From the Principal

It has been a very busy week to say the least. 

I want to update everyone on the progress of our student that tested positive for COVID-19. The student remains in isolation and is doing well. I want to thank this family for their quick response and communication with the college.  

It is a reminder to all our community members to wear a face mask and use hand sanitiser where possible. 

If your child is exempt from wearing a mask, please provide a note that is to be handed to their Year Level Coordinator. Your support and understanding is very appreciative. 

Uniform

At Cheltenham Secondary College every decision that we make has a logical rationale behind it. So, when I was recently asked by a couple of Year 9 students why we have a school uniform, I felt it was a good opportunity for me to revisit and provide the whole community with the reasoning. 

Here are just a few reasons why having a school uniform is important at Cheltenham Secondary College;

• Uniforms give students a sense of belonging and enhance pride in their school. Wearing a uniform shows unity and identity. In much the same way that we wear clothing of our favorite sporting teams, a uniform builds a sense of community.
• Uniforms help students prepare for the workforce. Whether it’s wearing safety gear in a construction job or corporate wear in an office, most jobs require a standard of dress. Particularly in casual employment like, McDonalds, KFC, Hungry Jacks, Bakers Delight etc.
• Uniforms actually cost less than needing to cater for multiple outfits. It may seem that some individual uniform items are expensive but when compared to having a whole wardrobe of different outfits, the overall price is much cheaper. 
• Uniforms reduce peer pressure and bullying. Our students come from a wide range of social economic backgrounds. Covid has impacted greatly on communities with many families struggling to make ends meet. Students cannot be judged by their appearance because they are all wearing the same uniforms.

Our Uniform Policy is to ensure the best outcomes for all our students and the College, that is why the School Council (consisting of parents and community members) review this policy regularly. 

We know some students prefer wearing sports shoes over the wearing of the black polishable / leather school shoes. Unfortunately, due to the safety requirements of some practical subjects such as; Science, Art, Technology and Home Economics (which all students study) we require all students to wear the black polishable / leather school shoes. 

Karl Russell

Principal