UNIFORM

 Expectations

Uniform Expectations & Shoe Guide

We would like to remind families of the St Mary’s uniform and personal grooming requirements, to ensure students start Term 2 well and uphold the high standards at St Mary's. As always, students who do not comply with the College’s expectations will be required to address the breach before attending school. Parents will be contacted if expectations are not met, and may be required to collect their child to rectify the breach. 

Personal Grooming

Make-up, nail polish and cosmetic accessories such as acrylic nails and eyelash extensions are not acceptable. Eyebrows should be natural and discreet (e.g., similar to natural hair colour).

Hair

Hair is to be of a conventional style, neat, and of a natural colour, shade, and tone. Examples of unacceptable styles include, but are not limited to, mullets, undercuts, shaved patterns, skin fades, mohawk styles, steps, lines, dreadlocks, cornrows, marked contrasts in length, and crewcuts with a comb length of less than number 3. Given changing fashions, the College reserves the right to determine what is considered acceptable.

Students are to be clean-shaven. Cultural exemptions must be approved through consultation with the Principal. Visible tattoos are not permitted at St Mary’s Catholic College.

Skin Fades

We understand these are neat hairstyles, but request that the hair not be taken down to the skin and meet the comb length number 3 as per the College's personal grooming expectations. We welcome students to speak with Heads of Year or Assistant Principals to clarify if they are not sure before getting a haircut.

Hair Length

Hair that is the same length or similar beyond the collar must be tied back at all times with discreet black hair accessories or those in one of the College colours: white, maroon, or dark green. Hair must be kept out of the face and eyes.

Uniforms

Outgrown or outworn (e.g., faded or damaged) uniforms must be replaced as required to maintain St Mary’s high standards of personal presentation. This includes College hats.

St Mary’s is a proud and vibrant community. Wearing the correct uniform and maintaining high standards of personal grooming demonstrates dignity for oneself and others, as well as pride in our school community. This responsibility rests with both parents and students. We thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our College, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Jewellery

Jewellery is to be discreet, meaning not particularly noticeable, and is limited to:

• One watch.
• One silver or gold simple necklace with a religious medallion or cross is worn only under the College uniform and is not visible.
• One small silver or gold sleeper/stud in each earlobe, only, no larger than 5 mm.
• Visible piercings other than earrings, as described above, must be removed while in the College uniform. This includes clear or skin-coloured piercings.

Please note the following, as outlined under the tab ‘College Life – Start of Term Information’ named ‘2026 Uniform and Personal Grooming Expectations’, available on the College website.

Shoe Guide

At the College, students are required to adhere to the uniform and personal grooming guide. We want to support families, students, and teachers in understanding specific requirements, particularly for sports shoes. We know students are currently wearing shoes in the 'not suitable' section of the graphic below.

To provide clarity, we have listed the main shoes worn by students with their sports uniforms that require fixing and shoes must meet expectations for the start of Term 2. This provides you and your family time to make changes to comply with the uniform guideline outlined in the College Diary under Uniforms: Sport shoes - Low cut, supportive, lace-up, all-purpose shoes for running with a suitable grip. Colour scheme should be discreet. Skate shoes and other flat-soled shoes are not acceptable.

The shoes shown in the graphic below are examples we frequently see; they are not the ONLY shoes not permitted. If you are unsure of the correct shoes, please send a picture or ask your child to speak with the Head of Year for clarification. Uniform infringement consequences will come into play at the commencement of Term 2. We appreciate your support in making it very clear what we expect regarding appropriate footwear at the College.