School rules and discipline

Rules for student behaviour establish consistent expectations while at school. These rules are based on our core values of respect, integrity, excellence, responsibility, cooperation, participation, care, fairness and democracy.

All students in NSW government schools are expected to:

Attend every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time and prepared to learn.
Maintain a neat appearance, including adhering to the requirements of the school’s uniform or dress code policy.
Behave safely, considerately and responsibly, including when travelling to and from school.
Show respect at all times for teachers, other school staff and helpers, including following class rules, speaking courteously and cooperating with instructions and learning activities.
Treat one another with dignity and respect.
Care for property belonging to themselves, the school and others.

Behaviour that infringes on the safety of others, such as harassment, bullying and illegal or anti-social behaviour of any kind, will not be tolerated.

The Department is committed to supporting principals and school staff in the implementation of these rules through state-wide policies and programs, together with regional support staff, professional learning and alternative provisions, in order to promote the highest standards of behaviour and learning in our schools.

The critical role of parents and care- givers is recognised as the primary influence on each child’s character and behaviour. Parents are essential partners in supporting the core rules and the successful education of their children.

Detentions

Students may have to attend detention during recess or lunchtime as a disciplinary measure. Students may also be required to attend an after school detention, however parents will always be notified in advance should this be required.

N-Determinations

All students are required to:

Follow the course outcomes endorsed by NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority)
Work with diligence and sustained effort
Meet some or all of the outcomes of the course

N-Determinations are issued when a student in Year 10 or above fails to meet these minimum requirements.

Being issued an N-Determination means that a student will not progress to the next year and will not be issued a ROSA (Record of School Achievement) or the HSC (Higher School Certificate). Students will receive a minimum of two letters before an N-Determination.

Suspension and expulsion

All students and staff have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity in an environment free from disruption, intimidation, harassment and discrimination.

There will be cases of unacceptable behaviour where it will be in the best interests of the school community and/ or the student involved, for the student to be removed from the school for a period of time (suspension) or completely (expulsion).

Suspension is not intended as a punishment. It is only one strategy for managing inappropriate behaviour within a school’s student wellbeing and discipline policies. Students returning from suspension will be on a “Return To School Plan”. This will involve daily monitoring of the goals generated at the suspension resolution meeting.

Banned items

Students should not bring the following items to school or to school activities:

Chewing gum
Aerosols of any kind, including deodorant and spray paint
Tobacco, matches, cigarettes, lighters, vapes etc.
Drugs or medication. Should a student have to use a prescribed medication, a note is required from parent/ guardian and the medication must be left at the school office until needed.
Firearms or ammunition. This includes pea shooters, fire crackers, weapons and replica weapons of any kind and laser lights.
Knives, cutting instruments and metal rulers.
Liquid paper and permanent markers
Alcoholic drinks

Mobile devices at school

Under NSW Department of Education policy, students are not permitted to use or access their mobile devices during school hours. The policy is gate to gate applies from the moment a student enters school grounds to the time they leave.

Students found with a mobile device will be required to bring it to the office and exchange it for a receipt. They will be able to collect their mobile device at the end of the day.

On the third offence, a parent will be required to collect the mobile device from the office. Repeat mobile device offenders may face suspension.

The definition of mobile devices includes:

mobile phones
headphones
smart watches
smart glasses
personal music players
bluetooth speakers

Parents/carers can apply for an exemption if they believe their child has a good reason to carry a phone. Exemptions are determined on a case-by-case basis and granted when required by law or at the principal’s discretion.

If a parent wishes to contact their child during school hours they should call the office on 02 6966 9600.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited on all school premises, while going to and from school (including lunch leave) or while taking part in any school activity or excursion. Smoking is not permitted on State Government premises at any time.

Valuables at school

The school takes no responsibility for any of these items left unattended:

Mobile phones
Money
Devices (including personal laptops, tablets, handheld gaming)

Delivery of gifts and flowers to school

The school cannot accept deliveries of flowers, balloons or gifts for students. These types of items should more appropriately be delivered to the student’s home.

Permission to publish

Unless you have requested otherwise, Griffith High School assumes that you have given permission to publish your child’s name and image publicly. If you wish to withhold permission please contact the school. You may change your mind at any time.

Have a question about school rules and discipline?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

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