School Dress Code Policy

SOUTHERN MONTESSORI SCHOOL School Dress Code Policy

SCHOOL DRESS CODE POLICY

POLICY STATEMENT

Our school dress code helps students identify as belonging to Southern Montessori School and was determined with the student’s comfort and safety in mind. Students are generally expected to follow the dress code during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when engaged in school activities out of school hours.

At Southern Montessori School, the dress code was developed in consultation with, and agreed upon by, the school community. The dress code reflects the school community standards and expectations. The whole school community has a role to play in encouraging the meeting of these standards.

The Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Medical Association have expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of premature sexualisation of children in the media and in advertising, and its effects on child development. Our school dress code seeks to protect children from increasing pressure to grow up sooner. In developing the dress code, Southern Montessori School has taken into account the diverse nature of the student population in the school and seeks not to disadvantage any student.

This policy applies to students in the Primary and Middle School.

BENEFITS OF SCHOOL UNIFORM

The wearing of school uniforms by students will assist our school community in:  defining an identity for the school within its community  developing students’ sense of belonging to the school community  providing an opportunity to build school spirit  enhancing the health and safety of students when involved in school activities  promoting a sense of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and equal opportunity  increasing the personal safety of students and staff by allowing easier recognition of visitors and potential intruders in the school  making school clothing more affordable for families by eliminating the risk of peer pressure to wear transiently fashionable and expensive clothes

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The school now offers a range of school uniform items which can be either be purchased or ordered through the front office.

School Colours School Dress Code Policy reviewed 2014 1 | P a g e SOUTHERN MONTESSORI SCHOOL School Dress Code Policy

 Plain navy and white (Not Denim)  Tops purchased from the uniform shop will be printed with the school logo

Girls  Summer dress available from the uniform shop  Plain navy blue or blue and white checked summer dress  Winter tunic available from the uniform shop  Plain navy pinafore of standard uniform style  Plain navy shorts, skirt, skorts, trousers or track pants  Plain navy or white tops with collars to comply with our School’s Sun Smart policy. These may be short or long sleeved e.g. polo shirts, skivvies or windcheaters.  Only rugby tops and bomber jackets purchased from the uniform shop are permitted

Boys  Plain navy shorts, cargo pants or track pants  Plain navy or white tops with collars to comply with our School’s Sun Smart policy. These may be short or long sleeved e.g. polo shirts, skivvies or windcheaters  Only rugby tops and bomber jackets purchased from the uniform shop are permitted

Socks  Navy or white socks are preferred

Footwear  Shoes -- navy, black closed school shoes  Sandals – navy, black or white sandals  Sneakers – for sports activities

Hats  Navy legionnaire or bucket style hats with school logo are available from the uniform shop

Jewellery  Jewellery items are strongly discouraged for safety reasons and because of complications arising from loss or damage  Earrings should be small, plain sleepers or studs

Hair  Long hair should be tied back for safety and hygiene reasons  Primary School students should not have coloured hair  Middle School students may use natural looking hair colour at the discretion of their parents  It is preferable that hair accessories are plain and in school colours School Dress Code Policy reviewed 2014 2 | P a g e SOUTHERN MONTESSORI SCHOOL School Dress Code Policy

Make-up  Make-up including nail polish is not permitted

CASUAL CLOTHES DAYS

On designated days, students may make a gold coin donation and wear casual clothes  Students must be neat and tidy.  T-shirts with inappropriate print/slogans are not permitted  Clothing must be sunsafe i.e. tops must have sleeves  Sensible shoes must be worn. Thongs are not permitted

IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

Sensible adherence to this policy is the responsibility of everyone in the school community. Parents, guardians, carers, staff and students themselves all have a role to play in making it work.

Positive reinforcement and encouraging responsible behaviour are the preferred approaches to ensuring students wear the school uniform.

Students who do not wear appropriate school uniform will be reminded of the policy. If students continue to dress inappropriately, parents will be contacted.

School Dress Code Policy reviewed 2014 3 | P a g e