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 and remain in school, employment or training until they turn 17.
For more information about compulsory school attendance, visit:
APPLYING FOR LEAVE
Attendance matters. When your child misses school they miss important opportunities to learn, make friends and build skills through fun. For this reason, Our preference is for families to organise holidays during school vacation.
Families are encouraged to take holidays with their child during school vacation periods. In circumstances where travel during school term cannot be avoided, an application for extended leave can be submitted to the Principal for consideration.
There is no upper or lower limit of days that can be applied for, however an application must state the purpose of travel and include requested travel documentation.
Applications for Extended Leave - Travel can be obtained here. If approved, you will be issued with a Certificate of Extended Leave - Travel.
Absences relating to travel that have been approved will be marked as 'Leave' on the roll and therefore contribute to your child's total absences for the year.
Travel is considered to be domestic or international travel for the purpose of a family holiday under exceptional circumstances, family business, bereavement or other reasons, which should be specified on the application.
This application should be made at least two weeks in advance of the travel date so the school can consider the application and issue an extended leave certificate, where approved. You may be asked for this certificate for international departures.
All other leave: illness, absences up to 3 days, or for any other reason, should be submitted via Hero.
Too sick for school?
If your child is feeling unwell, it would be best to keep them at home form school and consult your doctor. For more information, download and view too sick for school(PDF 1.73MB)
Additional Resources:
Should I Send My Child to School Today?
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.
We are committed to providing safe, supportive and responsive learning environments for everyone. We teach and model the positive behaviours we value in our students through frameworks and routines – THINK before you speak, ASK before you act. These behaviour routines support our students to choose positive behaviours.
Anti-bullying Plan
Student wellbeing is of the utmost importance at Middle Harbour Public School, where every student is known, valued and cared for.
Please see our school's anti-bullying plan for information on how we support positive peer relationships.
To view the Anti-bullying plan click here
Anti-Racism Policy and Procedures
Racism is not tolerated in NSW public schools or department workplaces.
Students are expected to treat all members of the school community—staff, community members, and other students—fairly and with respect and to behave in ways that do not promote racism.
If you are experiencing racism or see or know about an incident of racism, you should report it to ensure it is addressed. You can seek assistance from a teacher or the school’s Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO). See Reports of racism for more information.
People who take action to challenge racism when they see it are called upstanders. More information is available on the Racism. No Way! website.
Anti-bullying (NSW Department of Education) - provides resources and support for students on how to deal with bullying.
Additional Resources:
NSW Department of Education Anti-racism Education website
2024-2035 Anti-Racism Strategy for the NSW Department of Education
Podcast: Parental as anything- ‘How Do I Teach My Kid Not To Be Racist’