Students to rule on uniform choice
Students and parents at a Brisbane high school are being surveyed to ask if they want to dump their school’s controversial uniform policy.
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Students and parents at a Brisbane high school are being surveyed to ask if they want to dump their school’s controversial uniform policy.
The Kenmore State High School P&C is billing the unique exercise as a real-world lesson in how to take part as responsible adults in a democracy.
The policy, which has been phased in after it was announced last year, means the formal uniform must be worn every day unless a student has sport or dance.
All Year 7 students have had to comply this year, with other grades only made to wear formal uniforms on Mondays.
But by the start of 2020 all year levels must wear it every day.
The policy has split the school community, with some for it and others not.
The problem has been, until now, that nobody knows for certain if a majority is for or against the new policy.
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“There was a change.org petition in September but we want a fully transparent process,’’ P&C vice-president Michael Sheehan said.
“You can vote multiple times on change.org and there is no way to know if respondents are current students and parents, or have ever been associated with the school.
“There were about 1700 votes to retain choice of uniform, but there’s no transparency or control in that sort of survey and we wanted to settle the numbers.’’
Education Queensland gives principals the final say on uniform changes, but they must consult broadly with the school community first.
The P&C set up a uniform subcommittee last week to oversee the survey (via: uniformvote4kshs@btcsolutions.com.au).
The issue can also be voted on via a website outlining the details of policies, designed to give respondents all the facts to help them vote in an informed manner.
The poll closes on June 7.
Mr Sheehan conceded it was a tight time frame, but after a long period of inaction the P&C now had no choice but to act quickly because the school’s uniform shop needed to place orders for next year very soon.
“We activated the survey link on Friday and votes are rolling in already,’’ he said.
“With 1950 children and families to reach out to, it will be a big exercise but hopefully it can form part of one of our four pillars — creating 21st century learners.
“In this uniform vote, I am wanting our students to engage their critical thinking, use contemporary networks and respectful communications to think about what benefits the different options bring.’’
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Critics of the formal uniform say the girls’ blouses are too tight to comfortably play and are too thin, becoming see-through if wet.
They also do not meet Education Queensland standards (SPF30 or more UV protection rating).
The cost of the $10 socks, which are thinner and less durable than the much cheaper sports socks, are also a bone of contention.
And opponents say that the looser sports uniform, while only about $10-$20 cheaper overall (excluding shoes) than the formal uniform, can be passed down to younger siblings.
Since the new policy was announced, uniform sales at the school’s shop have jumped 58 per cent, or an extra $65,000 spend compared with the previous year.
About 80 per cent of students currently wear the sports uniform.
But supporters are of the view that parents send their children to the school knowing, or they should now, what its uniform policy says and should go elsewhere if they don’t like it.
Comment has been sought from Principal Paul Robertson.
Education Queensland said in a statement:
“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.
“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.
“Kenmore State High School has had a long-standing 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.’’
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