Mortlake College Messenger

Principal's Report 

Principal Report

As we reach the midway point of Term 3, it’s hard to believe how quickly the term is moving! There’s a great energy across the college, with students from Prep to Year 12 engaged in rich learning experiences, demonstrating excellent focus in the classroom, and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.

Today we were pleased to welcome back Mrs Anne DeManser, who has been on leave for the past four weeks. We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Mr Nathan Jones, who stepped into the role of Acting Assistant Principal during this time. His dedication and leadership were greatly appreciated.

 

Bush Fire Ready

With the warmer weather and lengthening days of spring just around the corner, we’ve also been turning our attention to the upcoming bushfire season and the annual planning and safety measures needed to manage foreseeable risks.

We have been advised that Mortlake College’s Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) rating remains at Category 3. This means the school will close on any day declared ‘Catastrophic’ in the Southwest Fire District. We encourage families to familiarise themselves with this important information, and to also begin bushfire preparedness at home.

 

Senior Students

Our senior students are currently in the process of selecting their 2026 subject pathways, and it’s been wonderful to see them thoughtfully considering their future goals and interests. Last Monday, we were thrilled to have such marvellous support from families and students at our Senior Pathways Information Night. It was fantastic to see so many engaged in planning for the future and exploring the diverse opportunities available in the senior years.

A huge thank you to Mr Nathan Jones and Mrs Liz Fowler for their time and effort in organising this important event. Thank you also to the staff who attended and supported the night — your presence and guidance are invaluable in helping our students make confident, informed decisions about their 2026 subject selections. These decisions are an important step as they shape their final years of schooling, and we thank our staff and families for their ongoing support and guidance during this time.

 

Celebrating Science Week 2025

Last week, our students thoroughly enjoyed participating in a variety of Science Week activities across the school. It was wonderful to see their curiosity sparked, teamwork in action, and enthusiasm for exploring the world around them.

Science plays a vital role in developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of the natural world—skills that are essential for our students’ futures in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

This year, Science Week 2025 celebrated the theme “Innovating for the Future”, encouraging students to think creatively about how science and technology can solve real-world challenges and improve lives.

Thank you to our wonderful science teachers, Olivia Campbell and Kate Brown, who supported these activities, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem solvers!

 

Bullying No Way Week 2025

Last week, our students acknowledged Bullying No Way Week, Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative. This important week unites schools and communities to find meaningful solutions to prevent bullying and promote respect.

The theme for 2025 is “All Equal, All Different, All Together”.

When everyone feels they belong, bullying struggles to find a place. This theme reminds us of the importance of embracing who we are, respecting differences, and standing together against unkindness.

This message closely links to our school values of Respect, Kindness, and Growth Mindset. By living these values every day, we create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We are encouraged to speak up, support one another, and create safe spaces where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard.

Thank you to our students, and staff, for acknowledging the importance of this week and helping to build a kinder, more inclusive Mortlake College community.

 

Book Week 2025 – “Book Your Own Adventure!”

We’re excited to be celebrating Book Week throughout this week, with the theme “Book Your Own Adventure” – a wonderful reminder that books can take us anywhere, spark imagination, and empower every reader to explore new worlds.

Dress-Up Day – Friday, August 22ndTo mark the occasion, students are invited to come dressed as their favourite book character on Friday, August 22nd. This is always a highlight of the year, and we can’t wait to see the creative and adventurous costumes!

Story Walk – Featuring Gerald the GiraffeAs part of the celebrations, I will be leading a Story Walk, dressed as Gerald the Giraffe from the much-loved book Giraffes Can’t Dance. Students will follow Gerald’s journey through the school grounds, engaging with the story’s uplifting message about self-belief, individuality, and dancing to your own tune.

We’re looking forward to a week full of reading, creativity, and fun. Thank you for helping us celebrate the power of stories and the joy of adventure through books!

 

Exciting Additions to Our Wellbeing Team

We’re very pleased to announce two new additions to our wellbeing support team, who will be joining us in the coming weeks to further enhance the support we provide to students, staff, and families across the college.

Clare Rounds – Mental Health Practitioner

Clare will be starting at the beginning of Term 4 and will be working at the college two days a week. This important role, funded by the Department of Education, is part of a state-wide initiative to strengthen mental health support in Victorian secondary schools.

Clare will:

  • Provide short-term, targeted mental health support for students
  • Deliver preventative and whole-school wellbeing programs
  • Assist staff in responding to student mental health and wellbeing needs
  • Work closely with families and external support services

Jeanie Smith – Student Engagement Support

We’re also excited to welcome Jeanie Smith, who will begin working in our Primary classrooms on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting September 2nd.

Jeanie will provide small group and individual support for students, helping them to build strategies that encourage positive engagement, emotional regulation, and improved behaviour.

These two roles represent a valuable investment in the wellbeing of our students and will play a vital role in supporting a safe, inclusive, and thriving learning environment for all.

 

Finalising Prep and Year 7 2026 Student Enrolments

As we move through Term 3, we are currently in the process of finalising enrolments for Prep and Year 7 for 2026. This is an important step in our planning for the year ahead, and we encourage any families who have not yet submitted their enrolment forms to do so as soon as possible.

Early confirmation of enrolments is vital as it allows us to:

  • Accurately plan class structures and staffing
  • Ensure smooth transition programs for new students
  • Prepare appropriate resourcing and support for all year levels
  • Maintain strong communication with families throughout the process

If you have a child starting Prep or Year 7 in 2026, or know of a family considering enrolment at Mortlake College, please contact the office or visit the college for further information and enrolment forms.

We look forward to welcoming all students and ensuring they have a positive and successful start to their educational journey at Mortlake College.

 

Parent - Caregiver - Guardian Opinion Survey 

Opens Monday 18th August and closes Friday, 19th September

Your opinions are important to us and will help identify areas for improvement and professional development within Mortlake College. The feedback gathered will guide us in future planning and improvement strategies, ultimately aiming to enhance outcomes for our students.

The survey is conducted online and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. It can be accessed on any internet-enabled device, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones, and is compatible with most browsers.

Families will receive information today via an email that will provide them with how to access and complete this survey. We encourage all families to participate and thank you in advance for your valuable input.

 

School Council Update

Since our last newsletter, the School Council has met and discussed several important items. We are pleased to share the following updates with our school community:

  • School Uniform Update: The Council discussed the opportunity for families to purchase school uniform items through Lowes (located within Kmart). Further information will be provided once arrangements are finalised.
  • 2025 NAPLAN Results: We are proud to celebrate our outstanding 2025 NAPLAN results – a testament to the hard work of our students and staff.
  • 2025–2029 School Strategic Plan: The School Council reviewed and endorsed the priority areas that will guide our focus and development over the next four years.
  • Building Works Update: Completion of the cladding on the Activity Centre and the repair of roof leaks to Block A.
  • Approval of Upcoming Dates:
    • VCE VM Camp – October 13–15
    • Year 3–4 Camp – October 20–22 (Rest Day October 23: information below)
    • Curriculum Day (Student-Free Day) – October 24
    • Year 1–2 Sleepover (including Prep late stay at school) – October 29-30 (Rest Day October 31: information below)
    • Senior Presentation Ball – November 28
    • Primary 2025 Celebration Evening – December 3
    • Secondary Presentation Night – December 8

 

NOTE: Supporting Staff and Students Post-Camp

The School Council has agreed to implement a new approach to better support both staff and students following intensive school events, such as school camps.

As schools continue to navigate the operational challenges caused by time in lieu (TIL) — particularly after camps and out-of-hours activities, our Council has endorsed the incorporation of a rest day (for both staff and students) following both the Year 3–4 Camp and the Year 1–2 Sleepover.

This initiative aims to:

  • Support the wellbeing and recovery of students and staff after high-energy events
  • Reduce the financial and logistical strain caused by staff accessing TIL entitlements
  • Ensure the ongoing sustainability of these valuable extracurricular experiences

School camps are a vital part of our educational program. They provide students with opportunities to develop independence, resilience, teamwork, and confidence outside the classroom environment. These experiences help build strong peer relationships and often become some of the most memorable moments of a student's school journey. We strongly encourage all students to participate.

We also acknowledge that many staff generously give up personal and family time to supervise and support students on camp. Their commitment goes well beyond regular school hours, and we deeply value the dedication and care staff show in making these experiences safe, engaging and memorable for all involved.

We value the support and feedback of our school community as we continue to find ways to offer enriching opportunities for students, while also caring for the wellbeing of our dedicated staff.

If you have any concerns or questions about this new approach, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I’m happy to discuss this further and work together to ensure the best outcomes for our students, staff, and families.

 

At Mortlake College, our School Council remains committed to fostering a school environment that supports student growth, staff wellbeing, family engagement, and strong community connections. Through thoughtful decisions and open communication, we aim to ensure our school continues to thrive—both now and into the future.

