Student Dress Code Policy and Procedures

Purpose

 

The purpose of the Student Dress Code is to outline Cobden Technical Schools requirements for student dress and appearance and to provide information about uniform purchase and support, dress code implementation and exemption processes.

This dress code has been developed by Cobden Technical School’s School Council in close consultation with our school community to ensure that it respects the rights of individual students whilst reflecting the values and interests of our community.

 

The Student Dress Code aims to:

  • foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance
  • support Cobden Technical School’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities
  • reduce student competition on the basis of clothing
  • enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community. 

Scope

 

Students are expected to comply with this Student Dress Code while traveling to and from school, during school hours and when attending school activities. If a student is not in full school uniform on the day of an excursion, they may not be permitted to attend.

 

Uniform and appearance

 

Cobden Technical School’s compulsory school uniform items are as follows:

  • Dress: Traditional style in designated school fabric
  • Skirt: Green, blue and white checked pleated skirt, may be worn with black tights 
  • Shorts: Plain black, knee length
  • Shirt: White or bottle green CTS polo shirt with logo
  • Jumper: Green polar fleece top or green jacket with school logo
  • Pants: Plain black trousers. Jeans, trackpants or leggings are not permitted.
  • Socks: Plain white or black socks
  • Hat: Green CTS logo bucket hat.
  • Shoes: All students will wear all black enclosed footwear. Technology subjects will require leather shoes to be worn.

Year 12 students are permitted to wear the agreed rugby top as part of their normal uniform. 

 

All items that do not require the CTS logo must be free from any other visible logo or branding

 

Sports/PE Uniform

 

The CTS green sports shirt is a compulsory uniform item for Physical Education. Plain black tracksuit pants, leggings or shorts without pockets must also be worn. Students are to wear appropriate runner style footwear. Students are to change into their sports uniform for sport and PE at the beginning of each class in the gymnasium and then change back into their uniform.  

 

Sports uniforms are required to be worn for any inter-school sporting competitions.

 

ADDITIONAL/OPTIONAL ITEMS

Outer garment:  

         

Black puffer style jacket with the CTS logo or a plain black jacket with no visible branding may be worn outdoors over full school uniform for warmth and rain protection.

 

CTS black beanie or the striped CTS logo beanie are permitted to  be worn outside.

 

 General appearance

 

While at school, travelling to or from school or participating in school activities, students must comply with the following:

  • Uniforms must be clean and in good repair
  • Uniforms should be clearly marked with the owner’s name
  • Additional layers of clothing may be worn underneath the uniform for added warmth. A plain black or white long sleeve with no visible logo or branding may be worn. Other items may be worn provided these undergarments are completely hidden

Health and safety

 

SunSmart - CTS bucket hats must be worn outside during Term 1 and Term 4. Students that do not have a school approved hat will be required to remain in the designated shade area. We encourage hats to be worn outside of this time period, however this is parent or student choice. Hats are not to be worn inside.

Students are permitted to wear sunglasses during outdoor activities. Sunglasses should be close-fitting, wrap-around that meet the Australian Standards 1067 and cover as much of the eye area as possible. 

 

Practical Areas/Workshops - Shoulder length or longer hair is to be tied back during practical classes for student safety. Students may be required to wear aprons, overalls or other protective items of uniform during these classes which will be provided by the school. Students must have fully encloser leather footwear.

 

Jewellery, nails, hair accessories - These items and other similar items that interfere with students’ ability to engage with school activities safely and fully are not permitted.

 

Out of Uniform Days – at times the Student Voice Committee organise fundraising days where students may come out of uniform. Students are expected to present at school in a neat manner, appropriate for our setting. No singlet tops, thongs or sandals are permitted.

 

Purchase of uniform

 

Uniform items can be purchased from:

Reicha’s Drapery

16 Curdie Street

Cobden, 3266

Phone: (03) 55951734

 

The School Council has considered affordability in the development of this dress code. However, if you are facing difficulty meeting uniform costs the Help with school costs and fees  page provides advice on support offered by the Victorian Government. If your child is starting prep or year 7 and is eligible to receive support via the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, you may be eligible to access the Affordable School Uniform (ASU) program.

Please contact the Wellbeing Coordinator, Assistant Principal or relevant Subschool Leader if you require support with uniform.

 

Implementation

 

Cobden Technical School will ensure that this Student Dress Code is communicated to all families and students through our website, in our student manual, student diary and discussed at Mentor Interviews at the beginning of each year. We will assist students who may be experiencing difficulties complying with this policy where possible.

 

If a student is out of school uniform or otherwise breaches the Student Dress Code the following will occur

  1. Student should provide a note from home explain why they are out of uniform and present to the year level Mentor or SubSchool Leader on arrival at school.
  2. Student will be sent to the front office and provided with items of uniform to wear where appropriate.
  3. Documentation on Compass will be made in accordance with the school’s behaviour management processes.

 If non-compliance with the dress code becomes a continued occurrence, the Assistant Principal will be informed and a phone call home may be required. In this event, the school will continue to work with the student and family to support compliance.

 

Measures taken by Cobden Technical School to address concerns about student non-compliance with the Student Dress Code will also be addressed in accordance with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

 

EXEMPTIONS TO student dress code

We acknowledge that there might be instances where the enforcement of this dress code could impact students differently.

Students and their parents or carers may apply either in writing or in person to the Assistant Principal for an exemption to this Student Dress Code if:

  • an aspect of this code prevents the student from complying with a requirement of their religious, ethnic or cultural beliefs or background
  • the student has a particular disability or health condition that requires a departure from the dress code
  • the student or their parents/carers can demonstrate particular financial hardship that prevents them from complying with the dress code.

When the Principal receives a request for an exemption, they will:

  • consider the grounds for the exemption request
  • explain the process to the student and/or their parents/carers
  • encourage the student and/or their parents/carers to support their application with evidence.

The Principal or delegate will then try to negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to all parties. If an exemption is not allowed, then written reasons will be provided to the student and/or their parents or carers.

 

Concerns about this student dress code

Cobden Technical School welcomes feedback from the school community in relation to this Student Dress Code. If you have a concern or complaint about the Student Dress Code, further information about raising a concern or complaint is available in our school’s Parent Complaint Policy.

 

COMMUNICATION

 

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:

  • Available publicly on our school’s website
  • Reminders in our school newsletter
  • Discussed in student mentor time
  • Included in staff handbook/manual
  • Discussed at staff briefings/meetings as required
  • Included in transition and enrolment packs
  • Discussed at parent information nights/sessions and Mentor Interviews at the beginning of each year
  • Hard copy available from school administration upon request

Further information and resources

POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL

 

Policy last reviewed

November 2024

Consultation

School Council

Approved by

School Council

Next scheduled review date

Nov 2028

 









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