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:

• School Attendance Policy
• Student wellbeing – compulsory school attendance.

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 (PDF 530.89 KB)

Have a question for our principal or teachers?

Our friendly office team can help you get in touch.

Contact us