Behaviour Code for Students

NSW public schools are committed to providing safe, supportive and responsive learning environments for everyone. We teach and model the behaviours we value in our students.

In NSW public schools students are  expected to:

• Respect other students, their teachers and school staff and community members
• Follow school and class rules and follow the directions of their teachers
• Strive for the highest standards in learning
• Respect all members of the school community and show courtesy to all students, teachers and community members
• Resolve conflict respectfully, calmly and fairly
• Comply with the school’s uniform policy or dress code
• Attend school every day (unless legally excused)
• Respect all property
• Not be violent or bring weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco into our schools
• Not bully, harass, intimidate or discriminate against anyone in our schools

Schools take strong action in response to behaviour that is detrimental to self or others or to the achievement of high quality teaching and learning.

Behaviour Code for Students: Actions

Promoting the learning, wellbeing and safety of all students in NSW Public Schools is a high priority for the Department of Education. We implement teaching and learning approaches to support the development of skills needed by students  to meet our high standards for respectful, safe and engaged behaviour.

Respect

• Treat one another with dignity
• Speak and behave courteously
• Cooperate with others
• Develop positive and respectful relationships and think about the effect on relationships before acting
• Value the interests, ability and culture of others
• Dress appropriately by complying with the school uniform or dress code
• Take care with property

Safety

• Model and follow departmental, school and/or class codes of behaviour and conduct
• Negotiate and resolve conflict with empathy
• Take personal responsibility for behaviour and actions 
• Care for self and others
• Avoid dangerous behaviour and encourage others to avoid dangerous behaviour

Engagement

• Attend school every day (unless legally excused)
• Arrive at school and class on time
• Be prepared for every lesson
• Actively participate in learning
• Aspire and strive to achieve the highest standards  of learning

The principal and school staff, using their professional judgment, are best placed to maintain discipline and provide safe, supportive and responsive learning environments. The department provides a policy framework and resources such as Legal Issues Bulletins, access to specialist advice, and professional learning to guide principals and their staff in exercising their professional judgment. In this context the NSW Government and the Department of Education will back the authority and judgment of principals and school staff at the local level.