STUDENT DRESS CODE

Introduction

As part of Foxwell State Secondary College’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all members of its community the College has adopted a student dress code which reflects the College community standards and balances the right of individual students with the best interests of the whole College community. The school uniform is viewed as integral in encouraging a sense of self-esteem, belonging and self-discipline in our students.

Relevant Legislation and Policy

This policy has been developed in accordance with the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Sections 360-363) [“The Act”], the Department of Education and Training policy SMS-PR-022: Student Dress Code and Sun Safe Strategy in relation to implementing student dress codes in Queensland State Schools. It explains and documents the standards of acceptable dress at Foxwell State Secondary College.

A copy of the Uniform and Appearance Policy is provided to parents at the time of enrolment as part of the Enrolment Agreement and after periodic revision.

The Foxwell State Secondary College Uniform Policy was endorsed by the school Uniform Committee on 10 June 2019, and amended in 2020 after community consultation.

Expectations of Foxwell State Secondary Students

Consistent with this policy students are required to present at school in a neat and tidy manner at all times. By adhering to the Uniform Policy our students continue to promote a positive image of the school to our local community and demonstrate that the school has high expectations of its students.

Whilst this policy seeks to assist students and parents by identifying requirements and expectations for as many uniform and appearance items as possible, it should be noted that where a student’s appearance and/or uniform may not be in keeping with the spirit of this policy and the school and communities values and expectations a conflict resolution/mediation process involving the student, parent/caregiver, Principal and a P and C Representative may occur.

Winter Uniform (All Year Levels)

During the colder months the following items are acceptable:

•  Foxwell SSC Wattle coloured knitted jumper (with school logo) and/or Foxwell  SSC Ink blue jacket (with school logo) may be worn with either uniform
•  Foxwell SSC Ink blue track-pants worn full length (with school logo) – only to be  worn with Sports Uniform
•  Ink blue stockings/tights
•  Foxwell SSC Ink blue scarf (with school logo)

Beanies, balaclavas, knit caps with ear flaps or other similar headwear are not permitted. Undershirts must be not be visible outside/through the uniform (e.g. T Shirts, Tank Tops or singlets).

Update on Winter Uniform

Due to shipping delays and extremely high levels of demand, some sizes of our Winter Jacket are currently out of stock. To support our students and families during this shortage, we have provided students with loan replacement jumpers or jackets. These may not be endorsed school jackets, as they are only intended to be worn for the very short term. College staff are aware of all students who have been provided with these ‘non-uniform’ items and will replace them with the uniform item once the order can be placed.

UNDER NO OTHER CIRCUMSTANCE can a student wear a non-uniform jumper or jacket to  school. ALL students MUST wear an approved winter uniform jacket or jumper to school. The uniform expectation extends in to the community, and includes travel to and from school., and while on public transport.

Community Consultation

We have received feedback from students and parents that some of our students are cold, even when wearing their winter jacket. The intention of the uniform design was for students to be permitted to wear their wattle jumper under their sports jacket in the coldest of days or months. We acknowledge due to the sensory needs of some of our students, that they are unable to wear the knitted jumper. In this case we will accept students wearing non-visible under shirts, singlets, thermals etc. We will also accept in the coldest of months, that a student can wear a navy blue plain (non-hooded) sweatshirt (like image below) under their sports jacket. The navy sweatshirt will not be permitted to be worn alone.

We are also working with UMS (our uniform supplier) to design a warmer jacket to add to our winter uniform. As you would imagine this will take some time to design and produce, so we have agreed upon the above compromise until the time of their arrival (likely 2023).

At the upcoming P & C meeting we will discuss options further. Please contact our P & C Executive to get involved and have your say.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL - JNR

What a spectacular! I have the pleasure of attending all three shows, and I must say it is one of the highlights of my career. Watching our students grow and develop into confident and brilliant performers is an absolute privilege.

On Wednesday we welcomed students and staff from Coomera Rivers State School, Picnic Creek State School, Coomera State Special School and Coomera State School to our matinee performance. Watching the joy and awe of these students was quite a moment.

We have received some beautiful feedback from these students.

“The performance given by the students in ‘Matilda’ was amazing in acting, singing and dancing.” (student)

“I can’t believe that Miss Trunchbull was actually a student. I thought she was a teacher”. (student)

“I loved it when they sang, ‘When I grow up’, and the stories”. (student)

“I love how good Matilda’s singing was – I can’t believe she is only in Year 8”. (student)

“My favourite part is the revenge part. It was funny. I love the singing and the props! It was the best musical ever!” (student)

“Matilda was great and I like all of the characters. It was a great show and it was fun!”. (student)

“I honestly loved the whole thing. It was well thought out and really creative. Good job!” (student)

“I loved the creativity in set designs when the school gates turned in to the chokee!! How cool! I also loved seeing so many past CRSS students.  Love Miss Ellison)

“That (Matilda) was the most amazing performance ever and the actors were very brilliant”. (student)

“The ‘Matilda’ musical was amazing! All of the students are so talented” (student)

“Amazing, incredible, funny, engaging – just some of the words that come to mind after watching the wonderful talent of the FSSC cast of Matilda Jnr The Musical. A lesson to be learnt – from Matilda’s lips: ‘Nobody but me is going to change my story” so go forth and keep writing your story”. (Michael Crandon MP)

“Congratulations to the stars and all involved with the production of Matilda. A very professional presentation”. (Mr Graham Foxwell)

“Absolutely fantastic. Loved every minute of it. Acting was so professional. Costumes and sets fabulous. What an amazing first ever performance in your brand new Arts Centre”. (family member).

Congratulations to our Cast and Crew and of course Mrs McLennan and her team for the countless hours pulling together the performance of the year.

STAFFING UPDATE

This week we farewelled two of our amazing teaching staff.

Ms Rebecca Johnston has been an incredible member of our Inclusion team over the past few years. She came to us ‘on loan’ from her permanent primary school and sadly we have to say goodbye and she returns to her school. Our students, parents and staff are going to miss her positivity, warmth and boundless care. She has most definitely positively impacted many lives during her time at Foxwell SSC. We wish her the very best.

Ms Benita Sihvola joined us in our Social World and English faculties at the beginning of 2021 and has provided great wisdom and leadership in her time with us. She is an exceptional and passionate teacher of English and the Arts. The students who have had the pleasure of being taught by Ms Sihvola are very fortunate to have had Ms Sihvola share her joy and love of learning with them. We wish her the best in the next chapter in her educational leadership.

As we continue to grow, we will be welcoming many new staff to our team. This week we welcomed a highly experienced teacher to our Inclusion Team. Ms Kate Harrison has already made many positive connections with students, staff and families. Welcome to the Foxwell community Kate.

I once again take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of our staff here at Foxwell State Secondary College. They continue to go above and beyond for your children and our community. This week many parents and students have shown their gratitude in different ways, including many thank you emails or small tokens of appreciation. These small gestures mean a lot to our staff, and let them know that you truly appreciate them.  Please continue to let them know how grateful you are. Together we are great!!

Until next time.

Kym Amor

Principal