School Policies
Included in every school diary this year are five important policies: Diary; Homework; Uniform; Jewellery and hair; and Behaviour management. These and other policies are also available on our school website and are a reflection of our school governance - I encourage you to be familiar with these five policies in particular. The school Newsletter will occasionally feature an aspect of our school policies in an effort to raise awareness of the processes and protocols that support everyone’s learning at St Patrick’s. The following passage is taken from our School Jewellery and Hair Policy:
Aims: To provide a consistent focus and a sense of direction for students.
To prevent excesses in fashion trends by allowing the wearing of unobtrusive jewellery and hairstyles that are neither unusual nor distractive and which do not promote competitive behaviour
Jewellery guidelines: Acceptable forms of jewellery may include one or more of the following:
- A set of earrings; these being plain studs or sleepers worn in the lower ear lobes.
- A plain bangle or bracelet; a watch.
- A Christian symbol worn around the neck e.g. a cross or medal; a signet ring.
All jewellery is to be removed by students before playing in school sports teams and before participating in competitive physical educational activities. In general, this would not include weekly physical education classes.
Hair guidelines (parents are encouraged to contact the principal if they are not clear on this expectation prior to their child’s hair cut):
- Hair is to be clean, neat and tidy at all times.
- Hair longer than shoulder length is to be worn tied back as a health and safety measure. Ribbons, clips, bands and ‘scrunchies’ are to be discreet in nature and of school colours: green, navy blue or yellow.
- Hair colouring, including bleaching, is unacceptable
- Excessively gelled or styled hair is considered unacceptable: This includes razor cuts and designs.
Other items:
The following miscellaneous items are unacceptable: coloured hair and hair accessories, nail polish, makeup, anklets and friendship bands.
How we make this policy work:
When in doubt, parents and students should, in the first instance and prior to any hair styling, should first seek the advice of the school Principal, who is empowered by the School Board to implement the approved Jewellery and Hair Policy. Sensible adherence to this policy is the responsibility of everyone in the school community.