Principal's Message

Principal's Message

We undertook a uniform spot check this week. The results are on the next page. I am so proud of our community for supporting school uniform policy. The policy is created by School Council and reinforced by our staff. Every now and then, we get some small grumbles from parents about aspects of that policy. Please remember, our staff are only reinforcing the policy - they don't make the policy. If you argue with a staff member, it would be the same as arguing with a policewoman for issuing a speeding fine - they are just doing their job - they did not make the law.

Our children look INCREDIBLE with their uniform. The best school I have ever seen. And our school has the most supportive parents in any school I have worked. Now and then, our staff are exposed to some unfair pushback for just doing their job in supporting policy. I ask that this not happen. Take it up with School Council if a policy rubs you up the wrong way - not the staff. 

On a broader level, supporting school policy and school rules are important. If you disagree and your children are stuck in the middle of that disagreement, they get really confused. Imagine being a kid who likes his school and loves his parents and the school and the parents are in conflict - it must be so painful for them. It is so  rare at SMPS, but it does happen and, frankly, it just makes me sad for the child.

Our school is quite 'strict' and has high expectations. We make no apology for that as we believe it helps grow solid character, good citizens and good learners. Policies (and their community support) are the cornerstone of that work. Poor school communities waste precious learning time arguing amongst themselves - and the kids are the losers.

I wasn't the greatest parent in the world. I didn't like every policy my schools had for my two kids - but I NEVER encouraged my kids to break the rules and I NEVER openly showed disagreements of policy in front of my kids. I knew they would be victims of my stubbornness and I had to rise above that for their sake. And they have turned out law abiding and happy people. So, it works.... 

Policeman Wearing a Pink Beanie

I have been on the earth for over half a century, and I have never seen a policeman on duty wearing  a pink beanie.

Once, when my daughter was in Primary School, she came out of her room wearing a purple jumper with a unicorn on the front. I thought it was dress up day, but the rest of her uniform was normal, so I was confused. To be best of my memory, here is how the exchange went:

Noel: Alex dear, why are you wearing your weekend top?

Alex: Because I don't like our school uniform and I want to wear something different to school.

Noel: Why don't you like the uniform?

Alex: It's boring. I want to wear something different.

Noel: Why do you think the school has a uniform policy?

Alex: I know. I know. So we are part of the same team. So we can be identified. So we support the school. But it is still boring.

Noel: What do you think it says when you wear something different? Do you think it is fair on your mates?

Alex: Hmm, they may think that I am saying I am better than them. That I am the only one who does not have to follow the rules. That they are silly for following the rules. That breaking school rules is OK....

Noel: Yes. Is that what you want to tell everyone as you walk around the school?

Alex: No.

Noel: Alex, what is the speed limit out the front of our house?

Alex: 60kph.

Noel: Do you think I like that rule?

Alex: No, you are always in a hurry. You hate that rule! You ALWAYS complain about it!!

Noel: Have you ever seen me break that rule?

Alex: No.

Noel: Why not?

Alex: You don't change a rule by breaking it. You would be stupid, dad! But how do I show that I am an individual at school if I don't wear different school uniform? I want people to know that I am a bit different.

Noel: Is a difference in uniform the only way you can show who you are? There is only one Alex and there are many ways that you are different and special.

Alex: I know I am a good reader and I love books.

Noel: Exactly! That is one way to show your difference. There are hundreds of other ways! You don't need to break the uniform policy to show you are different.

Years later, Alex and her good friend got a job at McDonalds on the same day. Weeks later, her friend turned up a few days in a row not wearing the right McDonalds uniform and lost her job. Alex kept hers because she fell in line with the policy. 

Schools are places that prepare young people for the world they will inherit. Some things in that world will not be agreeable, but are sensible expectations that the world (or workplaces) expect. We are all role models for our children. If we encourage our children to wear incorrect uniform or to break rules - what are we actually teaching them? What are we saying about policies and laws? What lessons do you think they take when you argue with your child's school? Is that healthy as a mindset to model for their futures?

Oh, and I will never see a policeman on duty wearing a pink beanie as part of the accepted uniform - he would lose his job....and that would not be smart, right?