Uniform

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

This dress code was initially developed and is regularly revised 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:

• reflect the key principles of flexibility, comfort, safety, accessibity, pride through. colour and expression of identity. 
• adhere to OHS and childsafe policies.
• foster a sense of community and belonging.
• encourage students to develop pride in their appearance.
• supports Preston South Primary School’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal. 
• ensure students 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.
• provide a range of choices for students that cater for sensory sensitivities and are gender affirming. 
• 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
• coats may be any colour.

JEWELLERY

• Parents are asked to ensure that any jewellery worn is minimal and does not pose a safety risk during school activities
• Nails are to be kept short

HAIR AND SUN SAFETY

• Students are encouraged to tie back shoulder length or longer hair for hygiene and 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 financial 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 invite families to communicate with the school if their childs uniform requires amendment (see exemption section below).

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

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 parents/carers to support their application with evidence
• 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 August 2026.

APPENDIX A: PRESTON SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL UNIFORM ITEMS

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

Students may wear light blue or white tops in line with school colours. As long as students are wearing recognised school colours (blue or white), the uniform is considered appropriate

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 or t-shirts

Long or short sleeved polo shirts or t-shirts 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.

Footwear

Closed footwear (no open-toed thongs or sandals permitted).

Summer uniform 

Hats

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

Dresses

Blue and white checked dress. Blue and white checked summer dress – available from Dobsons or in a navy checked style from a general retailer (e.g., Target, Best & Less)

Shorts

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

Winter uniform

Plain navy 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 or leggings. Available at all department stores.

Tunic available at Dobsons

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.