Rules and policies are in place to make sure your child remains safe and well at school.
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 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.
Welfare policy
Newcastle School is committed to providing a safe and supportive school community for our students to grow in harmony. We are all responsible for respecting others. At this school everyone will be safe and valued and all members of the school community have a responsibility to ensure this happens.
Statement of purpose
All students and staff have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity in an environment free from disruption, intimidation, harassment and discrimination.
Our school is committed to promoting the highest standards of learning and behaviour. Students at Newcastle School are provided with a high quality education so that they can learn to the best of their ability.
This policy is consistent with legal and departmental requirements, is based on the principles of fairness and a framework of student welfare. Staff, parents and students have been consulted to ensure that it reflects the particular needs of our school community.
Our well-being policy includes our Discipline, Anti-bullying, Medical and Assisted School Travel Policies.
For full details download our well-being policy (PDF 199KB).