Parent UpdateUpdate from The Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians

The first half of Term 2 has been very positive and productive, with many indicators that students have settled into a effective work routine and are progressing well. Year 7 and 9 students recently completed NAPLAN tests, and the Year 11s and 12s are just finishing their semester exams. Good luck to our Year 10s who have their exams next week. There is information about the timing and nature of our Semester One reports on p3 of this update.

Subject SelectionsSubject Selections for 2022 are coming up soon for our Year 9 – 11 students. It is a special time for our Year 10 students who will engage in the course counselling process. We will be using the Subject Selection Online system for all year groups this year. Year 10 parents should be aware that Year 11 courses may have pre-requisites that must be met to enable students to select these courses. All Year 10 students will require a course counselling meeting to determine their courses and make sure they are well on track to their desired post-school destination. After the counselling has been completed, students and parents may be contacted for a follow-up meeting should it be required.

Year 12 Students Mock ExamsMr Lilleyman has reminded Year 12 students that Semester Two Mock exams will be conducted on Wednesday through to Friday (22nd — 24th September) during the last week of Term 3 and the second week of the Term 3 school holidays (4th — 8th October). Year 12 students who have a practical component to their final WACE exams will undertake the practical exam in Week 1 of the Term 3 school holidays (27th September — 1st October). This includes subjects such as Physical Education and Drama. Year 12 students will return in Week 2 of Term 4 to get their exam results and undertake final revision for the WACE exams. Calendar dates such as exams and other events can be imported to your personal calendar through our website by clicking on the event you wish to import and selecting the add to calendar option.

Student Absences due to Family HolidaysParents are reminded that the school is unable to approve vacations or family holidays during the school term. Therefore, these absences will be classified as ‘unauthorised’ and may impact students’ academic results.

https://applecross.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Whole-School-Assessment-Policy.pdf

WA Education AwardsBoth the School Board and the P&C are very keen to get behind the nomination process for this year’s Education Awards. This reflects the high regard that our parents have for the staff of Applecross SHS. While parents will want to nominate dozens of staff members, a committee of four parents (two Board and two P&C) will meet to shortlist one person from each category for nomination. In order to have a chance at being successful, the nomination process involves an application citing 'evidence' such as quotes from students, parents and staff members. Fortunately, a couple of the parents have had previous experience preparing these nominations, with one having previously been on the judging panel.

Parents are welcome to nominate staff members (teaching or non-teaching) by contacting Marta Pitaro (marta.pitaro@education.wa.edu.au).

School Board Meeting The next School Board meeting will be held on Thursday 17th June at 5.30 pm in the Board Room.

Best regardsPaul LeechPrincipal

Term 2 /Week 7 3rd June 2021

School Activities and Student AchievementKeep up with all the exciting activities and student achievements that occur in the school by regularly checking our webpage or Facebook pages.

Website https://applecross.wa.edu.au/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ApplecrossSeniorHighSchool/School Calendar https://applecross.wa.edu.au/calendar/Parent Update https://applecross.wa.edu.au/parents/parent-update-newsletter/

IMPORTANT DATES7th JuneWA Day Public Holiday

8th - 11th JuneYear 10 Exams

14th JuneFrench Music Day Excursion

16th JuneYear 9 Lightning Carnival

17th JuneYear 10 Parent Subject Information Night

17th JuneSchool Board Meeting

23rd JuneWorld's Greatest Shave

24th June - 2nd July Year 10 Subject Counselling

28th June - 2 JulyNAIDOC Week

30 June - 2nd JulyYear 10 & 11 Bush Camp (ATAR Art)

1st JulyNAIDOC Celebrations

2nd JulyEnd of Term 2

19th JulySchool Development Day (students do not attend)

20th JulyTerm 3 commences for students

22nd JulyYear 10 Jane Genovese Parent Evening

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL NEWS Years 7-8 — Paul Currie

Travelling to School SafelyStudent Development and Wellbeing is our number one priority at Applecross SHS. This is not only at school. It also involves safe daily travel to and from school.

I am sure you have seen our senior staff on duty after school at the main three exit points and on Riseley Street, where many of our students catch the bus. Please know that we also regularly liaise with Westfield Garden City and Transperth security to ensure any unusual occurrences are identified and dealt with quickly. In addition, members of the Executive team can regularly be seen after school in Garden City to assist our students.

