Principal's Report 

Principal Report

Welcome to the 2026 School Year

Welcome to the start of the 2026 school year. I hope all families enjoyed a safe and restful break and that students are feeling refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

A new school year always brings a sense of excitement and possibility. It is a time to reconnect, establish positive routines, and set high expectations for learning, wellbeing and growth. Our staff have been working hard to prepare classrooms, programs and supports to ensure a strong and positive start for all students.

As a school community, we remain committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, challenged and encouraged to do their best. In the early weeks of the year, teachers will focus on building strong relationships, establishing clear expectations, and supporting students to settle confidently into their learning.

We value the strong partnership we share with families and recognise the important role you play in supporting your child’s education. Open communication between home and school is essential, and we look forward to working closely with you throughout the year.

All students have enjoyed a great first day, settling back into routines and reconnecting with friends and staff. It has been wonderful to see the positive energy across the College as we begin the 2026 school year together.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all new students and families joining our school community in 2026. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to getting to know you and working in partnership throughout the year.

Thank you for your continued support. I wish all students, families and staff a safe, positive and successful year ahead.

Student Attendance and Absences

All student absences must be reported to the College.

The easiest way to notify the College if your child is absent is through the Compass App. Absences can also be reported by calling the College on 5599 2204 and leaving a message.

Please note: a message from the college will be sent to your nominated mobile phone number for all unexplained absences.

Late Arrivals and Early Departures

• Students who arrive late to school must sign in at the General Office.
• If a student needs to leave the College during the day for an appointment, they must sign out at the General Office.
• Students cannot sign out without parent/guardian approval, and a parent or guardian must come into the General Office to collect the student.

Students Feeling Unwell

If a student feels unwell while at school, they are to report to the General Office, where they will be assessed by our First Aid Team.

Students are not to contact home directly. This is part of our duty of care to ensure student safety. If required, the school will contact parents or guardians directly to arrange for a student to be sent home.

School Times

A friendly reminder that school classes run from 9:00am to 3:20pm.

• Morning arrival: Students should arrive between 8:40am and 8:50am, when classrooms and buildings are open. Classes begin promptly at 9:00am.
• Afternoon pick-up: Students should be collected at 3:20pm.

Please note that staff supervision is not available outside these times, in line with our Child Safe policies. Students should not arrive earlier or remain later than these times unless they are involved in a supervised school program. The College cannot provide supervision outside school hours.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain accurate attendance records and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.

Visitors to the College

All visitors must report to the General Office. 

Supporting Our Community During the Fire Season

We are very mindful of the current fire conditions across our area, and the impact this may be having on families and communities. Our thoughts are with those who have been directly affected or who may be feeling anxious during this time.

Please be assured that the school is here to support students and families who may be experiencing stress, disruption or hardship due to the fires. If your family has been impacted in any way, we encourage you to contact the school so we can provide appropriate support or make adjustments where needed.

As a reminder, if a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared for our district, the school will be closed on that day in line with Department of Education requirements. Families will be notified as early as possible through our usual communication channels should this occur. We encourage all families to continue monitoring advice from Vic Emergency and local authorities during periods of extreme weather.

Welcome to Compass 

We would like to warmly welcome all families to Compass, our new school management system.

All student information has now been successfully transferred from Sentral to Compass, and Compass will be our primary platform for communication, attendance, learning updates and school notices moving forward.

We ask all families to please ensure they are able to log in to their Compass account. Compass can be accessed via a web browser, and you can also download the Compass app to conveniently access your account on your mobile phone.

If you require any assistance with setting up or accessing your Compass account, please do not hesitate to contact the school office, and our staff will be happy to support you.

Thank you for your patience as we work together to transition to this new platform. We appreciate your support as we continue to build strong communication between home and school.

How to Install the Compass App

1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).  
2. Search for "Compass School Manager".
3. Download and install the app.

How to Log In

1. Open the Compass app.
2. 'Allow notifications'
3. Enter our school name: Mortlake P-12 College. (TAP HERE)
4. Parents need to select to sign in with a one-time code.
5. Enter your mobile phone number
6. Verify - a onetime code will be sent to your phone.
7. You can now access news, student attendance, schedules, reports (once published), and more.

