Mortlake College Messenger

Principal's Report 

Principal report

We have had a settled start to Term 3. We continue our focus on high expectations in all that we do at Mortlake College and commend our students for doing their best to follow our school values – Kindness, Respect, and Growth Mindset. 

 

This Term Mrs DeManser is taking some well-deserved Long Service Leave. Mr Nathan Jones has stepped into her role as the Acting Assistant Principal whilst she is absent. 

 

Finalising Prep and Year 7 2026 Student Enrolments.

Wednesday July 23rd

Yes, it is that time of year when we need to finalise our 2026 Prep/Foundation and Year 7 Enrolments.

We warmly invite all new and existing families to the College so we can support you with finalising your child’s enrolment for the 2026 School Year.  

On Wednesday July 23rd we are offering:

  • School Tours with myself. We encourage conversations on how we can meet the unique needs of every child. 
  • Opportunities to speak with our highly experienced and qualified staff.
  • Opportunities to view our excellent teaching and learning facilities and the programs our school has to offer.
  • Foundation/Prep Families: Come and view our outstanding literacy sessions where our students thrive in reading and writing because of the fun and hands on way we introduce them to the world of letters and sounds
  • Year 7 Families: Come and see for yourself the continuum of learning excellence that takes place in Years 7-12. This excellence results in our VCE Study Scores consistently being the highest in the state. 

Private personalised school tours can be made by calling the College on 5599 2204. 

All enrolments must be completed by Friday July 25th. Our numbers are looking healthy for next year and we are excited to send out acceptance information to new and existing families in the next few weeks. 

 

School for Student Leadership

Next week, we farewell five Year 9 students as they head off to the School for Student Leadership for the remainder of Term 3. The students are responsible for helping maintain the school, organising rosters, for doing various jobs around the school and generally controlling the nature of their home and place of learning. Great friendships are made, tolerance is learned, and teamwork is created.

We wish these students all the best and can’t wait to hear about all their adventures, and their community project, when they return. 

 

Student Learning Journey Interviews

Student Mid-Year Reports are available via the Sentral App or by contacting the school and requesting a paper copy. 

Student Learning Journey Interviews will take place between 1-7pm on Wednesday July 30th. Appointments can be made via the Sentral App OR by contacting the office. 

Attending student learning interviews is crucial for fostering a strong partnership between home and school, leading to improved student outcomes. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for students, parents and teachers to collaborate, discuss progress, and set goals for future learning.  Interviews are in 15-minute timeslots, and we ask that parents are respectful of these times. Should you need a longer meeting with your child’s teacher; a mutually convenient time can be arranged.

Please Note: There are no formal classes for students on Wednesday July 30th. If this day is not suitable, please contact your child’s teacher/s to make an alternative time. 

 

Senior Pathways Information 

Over the first half of this term, we will be busy supporting our secondary students and their families with decisions around the subject selection process. This is an important process that ensures all students are set on a path that aligns with their strengths, interests and future goals. We are holding a Subject Pathway Information Night on Monday August 11th between 6:30-7:30pm to assist families and students with this process. Students and families can also make a time to meet with specialised staff next Wednesday, July 30th between 1-7pm. Family support makes a significant difference in our students’ educational journeys. Let’s work together to ensure every student is on a supported and guided pathway that allows them to develop and realise their full potential. 

Mortlake College Book Fair

Our annual Book Fair is back and will arrive next week! This will be held in the library where students, families and friends can purchase popular and engaging books, stationery items and toys. This is a significant fundraiser for our school and money raised will go back into purchasing resources for our students. 

So, make sure you pop into the library next Wednesday, July 30th, and check out the huge variety of items for sale at our Book Fair. 

 

Well Done Year 10

In the last week of Term 2, many of our Year 10 students ventured out into the workforce. This valued opportunity provides our students time to see what a workplace is like and potentially learn some new skills. 

Work Experience is designed to give the student:

  • A better understanding of the work environment and what employers expect of their workers.
  • An increased self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence.
  • An aspiration to continue study and/or undertake further training.
  • An opportunity to explore possible career options.
  • A better understanding of how the school curriculum can help prepare young people for work.
  • An introduction to workplace recruitment practices.
  • The opportunity to include the employer’s work experience evaluation in future job and course applications.
  • The opportunity to develop work-related competencies and acquire skills e.g. communication, teamwork skills. 

A huge appreciation to all employers who supported our students throughout this week and to Liz Fowler who implements our Work Experience Program and encourages the students’ to make the most of this opportunity. 

 

Parent Payments 

Thank you to all parents who are up to date with Parent Payments or on a plan. Your contributions make a remarkable difference to our school and the programs/resources we offer. Please be familiar with the Parent Payment Policy as all extra curricula activities are offered on a user pay basis. We will ensure families are aware of all extra curricula activities well in advance to give you an opportunity to budget for these events and activities. 

We would appreciate as many payments as possible finalising 2025 Parent Payments ASAP.

 

 Important Upcoming Dates

Please continually check Sentral and the newsletter for important dates, student information, and highlights of events.

  • Support to complete 2026 Enrolments: Wednesday July 23rd 
  • Student Learning Journey Interviews: Wednesday July 30th Between 1-7pm (No formal classes for students on this day). Appointments for this event on Sentral
  • Mortlake College Book Fair: Staring Wednesday July 30th in the library
  • Year 10 Camp: Monday August 4th to Wednesday August 6th 
  • School Council: Tuesday August 5th 
  • Mortlake Kinder Visit: Monday August 11th 
  • Senior Pathways Information Night: Monday August 11th Between 6:30-7:30pm 
  • Dental Van: Weeks 7-9 Term 3

 

 

 Linda Mooseek

Mortlake P-12 College Principal