Second-Hand Uniform

We are excited to advise that Solway’s Second-Hand Uniforms have transitioned to an online system, along with the uniform shop.

Solway has engaged Sustainable School Shop to host the exchange and sale of our second-hand uniforms. The website provides a single location for families to organise rehoming, selling or buying uniforms directly with each other.  The service provides support for using their website and troubleshooting any challenges in the exchange process on 0438 743 444.   Families are also welcome to drop off items to the office - in a clearly labelled bag - for distribution to the appropriate student.

Solway's subscription makes the website free for families to use.  Please register your family and give our uniforms their second (or third, or fourth!) life at: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/

Currently available Solway items will start appearing here soon:

https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/stocktake/solway-primary-school 

This page is always up-to-date and doesn’t require a registration to be viewed.

Sustainable School Shop is also used by several schools in our region, which helped us feel comfortable about transitioning our uniform exchange to this service. 

The service provides support for using their website and troubleshooting any challenges in the exchange process on 0438 743 444, and help is also available through ‘Contact Us’ on their website at www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au . 

Why go online?

Solway currently has a several major challenges with managing our second-hand uniforms: 

1. not enough volunteers;

2. lack of storage space to store uniforms; and

3. unwanted or damaged non-uniform items dumped at the school.

Using this online system allows families to find second hand uniforms, or sell or rehome their uniforms, without having to wait for the uniform shop to be open. The exchange is done between families, and people can search for any item that is registered as a Solway uniform item in one online location.

We will always have resources available for families who need support with their uniforms. Those who cannot access the site can call the school for solutions.

What is next for our sustainable school?

Second-hand uniform management has been shifted to the Sustainability Sub- Committee because uniforms are a resource of ours that can be managed sustainably. While there are bound to be some teething problems with any new system, we cannot continue with our current model and with the limitations we face.

This online exchange site is intended to be just one aspect of uniform management at Solway. In the future, we intend to upcycle uniform materials into new items, as well as provide repairs. Calls for support in these areas will appear next year.

Of course, some uniform items are simply too damaged, stained or shabby to keep using and while binning such things is reasonable, we also hope to find a responsible option for families to use, to reduce textiles going to landfill.

Leslie Dundon (Felix - 5G)

Alison Crawford (Josie - 1A, and Kate 4W)

If you have any questions please contact us at:

alison.r.crawford@gmail.com or leslie.dundon@gmail.com