Principal's Report
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
It has been a busy few weeks, and it is hard to believe we are halfway through the term. Our students are at the core of our school – their personal growth and what is best for them underpins every decision we make.
One of the most gratifying aspects of my role is getting to know and build relationships with all our students. At Mortlake College, we are committed to creating a school environment where every student feels safe, valued, and respected.
Unfortunately, last week I had to deal with a racism incident. I want to make it very clear, that the school has zero tolerance to any racism or discrimination comment or action. We all need to stand up against racism. We are encouraging everyone to stand up to racial comments and put a stop to any negative comments made.
Today staff participated in professional learning today that aligned to 2025 Department of Education priorities. Our focus linked to Disability and Inclusion, and what this will look like for our school. This initiative is designed to help schools and families when identifying the strengths, needs and educational adjustments that will assist students with a disability and/or additional learning needs. In the afternoon, staff worked in teams to finish documenting teaching and learning plans for this year, and preparation for next year. We would like to thank families for supporting us today so that this important professional learning work could take place.
Well done to our Year 12 students who have made such a positive start to their exam period. With VCE exams completing on November 18th (for our students), we wish you all the best for the remaining time. We look forward to celebrating with our Year 12 Students and their families following the exam period at the Year 12 dinner.
I would like to acknowledge the magnificent work that Miss Amy Lodge has done to ensure that the exam period for our Year 12 students has been completed so seamlessly.
Between now and Friday November 22nd, many of our secondary students will also be completing end of year exams, we wish them all the best throughout this time.
Our Headstart Program will begin on Monday 25th November. In order to better engage the students during the final few weeks of the year, all secondary students will start next year’s classes at this time. In most cases they will have their 2025 teachers take the class.
The current Year 7 – 9 students will complete their school year on Friday 13th December, after enjoying 3 days on camp (Wednesday December 11th to Friday December 13th).
Our Year 10 and 11 students will complete their two-week VCE program which will conclude on Friday December 6th. There will be no formal class for all students on Monday December 16th and Tuesday December 17th, with Tuesday December 17th being the last day for all students.
Our 2025 Prep students will begin their first session of their ‘School Readiness’ Program this Friday, November 15th. The program involves a series of visits aimed at making the transition from Kindergarten to Prep as smooth and anxiety free as possible. It also helps us get to know the students before they officially start at ‘big school’ next year. The visits will continue over the next few weeks. The transition program will conclude with the State-wide Orientation Day on Tuesday the 10th of December.
Remembrance Day: Each year, Mortlake College offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace, leaving a lasting impact on students and reinforcing the importance of honouring these values. As the students were absent from school today, will be acknowledging Remembrance Day on Tuesday November 12th at an assembly.
As shared with you previously, parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025 will receive the one-off School Saving Bonus $400 support.
This month the Department of Education will send you 2 email communications for each of your children enrolled at the school. As already stated, you needed to have advised the school if your contact information had changed. If you didn't get to that please contact 5599 2204.
The 2 emails from the Department of Education will:
1. Confirm your email address.
2. Provide you with your unique $400 School Saving Bonus code, which will be forwarded to you by the end of November.
If you do not receive a confirmation email from the department by late-November, please check your spam or junk folders and contact the school if needed. You can read more about the School Saving Bonus on the Department of Education website, with key information now available in 14 different languages.
Keep up the amazing work everyone 😊
Linda Mooseek
Acting Principal
Linda Mooseek
