Our policies and reports
Rules and policies are in place to make sure your child remains safe and well at school. Our annual report and school plan show what we’ve done and how we’re improving each year. Our policies address attendance, absences, behaviour, uniform and how we respond to your concerns.
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 Community Charter
The School Community Charter outlines the responsibilities of parents, carers, educators and school staff in NSW public schools to ensure our learning environments are collaborative, supportive and cohesive. It has been developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. NSW Public Schools work to create positive environments for students, staff and the entire school community that support student learning. We strive to ensure that every student is known, valued and cared for. The best education happens when students, parents and schools work together. Parents and carers play an important role in the school community. The School Community Charter informs parents and carers on how to engage with NSW Public Schools. Please see the attached School Community Charter: School Community Charter.
Wellbeing and behaviour guidelines
Marsden High School is dedicated to our students' wellbeing and invite you to view a copy of our Wellbeing and Management Guidelines (PDF 694KB) along with some of our other guidelines:
SunSmart plan
This SunSmart Plan has been developed to ensure that all students and staff of Marsden High School maintain a healthy UV exposure balance which minimises the risk of skin cancer with appropriate sun protection measures.
When UV levels are 3 and above the sun's rays are strong enough to damage your skin. You can't see or feel when UV levels are high. The SunSmart UV Alert below will show the sun protection times required for your local area across NSW as well as the maximum UV levels for the day.
The SunSmart UV alert can be found on the Cancer Council website
Annual school report
The annual report provides an account of our operations and achievements throughout the year. It's the result of rigorous self-assessment by staff, parents and carers, as well as student leaders.
Download our annual reports for a detailed account of:
- the progress we have made to provide high-quality educational opportunities for every child as set out in the school plan
- the impact of our strategies for improved learning
- the benefit to all students from resources including equity funding
- our operations and achievements throughout the year.
Download our current and previous annual report/s:
School excellence plan
We have developed a School Excellence Plan (SEP) in consultation with our community, identifying student outcomes and connected to a budget.
The School Excellence Framework (SEF) underpins our school planning and reporting approach. The framework provides a clear description of the key elements of high-quality practice across learning, teaching and leading.
The SEP is a working document that details the steps our school will take to improve learning outcomes, and the achievement and growth of all students. To ensure continuous improvement, the SEP reflects where our school is at and how it will further improve learning, teaching and leading.
It demonstrates our alignment and our commitment to excellence as part of public education in NSW to ensure a profound difference to the ongoing growth and development of our students.
Download our current and previous school plan/s:
School behaviour support and management plan
Our school has a school behaviour support and management plan (SBSMP). The SBSMP helps us create a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment for all students. It sets clear expectations for student behaviour. This includes how we respond to bullying and cyberbullying. We work together with our school community to shape the plan and review it each year.
Have a question about a policy or a report?
If you have a question about a policy or want to know how we respond to concerns, contact us. We're here to help.
NSW public school information
Learn how the NSW Department of Education helps shape our policies and reports.
Stories and highlights
Discover stories, wins and proud moments from our staff and students.