Curriculum, Learning & Engagement
Leading Teachers
Celebrating Identity, Culture and Team Spirit: Our New Woodend Primary School Sports Shirts
Over the last few years we have had discussions with students, staff and parents about introducing an optional sports t-shirt as part of our school uniform. The t-shirt is reversible with one side representing the ‘house’ the student is in and the other side being a modernised school t-shirt in sky blue, navy and white, that features the school name and logo. Currently when students participate in House based activities they often wear items of clothing in their house colours. When students in Year 3–6 represent the school at sporting events they wear borrowed school tops, which are now outdated and worn. This item of uniform will provide students with two tops in one item.
Students were involved in the design of these tops and they represent a combination of student creativity, cultural recognition and a strong sense of school and house pride. For many years, students have represented their houses and the school in sport and other community activities. This project marks an exciting and fresh change for our community.
Students will be able to wear these shirts on various occasions including once a week on the day they have physical education sessions, house events, as well as interschool and representative sporting events.
In addition, Year 5 and 6 students will be allowed to wear these tops every day, on the school side. This flexibility supports their growing leadership and pride in the school community.
Costings for these shirts and details about the ordering process will be released in the coming weeks once final pricing is confirmed.
Honouring Culture and Local Identity
Our four House teams have been an important part of our school’s culture since 1978. Each House is represented by a local animal and is named in the Dja Dja Wurrung language for that animal, to recognise the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our school stands.
Chisholm (yellow) has a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo – Djìnàp
Dryden (green) has an Australian Wood Duck – Ngàrì
Mitchell (blue) has a Blue-Tongue Lizard – Dông-Dông
Ebden (red) has a Short-beaked Echidna – Yullawil
This initiative encourages a deeper understanding of First Nations culture and supports our commitment to making these connections visible and meaningful throughout our school community.
Living Our School Values
These new shirts embody more than activewear. They reflect and celebrate our core school values of Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe and Be a Learner.
These new shirts represent creativity, collaboration, cultural respect and a strong sense of belonging. Families are invited to support this initiative by purchasing a shirt for their child. The t-shirts are available in kids and adult sizes and samples are available at the office to try on.
Students take pride in participating actively in sport and school life, developing physical, social and emotional skills. Students care for their uniforms and enjoy representing their house and school. This will help every student feel confident, included and connected whenever they wear the shirt, whether participating in PE, during house competitions or standing proudly at interschool events.
We look forward to seeing our students wearing their new shirts with pride and sharing this exciting step with the whole school community.
Our thanks to Mr Condon for his work with students, staff, the community and our supplier to ensure the success of this initiative.