Uniform

Purpose

The purpose of the Student Uniform Policy (Dress Code) is to outline Ballarat High School’s requirements for student dress and appearance and to provide information about uniform purchase and support, uniform policy      implementation and exemption processes.

This uniform policy has been developed by Ballarat High School’s School Council in close consultation with our school community to ensure that it respects the rights of individual students whilst reflecting the values and interests of our community.

The Student Uniform policy aims to:

• foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance and their school.
• support Ballarat High School’s commitment to

ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities.

• reduce student competition on the basis of clothing
• enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider
• provide uniform which is durable and therefore more economical
• provide a safety element through easy
• identification of students when outside the school and the detection of outsiders in the school grounds.

The School Council has developed a Student Uniform policy that we believe provides a range of choices for students and is cost effective for families.

Scope

Students are expected to comply with this Student Uniform Policy while traveling to and from school, during school hours and when attending school activities and excursions, unless otherwise specified. This policy recognizes the importance of parents/guardians in ensuring that students are able to meet the policy requirements.

Uniform and Appearance

The full list of Ballarat High School’s compulsory and optional school uniform items are available in Appendix A of this policy.

General appearance

 Ballarat High School students must comply with the following:

• Uniforms must be clean and in good condition
• Uniforms must be clearly marked with the owner’s name
• Additional layers of clothing may be worn underneath the uniform for added warmth, provided these undergarments are completely hidden.
• Black leather, lace-up shoes (traditional style) must be worn and should be regularly cleaned.
• Ballet shoes, slip-ons, sneakers, T bars, and boots are NOT permitted.
• The wearing of ties is compulsory for boys; optional for girls
• For formal events, including school photos shirts must be tucked in.
• No visible tattoos
• Religious headwear must be in school colors – navy blue or bottle green
• All accessories (i.e. ribbons, gloves, scarves) must be in school colors – navy blue or bottle green
• The only jackets permitted to be worn at School are either a school blazer or spray jacket.
• For certain school events and activities students are able to wear specially designed Ballarat High School clothing (full details Appendix B).

Physical Education uniform

Physical Education uniform is compulsory for all students.

• If students have PE classes period 6 they are permitted to wear their PE uniform home.
• At all other times students must change into their PE uniform prior to their PE class and change back into their normal school uniform at the end of their PE class.
• The only trackpants to be worn must be the school trackpants – Skins are not acceptable.
• Sports shoes (sneakers) with non marking/white soles are required for use on the gymnasium floor.
• Students representing the School in interschool sports competitions are required to wear the Physical Education uniform and are required to wear the sports socks with the school colors band.

Jewellery

In order to ensure safety in classes and in the school yard the following guidelines must be followed:

• Students with pierced ears are permitted to wear studs (no bigger than 5mm) or sleepers (no bigger than 14mm)
• Students are permitted one nose stud (no bigger than 3mm).
• No other piercings are permitted.
• Necklaces should be worn under clothing and should not be This is especially important in practical classes for safety reasons.
• If requested for safety reasons in classes, items must be removed.

Hair and cosmetics

• Hair must be kept clean and tidy; only natural hair colours are permitted and extreme fashion styles are not acceptable.
• Students with hair below shoulder length must wear it tied back securely for practical This is an Occupational Health and Safety requirement.
• Only natural looking makeup is permitted.

Sun safety

• As a secondary school, students are expected to take responsibility for being sun smart by wearing a hat during outdoor activities or staying in the shade, if they are not wearing sunscreen. Students can wear a navy blue brimmed hat or cap.
• The only other headwear that can be worn is the school beanie.
• The wearing of headwear in the buildings or classrooms is not permitted without specific permission.

Purchase of Uniforms

Uniform items can be purchased from PSW through their store located at 1013 Howitt Street, Wendouree or via their website at

https://www.psw.com.au/schools/ballarat-high- school.html

Second hand uniform items can be purchased through the Sustainable School Shop at

https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/

Support for Families Experiencing Difficulty

Please contact the Business Manager to discuss support that we may be able to provide to families experiencing difficulty meeting uniform costs, including information about eligibility for uniform support through State Schools’ Relief. Further information about State Schools’ Relief is also available on their website: htps://www.ssr.net.au/

Implementation

Ballarat High School will ensure that this Student Uniform Policy is communicated to all families and students through our website and via email annually to all families and will assist students who may be experiencing difficulties in complying with this policy where possible.

If a student is unable to wear a uniform piece for any reason their parent/carer must provide satisfactory written explanation and the student will be issued with a uniform pass, which they must carry throughout the day. Students out of uniform without the required permission and pass will be given a detention or they may be asked to change into a compliant item of clothing provided by the school.

If a student breaches the Student Uniform policy on a recurring basis, Team Leaders will contact parent/carers to discuss the breaches and work with the student and family to support compliance. Continual non compliance may lead to the involvement of the Principal in achieving a resolution with further implementation of consequences possible.

Measures taken by Ballarat High School to address concerns about student non-compliance with the Student Uniform policy will also be addressed in accordance with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

Exemptions To Student Uniform Policy

We recognise that there may be situations where the application of this uniform policy may affect students unequally.

Students and their parents or carers may apply in writing to the Principal for an exemption to this Student Uniform policy if:

• an aspect of this policy prevents the student from complying with a requirement of their religious, ethnic or cultural beliefs or background
• the student has a particular disability or health condition that requires a departure from the uniform policy
• the student  or  their  parents/carers  can demonstrate particular economic hardship that prevents them from complying with the uniform policy

When the Principal receives a request for an exemption, they will:

• consider the grounds for the exemption request
• explain the process to the student and/or their parents/carers
• encourage the student and/or their parents/carers to support their application with evidence.

The Principal or delegate will then try to negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to all parties. If an exemption is not allowed, then written reasons will be provided to the student and/or their parents or carers.

Concerns About This Student Uniform Policy

Ballarat High School welcomes feedback from the school community in relation to this Student Uniform policy. If you have a concern or complaint about the Student Uniform policy, further information about raising a concern or complaint is available in our school’s Complaints Policy, available on the school website.

Uniform Items

Please note: asterixed items (*) are school specific items and only available from PSW.

Students selected into the Specialist Sport program need to speak with the Specialist Sport program coordinator prior to purchasing PE uniform as the requirements are different for those students.