School Policy Page 

Dear Parents/Carers 

Our school website is currently under construction. Our school policies will be featured in our new website, however until the website can be released we will be highlighting our school policies in the iNewsletter. 

Please see below for the School uniform policy now known as the Student Dress Code Policy for Bittern PS. 

Student Dress Code Policy 

Purpose

The purpose of the Student Dress Code is to outline Bittern Primary School’s requirements for student dress and appearance and to provide information about uniform purchase and support, dress code implementation and exemption processes. 

This dress code has been developed by Bittern Primary School’s School Council in close consultation with our school community to ensure that it respects the rights of individual students whilst reflecting the values and interests of our community. 

The Student Dress Code aims to:

• foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance. 
• support Bittern Primary School’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities. 
• reduce student competition based on clothing. 
• enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community. 

The School Council has developed a dress code that we believe provides a range of choices for students and is cost effective for families.

Scope

Students are expected to comply with this Student Dress Code while traveling to and from school, during school hours and when attending school activities. 

Uniform and appearance

The full list of Bittern Primary School’s compulsory school uniform items is available at the school office. 

General appearance

While at school, travelling to or from school or participating in school activities, Bittern Primary School students must comply with the following:

• Uniforms must be clean and in good repair.
• Uniforms should be clearly marked with the owner’s name.
• Additional layers of clothing may be worn underneath the uniform for added warmth, provided these undergarments are completely hidden.  
  
  Jewellery and cosmetics
  Students are not permitted to wear decorative jewellery to school. Stud earrings and sleepers worn in the ears, and watches (excluding SMART watches and wearable devices) are the only acceptable jewellery. Cosmetics may not be worn at school. Only clear nail polish is permitted.

Hair and Sun safety 

It is recommended that shoulder length or longer hair is to be tied back to help restrict the spread of nits and lice and for student safety and optimal learning.

School uniform hats must be worn outside from August 15th to 30 April and on any other day prescribed by the school. School uniform hats may also be worn outside of this time, by parent or student choice.

Hats are not to be worn inside.

Students are permitted to wear sunglasses during outdoor activities. Sunglasses should be close-fitting, wrap-around that meet the Australian Standards 1067 and cover as much of the eye area as possible. 

Purchase of uniforms

Uniform items can be purchased from Beleza School Uniforms located at 8/13 Eramosa Road West Somerville 3912, or parents may order it directly from www.beleza.com.au

Bittern Primary School also operates a second-hand uniform store at school. Please contact the office for further information.

Support for families experiencing difficulty. 

Please contact the Principal or Wellbeing Team Leader to discuss support that we may be able to provide to families having trouble meeting uniform costs, including information about eligibility for uniform support through State Schools’ Relief. Further information about State Schools’ Relief is also available on their website: htps://www.ssr.net.au/ 

Implementation

Bittern Primary School will ensure that this Student Dress Code is communicated to all families and students through our website and via Compass Newsfeed. We will assist students who may be experiencing difficulties complying with this policy where possible. 

Students wearing non-compliant uniform items will be reminded to wear the correct uniform the following day. 

Students are required to bring a note from home if they are out of uniform. 

If a student is out of school uniform or otherwise breaches the Student Dress Code on a recurring basis, a note will be provided to the student and parents by the classroom teacher.  If non-compliance with the dress code becomes a continued occurrence, the principal will be informed, and a phone call home may be required. In this event, the school will continue to work with the student and family to support compliance.

Measures taken by Bittern Primary School to address concerns about student non-compliance with the Student Dress Code will also be addressed in accordance with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy.

EXEMPTIONS TO student dress code

We recognise that there may be situations where the application of this dress code may affect students unequally.

Students and their parents or carers may apply either in writing or in person to the principal for an exemption to this Student Dress Code if: 

• an aspect of this code prevents the student from complying with a requirement of their religious, ethnic, or cultural beliefs or background.
• the student has a particular disability or health condition that requires a departure from the dress code.

• the student or their parents/carers can demonstrate economic hardship that prevents them from complying with the dress code. 

When the Principal receives a request for an exemption, they will:

• consider the grounds for the exemption request. 
• explain the process to the student and/or their parents/carers.

• encourage the student and/or their parents/carers to support their application with evidence.

The principal or delegate will then try to negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to all parties. If an exemption is not allowed, then written reasons will be provided to the student and/or their parents or carers. 

Free Dress Days

On free dress days students are allowed to wear casual clothes.  Choice of clothing must be compliant with SunSmart guidelines, shoes must be enclosed, and students are discouraged from wearing inappropriate labels on their clothing. The school will communicate with parents/carers regarding Free Dress Days. 

Concerns about this student dress code

Bittern Primary School welcomes feedback from the school community in relation to this Student Dress Code. If you have a concern or complaint about the Student Dress Code, further information about raising a concern or complaint is available in our school’s Parent Complaint Policy, available on our website. 

COMMUNICATION

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways: 

• Available publicly on our school’s website 
• Reminders in our school newsletter
• Discussed in student forums.
• Included in staff handbook/manual.
• Discussed at staff briefings/meetings as required. 
• Included in transition and enrolment packs.
• Discussed at parent information sessions.
• Hard copy available from school administration upon request

Further information and resources

• Bittern Primary School Sunsmart Policy
• Bittern Primary School Parent Complaint Policy
• Bittern Primary School Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
• Department of Education and Training Student Dress Code
• Department of Education and Training Student Engagement policies and guidelines.

POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL