Principal's Report
Principal Report
As we move further into Term 2, the change in weather is certainly being felt, with crisp mornings and cooler days reminding us that Winter is not far away. Please ensure students are coming to school with appropriate warm clothing as we settle into the colder months.
A reminder to families that this Thursday (May 7th) is a gazetted public holiday for the Warrnambool and Moyne regions, meaning there will be no school for students due to the May Races. This can sometimes be a tricky time for families living close to the Corangamite Shire, where the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday is observed later in the year.
It is also that time of year where we begin the process of enrolments for 2027, particularly for Prep and Year 7 students. A reminder to families that Year 6 enrolment forms for 2027 are due back by Friday 8th May. If families would like to discuss enrolment options or arrange a personal tour of the College, please contact the office and we will happily organise a suitable time. We also encourage our current families to share this information within the community.
A huge congratulations to our VCE Theatre Studies students, who presented their performance of 100 on Friday night. The quality of each student’s performance was outstanding, and they should be incredibly proud of their work. It was a fantastic showcase of their dedication, creativity and confidence on stage.
Thank you to all families who supported their child’s learning by attending the Student-Parent-Teacher Learning Conferences last Thursday. These conversations are incredibly valuable in strengthening the partnership between home and school. I would also like to remind families that you are always welcome to meet with your child’s teacher at any time throughout the year, there is no need to wait for scheduled conference days. Simply contact the school to arrange a time.
We were proud to have a strong representation of students at the Mortlake ANZAC Day Service on Saturday 25th April. ANZAC Day is an important opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served, and to recognise the freedoms and opportunities we have today as a result. It is vital that we continue to honour these traditions and ensure future generations understand their significance.
A reminder to families that we are continuing to see issues with students having and using mobile phones at school. As per Department policy, mobile phones are not to be used during school hours. If a student has their phone on them, it will be confiscated and can be collected from the office at the end of the school day. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation with your child.
I would also like to acknowledge the current AEU industrial action taking place across Victoria. While these processes can sometimes create uncertainty, they play an important role in advocating for safe working conditions and the ongoing improvement of quality education for all staff and students.
At Mortlake College, we remain focused on ensuring continuity of learning and support for our students. Regardless of the outcomes of this process, our commitment remains the same - to always put our students first and provide a safe, supportive and high-quality learning environment for every child.
When elements of this action may impact students and families, we will always endeavour to provide you with relevant information in a timely manner.
At Mortlake College, wellbeing is central to everything we do. We recognise that students learn best when they feel safe, supported and connected. Wellbeing support may look different for each student and can include regular check-ins with staff, structured breaks, leadership opportunities, or participation in targeted programs.
At times, when checking your child’s attendance, you may see ‘wellbeing meeting’ recorded. This indicates that your child is not in their regular class at that time and may instead be accessing support, taking a regulated break, attending a scheduled meeting, or working with a staff member to ensure they are ready to return to learning.
If you would like further clarification about the ‘wellbeing meeting’ code, please contact the school and we will be happy to provide more specific individualised information for your child.
Mother’s Day
We are looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day across the College this week and extend our appreciation to all mothers and special friends ahead of this Sunday. Thank you for the care, support and encouragement you provide to our students each and every day.
Primary students will have the opportunity to purchase gifts from the Mother’s Day Stall on Wednesday 6th May, with items ranging from $1–$8.
On Friday afternoon at 2:30pm, we warmly invite mums and special friends to attend our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea with our Primary students. Please remember to RSVP for catering purposes - we would love to see you there.
Student Mobile Phones at School
A reminder to families that students are not permitted to use mobile phones during the school day. This expectation is in line with the Victorian Department of Education’s Mobile Phones Policy, which applies to all government schools.
The purpose of this policy is to:
• Support student wellbeing and mental health• Reduce distractions and improve focus on learning
• Promote positive social interactions during recess and lunchtime
• Minimise issues related to online safety, cyberbullying and misuse of devices
Mobile phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely for the duration of the school day. Students can access school phones via the General Office if they need to contact home, and families can contact students through the school if required.
Please note that mobile phones will be confiscated if they are used inappropriately during the school day. Devices will be managed in line with our school’s student engagement and wellbeing processes.
We appreciate the support of families in reinforcing this expectation with students. By working together, we help create a safe, calm and focused learning environment for all.
2027 Student Enrolments
It is that time of year when we begin preparing for our 2027 Foundation (Prep) and Year 7 enrolments. Early planning is an important part of ensuring we can effectively support all students, allocate resources, and create a smooth and positive transition into our College.
Year 7 enrolment packs have now been sent home to all Year 6 students. Please ensure that placement forms are completed and returned by Friday 8 May. If you require another copy or know of a family in the area who would like an enrolment pack, please contact the school and we will be happy to assist.
We are also offering tours and information sessions, which provide families with an opportunity to learn more about our programs, facilities, and the strong sense of community at Mortlake College.
We encourage our current families to actively promote the College and share this information with friends, neighbours and members of the wider community who may have children starting Prep or Year 7 in 2027. Your support plays an important role in helping us plan for the future and continue to grow a strong and connected school community.
Parent Payments
Thank you to all families who are up to date with their Parent Payments or are currently on a payment plan. Your contributions make a significant difference to our college and directly support the programs, resources, and opportunities we are able to provide for our students.
We ask all families to please familiarise themselves with the Parent Payment Policy. As outlined, all extra-curricular activities are offered on a user-pays basis. The college is committed to providing advance notice of these opportunities, so families have time to plan and budget accordingly.
Parent Payments are critical in enabling the college to deliver high-quality programs, resources, and experiences that best support student learning, engagement, and wellbeing. We greatly appreciate your support in ensuring these contributions are made.
We kindly ask that families make every effort to finalise their 2026 Parent Payments as soon as possible. If you have any questions or require support with payment options, please contact the office.
Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) – Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), which helps eligible families cover the costs of school camps, excursions and sporting activities.
In 2026, the CSEF payment has increased to $400 per eligible student, for both primary and secondary students. This is a significant increase from previous years and is designed to further support student participation in important school experiences.
Who is eligible?
Families may be eligible to apply if they:
- Hold a valid means-tested concession card
- Are foster parents
- Have students aged 16 years and over who are considered mature minors and hold a valid concession card
- recently arrived asylum seeker or refugee families (special consideration category)
Important dates
- Applications close on 26th June 2026
Families who received CSEF funding in 2025 do not need to submit a new application for 2026 unless their family circumstances have changed. We are able to copy applications from 2025 to 2026.
Families who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to contact the school office for an application form or further information.
Our school team is always here to support our students and families. Please reach out to us at any time if you have questions or need assistance.
Linda Mooseek
Mortlake P-12 College Principal
