Willunga High School in Adelaide’s south has released a new school uniform policy that has outraged parents and students alike.
In an attempt to raise the standards of student attire, the school has banned more casual forms of dress such as thongs, leggings, fleece boots, and track pants.
It released the policy via its Facebook page, where it stated: “Wearing correct uniform is important as it fosters a sense of pride and responsibility in belonging to our school.”
The new policy, which the school calls “guidelines”, received immediate backlash on social media for what many believe are impossible and unnecessary standards.
Commenters noted that the position of the school near the coast line of South Australia means that the area is particularly cold and windy during winter, thus making the wearing of track pants, and other cold-weather attire, a comfortable and practical option.
Top Comments
Schools need to remember that if they are a public school a uniform policy can be recommended but not required. I've recently had this discussion with my daughter's school. She is in kindergarten (the first year of school in NSW). Her school has a uniform made up of navy track pants and navy jumper with the school logo on it. I bought these at stores other than the uniform shop and had the logos screen printed on. I saved $50 per set!!!!! But I refused to buy the formal uniform of a tartan pinafore (for $70!!!!), tights and a light weight dress shirt ($42 per shirt) because it is too expensive and it is not warm in winter. I can afford the uniform, but refuse to buy something that costly that will need replacing every year as my daughter grows. I refuse to dress my daughter in sizes that are too big for her as it looks awful. The school tried to tell me it 'required' the formal uniform for school photos and excursions. Of course, they cant do this as it would be discriminating against a child based on their clothing and schools actually can't exclude a child from receiving an education based on those factors. So parents, stick to your guns. Don't let schools bully you into expensive uniforms that do not keep your child warm.
The changes sound reasonable to me. Trakkie daks are good with the sports uniform, esp in Winter.
When the students go out to work there will be dress codes. This is preparation.