Uniform overhaul at Santa Sabina gives students choices
Private schools can sometimes be seen as bastions of conservatism but one Strathfield school is breaking down gender barriers one skirt at a time.
Inner West
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Private schools can sometimes be seen as bastions of conservatism but one Strathfield school is breaking down gender barriers one skirt at a time.
Dr Maree Herrett, principal of Santa Sabina College described the decision to allow girls to wear shorts to school as “brave” and she said 2018 was the right time to make the change.
“Parents have been very happy with the move, saying girls will be playing more sports now,” Dr Herrett said.
“We want our girls to be comfortable at school and to have a choice.”
She said the uniform overhaul was a no-brainer.
“It has been slow to happen in the independent school sector,” Dr Herrett said.
“It is a brave act but I think it is time for it and if we give students choice in terms of subjects and pathways, we also want to give them choice in what they can wear.
“We don't want a uniform to get in the way of learning, if you are a drama student it really is so much easier to be wearing pants when you are in class.”
Last week the school celebrated the official launch of the new uniform with a catwalk event.
“It has been very positive, people don't have to buy it, it's a two-year transition” Dr Herrett said.
“It will be interesting when students see new students wearing it, I think it will become quite normal.
“We want the students to be proud of their uniform,” she said.
In addition to the shorts and pants, the uniform overhaul will also include a new summer dress.
“The uniform was not appropriate for the climate, the new dress is light fabric and will be easier to iron,” she said.
A NSW Education Department spokesman said schools were required to consult with parents and students to adopt a uniform that meets community standards and expectations, including personal factors that might affect students and their families.