Principal's Report 

Principal Report

As we move further into Term 4, it is hard to believe how quickly the school year is progressing. This is always a particularly busy and rewarding time in a P-12 school, with many opportunities to celebrate student achievements, reflect on the learning that has taken place and prepare for the exciting changes that lie ahead in 2027.

With so many activities, celebrations and important events scheduled over the coming weeks, we encourage all families to check Compass regularly to ensure they stay informed and do not miss important dates, notices or opportunities for their child/ren. Compass remains our main communication platform, and we appreciate families taking the time to stay up to date with all relevant information.

If you are experiencing any difficulties accessing or navigating Compass, please do not hesitate to contact the office. Our office staff are more than happy to assist and ensure that all families can access the information they need.

Planning for 2027 - School Funding and Our Commitment to Students

As we continue planning for 2027, I want to be open with our school community about some of the financial challenges facing our school. I am disappointed by the funding reductions being implemented by the Victorian Department of Education, particularly at a time when schools are working hard to meet the increasingly diverse learning and wellbeing needs of students.

Of particular concern are the recently announced changes to Disability Inclusion (DI) funding, which will take effect in 2027. This funding plays an important role in supporting students with additional learning needs, enabling schools to provide individualised adjustments, targeted programs and additional support within classrooms. The changes to student-level funding and eligibility are concerning, especially when the needs of our students have not diminished.

For a small rural P-12 school like Mortlake, funding decisions such as these can have a significant impact. They create uncertainty when planning budgets, staffing, programs and resources, not only for 2027 but also for the years beyond. It is particularly challenging to make responsible, long-term financial decisions when funding arrangements change and schools are expected to continue meeting the same high expectations with fewer resources.

While I am disappointed by these decisions, I want to reassure our families that we will not lose sight of what matters most…….our students. Every student deserves to feel valued, included, supported and given every opportunity to succeed, regardless of their individual needs or circumstances.

We will continue to make thoughtful and responsible decisions, prioritise resources where they are needed most and advocate for the support our students and staff deserve. Our commitment to inclusive education, student wellbeing and quality teaching and learning remains unchanged.

There may be challenges ahead, but our focus will remain firmly on providing the best possible educational opportunities for every student at Mortlake P-12 College. Our students will always be at the heart of the decisions we make.

Acknowledging Our Year 12 Students

This is a significant time for our Year 12 students as they complete their secondary schooling and move towards the next chapter of their lives. We acknowledge the commitment, perseverance and resilience they have demonstrated throughout their educational journey.

The final VCE examination concludes on Friday 13th November, marking an important milestone for our students. We look forward to coming together on Friday 20th November for our Year 12 Graduation Dinner, a special occasion to celebrate their achievements, reflect on their time at Mortlake P-12 College and recognise the friendships and memories they have made along the way.

Whether their next steps involve further study, apprenticeships, employment or other opportunities, we wish them every success. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the families and staff who have supported, encouraged and guided our students throughout their schooling. We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them.

Welcoming Our 2027 Prep Students

We are delighted to continue welcoming our 2027 Prep students and their families to Mortlake P-12 College as our Prep Transition Program progresses throughout Term 4.

Our transition sessions provide our newest students with valuable opportunities to become familiar with their new school environment, build friendships, establish connections with staff and develop confidence as they prepare for this exciting next chapter. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and excitement of our future Prep students as they begin their school journey.

We are also very pleased to announce that Ms Belinda Humphrys will be our Prep classroom teacher in 2027. Belinda brings many years of teaching experience, along with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. We are excited to welcome her into this energetic, busy and incredibly rewarding area of our school. We know that her experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable in supporting our youngest learners as they take their first steps into formal schooling.

Our next Prep Transition session will take place this Friday, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. We look forward to welcoming our future Prep students back for another opportunity to explore, learn and grow together.

Our transition program will conclude with our 2027 Year Prep to Year 10 Transition Day on Tuesday 8th December.

2027 New School Uniform 

As previously announced, Mortlake P12 College is excited to introduce a new school uniform in 2027, bringing a fresh, modern and contemporary look to our College community. We are pleased to share that stock has started arriving at Lowes Warrnambool, with the remaining items expected to arrive over the coming weeks.

