Rules and Policies
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.
Our school uses the department's School Community Charter to ensure all of our communication is collaborative and respectful.
Positive behaviour for learning is a program that is a proactive, team-based framework for creating and sustaining safe and effective schools. Emphasis is placed on prevention of problem behaviour, development of pro-social skills and the use of data-based problem solving for existing behaviour concerns.
At Balmain, we call this "The Balmain Way".
- Respect yourself, others and the community
- Act responsibly
- Participate productively in learning
Rules and policies are in place to make sure your child remains safe and well at school.
Positive Behaviour for Learning
At our school, we use Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) – a whole-school approach for creating a positive, safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and develop. Our whole school community works together to establish expected behaviours and teach them to all students.
At Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus we provide a safe, secure and disciplined learning environment for our students. High expectations bring out the best in our students; they learn more, enjoy more and are active participants in their learning. Our experienced teachers recognise the importance of the social and emotional wellbeing of our students and the impact that this has on their learning and development.
The school has implemented a successful Positive Behaviour for Learning strategy to guide and develop student experiences. Clear expectations focus students on the positive behaviours that will ensure they behave responsibly, act respectfully and are successful learners within each area of school life.
Our students are connected to their school, work in partnership with strong role models and are encouraged to develop the confidence they need to set high aspirations, achieve success and improve their own academic resilience.
Positive behaviour for learning is a program that is a proactive, team-based framework for creating and sustaining safe and effective schools. Emphasis is placed on prevention of problem behaviour, development of pro-social skills and the use of data-based problem solving for existing behaviour concerns.
At Balmain, we call this "The Balmain Way".
- Respect yourself, others and the community
- Act responsibly
- Participate productively in learning
Code of Conduct
Balmain Campus, Sydney Secondary College provides excellent public education based on quality, opportunity and diversity.
As a student at this Campus, you are expected to:
- participate actively in learning
- act responsibly and safely
- contribute positively to our community.
In the classroom, this means:
- arriving on time to class
- bringing the correct books and equipment
- working to the best of your ability
- contributing positively to the lesson
- completing homeworks and assignments on time
- asking for help if needed
- cooperating
- following the teacher's instructions
- being polite
- doing the right thing.
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 requiring early leave passes
Students requiring an early leaver’s pass are required to bring a note to the front office in the morning before school. The note is signed by the DP and taken back to the office. Students are then given a pass out of class at the time for their departure. The school’s attendance officer enters information into Sentral regarding departure times. A parent or guardian must pick up the student at the time of signing out.
Mobile Phones Off and Away All Day
Mobile phones are sometimes viewed as enhancing security for students travelling to and from schools or institutes. It is the responsibility of students who bring mobile phones to school to use them appropriately.
Generally, a mobile phone will be used inappropriately if it:
- disrupts or is likely to disrupt the learning environment or interfere with the operation of the school or institute
- threatens or is likely to threaten the safety or well being of any person
- is in breach of any law.
Inappropriate use of mobile phones includes students using them to bully, intimidate or otherwise harass other people through any SMS or text message, photographic, video or other data transfer system available on the phone.
Images on mobile phones
If the image is of a person under the age of 16 engaged in sexual activity or in a sexual context, it will be regarded as child pornography for the purposes of the Crimes Act. Any person who produces, sends, transmits, disseminates or possesses child pornography is guilty of an offence and is liable to a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
Engaging in this behaviour is also likely to be a breach of the Commonwealth Criminal Code and carries a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment.
A person is guilty of an offence if he or she films or attempts to film, another person who:
- is in a state of undress, or is engaged in a private act, in circumstances in which a reasonable person would reasonably expect to be afforded privacy
- the person does not consent to being filmed
Incidents of this nature that occur in school will be reported to the police.
Consequences of inappropriate use
If students use mobile phones inappropriately, principals have the right to take action.
Depending on the circumstances, action may include:
- banning students from using mobile phones during the course of the school or institute day;
- confiscating mobile phones from individual students;
- requiring students to hand in their mobile phones to designated school staff at the beginning of the school day for collection when students go home;
- applying student disciplinary provisions.
Loss, damage and theft
Students and parents are reminded that students bring mobile phones to the school or institute at their own risk – the school will not accept any responsibility for loss or damage to mobile phones.
Student Behaviour Management and Support Plan
At our school, we have a Student Behaviour Management Plan – a whole-school approach for creating a positive, safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and develop. Our whole school community works together to follow this plan which is in line with our Positive Behaviour for Learning strategy.
Student Behaviour Management and Support Plan 2026
Anti-Bullying Policy
NSW public schools, including Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus, implement an anti-bullying policy as part of their Student Behaviour Support and Management Plan. This plan is developed based on the Student behaviour policy, which states that bullying behaviour, including cyberbullying, is not allowed. Bullying is defined as the intentional misuse of power in a relationship, ongoing and repeated behaviour that can cause harm, such as deliberately hurting or threatening someone more than once. Each school's behaviour support and management plan outlines how students should behave, strategies to help all students with their behaviour, ways the whole school can work to stop bullying, and information about positive behaviour. The plan prioritises whole-school, prevention-focused, and positive approaches to behaviour support, and ensures learning continuity for all students while embedding school-specific anti-bullying strategies. When behaviours of concern arise, schools may implement further interventions to safeguard teaching and learning and wellbeing.
Uniform Policy
The school uniform policy ensures that all students have access to the full range of school activities while wearing a school uniform, including participating in physical activities. It requires that girls must have the option to wear shorts or pants, and consideration is given to the affordability of uniforms, including support for families who may need financial assistance. School uniforms are designed to promote a sense of belonging, contribute to a positive school identity, and enhance student safety through easier recognition. Additionally, uniforms must be inclusive of diverse backgrounds, cultural and religious requirements, and accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. Students are permitted to choose from any agreed uniform options, supporting both choice and gender expression, with practical and comfortable attire for various activities and weather conditions. The uniform requirements must be clearly communicated to students and parents, with clothing lists provided in non-gender specific terms.
Student E-Bike and E-Scooter Policy
The Road Safety Education policy includes guidance regarding the use of wheeled devices such as e-bikes and scooters by students. It emphasises the responsibility of school principals and teachers to ensure road safety is taught across all stages of learning and that safe travel information is regularly communicated to students, parents, and carers. Principals must review safe travel procedures, ensure risk assessments are conducted, promote safe travel choices, and engage with relevant agencies about safety issues in the school zone. Teachers are required to explicitly teach road safety, supervise students when entering and exiting school grounds, and report hazards or unsafe behaviour. These measures are designed to minimise foreseeable harm and promote safe practices for students using e-bikes and e-scooters as part of a comprehensive approach to wheeled device safety.
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