Code of Dress

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.

Expectations of Foxwell State Secondary Students

In accordance with this uniform policy, students are to wear the formal uniform or sports uniform (only on timetabled or approved days) when attending school, whilst travelling to and from school or when engaging in out of school activities. Students are to wear the formal uniform for all formal occasions such as excursions, public appearances, awards nights, school photos or other school functions as specified.

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.

Endorsement

The Foxwell State Secondary College community have endorsed the following expectations of students with regards to uniform and personal appearance.

This Uniform and Appearance Policy was approved and endorsed by: Kym Amor
Principal

10/06/2019

Formal Uniform (Year 7 – 9)

• Foxwell SSC pattern striped school dress (with school logo)
• Foxwell SSC pattern striped school blouse (with school logo)
• Foxwell SSC pattern striped formal shirt (with school logo)

Lower body

• Foxwell SSC Ink blue skirt – minimum length – just above the knee to a maximum length upper calf
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue culottes – minimum length – just above the knee
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue dress shorts – minimum length – just above the knee
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue long pants

Sports Uniform (All Year Levels)

Winter Uniform (All Year Levels)

During the colder months the following items are acceptable:

• Foxwell SSC Wattle coloured knitted jumper (with school logo) – to be worn with Formal Uniform
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue jacket (with school logo) – to be worn with Sports Uniform
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue track-pants (with school logo) – 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).

Footwear – See Acceptable Footwear Guide

Socks

• White school crew sock with stripe (compulsory for school events - photos etc)
• Minimum length 5cm above the ankle, maximum length base of calf

Shoes

• Black leather lace up shoes or black leather joggers that are below the ankle
• Black shoe laces only
• No ankle boots, work boots, Doc Martins, ballet flats or other shoes which do not cover the upper part of the foot are permitted.

Students are permitted to change into approved footwear in order to access the curriculum. These include sports shoes for sport, steel-capped work boots in design or ballet/dance shoes for dance.

Jewellery

• One flat ring
• Two (2) pairs of plain studs or sleepers worn in the lower lobe of the ears (studs no more than 5mm in diameter, sleepers no more than 10mm in diameter)
• One watch
• One item of necklace jewellery may be worn if it is of cultural or religious significance following negotiation with the school Principal and parents/ caregivers. It must be long enough to be concealed out of sight under the shirt.

Any item of approved jewellery may still be required to be removed in subjects or activities for safety reasons under Workplace Health and Safety legislation.

Facial piercing and other visible body piercings are not permitted. Facial piercings include, but are not limited to nose, lip, chin, eyebrow and tongue piercings. Piercings in the ear, other than in the lower lobe are not permitted.

Clear plastic facial piercings which do not protrude and are not clearly visible may be permitted, upon application to the Principal.

Hair

• Hairstyles must be neat, clean, tidy and well-maintained.
• Extreme hairstyles or significant variations in hair length (e.g. Mohawks, mullets, buzz cuts, shaved sections, tracks, and rat’s tails or bright unnatural hair colours are not acceptable. Natural toning only is permitted).
• Hair ribbons or hair bands in any of the school’s colours may be worn (ink, gold or white).
• Other hair accessories such as bandanas, beanies, brightly coloured or patterned headwear, tiaras, hair claws, feathers, beads or bun nets are not permitted.
• Long hair must be tied back this is a Workplace Health and Safety requirement.

Make-Up and Nails

• Discreet sun factor make-up may be worn as part of the Sun Safety in Secondary Schools guidelines.
• Eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, lips stick/lip-gloss and other make-up are not permitted.
• Clear nail polish only is permitted.
• Acrylic or any artificial nails are not permitted.

Students will be required to remove offending items.

Tattoos

In keeping with our school culture, Foxwell State Secondary College has a no visible tattoo policy. The school acknowledges that tattoos are part of some religious and cultural beliefs and practices. Students who have a visible tattoo are required to have it covered at all times whilst at school or on school activities.

Sun Safety

In accordance with the Sun Safety in Secondary Schools guidelines:

• Students are required to wear the appropriate Foxwell State Secondary College sun-safe hat when outdoors at all times. This includes during lunch breaks and curriculum time and traveling to and from school.
• Students without hats and who have been issued a uniform variation slip will be directed to remain in shaded areas.
• Students will be provided access to sunscreen during lunch breaks and curriculum time.

Out of Uniform Procedure and Consequences

Not wearing the uniform correctly is a breach of the Uniform Policy. Please refer to flow chart on next page.

• Prior to the commencement of the school day any student out of uniform is required to report to Student Services.

• If the student has a note from the parent/caregiver outlining the extenuating circumstances for being out of uniform, Student Services staff will provide a uniform variation slip which excuses a temporary inability to comply with the Uniform and Appearance Policy.

• If a student does not have a note from a parent/caregiver outlining the extenuating circumstances for being out of uniform, the student will be asked to contact a parent/caregiver to see if the uniform breach can be rectified by bringing the appropriate item to school. If at this point, the parent explains the extenuating reason to the member of Student Services team, the student will be issued with a variation slip. If at this stage there is no extenuating circumstances for the student being out of uniform, the student will be issued with a uniform variation slip in addition to a 20-minute detention which will be completed during lunch from 11.40-12 midday.
• If a student does not attend Foxwell State Secondary College or school related activities in the correct uniform, Education Queensland Policy (October 2006) fully supports the Principal or nominees in the following actions:
  Students who fail to follow correct procedures or who do not present documentation from Student Services regarding alternative arrangements will have one of the following sanctions imposed:

• Complete a 20-minute detention,
• Be prevented from attending or participating in any activity for which a student is representing the school; or
• Be prevented from attending or participating in any school activity that is not an essential school educational program.

If the student persistently fails to wear the correct uniform, appropriate conflict resolution/mediation on strategies are used with parents/caregivers, the student, P and C Representative and School’s Administration present. Where a student wilfully and deliberately chooses not to adhere to the Uniform Policy and do not qualify for an exemption their actions may breach the school’s Student Code of Conduct and consequences may be applied accordingly.

Exemptions

The exemptions to this policy include students whose physical impairments prevent their ability to conform to the Dress Code or students whose families have religious or cultural grounds for conscientious objection. Grounds for non-compliance with the student dress code will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Principal.

Newly enrolled students or families experiencing genuine hardship may contact the Principal to make arrangements for the loan of clothing for a limited period only.

Acceptable Footwear Guide

To assist parents when purchasing footwear, the following guide is provided. Footwear must be black leather lace up shoes or black leather lace up joggers. All footwear must be fully enclosed and below the ankle. Students may be withdrawn from activities under Workplace Health and Safety legislation if wearing inappropriate footwear. Sport shoes worn with the sports uniform must be black, including the sole but are not required to be leather. If students are in a practical area such as Science lab or an Industrial Design workshop, they must wear black leather shoes for Workplace Health and Safety reasons.

Approved Appropriate Shoes

Unapproved Inappropriate Shoes  

The white crew sock is the only acceptable style of sock that may be worn. These may be purchased from our Uniform Shop or from a clothing retail outlet. Socks which are not visible are not permitted. 

Approved Appropriate Socks

Unapproved Inappropriate Socks