Mortlake Public School

¡¡¡¡On 25 September 1886 an application for the establishment of a Public School at Mortlake was lodged with the Department. The names of sixty children were submitted as prospective pupils. Most of the residents of the locality were connected with the Australian Gas Works. On 5 November 1886 the application was granted. On 28th June 1887 a notice of appointment was issued to Mr Reuben Hayter and the first wooden structure of two classrooms was opened on 27th July 1887 on a 2 acre block purchased from Mr William Archer for ?¡ê1600. At the end of that year the enrolment was 135.

¡¡¡¡In 1922, due to overcrowding and the poor condition of the buildings in the school a further acre of land was resumed for the school. The new school was completed on 26th June 1924 and officially opened on 2nd August. This a€?newa€? school is the present K-2 building. Further additions were carried out and opened on 27th July 1931. The school population was now 1346. This building is located on Brays Road. A new free standing library, blended into an aesthetic setting in keeping with the character of the local community was opened on 8th August 1983.

¡¡¡¡The present school accommodates just over 300 pupils. In 2003 the restoration of the original school bell carried out by Mr Hughes was celebrated by a special bell ringing ceremony. The bell is located adjacent to the library.

¡¡¡¡Recently, the school has undergone a refurbishment, with a new school hall, connected classroom, special programs facility and the installation of interactive SMART Boards.

¡¡¡¡Mission Statement

¡¡¡¡Mortlake Public School is committed to providing a caring, supportive environment where all students are able to develop a sense of self worth together with respect and compassion for others.

¡¡¡¡The school strives to offer a range of programs and learning experiences which will provide opportunities for children to develop to their full potential.

¡¡¡¡Independence and participation is fostered. Our students are encouraged to become responsible for their behaviour and learning.

¡¡¡¡Our School

¡¡¡¡Mortlake Public School offers a quality education, which is reflected in the high level of student achievement, as measured by NAPLAN and other standardised tests. Our students have consistently achieved results in the key learning areas that are above the state average.This high standard of student achievement has been maintained over a period of several years.

¡¡¡¡We are proud not only of the level of student achievement but also of the quality of the programs that are offered to students in areas such as public speaking, debating, music, physical education, leadership and information and communication technology. These programs are on offer to all students. This is because we would like all of our students to build up a wide range of skills as they embark on life's journey. Our school also places a strong emphasis on student welfare.

¡¡¡¡While striving for personal excellence, our students are encouraged to show tolerance, respect for others and to develop initiative and self-discipline.

¡¡¡¡Mortlake Public School has committed staff who continuously work towards providing a caring, supportive environment where all students are able to develop a sense of self worth with tolerance and compassion for others.

¡¡¡¡The school motto, excel by effort, defines our philosophy in fostering independence and encouraging students to become responsible for their behaviour and learning.

¡¡¡¡Our partnership with parents and the school community is strong. Mortlake's Parents and Citizens Association (P&C) plays an important role in providing financial support to the school's programs.

¡¡¡¡In 2009, the school obtained Federal Government funding, Building the Education Revolution, for a new hall with an adjoining covered outdoor learning area (COLA). With a capacity to fit over 300 people, the new hall is extremely useful in conducting assemblies and performances for our student population which has increased over the last four years.

¡¡¡¡An Outside School Hours Care facility (OSHC) has been operating at the school since the commencement of 2006.

¡¡¡¡The students of Mortlake Public School are to be commended for their efforts, achievements and their excellent behaviour. I would like to thank the staff, parents and community for their dedication and commitment to the school.