultural responsiveness. This year the school has made progress in several areas, including the renaming of the school houses and mascots, strengthening the student wellbeing support and structures, and establishing a partnership with Self-Made Incorporated providing an opportunity for Aboriginal students to connect with culture. Staff have also proposed exciting initiatives such as Two-Way Science and the creation of a Yarning Circle, which will continue to build understanding, connection and opportunities for all students. We look forward to continuing this journey with students, families and the wider community in progressing the work to be a culturally responsive school. 

We are strengthening leadership at Applecross Senior High School for 2027 and beyond. 

Applecross is growing. Our enrolment is projected to rise from 2000 students to approximately 2600 over the next five to seven years, and we are now planning to ensure that growth is matched by the support our students and staff need. 

From 2027, we will expand our Executive Team by adding a couple of additional Executive leadership members. This leadership will be organised around three areas: Teaching and Learning, Students (care and wellbeing), and People and Culture (staff development and school improvement). 

Practically, this means more leaders working directly with teachers and students, and more capacity for the long-term work of improving teaching and learning rather than managing day-to-day operations. It does not change your child's classes, teachers, or the way you engage with the school and how you support your child’s learning. 

Once appointments are finalised, we will introduce you to the leaders in each area, so you know who to contact and when. 

As Applecross grows, our commitment stays the same. Every student should be known, supported, and challenged to achieve their personal best. This change is about protecting that as the school gets larger. If you have questions, please contact the school office. 

Thank you for your continued support of our school community. 

Take care,

Karena

 

Karena Shearing, Principal, Applecross SHS