Rules and policies are in place to make sure your child remains safe and well at school.
School frameworks (school rules)
As well as following the department’s operational policies, we have developed frameworks for our students in line with our school’s values and commitments.
School Discipline Code - Secondary behaviour
Manilla Central School recognises that student welfare and discipline are closely linked. The following policy has been developed following extensive community consultation with parents, the general community, students and staff.
Our community expects that our students will be good citizens of the school. This means that they will observe the school's uniform policy, maintain regular attendance and be punctual. They are expected to do their individual best in class work, bookwork and homework.
This policy is under constant review. We welcome suggestions and comments to improve this system. If you would like to discuss any aspects of this policy please contact the deputy principal.
Manilla Central School Code of Conduct
Student Rights and Responsibilities
I have the right to:
Be treated with understanding and to have my concerns and opinions listened to at an agreed time.
Be treated with politeness, respect and equality as a human being.
Be physically comfortable in the classroom and expect that a good variety of lessons are presented.
Be recognised for my efforts and abilities.
Expect that I will be safe and my property will not be tampered with at school.
Not be distracted from my work by unnecessary interruptions.
Be involved in school decision making, as appropriate.
I have a responsibility to:
Listen to others' concerns and opinions and to treat people with understanding and to voice my concerns at an agreed time and place.
Treat others with politeness, respect and equality.
Be physically comfortable in the classroom and expect that a good variety of lessons are presented.
Recognise and support the efforts and abilities of others.
Ensure the safety of others and not tamper with the property of others.
Behave in an acceptable manner such that my actions do not disturb others.
Be actively involved in school decision making processes, as appropriate.
Each student is entitled to an undisrupted and safe education.
Each student is responsible for his or her own behaviour.
Based on these rights and responsibilities, a number of rules and expectations have been developed:
- our students listen when a teacher is speaking
- our students obey instructions immediately
- our students always treat other people politely
- our school will not tolerate bullying in any form
- our students work to the best of their individual ability
- our students do not chew gum anywhere, anytime in the school grounds
- our students do not wear hats in classrooms
- our students do not spit
- our students care for their classroom environment. This includes sitting properly on chairs and caring for desktops, etc
- our students use appropriate language at all times
- our students care for their school environment by accepting responsibility for the cleanliness of the whole playground and their special areas
- our students willingly tidy up rubbish at a teacher's request
- our students do not smoke at school
- our students attend school regularly
- our students arrive at all classes on time and ready for work
- our students wear their school uniform every day (or have a note explaining variations)
- our school expects the highest standards. Possession of illegal drugs, alcohol and weapons is unacceptable. Any student involved in any inappropriate activity will face serious consequences.
Students who are good citizens have the privilege of participating in the many extra activities we offer. These include sporting teams, excursions and access to facilities such as the computer room at lunch times.
Are higher awards available?
Yes! Higher awards are based on each student's achievement in academic, sporting, cultural and community efforts. They are available to every student (regardless of academic ability) who has a real go.
Bronze is awarded to students who work well in all their subjects and achieve high standards (for their ability level) in several subjects.
Students who reach silver achieve high standards in most subjects and are active participants in things like sporting teams and debating teams. They are active in the general life of the school helping out in areas like the office and library.
Students who reach gold achieve high personal standards in all subjects, are very active participants in many different activities in the school and make at least one specific outstanding contribution to school life.
Our highest award is platinum. Students on this higher award are offered a range of special privileges during the year.
A separate School Merit Award Scheme is used to give instant recognition of a student's achievements.
What happens when a student's efforts slip?
Students who do not work to the best of their ability, attend regularly or wear their school uniform will be placed on an orange progress card. They may not have the privilege of participating in extra activities while they are on a progress card. The orange progress card is a warning. It usually lasts for a few days and finishes as soon as the student solves the problem.
What about unacceptable behaviour?
Occasionally some students' behaviour is unacceptable. They will be placed on stage 5 - red, and will lose a range of privileges. They will not be permitted to participate in any sporting team, school social or excursion while on a negative stage. Other sanctions will be imposed depending on the situation.
Stage 5 - red, is the first negative stage. Unacceptable behaviour may include things like rudeness, failure to cooperate with teachers, smoking, harassment or fighting. Stage 5 usually lasts for one week. During this time students must show that they can behave properly all the time.
What happens when a student misbehaves regularly or is involved in a serious problem?
From time to time a few students will adopt behaviour that is completely unacceptable.
If you are placed on stage 4 – purple, or below please understand that our school is seriously concerned about your poor behaviour.
We will expect parents and students to recognise the seriousness of the problem and to work willingly with the school to solve the problem.
Students who earn placement on stage 4 (or below) must participate in a program to assist them to develop appropriate skills and behaviours. They will remain on this program until the principal and head teacher are satisfied that the student is willing and ready to be a good citizen of the school.
What happens to students involved in smoking?
Smoking is not permitted by anyone within the school grounds.
Students involved in smoking are placed on a negative level, and must participate in an education program about various aspects of smoking. Students who persist with being involved in smoking may be suspended because of persistent disobedience of school rules.
Students involved in smoking include those who smoke, those who supply tobacco products, and those in the presence of smokers.
Please feel free to contact the school for further details concerning any issue.
Twice a term there will be merit awards given out during year meetings to acknowledge and reward students for positive behaviours and contributions to the school community.
The awarding of bronze, silver, gold, and platinum awards will be now based on the number of awards achieved throughout the year and still occur in the formal assembly at the end of each term.
More from the NSW Department of Education
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: