STUDENT UNIFORM POLICY

RATIONALE

Notre Dame Catholic Primary School is a two-stream co-educational facility catering for students and their families from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6. Our school name, Notre Dame, stands for Our Lady, Mary our Mother. Under her guidance, we strive to develop Christian values within our students and foster life-long learning with a vision of a positive future. An outward sign of belonging to this community is the wearing of the school uniform that bears the school crest and motto.

A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instils recognition of themselves as an integral part of the school community, and assists in developing pride in representing their school.

Our school uniform not only provides a sense of belonging and pride of association in students at Notre Dame Catholic Primary School but also promotes the safety and security of students by allowing for the ready identification of students as belonging to our school. Equality is fostered through this Uniform Policy, common to all students.

PRINCIPLES

1. At Notre Dame Catholic Primary School, the obligation of students (Years 1 – 6) to wear a uniform is provided for in the contract between parent and school at the time of enrolment.
2. In cases of genuine financial hardship parents/carers may apply for assistance with the supply of uniform.
3. Should an unusual situation occur when a child is temporarily unable to wear a uniform / or part of, a note from a parent / carer must accompany the child.
4. The Uniform Shop will provide a service to the school community as long as the school has the resources for its smooth functioning. Whilst the Uniform Shop should be economically viable, it must not be motivated by profit.
5. Any price changes to the uniform will be made on the recommendation of the Uniform Shop Manager with the
   approval of the Principal.
6. The Uniform Shop will not refund or exchange uniform items that have been worn and/or are not in their original condition, with clothing tags attached. Uniform items must be returned within 7 days of purchase. Please retain your receipt as proof of purchase.
7. Where items are faulty, it will be returned to the uniform supplier for credit approval.
8. The Uniform Shop will not offer the sale of second-hand uniforms on a consignment basis.
9. 9. Should changes be made to the Notre Dame School uniform, it will be a consultative process between the Principal, School Board, staff and parent body. Final decision about changes to the school uniform rest with the Principal.

ORGANISATION

Our uniform is a sign of our community and all children in Year 1 to 6 are expected to support it. Parents and staff are expected to monitor and maintain the correct wearing of the school uniform and insist on the maintenance of high standards of personal presentation.

General Standards and Expectations

Uniforms:

1. Summer uniform is worn in Terms 1 and 4, winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3. A transition period of two weeks will be given between the seasons to assist parents in the changeover. Children are to wear the school sports uniform on the day they have Physical Education or Sport.
2. At all times, children are expected to be well-presented in their uniform. Uniforms are to be clean, pressed and in good condition. Shoes are to be kept polished and predominately white sport shoes kept clean.
3. Students are expected to take pride in their personal appearance and to be neatly attired. Shirts to be tucked in, shorts and skirts are to be worn sitting on the waist. Uniform dresses and skirts are to be worn at or below knee length. Each student is expected to be properly attired in full school uniform whilst at the school, travelling to and from school and when representing the school at external functions and events.
4. The school follows the Cancer Foundation’s recommendations that the school hat must be worn all year round during recess and lunch times and all outdoor activities.
5. If the student is unable to wear the correct uniform on a particular day, a note explaining the reason needs to be given to the class teacher on the day.

Hair:

Boys:

1. Hair should be well-styled, brushed, neat and clean.
2. If the fringe is below eyebrows it’s too long.
3. Hair is to be neatly groomed and off the collar.
4. Unruly or uncombed hair is not permitted.
5. Artificial colours and highlights are not permitted.
6. No extreme hair styles such as mullets, ratstails, undercuts, mohawks, extra-long fringes or any other non-conventional style cut are allowed. What is natural and conventional is at the discretion of the Principal.

Girls:

1. Hair should be well-styled, brushed, neat and clean.
2. Hair should be tied back and clipped off the face if the length sits on the shoulder. Navy blue, red or white elastics, ribbons, scrunchies or plain headbands are only to be worn.
3. Artificial colours and highlights are not permitted.

Special consideration will be given to cultural requests. This will be at the Principal’s discretion.

Jewellery/Makeup:

1. It is recommended that no jewellery be worn at school for safety and security reasons. A wristwatch, a cross or Christian medal are acceptable. Only one pair of plain sleepers or studs is permitted. Medic alert bracelets are permitted to be worn.
2. Makeup and nail polish are not to be worn. Students are not to graffiti or draw on hands or any body part. Students who contravene these rules will be asked to remove the make-up, nail polish or graffiti at school.

Parents will be notified of uniform infringements by the class teacher (incorrect uniform note). Parents are expected to support the school by correcting the uniform infringement within the week.

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS