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.
Bulli High has procedures in place to support and monitor student attendance, core values and behaviours.
Attendance at school is critical in managing the Wellbeing of students and maximising their learning potential.
Please take the time to read the policies.
MOBILE PHONE POLICY
Bulli High School supports the teaching of an awareness of cyber safety and the use of mobile devices in the workplace and classroom.
The NSW Government has announced restrictions on the use of mobile phones in NSW high schools. From the beginning of Term 4, 2023, students in all NSW public schools will be unable to use mobile phones at school under the Students’ Use of Mobile Phones in Schools policy. This policy is being implemented by the NSW Government to increase focus and learning in classrooms, remove distractions and promote positive social interactions, while reducing the potential for online bullying.
Bulli High School is implementing this policy through an ‘Off and Away - Gate to Gate’ strategy. The policy will apply to mobile phones, airpods, headphones and smartwatches during all school hours.
Students will still be able to carry their phones while travelling to and from school. If students choose to bring their phones to school, they will be required to switch them off and keep them out of sight during the school day from gate to gate. This applies both in the classroom, and at break times, as well as throughout all school activities. 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.
- Turn off their phone before entering the school;
- Place their phone in their bag;
- Ensure they do not access their phone until they leave the school at the end of the day.
Students will not be able to access their phone once they arrive at school, in class or during breaks, including at the canteen.
If a student is observed accessing or using a phone, smartwatch, headphones or airpods, on the first occasion it will be:
- Confiscated and stored securely at the office. Parents will be informed and it will be returned to the student at the end of the day.
If there is a second infringement of the policy, the phone, smartwatch, headphones or airpods will be:
- Confiscated and stored securely at the office. A parent will be required to collect it at the end of the day. Students will also be issued with an after-school detention.
If there is a third infringement of the policy, the phone, smartwatch, headphones or airpods will be:
- Confiscated and stored securely at the office. A parent will be required to collect it at the end of the day. Students will also be issued with an after-school detention and a Formal Caution from the Deputy Principal.
Further infringements will result in suspension.
Students who refuse to comply with this policy and hand their phone, smartwatch, headphones or airpods to a staff member when requested will be referred to the Deputy Principal and issued with a Formal Caution.
We know this is a change for students and we appreciate parents working in partnership with the school to support this state-wide policy. Please assist your child by discussing the policy with them and reminding them of their responsibility to follow it.
Some common questions from students and parents have been:
- How will students know the details of the ‘Off and Away - Gate to Gate’ policy?
The policy and requirements are being communicated to students at assembly.
- How will students pay at the Canteen, Office and Uniform Shop?
Students will need to bring a card or cash.
- Will there be any exemptions?
Parents of a student with a medical or learning need may apply for an exemption. Supporting documentation will be required as part of the process. Exemption application forms can be obtained from the relevant Deputy Principal.
- What if a parent needs to urgently contact their child or the child needs to contact their parent?
Emergency contact can be made by the school office.
- What if the school goes into lockdown or lockout?
In the case of a lockout or lockdown, the school will make parents or carers aware of the situation if required. If needed, parents can also contact the school via the administrative office using the school’s contact information available on the website.
- Are any other devices banned from use during school hours?
Mobile phones are banned, plus devices that pair to the phone including smartwatches, headphones and airpods.
- What happens with mobile phones during sport and on excursions?
Mobile phones are not to be used during sport or on excursions.
- What if a parent is unable to collect their child’s mobile phone, smartwatch, headphones or airpods after they have been confiscated?
Mobile phones, smartwatches, headphones and airpods will be stored securely until parents are able to collect them from the school.
- How can an employer contact students about work shifts?
Students should alert their employers about the school’s mobile phone strategy and advise that they may not see any messages the employer sends until after school. Alternative methods of contacts such as email could also be used.
- Can students access their phones during private study or minimally supervised periods?
Students will not be permitted to access their phones during these times.
- What if my child needs to use their phone for classwork?
Students will not be using their phone for classwork. The school has access to a range of other digital devices that are more suitable and conducive to student learning. Students should ensure their timetable is copied into their School Diary.
- What happens if my child is in sick bay and the school has arranged a parent to pick them up?
Students in sick bay are constantly monitored and communicated with. Please contact the front office.
We are excited to ensure our school is a mobile phone-free space to improve learning and engagement. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.