Principal's Message
As we approach the end of another busy and rewarding year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support. Your partnership with our school has been invaluable in helping our students thrive. The final week can be challenging as we keep students engaged, but I am confident that, together, we will finish the year on a positive note.
Farewell and Thank You
At the end of this year, we will say goodbye to several staff members who have contributed significantly to Applecross Senior High School. Some are taking long service leave or maternity leave, others are retiring, and a few will rejoin us in 2026 and 2027. Their dedication and passion have made a lasting impact on our students and community. We wish them every success in the exciting chapters ahead.
| Staff Member | Learning Area | Reason for Departure |
|---|---|---|
| Fleur Cason | Arts | On Leave |
| Taneeka Grant | Arts | Promotion |
| Nicole Ryan | Arts | New Opportunities |
| Stuart Carr | D&T | Promotion |
| Sara Morris | Education Assistant | Retirement |
| Kim Darling | English | Retirement |
| Sue Kovacevic | English | Retirement |
| Amy Ralph | English | New Opportunities |
| Charisma Valerie | French | Transfer |
| Don Campbell | Gardener | Retirement |
| Florina Geroff | HaSS | New Opportunities |
| Kerry Love | HaSS | On Leave |
| Claire Mowday | HaSS | Transfer |
| Ilsa Wallner | HaSS | Promotion |
| Astrid Jackson | Home Economics | Retirement |
| Cass Jacobs | Home Economics | On Leave |
| Elizabeth Morgan | Home Economics | Retirement |
| Ami Munekata | Language Assistant | End of Contract |
| Manon Petit | Language Assistant | End of Contract |
| Marta Pitaro | Marketing & Media Officer | Promotion |
| Richard Bellis | Math | Retirement |
| Murray Coleman | Math | Retirement |
| Alison Lethlean | Math | Retirement |
| Paul Leech | Principal | Retirement |
| Jan Michell | Relief Coordinator | Retirement |
| Ric Boelen | Science | On Leave |
| Teale Gordon | Science | On Leave |
| Ray Raphael | Science | Retirement |
| Annie Smith | Science | End of Contract |
| Alex McKinnon | Student Services | On Leave |
| Angie Thomas | Vice Principal | Promotion |
Welcome to the new staff joining us in 2026
| Staff Member | Learning Area | Staff Member | Learning Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estelle Druskovich | Arts | Abbie Cuthbert | Health and Phys Ed |
| Gabrielle Wilson | Arts | Marina Havenstein | Home Economics |
| John Matthews | D&T | Emma Payne | Home Economics |
| Zari Simmons | Dance | Elinor Howe | Math |
| Rachel Ng | English | Shane Easton | Principal |
| Michelle Shannon | English | Stella Masters | Science |
| Andrew Manera | HaSS | Amanda McGuire | Science |
| Simon Thomson | HaSS | Rachael Raphael | Science |
| Kateryna Vaishengolts | HaSS | Erin Russell | Science |
Year 10 LEAP Week
Congratulations to our Year 10 students for their outstanding participation in Core Camps and Work Experience during Week 9. Feedback from students, staff, and employers has been overwhelmingly positive—a testament to our students' excellent attitude and behaviour. Thank you to families for supporting these experiences.
School Board Awards
We are proud to announce that several staff members and community members will be recognised with School Board Awards on Monday, 15 December. These awards celebrate exceptional contributions to our school community. Congratulations to Lachlan Silberstein, Ric Boelen, Emma Coyne, Tamika Enderweit, Jan Michell, Rex Lilleyman, and parent Milena Fratini.
Welcome, 2026 Year 7s
Our 2026 Year 7 students have now completed their transition days and left feeling confident and excited about joining Applecross SHS. Thank you to all parents who attended the information sessions—your involvement helps set the tone for a positive start.
Important Dates for 2026
- Reception closes: Friday 19 December at 3.30 pm
- Reception reopens: Tuesday 27 January at 8.00 am
Students return: Monday 2 February
We will begin the year with a whole-school assembly in the Agora (weather permitting), followed by classes. Please remind students to wear hats and use sun protection during outdoor activities.
NAPLAN Results
For your information and interest, we have attached a summary of our 2025 NAPLAN results, highlighting key trends and areas of growth across the school.
Thank you once again for your support throughout the year. I hope you enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends, and I wish you and the Applecross SHS community every success in 2026 and beyond.
Warm regards,
Angie Thomas, A/Principal