Rules and policies

There are clear expectations relating to student application to their studies and conduct based on the Values of NSW Public Schools and the Department of Education Behaviour Code for Students.

High expectations for students

These expectations are supported by explicit rules, firm discipline procedures and a merit award system. The merit award system rewards positive efforts and attitudes in all areas of school life.

To maximise learning and to keep the school safe and secure for all students, the school has a Code of Conduct required of each student within the school community. This must be agreed to and signed by each student and his/her parent each year.

The rules listed below have been prepared by students, parents and teachers and are designed to make the school an effective, safe and pleasant learning environment.

Every student at Sefton High School is required to:

• behave in a responsible, cooperative and courteous manner that demonstrates respect for the rights, dignity, feelings and safety of other students, staff and community members and contribute to a positive, supportive and harmonious workplace for all.
• be conscious of each person’s safety and personal space as well his/her own. This requires demonstrating care for other people and him/herself and includes not touching other people, encouraging others to avoid negative behaviour, resolving any differences with empathy and reporting any concerns for the wellbeing and/or safety of other students.
• take personal responsibility for his/her own behaviour, actions and learning and think about consequences for self and others before speaking or acting.
• demonstrate personal integrity though being honest, truthful and trustworthy.
• engage in active and positive learning, striving to achieve the highest standard to the best of my ability during lessons and respect the rights of others to learn at all times.
• commit him/herself to a regular program of study and meet all course requirements, including attendance at and punctuality to all timetabled lessons.
• comply with all school rules and follow the directions of teachers and others in positions of responsibility. This includes telling any staff member his/her full name when requested to do so.
• be prepared for and participate as fully as possible in the everyday life of the school, including its sporting and cultural activities.
• identify him/herself as a proud student of the school by wearing the uniform correctly at all times.
• act in a manner, both inside and outside the school, that will demonstrate responsibility and self-respect and enhance the reputation of the school.
• respect and take care of his/her own and school property and the property of others.

The values at Sefton High School

Values are the basis of law, customs and the care of others in our society. Sefton High School like all NSW Department of Education schools teaches and supports the values that are fundamental to Australian society. The most important values are outlined below. These are the Core Values in NSW Public Schools.

Integrity

Being consistently honest and trustworthy.

Excellence

Striving for the highest personal achievement in all aspects of schooling and individual and community action, work and life-long learning.

Respect

Having regard for yourself and others, lawful and just authority and diversity within Australian society and accepting the rights of others to hold different or opposing views.

Cooperation

Working together to achieve common goals, providing support to others and engaging in peaceful resolution of conflict.

Participation 

Being a proactive and productive individual and group member, having pride in and contributing to the social and economic wealth of the community and the nation.

Care

Concern for the wellbeing of yourself and others, demonstrating empathy and acting with compassion.

Fairness

Being committed to the principles of social justice and opposing prejudice, dishonesty and injustice.

Democracy

Accepting and promoting the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of being an Australian citizen.

Visit the NSW Department of Education’s policy library for all current operational policies.

Our school uses the department's School Community Charter to ensure all of our communication is collaborative and respectful.

Attendance and absences

Students must attend school regularly so they can achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options.

In NSW, all children from the age of 6 are legally required to attend school or be registered for home schooling through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). All students must complete Year 10, or its equivalent.

Young people below the age of 17 who have completed Year 10 must be:

• in school, or registered for home schooling 

• in approved education or training, such as a traineeship, apprenticeship or TAFE

• in full-time paid employment (average 25 hours a week) 

• in a combination of work, education and/or training (average of 25 hours a week combined).

Students 17 years and over who are enrolled in school must attend school regularly to meet HSC course requirements. 

As a parent or carer, you are responsible for ensuring your child attends school every day when they are of compulsory school age. You must explain all absences to the school within 7 days.

For more information about compulsory school attendance, visit:

• School Attendance Policy
• Student wellbeing – compulsory school attendance.