Speech by Abigail M Y12 student and student member of College Council:

Announcing changes to application of the school uniform and policy.

Dear BSC community,

My name is Abigail and last year I was a student representative on college council, and along with my co-student rep Finn we led a uniform review, to develop a uniform policy that reflects the values of our school and that students can feel comfortable and proud to wear their BSC uniform.

The review was an extensive process where we sought feedback from all key stakeholders in the community through surveys and focus groups, of which many of you here today were involved. This meant that we could gain understanding into what the priorities of students and the community were in relation to adjusting our policy. We also had numerous conversations with our uniform provider Bob Stewart to ensure we could deliver these changes to the school in a timely manner.

Before I announce the changes there a few people I would like to thank, firstly, Finn who graduated last year but was my co-student representative on college council, he helped to lead this review and without his work none of this would be possible, I would also like to thank Mr Chalk for giving up many lunchtimes, afternoons and mornings to help us with the process, and who’s unwavering support meant we could make these changes. To Ms Higgins our acting principal and every member of college council last year, thank you for being supportive, engaged and open to these changes, to be able to platform student voice in this way could not have been done without you! And Anna from Bob Stewart who worked extremely hard to create a timeline that meant that we could make these changes as soon as possible.

Thank you, to all of you, the staff and students, who were engaged in giving their feedback and suggestions, I thank you for your involvement, your perseverance in sharing your voice and your trust in me and the school.

I’d like to announce that the following changes will be made to the BSC uniform policy beginning Term 2 2024:

The school uniform will become trans-seasonal, meaning any item of academic uniform can be worn at any time throughout the year. This is a change from the previous summer and winter uniforms.
Academic and sport uniforms items cannot be worn together.
The Blazer continues to be the outerwear for the academic uniform in T2 and T3
Scarves can be worn with any piece of academic or sports uniform at any point throughout the year.

Sport Socks

Plain white crew length socks can be worn with the sports uniform - no logos or invisible socks.

Current white socks with purple and green stripe can continue to be worn until beginning of 2025.
Bob Stewart will now supply generic white crew socks for purchase with sports uniform.

Academic Socks

White socks with green tipping, and long grey winter socks can continue to be worn in the interim until beginning of 2025.

Dark grey socks with the green tipping will become the universal socks for all academic uniform.

Bob Stewart will only stock grey socks with green tipping for academic uniform.

There will be a new uniform item: a white long-sleeved undershirt that can be worn underneath the sports polo only, this item can be purchased from Bob Stewart.

There will be some changes to the enforcement of the uniform policy:

There will be no reference to skirt/dress length in the uniform policy.
Facial hair to be neat and trimmed, no longer has to be cleanly shaven.
Students may have piercings as long as they are a stud or a sleeper no more than 10mm in diameter and follow the safety requirements of their classes. Where safety hazards are presented, students may be asked to take out piercings or to tape over them to prevent them from causing hazards and injuries (eg during sport, during science class).
Religious and cultural jewellery may continue to be worn and seen.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that the changes are based on the suggestions you, as students made, and that change is a dynamic process, so please let this be a reminder that your voice matters, student voice is and will continue to be a priority for our school as it means Brighton can be a safe and comfortable space for everyone.

Thank you,

Abi | College Captain and Student Representative College Council

It is imperative to highlight and emphasise the incredible work, time, passion, negotiations and endless meetings that went into being able to implement these exciting changes to the uniform policy, that would not have been possible without two passionate and resilient College Council Student Representatives Abigail and Finn (graduate student 2023).

If you see Abi in and around the school, please pass on your thanks and acknowledgement in this achievement.

Brighton Secondary College

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