Uniform Working Group To Review The Gap State High School’s Uniform and Dress Code Policy

Photo credit: Facebook/The Gap State High School

Following the controversy in The Gap State High School’s Uniform Policy, a motion was passed to form a Uniform Working Group during the P&C meeting held last 12 February. The working group, which will consist of teachers, students, parents and community members, will be tasked to review the school’s uniform policy.


Read: The Gap State High School Caught In a Uniform Frenzy, Next P&C Meeting Might Be a Full House   


After 103 students from The Gap State High School were given detention for breaching uniform rules, the Minister of Education stood by the decision of the school principal and stated that such concern can be resolved by common sense.

Photo credit: Facebook/Grace Grace MP

 

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In her statement, Education Minister Grace Grace said, “I support The Gap State High School principal and the school community’s actions in enforcing the uniform policy and urge all parties to take a common sense approach and work together to resolve this issue at the school level.”

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“The Gap State High School is not the only high school that enforces a uniform policy. It is common practice across Queensland state schools and uniform policies are always determined through consultation with the local school community,” she added.

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With this, The Gap State High School urged parents to voice their concerns on the P&C meeting.

Around 80 parents reportedly attended the P&C meeting held in the school library. Most of them were upset that their children were sent to detention for not complying with the uniform policy.

One parent claimed that her child was stressed and scared about receiving detention over their uniform.

Another one said that her son finds the regulation shoes uncomfortable and didn’t want to play soccer while wearing them.

One mother said she didn’t know she bought non-compliant shoes until she was told to get new ones within 24 hours.

Photo credit: Mathers

There’s also a parent who said that the school gave her a pair of shoes that doesn’t conform to the uniform policy.

“I bought the shoes and I don’t think my child should be punished for that,” she added.

While some parents find the policy a waste of money, other parents support the school’s tough stance on their policy.

Parents who support the strict enforcement of the uniform policy said that they understand and respect the rules. One mother is even thankful for the uniform policy since according to her, her son’s behaviour had improved in proper uniform.

The meeting determined the need for establishing a Uniform Working Group that will be responsible for reviewing the Uniform Policy and Dress Standards which was last revised in 2004.

Photo credit: The Gap State High School

The working group will be meeting monthly not only to discuss the shoe policy but also to consider shorts for girls after several parents asked for such option for their daughters.

Principal Anne McLauchlan said the school will temporarily stop giving detentions for Term One provided that students wear black leather shoes.

Ms McLauchlan also said that feedback from the staff has been positive since there has been an improvement in the students’ behaviour after the revived focus on the uniform.

Mrs Karen Bishop, the parent who expressed her frustration on social media after her purchase of a new pair of non-compliant Vans for her daughter, said that the school’s response on the matter was positive and she was optimistic about the outcome of the Uniform Working Group’s sessions.