Chev Need to Knows 

Dear Parents and Carers

I am writing to inform you about an exciting new initiative at Chevalier College as we prepare to celebrate our 80th anniversary in 2026. At the recent Board meeting on 22 October, the College Leadership Team received approval to begin exploring the introduction of a new College uniform, which would be phased in beginning with Year 7 and Year 11 students in 2026. This decision represents an important step in aligning our school’s presentation with our heritage, values, and future-facing vision for education.

Why a New Uniform?

Over time, our current uniform has become fragmented, with inconsistencies across year levels and gender. For example, senior girls wear a maroon blazer, a colour which is our primary colour. Senior boys wear black blazers, not an official colour of our College’s identity and brand. My understanding is the colour black was chosen based on affordability at the time of transitioning to co-education. 

This lack of cohesion has made our uniform appear dated and inconsistent, especially when compared to the polished and unified appearance of other independent schools. Introducing a more streamlined and modern uniform will not only reflect our proud heritage, but also project the confidence, unity, and excellence that are hallmarks of Chevalier College.

As part of our evolving journey, a new uniform would play a significant role in further unifying our school community and reflecting the pride we all take in Chevalier College.

A Modern Reflection of Our Identity

As an independent school, our students represent Chevalier College in various public settings, and the uniform they wear plays a significant role in shaping how our school is perceived. A new uniform, which may, or may not, feature a blazer from Year 7 onwards, will present our students with a unified and professional appearance, enhancing their confidence and pride. We want every student to wear the uniform with a sense of belonging and pride.

Marking a New Era in 2026

If approved by the Board in March 2025, the introduction of this new uniform in 2026 will coincide with our 80th anniversary celebrations, symbolising a generational shift and the beginning of a new chapter at Chevalier College. By 2026, our Year 7 students will be the first to wear the updated uniform, and the transition will be phased in over the following years, ensuring a smooth and practical changeover by 2028/29.

Future-Facing and Practical

As part of our future-facing educational strategy, the new uniform will serve as a visual representation of the innovative and progressive approach we take to preparing students for a rapidly changing world. The design will need to reflect a modern and fresh look whilst honouring our traditions.

We are also mindful of the financial impact on families and are committed to ensuring that the cost of a new uniform, if approved, remains comparable to current items. The phased introduction will provide families with time to plan and prepare, and the overall process will be guided by practical considerations to minimise disruption.

Next Steps and Your Involvement

We believe that your input, as well as that of our students and staff, will be essential in designing a new uniform. An extensive consultation process, inviting parents, students and staff to participate in the design phase will take place as outlined below. If there is to be a new uniform, the College Board and College Leadership Team want it to reflect the collective voice of our community and ensure that it truly represents the values and identity of Chevalier College both now and into the foreseeable future.

Timeline for Uniform Development

• October 2024:
  • Approval by the Board to explore new uniform options.
• Friday 1 November:
  • Special Briefing with staff
  • A notice to students during Home Room in the morning
  • 'Need to Know' information shared with parents in the afternoon.
• Tuesday 5 November: 
  • Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to join a Uniform Steering Committee from current parents who will also have a child enrolled to commence at the College in Year 7, 2026. The Steering Committee’s role will be to view presentations by uniform designers based on the following key areas:
    • Designs are to reflect our future direction while respecting our heritage
    • Durability and longevity of fabric
    • Cost to be comparable to current uniform costs
    • Ability to meet production deadlines
    • Ability to work with the Uniform Steering Committee to facilitate the process of engaging all community stakeholders.
• Friday 15 November: EOIs close for parents to join the Uniform Steering Committee. 
• Tuesday 19 November: Confirmation of Members of the Uniform Steering Committee.
• Friday 22 November: The Uniform Steering Committee views presentations by uniform designers and recommends a preferred designer.
• Monday 25 November: The College engages the recommended preferred designer.
• Friday 29 November: Half-day meeting of the Uniform Steering Committee to refine design the concepts and to ensure concepts are ready to share with community in the new year. 
• Friday 6 December: Committee Chair, Simone Wilson – Senior Manager Marketing and Communications, will pass on the updated thinking regarding design concepts to the preferred designer.

2025:

• January to mid-March: The Uniform Steering Committee engagement with staff, parents and students (as well as new Year 7 2026 parents and students) in the design phase.
• March: Finalisation of the new uniform design is forwarded to the College Board for approval or otherwise.
• May to September: If approved by the College Board, uniform production phase commences.
• October and November: If approved by the College Board, sizing and ordering of new uniform items commences.
• December and January 2026: If approved by the College Board, the collection of the new uniform for Year 7 2026 and Year 11 2026 students (phased introduction) will take place.

This timeline outlines what might be an exciting new phase for Chevalier College. As the timeline unfolds, staff, students and parents will be kept up to date about the various stages of the process. Your input and participation are greatly valued, and you are encouraged to get involved in this important initiative.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Greg Miller

Principal

Reminder regarding student commitment to sports teams

The Home and Away Schedule for the Summer 24/25 season has now been uploaded to Parent Orbit.

