St Ives High School: student proposal for ‘hoodies’ to be added to school uniform code

A determined group of students have created a 24-page “Hoodie Manifesto” in a bid to allow hoodies to be worn as part of the uniform at top Sydney public school.

There are calls for hoodies to be added to the dress code of a top north shore public school in a move students say would result in “less conflict between students and the school system”.

A determined group of St Ives High School pupils have created a 24-page “Hoodie Manifesto” which calls for the school’s decision makers to relax the official uniform rule book and allow students to wear hoodies while on campus.

The manifesto states there was a strong desire among the school’s 1270-plus students to wear the hooded clothing item – particularly during the winter months.

Design photos of the hoodies St Ives students want added to the official uniform.

Students say the hoodies would also provide “comfortable and fashionable clothing” and could be introduced with conditions such as removing hoods during class periods.

“Students out of proper uniform have always been a problem in the past, particularly coming into the winter season,” the manifesto states.

“We believe that working with, rather than against hoodies is the best and most effective solution we can implement to keep students in uniform.

“We are very open to flexibility around the design of these hoodies, but believe that they would be a clever solution that maintains the interests of both students and staff.”

Surveys from students at the school have shown support for hoodies.

A survey of 560 students included in the manifesto showed 94.6 per cent of respondents would prefer to buy a hoodie compared to the current clothing options of a jumper or jacket if available at the school’s uniform shop.

Feedback from students described the current jumpers as a “weird fit”, “uncomfortable” and “not warm enough”.

The manifesto notes there were various challenges in gaining support for the contentious clothing item including potential impacts on school’s “public image” and a perception students could “misbehave in class and around school with hoodies on..”

“There are standard rules in place like taking off caps and hats in class, so similar rules can be introduced for the hoodie,” the manifesto states.

“If the hoodie is designed professionally, branded and fitted, then students will look uniform and neat (and) there will be less conflict between students and the school system.

“The poor cultural perception of hoodies would be cancelled out if they were adopted into the uniform and made official.”

The manifesto was presented to a recent P&C meeting where parents indicated support for the proposal and would help show students are being listened to.

Mark Watson Principal of St Ives High School.

In the statement, the Department of Education said the school was “considering the proposal by its student representative committee to have hoodies added to the school uniform/dress code.”

“The proposal is currently being considered by a committee made up of students, parents and staff,” a spokesman said.

Students say a previous decision by the school in 2020 allowing leggings to be worn as part of the dress code sets a precedent for why hoodies should be adopted.

“(Leggings) are a perfect example of a time when a controversial uniform item was added successfully.” the manifesto states.

“Since then they have been widely adopted and supported, and issues around them have ceased to be relevant.”