We appreciate your support as we make this transition.

If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

Year 5–6 Camp – Melbourne

Next week, on Monday 2 February, our Year 5-6 students will be heading off to camp in Melbourne.

This camp provides an exciting opportunity for students to explore a range of historical sites, museums, and cultural and sporting landmarks, enriching their understanding of Australian history and culture. In addition to the educational experiences, the camp also plays an important role in fostering independence, resilience and teamwork, as students navigate new environments and participate in group activities alongside their peers.

If families require a new copy of the packing list or have any questions prior to departure, please contact Michelle Carmody.

We wish our Year 5–6 students and staff a safe, enjoyable and memorable camp experience.

Year 5–6 Camp Rest Day - Thursday 5 February

Following the Year 5–6 camp, students will participate in a Rest Day on Thursday 5 February.

This rest day provides both students and staff with the opportunity to rest and recharge after several full days of learning, travel and overnight supervision. 

Camps are highly valuable experiences for students, but they are also physically and emotionally demanding, particularly after extended periods away from home.

School camps have a significant impact on staff, who provide 24-hour supervision, support student wellbeing, and ensure safety throughout the duration of the program. This often means staff are away from their own families for multiple days and work well beyond normal school hours. In line with Department guidelines, staff are entitled to time in lieu following overnight camps.

The Rest Day also assists the College to manage this responsibly and sustainably, while continuing to offer high-quality camping programs for students.

We thank families for their understanding and continued support of our camp programs, which provide rich learning opportunities while recognising the commitment required from staff.

Mortlake College Relay for Life - Friday March 6, 2026

Our school community will be hosting Relay for Life on Friday 6 March 2026, proudly supporting Cancer Council Australia, and we warmly invite all families and community members to take part in this meaningful and inspiring event.

Relay for Life is a cause that is deeply personal for our School Captain, Isabella Pickford. When Isabella’s mum, Kristen, was just 26 years old and 26 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma. After a long and incredibly challenging journey — including access to life-saving clinical trials — Kristen is now 10 years cancer-free.

Because of this experience, Isabella has been involved in Relay for Life since she was four years old. Each year, her family has set a goal of raising $5,000, the cost of providing one person with access to a clinical trial — the same opportunity that gave her mum a future.

Hosting Relay for Life at our school is not just a fundraiser; it is a powerful opportunity to come together as a community to honour those affected by cancer, celebrate survivors, and raise funds that directly support cancer research, patient services and clinical trials.

How Can You Help?

There are many ways families, businesses and community members can support this wonderful event.

1. Financial Sponsorship

Financial sponsorship helps offset the costs of running the event, including prizes, water stations and the BBQ. Our aim is to create a fun, welcoming ‘gala’ atmosphere for the community.All money raised through associated activities will be contributed to our final fundraising total.

Donations can be made via direct deposit:

• BSB: 063 533
• Account: 10943112
• Reference:Relay For Life

1. Goods to Support the Event

We are seeking donations of goods, including:

• Breakfast items: eggs, bacon, rolls
• BBQ items: sausages, patties, bread, sauces
• Prizes for our silent auction or spinning wheel (e.g. vouchers or goods)
• Bottled water
• Reward incentives for our walkers

If you are able to assist with goods, please contact one of the below team members to arrange drop-off or collection:

• Anne De Manser – anne.demanser@education.vic.gov.au | 0408 256 805
• Amy Lodge – amy.lodge@education.vic.gov.au
• Geoff De Manser – geoff.demanser@education.vic.gov.au
• Nat McRae – natalie.mcrae@education.vic.gov.au

1. Direct Donation

You can make a direct donation to our fundraiser via our Relay for Life webpage:https://www.relayforlife.org.au/event/mortlake-college-2026

1. Attend the Walk (Between 7am and 7pm)

All members of the community are warmly invited to attend and walk with us on the day

Before and After School Care – TheirCare

The College offers Before and After School Care through TheirCare.

