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:
Students use of Mobile Phones in Schools Management Plan
Rationale and Objectives
Gulgong High School supports the restrictions of mobile phones in accordance with the NSW Department of Education: Students’ Use of Mobile Phones in Schools policy (https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/pd-2020-0471). Mobile phone use in schools can impact student learning and wellbeing. Restricting mobile phone use at school aims to increase focus in classrooms, remove distractions and promote positive social interaction, while reducing the potential for online bullying. Gulgong High School has strong teaching and learning practices to support students in the classroom using various forms of appropriate technology, which maximises the benefits and minimises the risks of digital environments and prepare students for life beyond school. We foster a safe learning environment which supports and enhances each child’s social and emotional health through our wellbeing and learning support teams.
Gulgong High School has elected to use the following approach. All mobile phones will be handed in and stored in the School Office for the full school day, including recess and lunch. This is an approved NSW Department of Education option and will limit unnecessary distractions and complement our ongoing approach to ensure every student maximises their learning and social growth in a safe and supportive environment.
Exemptions
Gulgong High School understands there may be students who have a medical, wellbeing or learning need which will require them to access a mobile phone as defined in this plan. Families should contact the school principal in order to determine where an exemption will be applied for on behalf of a student, as well as the adjustments to any school-based practices and procedures.
Contacting Students
Gulgong High School understands there will always be emergencies when parents need to get in contact with students or vice versa during the school day. We try to keep this to a minimum, with the exception of emergencies, to avoid disturbing the students’ learning. Parents and carers can make contact with the school through the school office on 02 6374 1201 and students will also be able to contact parents or carers through the school office if urgent.
Managing Student Non-Compliance
Gulgong High School will manage non-compliance as it does with other student behaviour. If a student has a phone on them during the school day, they will be directed to hand the phone in at the office and will be issued with a verbal suspension warning in the first instance of non-compliance. Continued non-compliance will result in a suspension warning and possible suspension for persistent non-compliance.
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.