Our new uniform will be available to purchase both instore at Lowes Warrnambool and online.

Lowes offers a convenient buy now, pay later option, which also provides access to instant savings and rewards. Families can also take advantage of regular 20% off sales, which we will promote through Compass and our school newsletters.  To browse and purchase our new uniform online, visit www.lowes.com.au/schools-online and search for Mortlake College P-12.  At present, only a small number of items are available online, but we encourage families to keep checking the website as more stock arrives and items become available.

We are delighted to announce that, thanks to the generous support of the Hexham Wind Farm, we have secured grant funding to provide every student with one new everyday polo shirt, completely free of charge.  We are also eagerly awaiting the outcome of a second grant application.  If successful, this additional funding will allow us to provide every student with one sports polo and a second everyday polo, also at no cost to families.  This would be a wonderful outcome for our school community, and we will share the news as soon as the outcome is confirmed.

We understand that changing school uniforms can be an additional expense for families, which is why we have introduced a 12 month transition period. Students are welcome to continue wearing the current school uniform throughout 2027, allowing families plenty of time to gradually make the change.  There is no expectation that families purchase the entire new uniform immediately.

We also encourage any families experiencing financial difficulties to reach out to the College.  We are always happy to have a confidential conversation about how we can assist.

We are excited to see our students proudly wearing their new uniform and embracing this next chapter for Mortlake P12 College.  Thank you to our families for your ongoing support as we introduce this exciting change.

Primary Production - Rudolph

There is plenty of excitement building across our Primary area as students busily rehearse and prepare for this year's Primary Production of Rudolph! The enthusiasm, energy and creativity being demonstrated by our students is wonderful to see, and we are looking forward to sharing what promises to be a magical performance with our school community.

Participating in a school production provides students with so much more than an opportunity to perform on stage. Drama and the performing arts play an important role in developing confidence, creativity, communication, teamwork and resilience. Students learn to express themselves, work collaboratively, memorise lines, follow directions and overcome the challenges of performing in front of an audience. Importantly, a production also provides opportunities for every student to contribute, experience a sense of belonging and take pride in being part of something special.

Week 7 (Monday 16th November to Friday 20th November) will be an intensive rehearsal week for all Primary students, providing dedicated time to bring together the many elements of the production and prepare for our upcoming performances.

We are delighted to be offering families three opportunities to enjoy Rudolph:

• Tuesday 1st December: Matinee Performance
• Wednesday 2nd December: Evening Performance
• Friday 4th December: Final Performance

Further information regarding performance times and ticket arrangements will be communicated to families shortly.

Finishing the Year Strongly - Every School Day Matters

As we approach the end of the school year, we recognise that students, staff and families are beginning to feel the tiredness that naturally comes with a busy year of learning, activities and commitments. While the excitement of the end of the year is building, it is important that students continue to attend school regularly and remain engaged in their learning right through to the end of Term 4.

Every school day matters, and valuable learning continues to take place in our classrooms. This time of year, provides important opportunities for students to consolidate their learning, complete assessments, celebrate their progress and prepare for a successful transition into their next year of schooling.

Regular attendance also supports positive routines, friendships, wellbeing and a sense of belonging. Even as the year draws to a close, maintaining these connections and expectations helps students finish the year feeling confident and successful.

We encourage families to continue prioritising school attendance and supporting their children to finish the year positively. Of course, students who are unwell should remain at home to rest and recover.

We also remind families to check the Compass calendar for the end-of-year finishing dates for each year level, as these vary across the College. Please ensure you are familiar with the relevant dates for your child so that they do not miss important learning opportunities or end-of-year activities.

Let's work together to finish 2026 strongly, demonstrating our college values of Respect, Kindness and Growth Mindset right through to the final day of school.

VCE Headstart Program - Preparing for 2027

Our 2027 VCE Headstart Program will commence on Monday 23rd November and run for two weeks, providing students who are undertaking a VCE subject in 2027 with an important opportunity to begin their studies and prepare for the expectations of the year ahead.

