Head of Students News

Beyond the Blazer: Shaping Young Men for Life Beyond the Marist Gates

At the heart of every Catholic boys' school is a commitment to developing young men of character, respect, and responsibility. At Marist College Ashgrove, one of the practical ways we uphold these values is through uniform and personal presentation. More than just a dress code, a well-maintained uniform symbolises unity, discipline, and pride in our Marist community. However, instilling high standards in young men presents unique challenges. Adolescence is a time of discovery—an age where students seek independence, push boundaries, and express individuality as they transition to adulthood. Balancing this natural desire for self-expression with the expectations of a Catholic school requires patience, understanding, and a firm commitment to the values we uphold.

Uniforms promote equality by removing distractions caused by fashion trends and personal status symbols. They foster a shared identity, reminding students that they belong to something greater than themselves. Beyond the uniform itself, personal presentation—neatness, grooming, and attention to detail—reflects self-respect and consideration for others.

As educators and mentors at Marist College Ashgrove, we do more than enforce rules—we engage students in meaningful conversations about the deeper significance of presentation. A well-worn blazer, polished shoes, and a tidy appearance speak to a young man's readiness to take responsibility, show respect for tradition, and prepare himself for life beyond school.

Of course, moments of resistance arise—shirts untucked, ties loosened, socks worn halfway down calves instead of neatly pulled up, or the patchy facial hair that every mother cringes at. Then there’s the occasional yard hat that should have been retired two years ago. In these moments, we recognise the underlying desire for autonomy and work with our students, rather than against them. Encouraging responsible self-expression within the boundaries of respect and discipline helps students understand that presentation is not about restriction but about forming habits that will serve them well in life.

Ultimately, instilling high standards in uniform and personal presentation is not about suppressing individuality—it’s about shaping young men into leaders who take pride in their appearance, show respect for their community, and carry themselves with integrity. By guiding them with understanding, encouragement, and clear expectations, we help them recognise that their personal presentation reflects the values they carry within.

Supporting Students in Meeting Expectations

Following the College’s recent uniform and personal presentation inspection, we ask parents to partner with us in ensuring their sons meet the required standards. Key expectations include:

Blazers and Formal Hats

All students in Years 5–12 must own and wear both a blazer and a formal hat to and from school daily. Blazers must be worn to assemblies and formal occasions.

• Wet Weather Advisory: In cases of extreme wet weather, students may leave their formal hats at home or school. However, blazers are to be worn regardless of the conditions. Though not compulsory, we encourage students to carry a small umbrella for wet weather situations.

Yard Hats

Students are encouraged to wear yard hats during breaks, HPE, and sport, though they may opt for their formal hat instead. However, yard hats must not be worn in public or at formal occasions.

• Hats must be in good condition, free of graffiti, and with an intact brim. Damaged or defaced hats should be left at home or disposed of.
• Persistent issues: Students wearing hats in unacceptable condition will have them confiscated, and parents will be notified. As all students have a formal hat, they will be directed to wear it at breaks if this occurs.

Shaving

Students must be clean-shaven at all times. Those who are not will be sent to the health centre to shave.

• Exceptions: If a student has a medical or cultural reason for not shaving, families should document this through the student’s Head of House.
• Current trends: A number of students have attempted to sport finely trimmed moustaches (thanks, Nathan Cleary!). This is not acceptable, and students will be required to shave.

Haircuts

Hair must be short, neat, and meet College expectations as outlined in the diary.

• Hair must be off the collar and ears, with a fringe that does not reach the eyebrows when brushed forward. Extremes in length and hair colours other than a student natural colour are not permitted.
• Recent trends: Some students have adopted styles that feature shaved areas around the ears and sides, creating a modified mullet (inspired by the professional football community). These, along with #1 fades and zero fades, do not meet College standards and must be corrected before returning to school.

Addressing Uniform Issues

If a student has an unavoidable reason for not meeting uniform standards, parents should provide a dated note in the student’s diary and notify the relevant Head of House. If a student arrives at school and realises they are missing an item, they should report to their Head of House or Student Administration. In many cases, we can support students in resolving the issue—our goal is always to assist rather than penalise. We encourage all students to communicate with us when needed, as this is a skill every young man should develop.

Student Attendance

The College requires all absentees to be communicated via Parent Orbit. This includes all day absences, early departures and late arrivals. Instructions for adding an attendance record are set out below: 

Student Absentees – Late Arrivals 

Students are required to be at school before the first bell rings at 8:30am each morning. 

Parents are required to advise the College if their son will be arriving late for school via Parent Orbit.

Students who arrive late are required to sign in at Student Admin before going to class. Parents will receive an SMS message if the student presents without an acceptable reason for being late. 

Note: all morning training sessions finish before 8:00am, giving students ample time to change, eat and arrive at their pastoral group on time.

Students arriving late throughout the day are required to sign in at Student Admin before going to class.

Student Absentees - Early Departures 

Parents are required to advise the College if their son will be leaving school early via Parent Orbit.

For students in Years 7 to 12 who are departing the College throughout the day, students must sign out at Student Admin before departing. If you would like to collect your son, please meet him at Tower Reception. 

For students in Years 5 to 6, parents are required to come to Primary Reception to collect their son.