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:
Late Arrivals
At Riverwood Public School we take attendance and lateness very seriously. Being on time and attending school every day (unless students are unwell) is very important for their learning and wellbeing.
Parents and carers are encouraged to work closely with the school when issues arise. You can help your child or children develop important and life long skills about time management by ensuring they arrive by 9am and come every day.
The Executive Team looks at attendance data each week and takes action to make sure our students are coming to school every day and that they are on time.
The Principal monitors the attendance of some students each day and takes action if particular students haven’t arrived by a certain time.
If ongoing lateness is a problem - a letter is sent home after 5 late arrivals are noted. A meeting is requested after 10 late arrivals are noted. An hour a week of literacy time is lost if a child is 10 or 12 minutes late each day.
The Home School Liaison Officer also undertakes regular roll checks and advises the school of action to take when attendance and lateness slips below particular targets.
You are required to explain an absence within 7 days. You can do this via the app, an email, leaving a message through the prompts on the school phone or sending a note.