These sessions take place on school grounds; however, the program is delivered, managed and overseen entirely by TheirCare. 

It is important to note that this program is not run by the College.

TheirCare is responsible for:

• Staffing and supervision
• Enrolments and bookings
• Program delivery
• Fees, billing and daily operations

Families who use or are interested in using Before and After School Care are encouraged to contact TheirCare directly for information regarding session times, enrolment, bookings or any program-related questions.

Further information, including how to enrol, can be found via the TheirCare website or by contacting TheirCare directly.

TheirCare - Customer Support TeamPhone: 1300 072 410 (Monday–Friday, 6:30am – 8:00pm AEST) Email: info@theircare.com.au Website: www.theircare.com.au

Wednesday is a Prep Rest Day - Supporting Our Newest Students

As we welcome our Prep students to the College, we are committed to ensuring they have a positive and supported start to school.

To help our youngest learners adjust to the routines and expectations of school, Prep students will participate in a Prep Rest Day program. Prep students will begin attending school on Wednesdays starting on Wednesday 11 March.

The Prep Rest Day is an important part of supporting our newest students. Starting school is a big transition, and the rest day allows Prep children time to:

• Build stamina for full school days
• Adjust gradually to school routines and expectations
• Develop confidence and independence in a supportive way
• Reduce fatigue during the early weeks of schooling

This gradual start helps students settle more successfully and supports their wellbeing as they begin their learning journey at the College.

We appreciate the support of families during this transition period and look forward to working closely together to ensure our Prep students feel safe, happy and ready to learn.

If families have any questions about Prep Rest Days or the start of school for Prep students, please contact the school office.

Student Leaders Induction Assembly – 2026

Monday February 9th, starting at 9am in the GGC

We warmly invite families and community members to join us for our Student Leaders Induction Assembly, a special occasion where we formally recognise and celebrate our 2026 Student Leaders.

This assembly is a wonderful opportunity to meet our student leaders and acknowledge the important roles they play in shaping our school culture. Student leadership is highly valued at the College, as it helps students develop confidence, responsibility, teamwork and a strong sense of service to others. Our leaders act as role models, support their peers, represent student voice and contribute positively to the life of the College.

Our Senior Student Leaders are being supported throughout the year by Miss Amy Lodge, who works closely with them to build leadership skills, confidence and opportunities to make a meaningful impact within our school and wider community.

All families and community members are warmly welcome to attend. We look forward to celebrating the commitment, leadership and contributions of our student leaders at this very prestigious event.

House Swimming Sports

Our House Swimming Sports will be held on Wednesday 18 February at the Mortlake Pool.

All students from Years 3 to 12 will attend on the day, either as participants or spectators. This is a wonderful opportunity to build House spirit, encourage participation and celebrate student involvement in sport.

Families are very welcome to join us throughout the day and support our students.

The first event begins at 10:20am.

Students are encouraged to dress up and show their House pride by wearing House colours or their full PE uniform.

What students need to bring:

• Bathers/swimmers (if competing)
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Lunch and snacks

Students who are participating in events should ensure they are prepared to swim, while spectators are encouraged to support their House and cheer on their peers.

We look forward to a fun, inclusive and spirited day for all involved.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) – Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), which helps eligible families cover the costs of school camps, excursions and sporting activities.

In 2026, the CSEF payment has increased to $400 per eligible student, for both primary and secondary students. This is a significant increase from previous years and is designed to further support student participation in important school experiences.

Who is eligible?

Families may be eligible to apply if they:

• Hold a valid means-tested concession card
• Are foster parents
• Have students aged 16 years and over who are considered mature minors and hold a valid concession card
• recently arrived asylum seeker or refugee families (special consideration category)

Important dates

• Applications due to the school by the end of Term 1

Families who received CSEF funding in 2025 do not need to submit a new application for 2026 unless their family circumstances have changed. We are able to copy applications from 2025 to 2026.

Families who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to contact the school office for an application form or further information.

