Principal's Report
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
As we near the end of another exciting term, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible achievements and milestones we’ve celebrated this week. It has been a week filled with celebration, accomplishment, and a strong sense of community spirit.
A huge congratulations to our Year 12 students, who have now completed their final exams. This is a significant milestone in their academic journey, and we commend them for their dedication, resilience, and hard work. As you await your results, take pride in how far you’ve come. We are incredibly proud of you and wish you all the best for the exciting paths ahead.
I would also like to congratulate students who completed curriculum exams throughout the last two week’s here at school.
School for Student Leadership – Alpine School Campus
Yesterday marked the end of this opportunity for our students, with still 3 weeks left till what should have been their last day. Unfortunately, due to a sinkhole and subsequent landslide between Harrietville and Hotham Heights, creating road closures, staff were unable to safely access the Alpine Campus.
We warmly welcome our students back and know that even though this amazing opportunity has been cut short, that Khyana, Megan, Geordie, Cameron and Spencer still received a unique and valuable opportunity.
2025 HeadStart Programme
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s time once again for our HeadStart programme, running from November 25 to December 6. This two-week orientation is a valuable part of our school calendar, helping students transition smoothly into the next year of learning and setting them up for success. Our 2024 Year 6 to Year 11 Students began this programme today.
HeadStart gives students a head start on their learning, introduces them to their new teachers, and provides an opportunity to form positive relationships with their peers.
The focus over the next two weeks will be to give students a taste of the upcoming curriculum, establish clear expectations, and reinforce our core school values. Our main messages to our students will be to:
- Act Responsibly: Students will be encouraged to take ownership of their learning by coming to class prepared and engaged. A strong start sets the tone for the year ahead in 2025.
- Build Relationships: HeadStart provides a supportive environment for students to build connections with new classmates and teachers, forming the basis for a successful and collaborative 2025 school year.
- Show Respect: We emphasise the importance of respect in every interaction—whether it’s listening attentively, valuing others’ contributions, or following classroom routines.
Attendance during HeadStart is crucial. This time is not just an introduction but an integral part of the learning journey, helping students adjust to new expectations so that they can start the 2025 school year with confidence. We ask for your support in ensuring your child attends every day of the programme, arrives on time, and is ready to learn.
2025 Prep Transition
Our 2025 Prep Students have now experienced their second transition day, and we must say that they have been an awesome group to get to know. We look forward in continuing to get to know our new students over the next two Friday’s and then again on Tuesday 10th December. All Primary Students will spend the day in their new grades on this day.
2024 Carols on the Green – Friday December 13th
Carols with a cause is proudly supporting communities facing hardship in this time of drought. Bring your Christmas hat, your picnic and your Christmas cheer to this amazing evening of bring our community together as one. Buy a sausage, visit our school stall and join in the festivities in the grounds of the church to celebrate the wonder that is Christmas.
Date & Time: Friday 13th December starting at 6pm
Where: On the grounds of the church at St Patrick’s Catholic Parish Mortlake
Important Information: $400 School Saving Bonus – Code Distribution
The Victorian Government is delivering the School Saving Bonus – a one-off $400 support for government school students from Prep to Year 12 in 2025. From Tuesday 26th November 2024, you will receive an email from the Department of Education with your unique $400 School Saving Bonus code.
The School Saving Bonus will help families cover the cost of uniforms, textbooks, excursions, activities and more.
If you have multiple children enrolled in Victorian government schools for 2025, you will receive one School Saving Bonus code email per child. These emails might arrive on different days. Please make sure to check your spam/junk email folder.
Parents and carers can use the School Saving Bonus code in store at school-nominated suppliers. Parents and carers can also choose to access the School Saving Bonus online system, where they can allocate part or all the $400 bonus to use at school nominated-online suppliers or for school activities.
To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, visit School Saving Bonus (www.vic.gov.au). A step-by-step user guide will be available on the webpage on 26th November.
If you have not received your School Saving Bonus code via email by Friday 29th November, please contact the Department of Education by emailing school.saving.bonus@education.vic.gov.au
2025 Parent Payment Contributions
Parent/carer contributions play a vital role in supporting the development and enrichment of exciting opportunities for all students.
The 2025 contribution details have now been shared with all families. If you need another copy, please contact the office. We sincerely thank all families in advance for their support in enhancing your child’s educational experience.
Contributions can be made in a variety of ways:
- BPAY – this unique number appears on the family statement/invoices.
- Direct deposit – account details as follows:
- Account Name: Mortlake P-12 College
- Bank: Commonwealth Bank
- BSB: 063 533
- Account Number: 109 431 12
- Reference: a family reference code can be found on your family statement, or you may contact the General Office
- EFTPOS, cash and cheque payments can be made directly at the school General Office
- Flexible contribution arrangements or payment plans for extra-curricular items and activities. Please contact the Business Manager, Brooke Baker, to discus these options further with you.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact the General Office.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making our school so special. Let’s carry this positive energy and spirit into the final weeks of the term and 2024 school year!
Keep up the amazing work everyone 😊
Linda Mooseek
Acting Principal
Linda Mooseek