Please check the schedule carefully to ensure that your child fulfils their commitment to their sporting team.

As outlined in the season information and permission note, attendance at all training sessions and games is compulsory unless a student is absent due to illness.  Please assist your child in upholding this commitment by scheduling non-urgent appointments and family events to ensure they can attend training and games.

ISA Round 2 

ISA Round 2 is Saturday 2 November.  Team fixtures and bus information can be found in the Parent Lounge and on the Parent Orbit app under School Links >> Extra Curricular. 

IMPORTANT:  We aim to have the fixtures and bus times uploaded to School Links by Wednesday each week.  Please check the fixtures on a Friday afternoon/evening for any last minute changes to bus times and/or game cancellations. 

All buses will leave from the bus zone on Charlotte Street.  Students leaving the College should be dropped off in the JFC car park.  

Touch Football opportunities

There are a small number of opportunities for boys in Years 7 - 8 and girls in Years 9-12 to join a Touch Football team for the summer season.  Students interested should see Coach Phillips.

Coach Phillips

Extra Curriculum Administrator

If you have a child in Years 7 – 11 who will be leaving the College at the end of this academic year, please send a notification email to enrolments@chevalier.nsw.edu.au.  A full term's notice is required.

Year 7 2026 - we only have a few places left for this year group, if you have a child in Year 5 please submit your application without delay so your child does not miss out.

G Day 2024

Chevalier College and Year 7 students invite Grandparents and other ‘Great’ people to our very special ‘G’ Day celebration. For more detail and to book your complimentary tickets please follow the link: https://events.humanitix.com/g-day-2024

Town Talks – Exeter and surrounds

We understand it is not always convenient to make it to the College for events, especially for those in our outlying towns and villages. 

Greg will be making a special visit to Exeter on Wednesday 20 November. For those in surrounding suburbs please follow the link for further information. 

https://events.humanitix.com/principal-town-talks-exeter-and-surrounds

Special thanks to Exeter General Store for their generous support

Save The Date – Carols on the Meadow – Thursday 28 November

Our Carols on the Meadow evening is on Thursday 28 November. We are looking forward to the Chevalier community coming together for a fun-filled evening of student performances, delicious food, and Christmas spirit! Further details to come.

Chevalier Past Students Committee 2024 Raffle

Our Chevalier Past Students Committee have organised their 2024 raffle with some amazing prizes to be won!

Buy your tickets here: CPS 2024 Raffle Tickets

The Wingecarribee Shire Council is hosting Gibbergunyah Reserve Cultural Burning Tours this Saturday 2 November.  Join a tour and learn about the age-old practice of Indigenous Cultural Burning, led by Gundungurra Elders and Aboriginal fire practitioners.

This is a great opportunity for those interested in learning more about the practice, and how we're working with traditional owners and fire practitioners to reintroduce Cultural Burning in our bushland reserves.

There are two sessions to choose from - 9:30am and 1:30pm. Register for FREE + download a map of the event meeting point here.

Year 10 Students - Senior Uniform for 2025.   

The college strongly recommends that Year 10 students visit the college shop within the next three weeks to purchase their blazers, white shirts and blouses, tabs, and ties. This proactive approach aims to alleviate the need for families to make purchases in January and to ensure adequate stock availability for all students.

Backpack Sale

Airopak Backpack - $70 - for a limited time only.

As previously communicated by the College, the College backpack will become a mandatory requirement starting in 2025 (with the exception of Year 12 2025).

For a limited time of two weeks, the Airopak will be available at a reduced price. Please call or visit the shop during operating hours, as listed on the college website.

The sales ends Friday 15 November 2024. 

Year 7 and New Students for 2025 Appointments.

Appointments for Year 7 and new students scheduled for November 2024 and January 2025 will be issued within the next few weeks. Detailed instructions and a link for scheduling will be provided. Please be advised that the clothing shop is unable to schedule appointments on your behalf. Thank you for your understanding.

UOW and TAFE Moss Vale are running an 'Educational Pathways Program' on Tues 3 December.  This is an opportunity for students to look and explore first hand at two further education facilities in our community.

You can register for the event via this link https://forms.office.com/r/nazPaTGfN4 or by scanning the QR code.

• 2 November - ISA Round 2
• 4 November to 8 November - Year 11 Work Placement
• 4 November - Year 10 Buddy Leader Program
• 4 November - Year 9 YAM
• 4 November - Year 7 Ecology Excursion 
• 9 November - ISA Round 3
• 11 November - Year 10 PASS Incursion
• 11 November to 15 November - Year 9 Exams
• 12 November - Year 11 Drama Excursion
• 13 November - Japan Tour Preparation meeting (students)
• 14 November - Bandemonium Concert
• 15 November - G Day
• 16 November - ISA Round 4
• 18 November - Orientation Day
• 18 November to 19 November - Year 10 Wilderness
• 20 November - Food and Fellowship Lunch
• 21 November - Twilight Tours
• 23 November - ISA Round 5

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