Uniform Consultation

Should Woodstock School have a compulsory school uniform?

The Board of Trustees has formed a uniform sub-committee to investigate whether the parents of students at Woodstock School would like:

 a compulsory school uniform;

 no uniform; or
 retain the current voluntary uniform.

This notice outlines some of the common arguments for and against the introduction of a compulsory school uniform. We have included a sample of arguments to introduce some of the issues that may arise during the consultation process.

 

Arguments for a uniform:

1. A feeling of belonging.

2. Minimise differences, teasing, competition about clothing/appearance.

3. Practical and easy to look after.

4. Less fuss in the morning.

5. Teacher focus on learning, not lost property.

6. A quality uniform may not cost more than mufti.

7. Smart group presentation for outings or gatherings.

Arguments against a uniform:

1. The cost up front.

2. Reduced opportunity for children to learn about self care and self management.

3. Hassle of keeping on top of uni-form laundry.

4. Teacher time taken up “policing” uniform.

5. Lost property will all look the same.

6. Enforced conformity.

7. Tradition of mufti at our school dating 50+ years.

 

The other option is to keep things just as they are; families who want their children to wear the voluntary school uniform can continue to do so.

 

Your opinion counts!

We want to hear from the whole school community about this issue. It’s important to understand all perspectives before any decision is made. Although it’s near the end of the year, we’d like you to think about it over the summer holidays, because consultation happens in Term 1 2013. More in-formation on that soon. If you’ve got something to say now, we’ve set up an email account so you can tell us how you feel about the options.

woodstockuniform@gmail.com