PARENT INFORMATION

Water Safety over the Summer Holidays

As summer approaches, now is a great time to remind families about the importance of water safety and swimming skills.

At Red Cliffs Secondary College, we use Department of Education Swimming in Schools funding to support our swimming and water safety program as part of the Physical Education curriculum. These programs help students develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to stay safe in and around water.

Families may also be interested in the VICSWIM summer holiday program for younger siblings.  A five-day intensive learn-to-swim and water safety program for children aged 4 to 12 years. Running from 4–22 January 2027 at venues across Victoria, the subsidised program costs $43 per child for the week and is a great opportunity for children to further develop their swimming ability and water safety skills.

Families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for assistance with swimwear through the State Schools Relief Affordable School Uniforms Program.

To learn more about VICSWIM and make a booking, visit the VICSWIM website. Bookings open on 11 November 2026.

By working together to build strong swimming and water safety skills, we can help ensure our young people enjoy Victoria’s waterways safely and confidently.

School Policies

Did you know that all our school policies are available to view on our website?  If you have any questions regarding our school policies, please direct to the school Principal by phone or email - we welcome any feedback!

Have you changed your details?

Doctor in School Program - Monday (9am-1pm)

Breakfast Club

Reporting your child's absence via text

If you child is going to be absence from school, you can now report via text message on:  0438 241 522.

Please include the following information in your text message:

• your child's full name
• reason for absence
• the days your child will be absent

Reporting Absences through Compass

Please note that - in order to comply with government guidelines, the options when reporting absences via Compass have changed.  There are now only 6 options for parents to report an absence:

• medical/illness - this includes dental or any form of medical  appointment - this is an approved absence
• bereavement - this is an approved absence
• truancy - this is not an approved absence and will be further investigated
• parent choice - this is not an approve absence and will be further investigated
• extended family holiday - this is an approved absence
• religious/cultural observance - this is an approved absence

Note that "Parent Choice" is not in the eyes of the Education Department a valid reason for a student not to be at school.  Regular ongoing attendance is vital for the continuity of a successful education.  Unapproved absences will be followed up by the school, as per DET guidelines.

For any assistance with using Compass, logging in, or using any of the many features, please contact the school and we will happily help.