Message from the Principal

School Uniform Rules Okay?

Each year during ANZAC Day parades, I have been extremely impressed and delighted with Calrossy participation. Seeing our students march so confidently, dressed ‘sparklingly’ in their uniforms has been a wonderful sight. Whilst Tamworth did not enjoy a march this year, other centres saw our students participate, resplendent in our distinctive uniform. When we dress well, we stand out positively and present a wonderful image of Calrossy and the high standards we espouse across our community.

School uniforms are always an interesting topic of discussion. Students are quick to point out that sometimes we make too much of them and that we can be petty, rigid and demanding in our rules. In an era in which some students like the opportunity to express their individuality, school uniforms and hair codes are not universally appreciated or accepted.  

However, in a community like ours, I argue that uniforms are important. The way we present ourselves speaks loudly of the standards and high expectations we value. Whilst teaching and learning is our main game, it is a reality that some parents select a school based on a uniform’s attractiveness and the manner in which the students wear it. For others the uniform is a vehicle for upholding the school’s reputation. It is a bit like branding whereby locals will instantly recognise what school a child is from just by looking at their clothing. Therefore, each individual is in some ways a reflection on the school. Needless to say, it sends a positive message when our pupils look smart and well dressed. Despite the absence of a local march this year, I was extremely proud of the way we dressed for our recent ANZAC school ceremony. Photos from other nearby commemorations reflected highly on our students. When I take students to Sydney or elsewhere, I am always pleased with the positive comments they receive. 

One role of a school is to prepare our pupils for adult life. There are few occupations where people won’t have to obey some sort of dress code. Office workers usually dress in business attire, whereas public services – like the police, NHS and fire brigade – all wear instantly recognisable uniforms. I don’t believe it is inconsistent to ask our students to wear their uniforms well and effectively. I sometimes smile that the same adolescents who push uniform boundaries are generally happy to accept a high standard of dress when they are employed at Woolworths, McDonald’s or one of the many excellent employers in town.

I think we would be asking for conflict if we allowed students to dress at school in whatever they wanted. Having a uniform and some consistency means certainty for students and general understanding for everyone. There is plenty of research in other countries where uniform is not mandatory, and despite some benefits, there are plenty of negatives too – including peer pressure and expense.

It is also true that uniform also makes life easier for parents. When there’s a firm dress code, mums and dads don’t have to supervise their children as they get dressed in the morning. They also won’t have to bulk up their kid’s wardrobes with outfits for every day of the week. The decision for what to wear at school, except for Mufti days, is easy.

Some suggest that uniforms help establish routine. When the pupils don't, they know it’s time to knuckle down and learn. Meanwhile, wearing their own clothing can symbolise an opportunity to relax and enjoy their leisure time at weekends. It is no mistake that we ask our eCalrossy students to wear a school T-Shirt for their school lessons.

In terms of uniform, it is important that staff and parents are united when it comes to uniform because support from parents and carers is also valuable. Consistent, fair expectations are what works best. Reinforcement from home is often a helpful support to the encouragement of those at school.

My encouragement to all members of our community is to wear our uniform well, be proud of our School and to present an image that speaks of a one hundred and two year old school, possessing an enviable reputation. We want our public and private wearing of the uniform to enhance our reputation and to speak highly of the students and all who associate with our School. 

Addendum on Uniform

At present we are in the early stages of considering new School uniforms for Calrossy. Noone Wearhouse are part of the consultation and development. We are seeking to develop a one school look that is attractive, contemporary, cost-effective, taking into account our history, individual stages of growth, local climate and comfort. Consultation with parents, students and staff has been and will continue to be involved. The P & F meeting this week will include some discussion on the topic so please come and contribute. Further details can be found in Junior/Secondary Notices and Our Calrossy tiles.

NB. Please note that any change will be phased in slowly with a significant time for adoption, if and when the final selections are made.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers’ Day to our mums.. We were delighted to celebrate in various ways with a High Tea for Mum and Me and P & F Mothers’ Day stalls for the students plus some ‘special’ Art and Craft works. I trust that mums were suitably spoiled and acknowledged yesterday. Proverbs 31:31 commends the wonderful mother (and wife) with the words, "Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

National Boarding Week

This week is National Boarding Week across Australia, during which schools celebrate the wonderful opportunities that are provided in boarding for students. Boarding is a central part of the DNA of Calrossy and we are delighted to have a robust and active community within our school. What the students bring to Calrossy is immense. I am in awe of our students who enjoy Calrossy as their ‘home away from home’ and who contribute so much to our classrooms and co-curricular offerings. The special community is something precious and to be nurtured. The way that our Boarder and Day students combine together is also special, complementing the other and making us stronger as a school.

I am grateful for our House staff, who act as mentors, ‘mums and dads’, guides, nurses and special supports to our students. Courtney Coe and her staff are outstanding in their advocacy of our boarders and it is one of the great rewards of being Principal at Calrossy to observe how our students develop confidence and thrive in our school and beyond, as part of their experience of living in community. Many of our great success stories at Calrossy feature our Boarders. Happy National Boarding Week to all. 

David Smith

Principal