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.
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 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.
Aerosols and sprays (PDF 194.3KB)
Many students and staff at Cardiff High School suffer from asthma, and a number suffer from severe allergies and anaphylaxis. Aerosols, sprays, and perfumes can act as triggers for people who suffer from these conditions, resulting in symptoms such as asthma attacks, headaches, including migraines, and in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock. In addition, aerosols can be dangerous as they contain flammable liquids and can also cause harm if inhaled.
For these reasons, aerosols and sprays are banned from school premises and all excursions, after-school activities and sporting events.
Anti-bullying plan (PDF 942KB)
This plan outlines the processes for preventing and responding to student bullying in our school and reflects the Bullying: Preventing and Responding to Student Bullying in Schools Policy of the New South Wales Department of Education and Communities. Through consultation with the whole school community, Cardiff High School has developed an Anti-bullying plan which includes protection, prevention, early intervention and response strategies for student bullying. The Department of Education's Anti-Bullying Website can be found here.
The Cardiff Code - Teacher Expectations and Student Responsibilities (PDF 2.1MB)
The Behaviour Code (The Cardiff Code), is based on the RIOT (Resilience in Our Teens) program and links to our Teacher Expectations and Student Responsibilities of "Respect, Safety and Engagement".
Department of Education Behaviour Code for Students (PDF 83KB)
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.
Bring your own device (BYOD) (PDF 1.1MB)
Cardiff High School values the rich learning experiences that tightly integrated interactions with technology brings. The promotion and advancement of this integration is core to the school's educational philosophies. Our aim is to equip students with the skills that are needed to be citizens and thinkers of the future. By facilitating bring your own device (BYOD), Cardiff High School empowers its students and gives them direct involvement in the way they use their personal device in the classroom to enhance learning.
Cardiff High School draws its enrolments from the Cardiff, Garden Suburb, Hillsborough and Macquarie Hills Communities. The school makes a commitment to ensure local students are enrolled in a timely manner, supporting all of the student’s educational needs.
The school also considers enrolments from other public or non-government high schools.
Junior assessment and homework policy (PDF 777.5KB)
Cardiff High School is focused on raising the academic outcomes and standards for students and preparing them for the challenges and rigours of HSC study in senior school. The Junior Assessment and Homework Policy provides a framework for students, parents, and staff to assist in the effective delivery and completion of assessable tasks and homework to a high standard.
Cardiff High School has introduced a strict gate-to-gate policy. Students, whose parents/caregivers allow them to bring their phone to school must ensure it is switched off (not on silent) and secured in their backpack. Students are not allowed to use their phones at any stage throughout the school day, including recess and lunch.
Cardiff High School is committed to maintaining a high standard of school uniform. All students are required to wear the complete school uniform (unless otherwise instructed).
Making a complaint about schools - guide for parents, carers and students (Link)
We are committed to working with parents, carers, students and families to ensure all students are happy and thrive at school. If you have a question, issue, complaint, feedback or compliment about our school, we’d like to know.