Principal's Report
Principal Report
Last week, I had the opportunity to spend three days in Melbourne attending the State Government Principal Conference alongside almost 3,000 principals from across Victoria. It was a valuable opportunity to engage in professional learning, share ideas, and hear from educational leaders about the challenges and opportunities currently facing schools across our State.
One of the strongest and most consistent messages emerging from schools was that we are all navigating similar challenges. Across Victoria, schools are focused on attracting quality teaching staff, retaining exceptional educators in our profession, and responding to increasingly complex student behaviours. While these challenges are real, it was also encouraging to hear the innovation, care, and commitment being shown in schools as we work together to ensure every child has the best opportunity to thrive.
This week marks an important time for our senior students. Our Year 11 students are commencing their mid-year examination period, while our Year 12 students are entering the final stepping stones of their secondary school journey. We wish all students the very best as they prepare, revise, and demonstrate their learning. A reminder that the General Achievement Test (GAT) for all students completing a VCE subject will take place on Tuesday 16 June.
Winter has certainly arrived! We have noticed an increasing number of students coming to school without a jumper or warm uniform items. We understand that circumstances can vary for families, and we want to remind our community that support is available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your family requires assistance with school uniform items - we are here to help.
We also currently have sample uniform items displayed in the school foyer for community feedback. We warmly encourage families to pop in, have a look, and share their thoughts with us. We are excited about the refreshed uniform options and are hopeful that items will be available for purchase through LOWES in Term 4.
Wizard of Oz
Meanwhile, somewhere between classrooms, rehearsals, and probably a few missing ruby slippers, the Yellow Brick Road has certainly been busy at Mortlake P-12 College! Students and staff involved in the 2026 school production have been working tirelessly to add the finishing touches to what promises to be a fantastic performance of The Wizard of Oz. At times, it feels as though we may have accidentally taken a wrong turn and ended up somewhere between Munchkinland and backstage chaos - but the excitement is certainly building!
Participating in a live production provides students with extraordinary opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. Beyond the stage itself, students build friendships, learn responsibility, and discover strengths they may not have realised they had. We are incredibly proud of the commitment and enthusiasm shown by all involved.
Tickets for performances running between Friday 12th June and Friday 19th June are now available through TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/DMIDI, with ticket prices ranging from $5 to $20. We look forward to welcoming our community to what promises to be a memorable production.
Reconciliation Week
Last week also marked National Reconciliation Week, held annually from 27th May to 3rd June. Reconciliation Week provides an important opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, while considering how we can continue to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community.
The 2026 theme, “All In,” reminds us that reconciliation is not something we simply observe from the sidelines - it is something we actively contribute to through our words, actions, relationships, and willingness to learn. The theme highlights that meaningful reconciliation requires collective commitment and participation from everyone.
This year’s theme song, Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil, further reinforces this message. The song calls attention to justice, truth-telling, and the importance of acknowledging Aboriginal land, culture, and history. Its message remains powerful and relevant, reminding us that reconciliation requires courage, understanding, and action.
Standing Tall
We are also proud to have 10 students from Years 7 and 8 participating in the Standing Tall mentoring program. Through this initiative, students work alongside local community mentors to build confidence, resilience, communication skills, leadership, goal-setting, and positive connections. Programs such as Standing Tall play an important role in helping students recognise their strengths, develop a sense of purpose, and strengthen their confidence both within school and beyond. We look forward to seeing the growth and opportunities this program provides for our students throughout the year.
Mobile phones at school
A reminder to families that we are continuing to see issues with students having and using mobile phones during the school day. In line with Department of Education policy, mobile phones must not be used during school hours. If a student has their phone on them during the school day, it will be confiscated and can be collected from the office at the end of the day. We appreciate families’ support in reinforcing this expectation with their child.
2027 Student Enrolments
It is that time of year when we are beginning to finalise our 2027 Foundation (Prep) and Year 7 enrolments. Early planning is essential in helping us effectively support all students, allocate staffing and resources, determine subject offerings, and create a smooth and positive transition into our College.
2027 enrolment forms must be submitted to the school office no later than Friday 26th June. Enrolment packs can also be collected from the office at any time.
Finalising enrolments by this date is important, as it allows the College to begin planning for the 2027 school year with greater accuracy. This includes preparing staffing structures, class groupings, subject offerings and the learning and wellbeing supports required for our students.
If families know that their child will not be enrolled at Mortlake College in 2027, we would also appreciate being advised of this before the end of Term 2, as this information further supports our planning.
We encourage our current families to 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 confidently for the future and continue to grow a strong and connected school community.
AEU industrial action and mid-year reports
Due to industrial action that took place earlier this term as part of negotiations for the new Victorian Government Schools Agreement, schools were impacted by a ban on work related to written comments for student reports. As a result, Semester 1 reports at Mortlake P–12 College will not include written comments.
Reports will still provide valuable information about student achievement, including curriculum progression points and work habits.
We value clear communication between home and school and understand the importance of families being informed about their child’s learning progress. Families are welcome to make a time to meet with their child’s teacher at any point throughout the school year.
Families will also have the opportunity to discuss their child’s attitude towards learning and achievement at Parent Teacher Interviews towards the end of Term 3.
Student reports will be available on Compass to all families on Thursday 25th June.
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.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our College community.
Linda Mooseek
Mortlake P-12 College Principal
