Rationale

The Student Dress Code sets out the standards of acceptable dress and footwear for students attending Albany Senior High School.

The school community supports the implementation of a Student Dress Code as a visible representation of the standards and expectations of the school. The Dress Code promotes a sense of identity, belonging and connectedness amongst students and strengthens their connection to the wider school community.

The Dress Code supports our values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. By wearing the school uniform, students demonstrate pride in their school and a shared commitment to the expectations of the school community.

The Dress Code also supports a safe, inclusive and equitable learning environment by reducing social pressures associated with fashion trends and ensuring students are dressed appropriately for participation in school activities.

Students are expected to comply with the Student Dress Code. As with any school expectation, repeated refusal to follow reasonable directions relating to the Dress Code may result in behaviour management responses in accordance with school policies and procedures.

ALBANY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM ITEMS

APPROVED DRESS CODE ITEMS

Students are expected to wear Albany Senior High School uniform items wherever possible.
Approved items include:

• Albany Senior High School polo shirt.
• Plain black pants, shorts, skirts or skorts with no logo, or only a small manufacturer logo that does not dominate the appearance of the garment.
• Albany Senior High School outerwear or plain jumpers in approved school colours.
• Plain white or black short or long-sleeved undershirts worn beneath the Albany Senior High School polo shirt.
• Black leggings or tights worn underneath approved shorts, skirts or skorts.
• Hats for outdoor activities and approved practical classes
• A change of shorts or activewear for Physical Education classes only.
• Pants intended for use during Physical Education must be made from a lightweight material suitable for physical activity.

INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS

Items that do not meet the above requirements are not appropriate to wear to school. This includes:

• Blue denim clothing, including jeans, jackets, skirts and shorts.
• Ripped or distressed clothing.
• Pyjamas or sleepwear.
• Non-school hoodies or outerwear in non-approved colours.
• Clothing that does not provide appropriate coverage or is otherwise inconsistent with the Albany Senior High School Dress Code.
• Clothing displaying offensive, inappropriate, alcohol-related, drug-related or discriminatory wording, images or logos.
• Jewellery, accessories or clothing items that present a health and safety risk.
• Footwear that is not securely attached to the foot, including thongs, slides, Crocs and Ugg boots.
• Steelcap boots or shoes outside of WHS requirements

CLARIFICATIONS

Where there is uncertainty regarding whether an item complies with the dress code, the Principal or delegate will make a determination based on:

• Whether the item is consistent with the expectations outlined in the Albany Senior High School Student Dress Code.
• Whether the item presents a safety concern.
• Whether the item supports a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Appropriate consideration will be given to cultural, religious and medical requirements.

ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO THE STUDENT DRESS CODE

• Students are expected to wear approved Albany Senior High School uniform items whilst attending school and representing the school.
• Students who wear items of clothing that present a health and safety risk may be excluded from activities where there is a risk of injury. Alternative educational activities or supervision will be provided where appropriate.
• Students who wear the Albany SHS hooded jumper must not have the hood up when on school grounds except in inclement weather. Teachers will request that students take hood off at other times.
• Students are expected to comply with reasonable staff requests relating to the Student Dress Code.
• Repeated non-compliance with the Student Dress Code, or refusal to comply with reasonable staff directions relating to the Dress Code, may be managed in accordance with the Albany Senior High School Student Behaviour Procedures.

EXEMPTIONS FROM COMPLIANCE WITH THE STUDENT DRESS CODE

Under Regulation 35(2) of the School Education Regulations, a parent may apply to the Principal for an exemption to the school dress code for their child. The application is to be made at the time of their child’s enrolment at the school. Only where the Principal has granted an exemption is the child to be out of dress code.

PARENTS

• Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that students attend school in attire that complies with the Albany Senior High School Student Dress Code, including ensuring that clothing is appropriate for a school environment and provides suitable coverage.
• Where there is uncertainty regarding whether an item complies with the Student Dress Code, parents and carers are encouraged to seek clarification from the school prior to the item being worn.
• Parents and carers are expected to provide a valid reason, either in writing or by contacting Student Services prior to the commencement of the school day, if their child is unable to comply with the Student Dress Code. In these circumstances, a Dress Code Pass will be recorded in Compass.

MONITORING

• Where prior notification has not been received, Kooinda teachers are responsible for monitoring student compliance with the Albany Senior High School Student Dress Code.
• Where a student is not wearing an approved uniform item, the Kooinda teacher will record a Dress Code Pass in Compass.
• Student Services will review weekly, Dress Code Pass data. Where a student has accumulated three Dress Code Pass entries, a member of Student Services will contact the student's parent or carer to discuss the matter and identify any barriers to compliance.
• Where financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances are identified, the school will work collaboratively with students and families to support compliance with the Student Dress Code.
• Repeated non-compliance with the Student Dress Code, despite reasonable support and intervention, may be managed in accordance with the Albany Senior High School Student Behaviour Procedures.