Student accident insurance, ambulance cover arrangements and private property brought to school

Families are reminded that the Department of Education does not provide personal accident or ambulance cover for students. Parents and guardians of students who do not have private health insurance or ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for their injured child.

Private property brought to the college by students, staff or visitors is not insured and the Department or the College is not responsible for any loss or damage. This can include mobile phones, calculators, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises.   It is recommended that families consider insurance policies that can be purchased from commercial insurers.

Mobile Phones at School

A reminder to families that students are not permitted to use mobile phones during the school day. 

This expectation is in line with the Department of Education’s Mobile Phones Policy, which applies to all Victorian government schools.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Support student wellbeing and mental health
• Reduce distractions and improve focus on learning
• Promote positive social interactions during recess and lunchtime
• Minimise issues related to online safety, cyberbullying, and misuse of devices

Mobile phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely for the duration of the school day. Students can access school phones via the General Office if they need to contact home, and families can contact students through the school if needed.

We appreciate the support of families in reinforcing this expectation with students. By working together, we help create a safe, calm, and focused learning environment for all.

Privacy Reminder for Families

Each year, schools are required to remind students, parents and carers about how we collect, use and protect personal information.

Our College is committed to protecting the privacy of all members of our school community and to meeting our obligations under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). This includes how personal information is handled when using digital platforms such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for Education.

We encourage families to familiarise themselves with the following important information and policies, which outline how student information, images and recordings are collected and used:

• School Privacy Policy – available on our school website
• Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy – available on our school website
• Parent information for Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace for Education – outlining how these platforms are used to support teaching and learning

The Department of Education continues to support schools in managing privacy and information security obligations, and we appreciate the ongoing partnership of families in ensuring student information is handled safely and appropriately.

If you have any questions about privacy or the use of digital platforms at the College, please contact the school office.

School Bus Fare Update - Good News for Families

The Victorian Government has announced that from 1 January 2026, public transport across Victoria will be free for all children under 18.

For Mortlake P-12 College families, this means that students who are currently classified as ineligible travellers under the School Bus Program will no longer be required to pay a bus fare each term. This change represents a saving of approximately $500 per child, per year, which we know will be welcome news for many families in our community.

We will continue to share further information from the Department of Education as it becomes available.

2026 School Council 

We encourage families to consider nominating for School Council and becoming an active part of our school community. School Council plays an important role in shaping the direction of the College and supporting positive outcomes for students. Nomination forms will be available from mid-February. If you are interested in learning more about School Council or the nomination process, please contact the school office for further information.

New Requirements for School Council

From 2026, parents, carers and community members wishing to nominate for School Council will be required to hold a Working With Children (WWC) Check.

If you are considering nominating and do not already hold a WWC Clearance, we encourage you to apply for a volunteer WWC Check as soon as possible, as processing times can take between 3 and 12 weeks.

Please note:

• A WWC Clearance is required to nominate for School Council
• Volunteer WWC Checks are free and can be applied for online via Service Victoria
• When applying, please list the Department of Education as the organisation
• If you already hold an employee WWC Clearance, there is no need to apply for a volunteer one
• VIT-registered teachers and school students are not required to hold a WWC Clearance to participate

Current School Council members do not need to apply immediately. This requirement applies if your term ends and you are nominating again or being co-opted.

For further information, please refer to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Year 11-12 Camp (Melbourne):  Thursday January 29th and Friday January 30th 
• Year 5-6 Camp (Melbourne):  Monday February 2nd to Wednesday February 4th 
• Prep Rest Day (Prep Students do not attend school): Wednesday February 4th
• Year 5-6 Camp Rest Day (No Formal classes for Year 5-6 Students):  Thursday February 5th 
• Year 7-10 Immunisations:  Wednesday 11th February
• House Swimming Sports (Years 3-12 only): Wednesday 18th February
• School Photos: Tuesday 3rd March
• House Athletic Sports (Whole School): Tuesday 24th March
• Last Day of Term 1 Thursday 2nd April, 2:30pm dismissal for students (Friday – Good Friday)

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.

Linda Mooseek

Mortlake P-12 College Principal