Parents’ uniform uproar as Marsden High bans varsity jackets for students with unpaid fees

One of the state’s largest high schools has triggered parental anger after flagging it may ban varsity jerseys for senior students with unpaid fees, low attendance records or who are not ‘on track academically’.

A copy of the letter sent to Year 11 parents about next year’s varsity jersey and jackets.

A southside high school may not issue valedictory jerseys to year 12 students next year if they have outstanding debts, low attendance rates or are not “on track academically”.

Marsden State High School sent letters to year 11 parents this week telling them to shore up all outstanding debts with the school before a November 10 deadline or miss out on a jersey.

“To be eligible for a 2024 senior jersey or senior varsity jacket, you must have 100 per cent approved attendance and no unexplained attendances,” the letter said.

“You must be on track academically or have an academic action plan in place and all outstanding uniform loan items returned or paid for and all outstanding school fees paid for on a payment plan.

“Students with 92 per cent present attendance will receive a one-time $20 discount off either the jersey or jacket.”

A copy of the letter which triggered anger from parents. Pictures: Contributed

The letter sparked angry responses from some parents who said they were struggling to pay school fees due to rises in living expenses.

One mum told a school parents forum, the letter was “all about the money and fees” and asked for the Schoolkids Bonus to be reintroduced after it started being phased out in 2014.

“Schooling these days is so hard on kids and parents to have kids taken from class for wearing the wrong socks, jumpers, whatever, it’s ridiculous,” she said on a school social group.

Anotehr parent said the letter was “stupid”.

“We got ours (jersey) regardless of attendance, grades and whatnot when I was in high school,” he wrote.

“If you were going into year 12, you got a jersey with whatever you wanted (written) on the back.

“I also think it’s stupid when public schools are this money hungry. Acting like they’re a private school and not government funded.”

Another parent, who also works in the school’s uniform shop, said money was a factor for all families.

“But this process has been happening since I’ve been working at the uniform shop,” she said.

“It’s just a reminder as well to have things paid or returned before your child leaves so the school isn’t left with unpaid fees.

“It’s best to chat to someone at the school about it.”

Marsden State High School has won prizes for its academic and sporting programs. Picture: The Courier-Mail

The school responded to questions about the letter through the state Education Department, which was unable to elaborate on the nicknames that were banned.

A department spokesman said individual state schools made their own decisions about guidelines governing varsity jackets and senior jerseys.

“At Marsden State High School names other than students’ first or surnames are considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are not offensive or inappropriate,” the department said.

“The school has a longstanding requirement that Year 12 students must have an 85 per cent attendance rate or higher, have all school fees paid and have no outstanding academic assessments to receive an invitation to the school formal.

“Absences for illness and injury are classified as authorised and therefore are not taken into account when calculating the minimum attendance rate.

“As an added incentive to encourage attendance, those with a 92 per cent attendance will get a $20 discount to the cost of their senior jersey.

“This requirement is clearly communicated to all students and families throughout the year.

“The school will always support every student who may be experiencing financial hardship to access all opportunities other students are afforded, including extra-curricular opportunities, and the school regularly negotiates payment plans with families.”