The Headstart Program is an important part of our senior learning pathway, allowing students to meet their teachers, become familiar with course requirements and begin engaging with the key knowledge, skills and learning tasks associated with their VCE subjects. This early introduction helps students build confidence, establish positive study habits and make a strong start to their 2027 studies.

We recognise that some students participating in VCE subjects will also be attending the Great Victorian Bike Ride during the first week of Headstart. While we fully support students participating in this valuable experience, these students will be expected to catch up on any learning activities and work missed during their absence. We encourage students to communicate with their VCE teachers to ensure they understand what is required and remain up to date with their learning.

Students who are not undertaking a VCE subject in 2027 will continue with their normal 2026 classes and learning expectations during this period. Regular attendance, participation and completion of learning tasks remain important for all students as we approach the end of the school year.

We look forward to supporting our students as they take this important step in their senior secondary education and begin preparing for a successful 2027.

Primary Swimming Program 

Our Prep to Year 6 Swimming Program is now well underway at the Splash Factory in Kolora, with students enjoying the opportunity to develop their swimming abilities, strengthen their water safety knowledge and build confidence in and around the water.

It has been wonderful to see our primary students enthusiastically participating in their lessons, demonstrating persistence, courage and a willingness to challenge themselves as they develop these important life skills.

Swimming and water safety are essential components of our curriculum, particularly in our region, where spending time at beaches, rivers, lakes and swimming pools is a popular part of family life. Ensuring our students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to make safe decisions around water is an important investment in their lifelong safety and wellbeing.

Our remaining swimming sessions are scheduled for:

• Thursday 5th November
• Monday 9th November
• Thursday 12th November

We encourage all students to continue participating and making the most of these valuable learning opportunities. A sincere thank you to our families for ensuring students arrive prepared with their swimming essentials, and to our staff for their organisation and support in making the program possible.

Senior Presentation Night - Monday 7th December

Our Senior Presentation Night will be held in the GGC on Monday 7th December starting promptly at 6pm. This is an important occasion in our calendar, and we warmly encourage all students and families to attend and join us in celebrating the achievements of our students.

The evening provides a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and successes of students throughout 2026, with a range of awards and scholarships presented in recognition of academic achievement, personal growth, leadership and contributions to our school and community.

It is also a particularly special occasion for our Year 12 students, as we acknowledge their educational journey, celebrate their achievements and formally farewell them as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

We look forward to coming together as a community to recognise and celebrate our students and the many accomplishments of 2026.

Primary Presentation Afternoon - Friday 11th December

Our Primary Presentation Afternoon will be held on Friday 11th December, commencing at 2:10 pm in the GGC. We warmly invite all families to join us as we celebrate the achievements, growth and successes of our Primary students throughout 2026.

A particularly important part of the afternoon will be acknowledging our Year 6 students as they prepare to transition into the secondary area of the College.

While we are fortunate to be a P-12 College, the transition from primary to secondary school remains a significant milestone in every student's educational journey. It represents an important step towards greater independence, responsibility and personal growth. Our Year 6 students will move into a new stage of learning, with different routines, increased expectations and exciting opportunities ahead. Although they remain part of the same College community, it is important that we recognise and celebrate this achievement and the next chapter of their schooling.

We look forward to celebrating with our students, staff and families as we acknowledge another wonderful year of learning and farewell our Year 6 students from the Primary area, wishing them every success as they begin their secondary journey in 2027.

Important Update - Student Mobile Phones and Personal Electronic Devices in 2027

The Victorian Department of Education has recently announced updated requirements regarding the use of mobile phones and personal electronic devices in Victorian schools, which will come into effect from the beginning of the 2027 school year.

These changes build upon the existing mobile phone policy and aim to create learning environments where students can remain focused, engage positively with their peers and develop healthy relationships with technology.

