Principal wields cane on uniform review

A Brisbane principal has wielded the cane on a P&C survey asking parents and students if they want his uniform policy ditched

Kenmore State High School chaplain Justin Prestidge with students Thomas Saxby, Phaedra Keefe and Douglas Dover. The principal has urged parents and students not to participate in a P&C uniform survey.

Kenmore State High School principal Paul Robertson has urged parents and students to boycott a P&C survey asking what they think of his controversial uniform policy.

Mr Robertson made the request in this week’s school newsletter after the P&C last week launched an online survey to gauge support for the policy.

From next year, all students will be required to wear the formal uniform every day, unless they have dance or sport classes.

Until now students have been allowed to wear the more comfortable and cheaper sports uniform, which about 80 per cent choose to wear.

After concerns at the accuracy of a change.org petition on the issue last year, and concerns about low numbers of parents consulted in two school-run forums last year, the P&C launched a new survey http://bit.ly/KSHSVOTE

But Mr Robertson urged the school community not to take part.

“Parents and students, it has come to my attention that emails and texts have been sent out to vote for a uniform option,’’ he wrote in the newsletter.

“Please be advised that this is not an authorised school message and as such, should not be actioned.

“I encourage you to delete these messages. The school is continuing our consultation around the uniform and there will be opportunities for providing feedback.

“Currently a working party, led by an independent consultant, is gathering feedback on the durability, affordability and functionality of the uniform.

“Any official communication will come from our official school email address. Thank you for your support.’’

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P&C uniform subcommittee head, Michael Sheehan, said while he did not want to say how its survey was progressing, it had attracted a strong response in just one week.

“We’ve had more than 500 votes, 10 times the number in the two (school-run) forums last year,’’ Mr Sheehan said.

“We have decided not to release which way people have voted until after the survey closes (on June 7) as we don’t want to bias the outcome.

“All I can say is that 85 per cent have voted in a particular way.’’

Mr Sheehan said the P&C had pressed Mr Robertson on the numbers who attended the two forums.

“He has not released the numbers but has told me it was significantly less than 60,’’ Mr Sheehan said.

“He said that was his only input (in deciding on the new policy).

Mr Robertson was approached last week for comment.

Mr Sheehan said principals must have majority support from their school community before changing uniform policy.

However, a Department of Education spokeswoman last week said principals were responsible for deciding on dress codes “in consultation with the school community’’.

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“As per the Department of Education’s Student dress code procedure, principals are required

to consult with students, staff and the Parents and Citizens’ Association when

developing or reviewing their school’s dress code,’’ she said.

“In reviewing the student dress code, consideration is given to various matters including the

affordability, functionality and durability of uniform items.

“The P&C Association’s role in the consultation process is to provide feedback for the

principal’s consideration.

“In 2018, the Kenmore State High School community reviewed its student dress code.

“A decision was made to retain and reinforce the existing uniform policy, with some

modifications to accommodate gender-inclusivity to align with the department’s Student

dress code procedure.

Charlotte Davies and Caleb Webb from Kenmore State High School in the formal uniform at an Anzac Day service. Picture: Peter Cronin

“Kenmore State High School has had a longstanding policy for students to wear their formal

school uniform every day, except on days when they are undertaking physical activities or

dance classes.

“Parents acknowledge this requirement upon enrolment of their child at the

school.

“The revised uniform policy reinforces that requirement.

“The school community was advised of the outcome, and an interim arrangement was put in

place, prior to full implementation in 2020.

“Based on ongoing discussion with the school’s broader community and P&C, Kenmore State

High School is currently re-evaluating affordability, functionality and durability of current

uniform items.

“The principal and school are providing further opportunities for consultation and feedback

through a school-convened working party chaired by an independent consultant with

representatives from staff, students and parents on these aspects, such as the girl’s blouse.

“Should the consultation process involve a survey of the school community, the department

does not have a role in reviewing survey responses.’’