School Uniform Part 3

So just when you think things are good with the uniform process. WHAM!! some parent calls the local paper (ODT) and tells them of our plans to adopt gang colours for a school uniform. The reporter turns up at the school to interview the Chairman of the BOT and then a photo of the children and before you know it, you're reading the article in the newspaper the next morning. As a member of the uniform committee I can assure you we were all feeling a little nervous about how the article would read. Here is the article

A Dunedin primary school will continue with its plans to introduce a red and black uniform for pupils, despite objections from one parent, who says it looks like a Mongrel Mob gang uniform. Mornington School Board of Trustees chairman Scott Mason said a proposed uniform with a red polo shirt and polar fleece, and black pants/skirt was presented to parents recently at a consultation meeting. The idea of a uniform was instigated by parents because they wanted to create collegiality or school spirit and it also took much anxiety out of clothing choice for many pupils, Mr Mason said. However, one parent at the meeting expressed concern about the colours of the proposed uniform and said they looked similar to those of Mongrel Mob gang members. Mr Mason dismissed the criticism, saying there were other schools around the country with red and black uniforms, including Fairfield School in Dunedin. "I think you could find a reason for any colour not being appropriate. I don't have any concern about my daughter wearing red and black. "If kids started coming to school wearing bandannas, then I would be concerned. I don't think any gang would think they have achieved a major milestone if a school was wearing red tops and black shorts. "Given that other schools have the same colours here and at other places around the country, this is no precedent." Mr Mason said the school's traditional colours were red and yellow, but red and black were chosen because "yellow is not a particularly good base colour for any uniform". "Black was also chosen because it won't show up the dirt as much." Mr Mason said there were more valid concerns raised at the parent consultation meeting, such as the cost of uniforms for parents and the issue of pupils losing their "individuality" by all wearing the same clothes. The proposed uniform was going through a board approval process and Mr Mason hoped pupils would start wearing it optionally later this year. It could then be adopted next year as the school's official uniform.

PHEW!!! I feel the article read more in our favour and I can honestly say there was a relieved uniform committee indeed. I couldn't download the photo due to protection rights etc. Nicholas was most disappointed he didn't get to be in the photo as he was one of the models but because the school couldn't contact me to get my permission Nicholas missed out. However, Nicholas always has great ideas " I know mum maybe I could get my photo taken now and they will put it in the newspaper tomorrow, great idea aye mum"

I discovered that people read newspaper articles and then if they have a stronge opinion they can log on the newspaper website and post a comment. Here is one opinion from someone:

The concerns about gang colours are groundless and unfounded. Gangs do not wear their colours in the same manner as schools wear a uniform - anyone seen a gang member with a red polo shirt and black shorts or tartan skirt on lately? If we are concerned about a small Dunedin school having a uniform based on gang colours then what about the other schools countrywide that also have school colours that reflect local, national and international gangs?What is being forgotten here is the desire of the majority of parents, as expressed in a school and community survey, to have a uniform investigated and implemented. This is being ignored. For many parents a uniform makes practical and economic sense, it means that parents do not have to worry about buying the right clothes or have issues over what to wear before school each morning. For the school it promotes pride, a sense of community and belonging and stamps out peer pressure and bullying over the wearing of the latest label.There will always be people who believe that uniforms stamp out individuality etc... Find another way for your child to shine, why does it have to be through the clothes that they wear? Encourage your children to shine through the force of their personality. The kids at those schools with uniforms around the place, primary, intermediate and secondary certainly aren't lacking in personality or individuality as far as I can tell!

So there you have it the uniform debate maybe at peace for our school for now, or is it??? Stay tune for the implementing phase. I'm sure it will be interesting.......