A new look for 2019
New uniform officially launched
The Parent Welcome Evening for our 2019 Year 7s saw the official launch of the renewed uniform for 2019 and beyond. The uniform is the product of extensive consultation with students, parents and staff throughout 2017 and 2018. A big thank you to all those who participated through surveys, focus groups, on working groups and in viewing and feedback sessions. Based on your feedback, the uniform has been redesigned to feature:
- a mix 'n' match wardrobe. Any item of the academic uniform may be combined to offer greater choice and flexibility for students, whilst still keeping a distinctive and identifiable 'Northcote' look;
- gender-neutral items: two cuts of each of the shirts, pants and shorts for different body types;
- trans-seasonal items. Each item in the new uniform may be worn year-round;
- more layers to stay warm, including a puffer vest and cardigan option;
- a softer, more comfortable jumper (it is 80% merino);
- a water and wind resistant soft-shell jacket to replace the spray jacket;
- a more modern, sweat-wicking fabric for the sport top and two cuts of the sport shorts.
In 2019, it will only be Year 7s required to wear the new uniform, but students in older year levels may purchase it (or some new items) if they wish. Further guidelines around mixing of old and new uniform will be communicated with families during Term 4.
There will be a phase-in period throughout 2019 and 2020. This timeline allows all existing students (who started in Year 7) to get a minimum of three years' wear out of the current uniform.
Phase-in timeline - Year Levels in new uniform:
2019: Year 7s
2020: Year 7s and 8s
2021: All students
The uniform is currently on display in the foyer for students and parents. Come and take a look!
Frequently asked questions
On what basis was the phase-in period determined?
This is a standard phase-in period for a new uniform. It was decided around a few principles, including:
- The likely lifespan and availability of the current uniform by 2021 (limited)
- The need to provide consistency and clarity around the uniform: a more protracted phase-in period heightens the confusion around uniform expectations and items
- The flexibility of the new uniform which allows for families to purchase less items if they choose (ie. there is no summer/winter uniform – the same pieces could be layered year-round). The pants and shorts are also the same as what is currently being sold at the uniform shop.
What about the cost to families?
Cost and value to families has also been a strong consideration in decision-making around our uniform. Whilst the different items, fabrics and combinations in the new uniform make a direct comparison difficult, most items in the new uniform will remain similar or lesser price. The 2019 pricelist for the new uniform will be published on the school website in Term 4, and will be includedin family information packages, along with the booklist and other end of year information.
An early analysis of some typical combinations reveals comparable pricing - a pleasing result when considering the improved fabrics and cuts of many items.
Example 1: Jacket, shirt x2, shorts x 2, jumper, socks
Old uniform price - $360.85; new uniform price - $349.80
Example 2: Jacket, dress x 2, jumper, socks
Old price - $348.85; new uniform price - $335.80 (or $338.80 if selected the cardigan instead of the jumper)
Any families who are experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the school to discuss the options and assistance available through both the State Schools Relief fund and the Northcote Thrive - Empower Fund.
When will the new uniform be available?
It will be available towards the end of 2018 / start of 2019: in time for the commencement of the 2019 school year. Our new Year 7 families are currently booking their fitting appointments and will be starting to make their orders soon.