Because the St Brigid's School Community values its identity, student dress standards should promote a positive image of the school within the community and encourage students to uphold and enhance that image. It is by, and through, the maintenance of dress standards that the school community can express a sense of belonging for its students. In formulating this policy, the school community has experienced a wide range of consultation. The policy, therefore. reflects the common values prevalent, but is informed by current laws, regulations, community standards and gospel values.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. Student dress standards will :-
   • be sensitive to the maturity of students, gender, disability, religious and cultural beliefs and socio-economic circumstances:
   • maximise access to, and participation in, all educational experiences for both male and female students:
   • ensure health and safety according to relevant legislation and policy:
   • minimise harassment attributed to, and accentuated by, dress.
2. Approaches which encourage and reward students for upholding dress standards are worthwhile, and these should reflect the broader school philosophy, especially aspects which relate to student welfare.
3. All members of the school community have responsibility for ensuring that dress standards are maintained, but it is the role of the principal who is aware of, and sensitive to family circumstances, to address individual cases.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

Footwear

• plain white ankle socks
• completely black shoes (may be leather, sand-shoes or sports style) - coloured stripes or high ankle boots are not permitted.
• the wearing of white or navy school leather sandals on non-sport days is optional during terms 1&4.

Hats

• school hat, either legionnaire cap or Alex style, with school emblem
• a "no hat - no play" rule applies.

Sportswear

• lemon coloured polo shirt with emblem
• bottle green sports shorts
• black sports style shoe

Cold Weather Wear

• bottle green tracksuit pants and/or V necktop with emblem may be worn over both sports and day uniforms
• alternatively, bottle green "tights" may be worn under dresses or shorts.

Day Dress Wear

• check dress with emblem, or
• check shirt with emblem and bottle green long or short leg dress shorts.

Hair

• hair which extends beyond normal collar length or which affects the child's participation in school activities is to be secured with school coloured ribbons or "scrunchies". (bottle green, white, school check colours for day dress) (lemon or bottle green coloured for sports days)
• hairstyles should comply with standards of neatness practicality and safety. "Extravagant" hairstyles are not permitted.

Jewellery

• wrist watches and ear studs (worn as a pair, one in each ear) are permitted as items of jewellery.

Policy Statements

• The wearing of school uniforms is not compulsory for Pre-School students, although the statements on hair and jewellery do apply.
• The wearing of non-uniform items is not permitted without the permission of the principal for children from years one to seven.

Availability and Purchase of Uniforms

• Parents are encouraged to purchase uniforms from the school shop. When viable, a second-hand clothing pool will be established. Uniform items may be purchased from either outlets but parents are to ensure that such items meet school standards of colour, style and fabric.
• Supplies are available from the uniform shop on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8.30 - 9.00 am or by arrangement through the school office.
• Parents will be advised of bulk ordering deadlines. Orders received after deadlines are unable to be filled. A small supply of stock will be carried by the uniform shop for new enrolments and emergencies.
• Class groups which exemplify dress standards will be selected at random for sticker awards as per the School Behaviour Plan.

Changes to Uniform Items

1. The proposed changes are specified and reasons are clearly justified and addressed in writing to the uniform committee.
2. The proposed changes are discussed at Forum level.
3. Where 75% support for the changes is established at Forum level, the uniform committee will be charged with the responsibility to investigate issues such as cost, practicability, availability and adherence to the general principles etc.
4. The uniform committee will then conduct a survey amongst parents and make a recommendation based on its findings to the principal, who will make the final decision.