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 Behaviour Management Procedures
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.
For more information see:
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.
Behaviour Code for Students
Students are expected to:
· Respect other students, their teachers and school staff and community members
· Follow school and class rules and follow the directions of their teachers
· Strive for the highest standards in learning
· Respect all members of the school community and show courtesy to all students, teachers and community members
· Resolve conflict respectfully, calmly and fairly
· Comply with the school’s uniform policy or dress code
· Attend school every day (unless legally excused)
· Respect all property
· Not be violent or bring weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco into our schools
· Not bully, harass, intimidate or discriminate against anyone in our schools
Expectations into Actions:
Respect
· Treat one another with dignity
· Speak and behave courteously
· Cooperate with others
· Develop positive and respectful relationships and think about the effect on relationships before acting
· Value the interests, ability and culture of others
· Dress appropriately by complying with the school uniform or dress code
· Take care with property
Safety
· Model and follow departmental, school and/or class codes of behaviour and conduct
· Negotiate and resolve conflict with empathy
· Take personal responsibility for behaviour and actions
· Care for self and others
· Avoid dangerous behaviour and encourage others to avoid dangerous behaviour
Engagement
· Attend school every day (unless legally excused)
· Arrive at school and class on time
· Be prepared for every lesson
· Actively participate in learning
· Aspire and strive to achieve the highest standards of learning
For more information see:
Merit Levels
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.
Recognising Student Achievement
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 merit awards achieved throughout the year and still occur in the formal assembly at the end of each term.
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 HT/AP Monitoring cards. They may not have the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities while they are on a progress card, however, will be able to attend all curriculum-based activities.
The Orange HT/AP Monitoring card is a warning, and records student performance in each class using an A-D scale. It usually lasts for a few days and finishes as soon as the student resolves the problem by demonstrating 5 days of A's or B’s in each class.
Occasionally some students' behaviour is unacceptable. They may be escalated to Red HT/AP Monitoring card, and may receive a Formal Caution pending Suspension. We will expect parents and students to recognise the seriousness of the problem and to work willingly with the school to solve the problem. This level will usually involve additional support mechanisms, including Individual Behaviour Support Plans and Risk Management Planning in consultation with network specialists, parents and students.
For more information see:
- Detention and Time-Out Guidelines
- Student Behaviour Procedures Kindergarten to Year 12
- Manilla Central School Anti-Bullying Plan 2023
What happens to students involved in smoking/vaping?
Smoking/vaping is not permitted by anyone within the school grounds.
Students involved in smoking/vaping are managed through the Wellbeing Procedures; students are placed on a negative level and must participate in an education program about various aspects of smoking/vaping. Students who persist with being involved in smoking/vaping may be suspended because of persistent disobedience of school rules.
Students involved in smoking/vaping include those who use products for personal use, those who supply tobacco products for others’ use, and those in the presence of smokers/vapers.
Please feel free to contact the school for further details concerning any issue.
What happens to students involved in using mobile devices on school grounds?
Manilla Central School utilised YONDR locking phone pouches as part of the mobile phone management procedures. This procedure is being implemented to increase focus and learning in classrooms, remove distractions and promote positive social interactions. The implementation of this procedure is a requirement under the Students’ Use of Mobile Phones in Schools Policy, and includes mobile phones and airpods/earbuds.
Students on the Secondary Campus are required to lock their mobile phone into their personal YONDR pouch upon entering the school grounds through the main gate. Students are responsible for their own device, and will carry it within the pouch during the day. Students can the access the unlocking station as they exit the main gate at the end of the day.
Students who fail to utilise the YONDR system appropriately will be managed through the following:
1. First offence: Phone to the office, returned to the student at the end of the day.
2. Second office: Phone to the office, phone call placed to the parent, returned to the student at the end of the day.
3. Third office: Phone to the office, phone call placed to the parent, parent is required to collect the phone from the office. Improved student behaviour will be supported through the HT/AP Monitoring Card system.
Please feel free to contact the school for further details concerning any issue.
For more information see:
· Student Use of Mobile Phones in Schools Procedures
· Social Media Policy – Implementation Procedures
Communicating with the School
Manilla Central School continues to work to create positive environments for students, staff and the entire school community that support student learning. We strive to ensure that every student is known, valued and cared for.
Our staff will find a time to talk to you when they can give you their full attention. Please remember that while our staff are in class or dealing with other matters, they may not be available to answer your questions immediately. Please call the office to make an appointment if you wish to speak with staff regarding a question or concern.
In all workplaces, people have the right to feel respected. Unacceptable and offensive behaviour has no place in our school communities. Our school uses the department's School Community Charter to ensure all of our communication is collaborative and respectful..
For more information see:
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: