Purpose
A school uniform identifies children with a school, promotes student allegiance and it also acts as a means towards providing equality amongst children, regardless of socio-economic background.
As stated in the NSW Department of Education's Wellbeing for Schools website 2015:
"The wearing of school uniforms by students helps builds self-confidence and a sense of connection with their community."
Aims
- To encourage pride in our school
- To provide security for children travelling to and from school
- To encourage wearing of school uniform as it enhances school spirit and pride
Implementation
- School communities to determine the standards of dress with consultation of staff, students and parents
- Once endorsed by school communities, school principals need to be responsive to economic, personal and social factors
- P&C to manage school uniform purchase and stocktake
- School uniform should be chosen wisely with easy care fabrics selected. When changes occur in the school uniform, at least two years notice must be given to local suppliers of the impending change
- No student can be prevented from attending school or placed in a position of embarrassment because he or she is not wearing a school uniform. At school during school hours and where children are attending official school functions or are officially representing the school the wearing of the school uniform is to be actively encouraged. Uniform items from the school clothing pool may be borrowed to allow all children to be suitably attired
- The wearing of a school uniform cannot be made compulsory, however:
"In NSW public schools students are expected to comply with the school's uniform policy or dress code" (Behaviour Code for Students, NSW Department of Education and Communities, 2011)
Other considerations:
- Jewellery: Only personal jewellery that is safe to wear during sport is allowed and any jewellery that could be grabbed, pulled or plucked is deemed as unsafe. Although it is at the discretion of the teacher whether jewellery would be deemed unsafe, all jewellery worn is done so at the student's risk and the school is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen jewellery
- Piercings: Except for ear piercings, piercings should not be worn at primary school, however any facial piercings need to be covered
- Tattoos: Students should not have semi-permanent tattoos and/or ink or texta drawings on their arms, legs, hands, neck or faces at school and may be asked to remove them if they are not covered by clothing
- Make –Up and Nail Polish: Not allowed to be worn at school
- Hair Colour: Not allowed to be worn at school
- Representative Sports Gear: Any sportswear that is purchased from representative events (such as state or regional athletics, cross-country or swimming) can only be worn on sports days and carnival days
Evaluation
- Regular evaluation of the uniform policy should occur with the staff and P and C
Policy
- School Uniforms - Amended Policy (9/10/1986)
- The School Discipline Policy 1996
- Wellbeing in Schools NSW Department of Education website 2015
- Behaviour Code for Students May 2015