Uniform

The purpose of the Student Dress Code is to outline Preston South Primary School’s requirements for student dress and appearance and to provide information about uniform purchase and support, dress code implementation and exemption processes.

This dress code has been developed by Preston South Primary 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 Dress Code aims to:

• adhere to OHS and child safe policies
• foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance
• support Preston South Primary 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 community
• the School Council has developed a dress code 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 Dress Code while traveling to and from school, during school hours and when attending school activities.

UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE

The Department of Education and Training policy requires schools and school councils to develop, as far as practicable, dress code requirements that are similar for all students. Where options are available, they should be available to all students.

The full list of Preston South Primary School’s uniform items are available at Appendix A to this policy.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

While at school, travelling to or from school or participating in school activities, Preston South Primary School students must comply with the following:

• uniforms must be clean and in good repair
• 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

JEWELLERY AND COSMETICS

• Students are not permitted to wear jewellery to school, with the exception of small stud earrings or sleepers in the ears and a watch
• No cosmetics are to be worn at school
• Nails are to be kept short

HAIR AND SUN SAFETY

• shoulder length or longer hair is to be tied back to help restrict the spread of head lice and for student safety
• school uniform hats must be worn outside during Term 1 and 4 and are optional during Term 2 and 3
• sunglasses are optional for outdoor activities

PURCHASE OF SCHOOL UNIFORM

Uniform items can be purchased online from Dobsons. Additionally, parts of the uniform that are not required to have the school logo (e.g. Shorts, pants, track pants and skorts) can be purchased from most department stores.

Support for families experiencing difficulty

Please contact the principal 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: www.ssr.net.au

IMPLEMENTATION

Preston South Primary School will ensure that this Student Dress Code is communicated to all families and students through our website and as part of the enrolment pack. We will assist students who may be experiencing difficulties complying with this policy where possible.

If a student is out of school uniform or otherwise breaches the Student Dress Code on a recurring basis, the principal will make contact with the family to address the issue and support the family to comply with the dress code. Measures taken by Preston South Primary School to address concerns about student non-compliance with the Student Dress Code will also be addressed in accordance with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

EXEMPTIONS TO STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY

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

Students and their parents and carers may apply either in writing or in person to the principal for an exemption to the Student Dress Code if:

• an aspect of this code 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 required a departure from the dress code
• the student or their parents or carers can demonstrate particular economic hardship that prevents them from complying with the dress code
• at Preston South  Primary School our mission is to provide a positive learning environment that places a high value on lifelong learning, through believing in and supporting students to achieve their full potential in all areas of the curriculum
• 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 or carers
• encourage the 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/carers.

CONCERNS ABOUT THIS STUDENT DRESS CODE

Preston South  Primary School welcomes feedback from the school community in relation to this Student Dress Code. If you have a concern or complaint about the Student Dress Code, further information about raising a concern or complaint is available in our school’s Parent Complaint Policy.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

• Preston South Primary School SunSmart Policy

• Preston South Primary School Parent Complaint Policy

• Preston South Primary School Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy

• Department of Education and Training Student Dress Code

Review Cycle

This student dress code is due for review in May 2025.

APPENDIX A: PRESTON SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL UNIFORM ITEMS

All Year Round - The following items may be worn all year round based on family preference

Jumper or Polo Fleece

Navy windcheater or polar fleece jacket with or without school logo. Available from Dobsons or departments stores

Bomber Jacket

Navy bomber jacket with school logo. Available from Dobsons

Polo shirts

Long or short sleeved polo shirt with or without school logo in light blue or white. Available from Dobsons or departments stores.

Skorts

Plain navy skort without decoration or brand name. Available from Dobsons or department stores.

Leggings and bicycle shorts to be worn only under dresses.

Socks or Tights

White socks or navy tights

Footwear

Closed toe footwear. No open-toed thongs or sandals permitted.

Summer uniform 

Dresses

Blue and white checked dress. Correct option available only from Dobsons.

Shorts

Plain navy blue shorts without decoration or brand name. Available from Dobsons or department stores.

Winter uniform

Plain navy pants track pants without decoration or brand name. Available from Dobsons or

department stores.

Plain navy pants without decoration or brand available at department stores.

Plain navy, light blue or white skivvy. Available at all department stores.

Plain navy bootleg pants. Available at all department stores.

Tunic available at Dobsons

Seasonal Items – These items are weather dependent

Hats

Broad brimmed navy school hat with logo MUST be worn during Term 1 and Term 4.

Beanie and Gloves – (OPTIONAL)

School beanie available from school office.

Navy polar fleece gloves available from departments stores.

School Bag

Optional navy school bag with school logo. Available from Dobsons.

Reading satchels. Available from Dobsons.