Some of our recent interactions to keep your children safe have included:• Ensuring safe walkways are in place around the roadworks on Links Road• Attending an incident training simulation with Garden City staff• Liaising with our Local Member of Parliament, Mrs Kim Giddens, regarding the

irregular coverage of crossing guards on Riseley Street• The School Board is also monitoring this situation; you may remember they were

instrumental in having safety barriers erected at the bus stops.

Benefits of walking or riding to school include:• Promoting the health benefits of walking and helping to create regular walking

habits at a young age.• Assist children to develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they

become mature pedestrians.• It reduces the car dependency habits that are created at an early age and which

will be difficult to change as children become adults.• It promotes the use of Public Transport which reduces the level of air pollution

created by motor vehicles and reduces the level of traffic congestion

Parents as partners can assist by educating their children with:• Using safe travel routes: know which way your child goes to school and educate

them on the risks.• Ensure they know how to ask for help if and when needed. For example, all shop

keepers at Westfield have been told to assist school children and call Security when necessary.

• Where needed, actually model to them how to be a safe road user• Always follow road rules and the road signs when driving them• Assisting your children to become independent travellers• Parents and carers should always park safely and not enter car parks to drop off

children• Ensure your child does not use their phone or wear headphones when crossing the

road.

Finally, as we get closer to the Links Road redevelopment being complete, please be aware that this will be rezoned to a 30 KPH zone. This is part of the City of Melville’s plan to create a Safe Active Street link between Westfield Booragoon and Riseley Street. Anyone doing 60 KPH in this zone will be deemed to be 30 KMH over the speed limit, which has significant fines and demerit points attached to it. Please be careful.

Years 7-8 — Paul Currie (cont'd)End of Semester Reporting CyclePlease be advised regarding the timing and nature of our Semester One reports.

• Year 11 and 12 reports will be emailed on Friday 18th June 2021• Year 10 reports will be emailed on Tuesday the 22nd June 2021 • Year 7, 8 and 9 reports will be emailed on Friday the 2nd July 2021

Any queries regarding the delivery of reports, please email kerry.date@education.wa.edu.au.

Any queries regarding a grade or comment in your student's report can be addressed to the teacher directly.

These reports are a summative document and a record of your child's achievements during Semester One 2021. In addition, reports will include a generic comment relating to the content studied and the students' relative progress against the expected standard.

I would like to remind all parents and guardians to continue checking the Reporting to Parents section in Connect and to also liaise with teachers for 'formative feedback' such as the types listed below:

• Verbal feedback directly to the student in class• Written feedback and annotations on students' completed work• Marks shared with parents/carers and students on Connect• Attendance in lessons shared with parents/carers and students on Connect• Written feedback on Connect• Parent/Carer contact by email and phone• Individual Parent/Teacher interviews when needed• Formal whole school Parent/Teacher interviews• Rubric style feedback on a variety of assessments• Course Progress Reports• Online homework completion and progress emails• Contact from HOLAs and Academic Performance Managers.

Years 9-10 — Toni JonesYear 9 Students – Subject Selection ProcessSSO is now open for Year 9 students to make their subject selections for Year 10 2022. Instructions on how to log in are available on the Year 9 Connect Page – please refer to the PowerPoint on helpful hints on SEQTA/ SSO instructions.

The 2022 Subject Selection Handbook for Year 10 students is available on the website. The courses listed in this handbook are what is on offer in our school. There are several changes to previous years based on staffing, student need and resources available to schools.

Please note that SSO closes on Wednesday, June 16, at 4:00 pm. No further selections can be made via the online portal after this time. There is no need to print anything off once selections are made.

Year 10 Exams – Week 8 (Tuesday, June 8 – Friday, June 11)Understandably there is some anxiety surrounding the Year 10 exams next week. However, students are always encouraged to put things into perspective. Whilst exams and other assessments are an important part of the learning process. It is important to remember that this is, in fact, a "learning process". Mistakes will be made, and students need to know that it is ok. Exams are designed to seek information regarding students' understanding at the moment in time.

Listed below are several strategies students can use to decrease their anxiousness in the lead up to exams:

• Expect and accept that some level of anxiety will occur, which is a normal part of the student experience.

• Be prepared: check the location and time. Be punctual and ensure that you have all that you need. Pack your equipment the night before.

• Eat healthy foods that are good for you. For example, high energy drinks are more harmful and will have a negative impact on concentration and performance.

• Have fun – enjoying things and connecting with others can reduce anxiety.• Identify signs of anxiety – (e.g. "I am feeling jittery. I guess I am a bit nervous and about the

exam").• Practise relaxation techniques and do things that calm you down (e.g. breathing,

mindfulness, visualisation, calm uplifting music).• Learn the material thoroughly by studying each day, even for short periods, to help you feel

confident with the content.• Generate positive and encouraging self-talk/ affirmations and be your own best friend/

coach (e.g. "You can do this", "You know the material").• And finally…….Get Perspective – remind yourself that this is one of many assessments that you will complete throughout

your academic life!

“Students need to check their SEQTA

Timetable for exam room information.”

Years 9-10 — Toni Jones (cont'd)Year 10 Parent Information Evening – Subject Selection ProcessA reminder to all Year 10 parents - we will be hosting a Parent Information evening on Thursday, June 17, in the PAC, commencing at 5:30 pm. Please click here to book your place.

Years 11-12 - Rex LilleymanTAFE ApplicationsMid-year TAFE applications for full-time courses for Semester Two close on June 9. Both Year 11 and 12 students are eligible to apply. There has been a significant increase in course availability in some areas. It is important to understand that completion of TAFE courses results in an alternative entry pathway to university if that is what a student is thinking of in the future. Many students are more suited to the practical nature of a TAFE course. TAFE campuses have staff available to assist in providing information about courses and pathways into the future. There is also extensive information online for parents and students.

Exam Results ReviewAt the start of next week, students doing ATAR courses will begin to receive their results for the exams that finish this week. Hopefully, by the end of next week, all exams results will be finalised. For Year 11 students, it is their first set of exams doing ATAR courses, and results are often mixed. For some students, it marks the realisation of the level of commitment required if you choose to do ATAR courses. Please discuss the results with your children, and if you decide that ATAR is not the pathway you and your child wish to pursue, please make an appointment with either Jenny Casserly or me to discuss possible options. Some students decide that doing different ATAR courses is the solution to a poor semester one set of results. This is rarely successful as students will have missed an entire semester’s work covered at the end of year exam for that course. It can be done successfully in courses such as a change from Mathematics Methods to Mathematics Applications, but it is not likely to be successful in most courses. Changing from ATAR to General courses is likely to be successful as long as the student is willing to work hard.

Students need to have a hard look at what happened in Semester One and make the necessary changes. Many students simply do not put the hours in that are required. Without doing this, you cannot be successful in ATAR courses. As students have been told many times, ATAR is not for everyone, and students can be very successful at school and in life after school if they do courses that are suited to them at this point in their life. Universities recognise TAFE and work as legitimate alternative entry pathways in the future. Given the significant expense of a university course, we want students to be ready to do what is necessary to succeed and at 18 years of age, that is not everyone’s story.

All ATAR students need to analyse their results, talk to their teachers about specific areas of weakness and make the changes that are required to improve. They will be doing this all their life in the workforce, so it is a good process for everyone to go through. Year 12s have one more set of exams before their final WACE exams, so it is more urgent that they undertake a thorough review. It is too late to change courses in Year 12, so students need to do their best with the courses they are currently enrolled in.

ScholarshipsScholarships for university courses are continuing to appear on the university websites. They range from a few hundred dollars to many thousands. In addition, there are often other benefits such as mentoring, work placements etc. Each university will have a section on its web page with the available scholarships. In some instances, they go unclaimed because nobody applies. Please have a look at what is available and consider applying.

Defence Force Gap Year Year 12s interested in a Defence Force Gap Year should be applying now. Just use the link below for further information. A number of Applecross students have pursued this opportunity in recent years, and reports have been very positive.

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year?page=1&perPage=21&query

SUB-SCHOOL REPORT Years 7-8 — Lee Jarvinen

Our Year 7 and 8 students have made a fantastic start to the term. They are consistently upholding our school values of Personal Best and Mutual Respect, and from the data below, you can see that our staff are recognising their superb efforts. We know that the 7s and 8s will continue this for the remainder of the term.

We look forward to recognising those students who consistently display mutual respect and strive for their personal best, at our Positive Recognition assembly in Week 11.

Entries by staff on SEQTA Term 2:

Break Time Activities in the Year 7-8 Sub-School.Our Year 7 and 8 House Captains and Student Councillors have been doing a fantastic job of running a number of activities at recess and lunchtime during Term 2. Some of the House competitions have included dodgeball, basketball and indoor soccer. Students have been busy participating and earning valuable points for their House. These points count toward a significant prize at the end of the year for the winning House. Students can earn house points under the categories of citizenship, academics, attendance and activities.

