School Uniform Guidelines

Uniform Policy

Our Vision

“As a K-12 school community we believe that all can grow in their learning at high levels in an environment which celebrates the truth of our faith in Jesus, excellence in education and a commitment to the wellbeing of all.”

Our Mission

Our mission is to collectively work towards our vision by placing Jesus at the centre of all that we do and embracing the values of St Matthews Way. Like St Matthew our school patron, we are called to be more, by living the truth of these values to the best of our ability.

What We Value

• Excellence - Developing confident and capable learners through collaborative, dynamic and transformational learning experiences
• Courage - Building skills in persistence and resilience to embrace challenges
• Compassion - Providing support and enhancing the wellbeing of others and ourselves
• Respect - Fostering an appreciation for the goodness, value and rights of everyone and everything, through our thoughts, words and actions
• Service - Contributing to society by using our gifts and experiences for the betterment of others

Policy Rationale 

A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instills recognition of themselves as an integral part of the school community, and assists in developing pride in representing their school.  Issues of equality, health and safety, and financial constraints are also factors that contribute to the establishment of the Dress Code.

Policy Aims

• To promote equality amongst all students.
• To further develop a sense of pride in, and identification with our school.
• To provide durable clothing that is cost effective and practical for our school environment.
• To maintain and enhance the positive image of the school in the community.

Policy Implementation

• The school has developed a Dress Code that we believe provides choice for students, allows them to safely engage in the many varied school activities, and caters for the potential financial constraints of families.
• The Dress Code applies during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when students are on school excursions and activities.
• Summer and winter uniforms, are required to be worn at designated times of the year as determined by the Senior Leadership Team
• Hairstyles should be neat, tidy, presentable and in line with our high standard of uniform. Extreme hair colours and/or extreme hairstyles are not permitted. Hair that is collar length and beyond must be tied back. All decisions regarding breaches of this component of the dress code will ultimately be made by the school leadership team
• Male students must be clean shaven at all times
• Female students may wear one pair of small, simple stud earrings or sleepers (one per earlobe). A watch, one simple bracelet/bangle, one simple ring and a discreet necklace worn under the shirt are acceptable items of jewellery that may be worn by either male or female students 
• Skirts, skorts, dresses and shorts are to be no shorter than the tips of a students fingers when they are standing with their arms by their sides
• Makeup, cosmetics, nail polish and false nails are not permitted. Hair accessories must be simple and in school colours only.
• The only hats that are acceptable are the St Matthews school hats available at the Midford Uniform Shop. Consistent with our Sunsmart Policy, hats must be worn outside at all times. Hats are not to be worn inside.
• Shoes should be black, polishable, traditional style lace up with a moderate heel. Infants students may wear velcro fastened shoes. Joggers may be worn only with the sports uniform
• All uniform items are available for purchase through the Midford Uniform Shop located on Church Street or through their online store
• Support is available for families who are unable to meet the requirements of the Dress Code due to economic hardship
• Repeated breaches of the Uniform Policy may result in exclusion from school activities and/or representative opportunities for students