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:
Anti Bullying Plan 2020
Bullying behaviour has three key features. It involves the intentional misuse of power in a relationship. It is ongoing and repeated, and it involves behaviours that can cause harm.
The NSW Department of Education requires all NSW public schools to have an Anti-bullying Plan which details the strategies implemented to reduce student bullying behaviours.
Anti-bullying-plan 2020
HRCs ani-bullying guidelines
HRCS Behaviour Policy
Hunter River Community School (HRCS) is a specialized K-12 educational institution dedicated to supporting neurodiverse students with complex needs. The school focuses on providing personalized learning opportunities and fostering a culture of high expectations. Its comprehensive School Behaviour Support and Management Plan (SBSMP) incorporates evidence-based strategies aimed at promoting student wellbeing, connection, and success. This approach integrates principles of positive behavior support, trauma-informed care, inclusive practices, and social-emotional learning. HRCS prioritizes individualized support and strong collaboration with families, ensuring each student’s needs are met in a safe, inclusive environment. Key programs, such as the Positive Behaviour of Learning Program and Smiling Minds, reinforce social and emotional learning while preventing bullying. The school’s commitment to maintaining a positive, respectful climate is reflected in its proactive, prevention-focused strategies for managing behaviors of concern, promoting engagement, and fostering respectful relationships.
HRCS Behaviour Policy 2025