Primary to High School Transition 2021Over the past 12 months, a significant amount of planning has gone into improving the transition from Primary to High School. In 2020/21, we increased the number of transition days and incorporated activities and information based on feedback from students. Applecross SHS has strengthened partnerships with local area intake Primary Schools to ensure our students felt as comfortable and connected as possible when making the leap to high school. As a staff, we have felt our current crop of Year 7 students have transitioned extremely well. We surveyed the year group to get their feedback on the 2021 transition days. Please see the results below:

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY Meeting No. 72 - 13th May 2021

During the latest Board meeting on 13 May 2021, the school’s 2021 funding agreement from the WA Department of Education was presented. In addition to the funding received based upon the school population, several targeted initiatives received additional financial support. These include the Gifted and Talented Program, funding for the School Psychologist and the delivery of Mental Health programs, and the VET program, amongst others. Additionally, the school has received a PALS grant of $1,100 to mount a plaque or install an art feature with an inscription of Acknowledgement of Country in English and the local indigenous dialect. PALS signifies Partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, Acceptance and valuing Aboriginal perspectives, Learning about each other, and Sharing our journey to healing and reconciliation.

The Student Council updated the members on the proposal to install cashless payments at the school canteen and the preparations for making the presentation to the P&C members for a final decision. Watch this space.

Mr Jarvinen presented several student wellbeing initiatives to the members, reflecting on Student Services successes over the past 12 months. These include implementing the Positive Education programs, increasing recognition of students for positive behaviours, and the reinvigoration of the school’s House system. Mr Jarvinen also demonstrated the Pastoral Care section of the school’s website, including the “School TV” links that provide resources for wellbeing and children’s mental health. This is a fantastic resource available to all students and parents – please take a few moments to have a look!

Finally, Mr Currie presented some lessons learned from last year’s COVID-19 lockdowns, comparing our school’s response with other 'like schools' in Perth. In summary, our school is well-prepared for any future COVID-19 lockdowns, and the Board will be promoting these findings in more detail in future newsletters.

Damien EwingtonSchool Board Member

Next Meeting17th June

World's Greatest Shaveby Lachlan Silberstein - Year 12 Coordinator

This Year, our Year 12 students are once again taking part in the World's Greatest Shave to help the leukaemia foundation combat blood cancer.

The main event is set for recess and lunchtime on the 23rd of June. We already have a team of awesome staff and students raising funds by committing to shaving their heads or chopping off over 20cms of hair to donate to cancer research and wig production for those who have lost their hair. The team have already raised an amazing $6856.30, with many weeks still to go before the shave.

You can donate to our team page by following the link on this post, or you can donate to an individual student by finding their personal page on the Greatest Shave website. A huge congratulations and thank you to all our students getting involved in the day - it should be a memorable one. Click here to donate.

Health Centre Newsby Pauline Chambers - Community Health Nurse

I have noticed a few students coming to school unwell, to sit a test, then are wanting to go home.If your child is unwell, please do not send them to school.

Unfortunately, this is how these bugs go on and on. It is unfair for students/staff who are well to be unnecessarily exposed. When your child gets sick with the flu, keeping them home from school can help them recover faster. It also helps prevent the virus from spreading to other children and staff members in the school, which is critical to keeping everyone as healthy as possible.

Please contact your child’s classroom teacher to let them know they cannot attend the test due to ill health. Please remind your children to bring water with them to school. Also, remind them to wash their hands and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Take care.

eyes on VET by Melinda Kennington - VET Manager

Welcome to another edition of Eyes on VET!

VET Connect Interviews have been taking place over the past week, and it has been such a pleasure to meet with the students to discuss their future career plans and how they would like to use the VET Connect pathway to help them reach their goals. Most students have come to their interviews well prepared with notes and questions, and it has been wonderful to hear them identify their skills and their positive personality traits.

This interview process provides students with the opportunity to experience what a real interview is like. We had a large number of applicants this year, with a total number of 70 students submitting applications for the VET Connect program.

I wish all students the best during the interview process. Students who are not successful in gaining a place in the VET Connect program will be given the opportunity to meet with me to discuss the P2C (Pathway to Careers) and its criteria so that they may still be able to access an external course, School-Based Traineeships, or Workplace Learning.I look forward to welcoming the successful applicants into the program for 2022.

