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:
If a child cannot attend school, an explanation is required which includes dates of absence and reason for absence. An application for extended leave - travel is required to be submitted if a child will be away longer than five school days.
Early departures
A parent must present to the front office in order to sign their child out of school early.
Lateness
Late students must present to the office with a parent to explain their late arrival.
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.
Aboriginal education
The school is on Wangal and Bediagal Country. We aim to improve the educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, as well as build everyone's knowledge about the histories and cultures of the First Nations people.
Anti-bullying
Canterbury Public School's anti-bullying strategy is incorporated in the School Behaviour Support and Management Plan.
Behaviour Management
The School Behaviour Management and Support Plan outlines steps taken to promote positive behaviour for learning. The basis of this policy is that everyone has the right to be respected, safe and learn and has the responsibility of being safe, respectful and not prevent others from learning. The SBMSP is in draft form (Dec 2024) while the school consults with staff, students and families.
High potential and gifted students
High potential and gifted students are found in all communities. Our school's HPGE policy is focused on differentiated programs that engage and challenge students in order for them to reach their potential.
Homework
Canterbury Public School has guidelines around homework which outline community and school expectations from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Internet use
Our school's information communication technology and internet use policy (PDF 115KB) provides a consistent framework for information and communications technology (ICT) use in teaching and learning programs and strategies to manage inappropriate use of ICT.
Learning Support
Canterbury's Learning Support Team (LST) is the school's team around individual students who need additional academic, social, emotional or health support. For more information please visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/inclusive-learning-support/resources/roles-and-responsibilities#Learning1
Sickness and accidents at school
If your child is sick or injured at school, the school will administer first aid and make a decision about contacting you or, if you are not available, your nominated emergency contact.
Students are not allowed to bring medicines to school in their bag. If your child is prescribed medication which needs to be administered during school hours, please contact the office in advance as there is a form that must be completed.
Spare clothing
In case of accident or sickness, it may be necessary to change your child's clothing. The school has a small collection of uniform items and clothing for this purpose. If your child needs to use this clothing, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please launder and return the items to school promptly.
Sun protection
Our school's sun protection policy is designed to reduce exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ensure students can play and learn outdoors safely. Students must:
- bring a sun safe school hat to school. Non-uniform hats including baseball hats and visors offer no protection to the neck and lower face
- wear their sun safe hat at lunch, recess and during sport
- play in the covered outdoor learning area (COLA) when they forget their hat.
Uniform policy
Our uniform policy (PDF 30KB) is designed to create a sense of belonging for our students and contribute to a safe and inclusive learning environment. We ask that all parents ensure their children cooperate with this policy.
Our school uses the department's School Community Charter to ensure all of our communication is collaborative and respectful.