The policy of the school and the community is that students wear school uniform.  Students out of uniform must present a note to the Deputy Principal explaining the reason.  One of the features of the school is the adherence to the uniform code and the resultant positive impression that this creates.

Consistent with DET policy, students may be excluded from certain school and school-based activities:

• if their clothing compromises agreed upon school community standards articulated in the school uniform requirements (below), and might be considered damaging to the image of the school in the larger community context;
• where the health and safety of the student or any other students, particularly as defined by occupational health and safety legislation, would otherwise be compromised.

Whilst a student will not be suspended solely for not wearing school uniform, ongoing non-compliance may be regarded as an infringement of the school’s student discipline policy.

General Notes On Clothing

*      Students must wear footwear with leather uppers for all practical classes. For safety reasons high heels, soft canvas, open woven and platforms are not acceptable.

*      The full range of official uniforms are available from "Graces Uniforms". Certain items of uniform are available from other clothing stores including "Surf, Work & Street".

*      There is a Second-Hand Uniform Pool at the School.  Used uniforms, that are still in good condition, can be donated to this uniform pool.

*      It is important that all items of clothing be clearly labeled with the student’s name.

*      Ties are an optional item of uniform, and may be worn in summer or winter, and do much to promote the image of the school.

*      Prefects are expected to wear a school tie at all times.

*      School badges may be purchased from the office.

*      When outdoors students are encouraged to wear large hats.

*      Facial jewellery, other than discreet sleepers or studs (earrings) must not be worn.

*      Make-up, other than sunscreen, should not be worn.

Acceptable Footwear

The Department of Education and Training (DET) clearly outlines footwear requirements in schools:

‘Substantial footwear appropriate to a practical activity should be worn. Footwear such as thongs, open weave type shoes, soft slip on shoes, shoes with openings at toes or heels, mesh joggers, fabric shoes, shoes without a heel, platforms or high heel shoes should not be worn’. DET website.

This is DET policy, under Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

Coonabarabran High School Uniform Code requires all students to wear solid, black, fully enclosed, safe, shoes. Parents need to be aware that there is an important Occupational Health & Safety aspect regarding the shoes your child wears at school. The school is not prepared to breach DET policy.

This applies to ALL students in Yrs 7 to 10, plus students in Yrs 11 and 12 studying Technology (Industrial, Textiles & Food), Hospitality, Entertainment, PE, Music and Science courses (including Agriculture & Primary Industries). If a student is required to enter workshops, kitchens, Textiles rooms, Science labs or the School Farm they MUST have a SUBSTANTIAL PROTECTIVE shoe that COVERS the top of his/her foot. ‘Slip on’ type footwear DOES NOT meet these requirements.

All students participating in PE and School Sport are also required to wear a covered LACE UP sports shoe that is suitable for them to participate safely in their chosen activity.

Please be aware that a student will not be allowed to participate in practical or sporting activities if the supervising teacher deems his/her footwear to be unsafe. In this situation, the student will be expected to carry out appropriate alternative work provided by their teacher.

If a student repeatedly fails to complete mandatory practical activities, due to unsafe footwear (or any other reason), it can mean he/she does not meet all required outcomes in the relevant courses. This can have serious ramifications for School Certificate and HSC students (note that Technology is mandatory in Yrs 7 & 8, Science is mandatory in Yrs 7 to 10 and School Sport is also part of the School Certificate program).

*Please refer to the Student Handbook for further information in regard to the Coonabarabran High School general uniform Policy.