Deputy Principal - Students

Why a school uniform?

Over the last few months, I have been writing to parents and creating student and parent communications – reminding families of the seasonal change in uniform and asking that the retired track pants not be worn to school any longer. After all, it has been five years since we changed the track pants! For years I have regularly pointed out the importance of upgrading and replacing tired or no longer correctly fitting uniform items, especially before Year 11.

Why do we bother? Why do we care?

Because the school uniform matters.

For almost a decade, Sacred Heart students have been given choice in summer and winter uniforms - pants, shorts, skirts and dresses. The overhaul of PE uniform was completed two years ago. At each step along the way, student opinion has been sought, and students have voted on their preferred options.  

We know that it is impossible to please everyone.

However, the school uniform is an important expression of Sacred Heart Girls’ College community identity.

The school uniform:

• Promotes wellbeing by facilitating equality and reducing socioeconomic disparities
• Lessens the pressure and attention on what students wear or look like (i.e. peer pressure and social comparison) and creates greater focus on learning
• Fosters a sense of shared identity and belonging
• Fosters a culture of order and respect
• Signals to each student that they are entering a learning environment - it is time to shift into “school mode”
• Reduces parent and student concerns about what the young person will wear each day
• Is a dress code, as applies in many workplaces, and therefore helps young people better understand rules, boundaries and mutual respect
• Supports responsibility and organisational skills by students having to ensure that their school uniform items are clean, cared for and ready to wear each day.

And so… we seek your support and thank our  students and families in upholding the College uniform. It is a visual representation of who we are as a community.

Article credits include the Commission for Children and Young People

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