Our next School Council meeting is Tuesday September 9th. 

 

Father and Friends Fun Evening

The Primary area of the College are excited to invite all students and their dads, grandfathers, uncles, and special friends to our upcoming Father and Friends Fun Evening! This event will take place on Wednesday September 3rd, starting at 5:30pm with a delicious BBQ, and activities starting at 6pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to share good times, laughter, and memories just before we celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday September 7th. 

Spending quality time together helps strengthen bonds and create lasting connections. 

We look forward to seeing many of you there to celebrate the important men in our lives and have some fun as a school community!

Parent Payments 

A sincere thank you to all families who are up to date with their 2025 Parent Payments or are actively following a payment plan. Your contributions make a significant difference to the quality of programs, resources, and learning opportunities we are able to offer our students across all year levels.

We encourage all families to take a moment to familiarise themselves with our Parent Payment Policy, which outlines that all extra-curricular activities are offered on a user-pays basis. While optional, these activities greatly enrich the learning experience and provide valuable opportunities for student engagement.

As we begin planning for the 2026 school year, we kindly request that 2025 Parent Payments be finalised as soon as possible. Early payment helps ensure we can plan effectively and continue delivering the best possible educational experience for every student.

Thank you again for your continued support and partnership.

 

Victorian Government Drought Support

We are deeply saddened by the ongoing farming crisis affecting communities across South-West Victoria. The prolonged dry conditions, rising fodder costs, and increasing financial pressures have placed enormous strain on our farmers, their families, and the wider Mortlake community.

Our thoughts are with everyone facing uncertainty, difficult decisions, and the emotional toll that accompanies these challenging times. As a school community, we recognise the vital role our farmers play—not only in sustaining our economy and food supply but also in shaping the strength and character of our local area.

Free Track Pants and Tops

We have some older school uniform items that we no longer use, including track pants and tops in a variety of sizes. Families are welcome to come to the office to select free uniform items that might be useful. Just drop by or call the office, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right sizes.

 

Community Support from the CWA

We would like to sincerely thank the Country Women’s Association (CWA) for their generous support of our college during these challenging times. Their ongoing commitment to rural communities, including our students and families, is greatly appreciated.

The CWA continues to provide valuable assistance and resources to help our community navigate the difficulties brought on by the drought and other pressures. We are grateful for their partnership and support as we work together to strengthen and support our school community.

If your family is in need of assistance, please remember that both the college and community groups like the CWA are here to help.

 

There is a $1000 grant on offer for farming families within the community.

Please log on to CWA Victoria

The Country Women’s Association of Victoria Inc. – Women Supporting Women

Scroll down to Household Financial Relief Program

Apply Here, or you can colle a form from the school office

 

We stand together with those impacted and offer our heartfelt support. If your family is affected by drought-related difficulties, please don’t hesitate to contact the college. 

 

Reminder: Mobile Phone Policy at Mortlake College

Finally, a general reminder to students and families about our College Mobile Phone Policy.

Our policy is in line with the statewide mobile phone ban introduced across all Victorian schools in 2020. This ban requires that mobile phones are not to be used during school hours, including in classrooms and playgrounds.

This policy is based on strong evidence showing that access to mobile phones during school hours:

  • Disrupts learning,
  • Reduces student performance, and
  • Can increase the risk of cyberbullying.

By removing mobile phones from the learning environment, we are supporting student focus, safety, and wellbeing. It is essential that all students and families follow this policy and ensure student phones at school are stored appropriately each day.

We appreciate your continued support in maintaining a positive, distraction-free learning environment for all students.

 

Important Upcoming Dates

Please continually check Sentral and the newsletter for important dates, student information, and highlights of events.

  • Book Week Dress Up Day: Friday August 22nd 
  • VCE Melbourne Biology Excursion: Friday August 22nd 
  • Year 7-8 Business Markets: Starting Tuesday August 26th 
  • Year 3-4 Hoop Time Basketball: Friday August 29th 
  • Dental Van: Weeks 7-9 
  • Father and Friends Fun Evening: Wednesday September 3rd 
  • School Council: Tuesday September 9th 
  • Year 5-6 - First Nations Leadership Day: Wednesday September 10th 
  • MWC Cricket Years 7-10: Thursday September 18th 
  • Footy Colours Day: Friday September 19th 
  • Last Day Term 3: Friday September 19th 

 

Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into the second half of the term!

 

 Linda Mooseek

Mortlake P-12 College Principal