From the beginning of 2027, the following requirements will apply to all students:

• Mobile Phones: Students bringing mobile phones to school must ensure they are switched off and securely stored throughout the school day. This includes recess and lunchtime.
• Smartwatches and Wearable Devices: Notifications, cellular connectivity and recording functions must be switched off during school hours.
• Headphones and Earbuds: Personal headphones, earbuds and other audio devices must not be used during school hours unless an approved exemption applies.
• Smart Glasses: Smart glasses must be switched off and securely stored during school hours. They must not be worn or used on school premises or during school-organised activities, except where a specific exemption has been approved.

These changes recognise the importance of reducing unnecessary distractions, protecting student privacy and safety, and encouraging meaningful face-to-face interactions. They also support our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and productive learning environment for all students.

We understand that some students may require access to personal electronic devices for specific learning, medical or wellbeing needs. Appropriate exemptions can be considered in accordance with Department of Education requirements.

Communication with Families

We recognise that families may need to contact their children during the school day. As has always been the case, parents and carers are encouraged to contact the office if they need to communicate an important message to their child. Similarly, students who need to contact home will be supported through the office.

As we prepare for 2027, Mortlake P-12 College will review and update our local Mobile Phones and Personal Electronic Devices Policy to ensure it reflects these new requirements. Further information regarding our procedures and expectations will be shared with families prior to the commencement of the new school year.

We appreciate the ongoing support of our families in helping students understand and follow these expectations

Year 1–2 School Sleepover

Our Year 1 and 2 students have an exciting milestone coming up this term, with their School Sleepover taking place at Mortlake P-12 College from Wednesday, November 11th to Thursday, November 12th.

The sleepover is an important part of our camping program and provides students with an opportunity to experience a night away from home in the familiar and supportive environment of their own school. It is a great stepping stone towards future school camps, helping students build independence, confidence and resilience, while also developing friendships and enjoying some fun activities with their classmates.

Following the sleepover, Year 1 and 2 students will have a Rest Day on Friday, November 13th.

Our Prep students will also be part of the excitement, participating in a ‘Late Stay Activity Program’ on Wednesday, November 11th. This gives our youngest students an opportunity to enjoy some of the fun and social experiences associated with the camping program, while gradually building their confidence towards future overnight experiences.

Further information about both the Year 1-2 Sleepover and Prep Late Stay Program will be provided directly to relevant families shortly.

Year 7-8 Camp - Cave Hill Creek

Our Year 7 and 8 students have an exciting camp to look forward to later this term, travelling to Cave Hill Creek at Raglan from Wednesday, December 9th to Friday, December 11th.  An expression of interest for this camp has already been sent home to families. 

The camp will give students the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, build independence and resilience, work together and strengthen friendships. Planned activities include challenges such as the Vertical Challenge, Possum Glider, Giant’s Ladder, abseiling and canoeing. 

The estimated cost of the camp is $400 per student. We understand that this is a significant cost for families, particularly at this time of year, and we do not want the cost to be a barrier to students attending. Families are very welcome to contact the school to arrange a payment plan, allowing the cost to be spread across the coming weeks.

If you have any questions about the camp, payment options or require support, please contact the school. We are very happy to work with families wherever we can.

SunSmart Reminder

As we move into Spring and begin to experience warmer weather, it is timely to remind everyone that Mortlake P-12 College is a SunSmart school.

Students are expected to wear their school hat when participating in outdoor activities and are encouraged to apply sunscreen as needed. Developing good sun protection habits is an important part of helping our students look after their health and wellbeing.

We ask families to support us by ensuring students bring their school hat each day and by reinforcing the importance of sun protection at home.

Bushfire Readiness

As we approach the bushfire season, we would like to remind families that Mortlake P-12 College is classified as a Category 4 school on the Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR).

This means the College will close on days when a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is forecast for the South West Fire District.

If a school closure is required, families will be notified as early as possible through Compass.

We encourage all families to remain informed and ensure they have appropriate arrangements in place should a school closure be necessary.

As we continue through what is always a busy and rewarding final term, I encourage our families to take a moment to celebrate the many milestones, both big and small, that our students experience. Whether it is finishing Year 12, starting Prep transition, attending a first camp or simply overcoming a challenge in the classroom, every step is an important part of their learning journey.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our students, staff and school community.

Linda Mooseek

Mortlake P-12 College Principal