Spotlight on Career DevelopmentCareer Development is the buzzword across Australia and the State at the moment and will be for some time into the future. However, with the increased opportunities for students to access a variety of career pathways while still at school and gain entry to university through alternative pathways, there is a lot to learn to keep up-to-date.

Included in the series of Career Development is Everybody’s Business events, webinars have been organised for schools, parents and the community.

The webinars are designed to summarise the events and touch on the key messages and point to the resources available through this project. Further details and links for registration can be found below.

The next Parent and Community Event will be online:

Thursday, 10 June at 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm Participants will hear from education and training representatives about:

• how they can best support young people;• what employers are looking for;• where the jobs are; and• where to find up-to-date career pathway and labour

market information.

A recording of the webinar will be available after the event for those who have registered.

Please click on the link below for registration details:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/career-development-is-everybodys-business-online-parent-and-community-tickets-156037118221

eyes on VET by Melinda Kennington - VET Manager

Snapshots around the workplace....

… Yasmeen Neoh (Year 10), who recently signed up for a School-Based Traineeship at McDonald’s, where she will complete a Certificate II in Retail Services.

Please keep your eyes on VET in the next Parent Update.

Best wishesMelinda Kennington VET Manager

Annika Bridger atThe Nest Hair Boutique

Bianca-Lillie Clack atDepartment of Health

Gabriel Halden at ICM Group

Isabella Pitaro atBelmont Oasis Leisure Centre

Study & Play USA has successfully facilitated scholarship opportunities for students across Australia for over a decade.

Applecross State High SchoolTuesday the 15th at 6pm

Location: Auditorium

studyandplayusa.com.au | CREATING USA COLLEGE EXPERIENCES

USA College Scholarships Information Session

• How to Maximise Academic and Sporting Scholarships

• Why an Aussie student-athlete is the ideal US college recruit

• Academic and athletic eligibility matters

• How to get started!

Hear from Study & Play USA, Australia’s largest US College Sports Recruiting Company.

LEARN ABOUT

Library Newsby Kerri Gur - Library Officer

The Library is celebrating everything Tolkien with Middle Earth Month this June. We have four competitions that encompass both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies. Come and check out the great prizes on offer.

Tolkien competition sheets and information can be found in the Library. Entries close Monday, June 28th.

Special Tennis Program FundraiserContainers for Change MyareeIf you happen to be dropping empty bottles and cans off at the Myaree depot, you can enter the code C10427109, and the proceeds will go to the Applecross Tennis Program.

Grill’d ApplecrossThroughout June, the Applecross Tennis Program will have a jar where you can enter tokens and support the program. So please head on down, grab a burger and a token and drop it into the correct jar!

Facebook/Website Highlights

Visit our Facebook/Website to read about the achievements and events/activities held over the last couple of weeks.

Website https://applecross.wa.edu.au/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ApplecrossSeniorHighSchool

Japan Club

2021 SSWA Cross Country Championships

Year 10 VET Connect Information Night

After-school Sports

Community Notices

JULY EXAM PREPARATION & REVISION PROGAMS

Tuition for all students Year 7 to 12

Including OLNA Week One

5-9 July - Christ Church

Grammar School

Week Two 12-16 July

- Hale School - Guildford Grammar School - Ashdale Secondary College

The July School Holiday Programs will offer students comprehensive subject revision. These classes assist in preparing students for their Second Semester Exams.

*20% school discount per subject*

ENROL NOW www.mastermindaustralia.com.au

MASTERMIND AUSTRALIA Ph: 9342 2000 mob: 0488 102 907

email: admin@mastermindaustralia.com.au

STEM WORKSHOP For Years 9, 10,11 & 12

Register at: https://www.trybooking.com/BRDPM

More information can be found at: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/engineering/community-activity/stem-program-for-high-schools

ACTIVITIES • Robotics • Civil Engineering

DATES One day workshops on: 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 July 2021

TIME 9:15 AM – 3:00 PM

LOCATION ECU Joondalup Campus Building 23

ENQUIRIES E se-create@ecu.edu.au T (08) 6304 2924

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON 23 June 2021

Registration is free!

Inviting students to come and explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in an interactive and engaging environment through the CREATE program designed and developed by ECU School of Engineering.