Principal's Report
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Well, we have almost reached the end of the line. The school year for 2024 is nearly done and dusted! AND….. what an amazing year it has been! Part of this success has linked to the college’s strong academic and wellbeing focus. We believe that every student can achieve success, and our teachers work very hard to adapt their teaching and learning strategies to ensure excellent student outcomes are achieved by all our students.
For the end of term, this week is exceptionally with: Year 3-6 Bike Ed, Mortlake College Christmas Elves + Kmart Wishing Tree (where we get to give back to our community), Year 7, 8 and 9 Camp, Years 6-12 Presentation Night, VCE student results, 2025 Transition session for our Primary Students (Tuesday December 10th), and Celebrating our Primary achievements and school year with students, staff and families on Friday December 13th.
VCE Results
Year 12 VCE students will receive their final results this Thursday, 12th December. Whilst we are looking forward to celebrating these, we also know that the best outcome has already been achieved. We are so very proud of our Year 12 students who have completed their secondary education in the very best possible manner. Last Friday night, staff and families enjoyed celebrating and sharing the fabulous journey that our Year 12 students have undertaken throughout 2024. We are enormously proud of every Year 12 student and wish them all the very best for the next exciting chapter in their lives.
Presentation Night
Tomorrow night, Tuesday 10th December, starting at 6:30pm, we will again celebrate not only academic achievements but also the resilience, perseverance, and commitment shown by our senior students throughout 2024. All students in Years 6 to Year 12 are expected to attend our Annual Presentation Night. The staff are extremely proud of all students and are excited to celebrate and share our students’ unique talents and strengths.
Our Primary students will celebrate their 2024 Year, on Friday December 13th starting at 2:50pm, in the GGC. All families and community members are welcome to join us for this event.
I look forward to sharing with our students, staff, families and the community our amazing students and their achievements and unique moments throughout 2024.
Readiness Preparations for 2025?
Our secondary students have all successfully completed their 2025 HeadStart Programme. These past two weeks served as a pivotal moment for our secondary students, where each class became a stepping stone toward their future academic success. The commitment to learning growth was evident, creating an environment of achievement and encouragement.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 10th December, our Primary Students will have their turn in preparing for 2025.
2025 Primary Classes
Year Prep: Kelly Reichman
Year 1-2 A: Nikki Robertson
Year 1-2 B: Sophie Shaw
Year 3-4: Dianne Britton
Year 4-5: Natasha Butler (New Teacher)
Year 6: Michelle Carmody
At 11am, we will be holding a special Prep Parent Information Session. We are encouraging all 2025 prep parents to attend this meeting.
Next year we will move from 5 classrooms to 6. This is to ensure we have smaller class sizes so that all students can receive optimum individualised learning growth opportunities.
Here’s to the continued strides and accomplishments for all our students, staff, families and the wider community for the 2025 school year.
Final Day of Term 4
A reminder that after this Friday, December 13th, there will be no formal classes for all students. Students that come to school on Monday December 16th and Tuesday December 17th will be catered for with a special mixed aged program. The last day for all Mortlake College students is Tuesday December 17th, with a 3:20pm finish.
Thank you for your continued support during this busy and exciting time. As always, we are proud of the achievements of our students and staff, and we look forward to finishing the year on a high note.
Start of the School Year 2025
Staff return to school on Tuesday January 28th. On this day they will engage in professional learning and preparations for the 2025 school year.
On Wednesday January 29th, we are encouraging all families and students to participate in a learning journey conference. Interview times will be available on Sentral from Monday 20th January.
Our 2025 Prep Students will not participate in these conferences on Wednesday January 29th. 2025 prep students will participate in 1:1 session with Mrs Kelly Reichman throughout Term 1. Once they have completed their assessment session, Mrs Reichman will provide parents with feedback session. Information for these testing sessions will be shared with families at the beginning of the school year.
All students will begin their 2025 classes on Thursday 30th January.
School Saving Bonus - $400
The School Saving Bonus online portal went live last week, and all families should have received an email from the Department to their nominated email account about this. This email contains a unique bonus code that can be used via the online portal (or face to face with some suppliers) to purchase supplies for the 2025 school year, or that can be used next year to spend on uniform, or camps and excursions. Please remember that the School Saving Bonus will contribute $400 towards schooling costs for every government school student in Years Prep to Year 12 next year, and that the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) will still be in operation next year to additionally support the cost of camps and excursions for eligible families.
We are happy to answer most questions, but as this is not a school driven initiative, the majority of concerns are best forwarded directly to the Department of Education.
If you did not receive an email or need additional assistance:
Contact email: school.saving.bonus@education.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1800 338 663
To access the portal:
https://www.schoolsavingbonus.vic.gov.au/s/
VICSWIM program details to share
VICSWIM is a 5-day intensive learn to swim and water safety program for children aged 4 to 12 years. The Victorian Government subsidises the program. Aquatics and Recreation Victoria runs it.
Program details for the Mortlake Swimming Pool
Dates: Monday 6 January to Friday 10 January,
Time: 5 lessons, 30 minutes each
Cost: $35 per child for the week.
Location: more than 170 pools, beaches and waterways across the state. To find your nearest location, refer to VICSWIM 2025 venues
For more information and to book, refer to the VICSWIM website. You will need to create an account to book.
Building Works
Building works are currently taking place at the school and will continue throughout the summer vacation period. There will be areas of the school that will be blocked to students, staff and visitors throughout this time. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may bring, but are looking forward to receiving these much-needed repairs and updates throughout the school
2024 Carols on the Green – Friday December 13th
Carols with a cause is proudly supporting communities facing hardship in this time of drought. Bring your Christmas hat, your picnic and your Christmas cheer to this amazing evening of bring our community together as one. Come and support our school stall and join in the festivities in the grounds as we celebrate together the wonder that community and Christmas.
Date & Time: Friday 13th December starting at 6pm
Where: Market Square Mortlake
Thank you once again for making 2024 a remarkable year. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with everyone throughout Term 4. May the holidays be filled with joy, relaxation, and moments of connection. Here’s to a bright and promising 2025, where we continue to learn, succeed, and belong together as one at Mortlake P-12 College Community. 😊
Linda Mooseek
Acting Principal
Linda Mooseek
