Principal's Report

Principal Report

Welcome to Term 2

I would like to warmly welcome all students, staff, and families back to Term 2. I hope everyone had the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with loved ones over the Easter break.

This is a ten-week term, and it promises to be a busy and productive one across the college. There are many exciting learning opportunities, events, and activities planned, and we look forward to seeing our students continue to grow, challenge themselves, and engage positively in all aspects of school life.

Unfortunately, my own break looked quite different this year. I was very unwell with pneumonia and spent much of the holidays in hospital. While this was not how I had planned to spend the break, I am grateful for the care I received and am hopeful that I am now over the worst of it.

Term 1 student reports were made available via Compass at the end of last term. These reports reflect each student’s attitude towards their learning and growth. An opportunity to discuss how each student is progressing in relation to their achievement will take place on Thursday 30th April, between 1:00pm and 7:00pm. Interview times can be booked via Compass. If you are experiencing any difficulty making a booking, please contact the office and our team will be happy to assist you.

As we begin the term, I encourage all students to start strongly, be organised, attend regularly, and take pride in your learning. Staff are ready and excited to support each student to achieve their best.

I look forward to a positive and successful Term 2 for everyone!

House Cross Country

We are looking forward to our House Cross Country taking place tomorrow, with students from Years 3-12 participating in this event. The day provides a fantastic opportunity for students to demonstrate perseverance, resilience, and house spirit, whether they are running competitively or simply aiming to complete the course.

Students in Years Prep-2 will participate in a Fun Run that will take place between 10-11am. These students will be actively supported by our Year 9/10 Advance students and staff.

All students are expected to participate by either running or walking the course, with races commencing from 2:20pm (primary students with secondary students commencing approx. 2:40pm).

At the conclusion of each race, students will remain near the finish line to support their peers and celebrate everyone’s efforts.

We encourage all students to come prepared with appropriate footwear, a drink bottle, and a positive attitude. It is important that all students give their best effort and demonstrate respect and encouragement towards others.

We wish all students the very best and look forward to an enjoyable and successful Cross Country event.

2027 Student Enrolments

It is that time of year when we begin preparing for our 2027 Foundation (Prep) and Year 7 enrolments.

Year 7 enrolment packs have now been sent home to all Year 6 students. Please ensure that placement forms are completed and returned by Friday 8 May. If you require another copy or know of a family in the area who would like an enrolment pack, please contact the school and we will be happy to assist.

We are also currently preparing for our 2027 school tours and information sessions for families. We encourage you to promote Mortlake College and share this information with friends and family who may have children starting Prep or Year 7 in 2027.

Open Morning and Community Breakfast

We will be holding our Open Morning and Community Connection Breakfast on Wednesday 22nd April. This is a fantastic opportunity for families to visit the college, meet staff, and learn more about the innovative and engaging programs we offer.

Families interested in enrolling at Mortlake College in 2027 will have the opportunity to collect enrolment packs and participate in personalised tours with the Principal. Current families are also warmly invited to attend and explore our learning spaces in action.

Private, personalised tours can also be arranged by contacting the College on 5599 2204.

We will be promoting this event on our Facebook page and website, and we encourage families to share this information widely.

If you have a child starting school next year, we warmly invite you to attend - our community values the opportunity to connect with both new and existing families.

We encourage families to return enrolment packs as early as possible, as this supports us in planning and organising for the year ahead.

We look forward to welcoming many new and existing families to this exciting event.

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day is a significant and important time for us as a community to pause, reflect, and show our respect. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have served our country, both in the past and present. It is important that we continue to honour this day and ensure that future generations understand its meaning and significance.

ANZAC Day is a special time of the year, where we reflect on the many sacrifices people have made through their service to our country.

At the college, we will hold a special ANZAC Commemoration Assembly on Friday with all students and staff. We will also attend the Mortlake ANZAC Day service on 25th April and lay a wreath on behalf of the college.

We encourage all students and families to join us at the former post office (corner of Webster and Dunlop Streets) at 9:45am to march together, before attending the local community service, which will begin at approximately 10:00am.

Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews/Conferences:

We highly encourage all families and students to participate in Student-Parent–Teacher Interviews/Conferences on Thursday 30th April, with interview times available between 1:00pm and 7:00pm.

Please note that there are no scheduled classes for students on this day.

These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to discuss student progress, celebrate achievements, and work collaboratively to support each child’s continued growth and success. Appointment times are now available to book via Compass. If you require assistance with making an appointment, please contact the office for support.

Strong home-school partnerships are built through open, respectful, and active communication. While formal reporting and interviews are important milestones, families are encouraged to connect with teachers at any time throughout the year to discuss questions, celebrate successes, or seek support. Maintaining consistent communication ensures we work together to provide the best possible learning outcomes and wellbeing support for every student.

If you are unable to attend on this day, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange an alternative time to meet.

Student 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 Victorian Department of Education’s Mobile Phones Policy, which applies to all 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 required.

Please note that mobile phones will be confiscated if they are used inappropriately during the school day. Devices will be managed in line with our school’s student engagement and wellbeing processes.

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.

Parent Payments

Thank you to all families who are up to date with their Parent Payments or are currently on a payment plan. Your contributions make a significant difference to our college and directly support the programs, resources, and opportunities we are able to provide for our students.

We ask all families to please familiarise themselves with the Parent Payment Policy. As outlined, all extra-curricular activities are offered on a user-pays basis. The college is committed to providing advance notice of these opportunities, so families have time to plan and budget accordingly.

Parent Payments are critical in enabling the college to deliver high-quality programs, resources, and experiences that best support student learning, engagement, and wellbeing. We greatly appreciate your support in ensuring these contributions are made.

We kindly ask that families make every effort to finalise their 2026 Parent Payments as soon as possible. If you have any questions or require support with payment options, please contact the office.

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 close on 26th June 2026

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.

Important Upcoming Dates

House Cross Country: Tuesday 21st April
Open Morning and Shared Community Breakfast: Wednesday 22nd April
Year 9 Morrisby Interviews: Monday 27th April
MWC Athletics @ Brauerander: Wednesday 29th April
Student-Parent-Teacher Interviews/Conferences: Thursday 30th April

NOTE: No classes for students on this day

School Council: Tuesday 5th May
Primary Students - Mother’s Day Stall: Wednesday 6th May
Public Holiday: May Races - Thursday 7th May
Primary Students - Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea: 2:30pm Friday 8th May
GAT Exam: Tuesday June 16th
Last Day Term 2: Tuesday June 26th (2:30pm dismissal for students)

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