Student Uniforms

McAuley Catholic College students are expected to show pride in the College by wearing the school uniform correctly. Wearing of a school uniform is important for several academic, social and safety reasons. Most importantly, wearing a school uniform promotes a sense of identity and respect for the school. Wearing a uniform encourages school spirit and a sense of belonging and pride. It removes competitiveness and class distinction in dress and lessens ‘financial’ barriers between students. In this regard, it can help to reduce incidences of bullying and peer pressure. Additionally, wearing a uniform creates a sense of orderliness throughout the school. It also models behaviour by helping students to prepare for when they leave school and may have to dress smartly or wear a uniform. For parents and caregivers, it cuts down on cost as well as providing protection against the harmful rays of the sun. Furthermore, a school uniform can improve learning by reducing distraction, sharpening focus on schoolwork and making the classroom a more serious environment, allowing students to perform better academically.

Uniform Expectations

The full College uniform as described in the Student Diary is to be worn to and from school and at all times during the school day.

All students are expected to:

• Wear correct school uniform each day with pride.
• Label all uniform items with the student name
• Keep uniform items, including hats, free of graffiti or paint.
• Wear Sports uniform on Thursdays and on days they have PE practical classes (noted by HALL on the timetable)
• Wear correct uniform when representing the College eg special events, sporting events and excursions

McAuley Catholic College has introduced a new uniform in 2024. New students to the College are required to wear the new uniform. For current students 2024 (students in years 8, 9, 10 & 12) may wear the old uniform. The transition to the new uniform is 2 years (2026). Students in year 11 are to wear the new shirts. All students are welcome to purchase the new uniform items. Please see below for details

College Uniform - Boys

Please take note of the attached diagram regarding the correct College school shoes. The shoes McAuley Catholic College students are required to wear need to be ‘school style’, that is black leather polishable, low-cut, lace-up shoes with a distinguishable heel on the shoe (not too big). The diagram outlines acceptable and unacceptable footwear.

Correct / Acceptable Black, polishable, lace-up School style (has a heel) Low-cut and covered	Incorrect / Unacceptable *Do not purchase these* Flat-soled Open upper (Mary-Jane style) ‘Skate’ style, non-polishable

Purchasing Uniforms

The McAuley Catholic College Uniform Shop (proudly managed by P&C Uniforms) will be located at the end of the College Carpark. Orders can be made on the online portal.

All measurements for the new uniform are available on the Online Uniform Shop website. Click the link to view How to Measure before ordering or watch the step-by-step Youtube Video HERE

Futher Information on Uniforms

IF A STUDENT CANNOT WEAR CORRECT AND FULL UNIFORM

Students are to bring a note signed by parent / guardian to school explaining the uniform issue. The note is countersigned by the HR teacher or Year Co-ordinator or Assistant Principal. This note is then presented to the office where the uniform pass is noted in Compass for teachers to see. If the student is wearing a non uniform item that is deemed unacceptable an alternative item of clothing will be offered to the student or parents will be contacted to rectify the situation.

Students in incorrect uniform without an explanation from parents / carers will be placed on uniform detention.

IF A STUDENT IS UNABLE TO WEAR THE CORRECT SPORT UNIFORM

Students are to wear their full school uniform with a signed explanatory note and change into appropriate alternative sports gear before sport / PE. If the student is wearing a non uniform item that is deemed unacceptable an alternative item of clothing will be offered to the student or parents will be contacted to rectify the situation.

REPRESENTING THE COLLEGE

All students representing the College are expected to be dressed in correct school uniform as directed on information notes that are sent home before any event. Students representing the College in sporting events are to leave the College in full sport uniform. If students cannot abide by this expectation they will be withdrawn from the representative group. 

SPORTS UNIFORM FOR PE/PASS/SLR/DRAMA LESSONS 

Students may wear their sports uniform on days they have a scheduled practical PDHPE/PASS lesson. Students will be advised at the beginning of the year by their class teachers when their practical lessons will be.

All students are the wear full school uniform every Wednesday and on days they do not have a timetabled practical lesson.

Information from 2023 

1. PE & PASS students can wear their sports uniform when they have a practical lesson - as indicated on their timetable as HALL. 
2. Wednesday is a formal uniform day for all students.
3. Drama students are to change into their PE uniform (or shorts etc). This will be in the P1 Toilets and change room. 
4. SLR students are to change into their PE uniform. This will be in the Hall toilets & change room.
5. GEM students are to change into their PE uniform. (Some of these students may require a uniform pass as discussed with  Sophie/Tahnee). Change will be in the Hall toilets & change room
6. Students training on a day that they don't have PE or PASS prac, change into their sports uniform
7.  Senior students are to wear their formal uniform every day except Thursday.
8. Year 10 and seniors who have a Yr 10 shirt can wear them on sports day only.
9.  Practical subjects - Tech, Science, VET: When PE/PASS/etc prac falls on the same day as Tech, Science, VET Prac:  Students are to bring their appropriate footwear and or clothing (eg boots) OR they can wear their formal uniform for practical work and change into sport uniform

SCHOOL HATS AND CAPS

The College has a Sun-Protection Policy in which the dangers of exposure to the sun and the requirements of the school are pointed out. Students should wear hats or caps at all times when they are exposed to the sun. These can be purchased from the McAuley Catholic College Uniform Shop (proudly managed by P&C Uniforms) or via the online website. There are 2 types to select from: navy cap and navy bucket hat.  

Graffitied and modified hats are not permitted and will be deemed as incorrect uniform, in which case students will need to purchase a new replacement hat.

HAIR 

For both boys and girls, hair is to be well groomed and tidy. Long hair over the collar must be tied back. Ribbons and other hair ties are to be in school colours. Extremes of hairstyle, including extremes of colours, are not permitted. Boys must be clean-shaven.

Mullets, mullets with shaved sides, undercuts, steps, cuts less than a number two, streaks, noticeable dyes and gel or styling products are examples of haircuts that do not meet the requirements of the College policy. 

MAKE-UP

Make-up is not to be worn and fingernails are not to have coloured nail polish.

JEWELLERY 

Because of uniform requirements and safety factors and to guard against breakage or loss, the wearing of jewellery is restricted. Students may wear a wristwatch, a single neck chain, one simple ring and one bangle. Students may wear a maximum of two sleepers or studs in each ear. These are to be small, plain earrings. 

Not permitted: Neckbands, as well as wrist and ankle-chains and ankle-bands, leather jewellery, visible facial piercings (such as nose, eyebrow, tongue, lip).  Only clear nose spacers are permitted  

Students may be asked to stay home until uniform issues are rectified. 

Excess jewellery will be confiscated by staff and returned at the discretion of the Assistant Principal or Pastoral Care Coordinator. All care will be taken, but no responsibility accepted. 

TATTOOS

• If a student has a tattoo, it is to be covered or not visible when in school uniform (this includes sports uniform)
• Offensive tattoos and tattoos on the face, neck or ears are not acceptable under any circumstances.

PROCEDURES FOR UNIFORM INFRINGEMENTS

Students who wear the incorrect uniform and do not have a uniform pass will attend lunch detention.  The following list outlines the action for repeat offenders or students that don’t turn up: 

We ask all students to follow these procedures outlined above and urge parents to ensure their child adheres to College policy. As our policy states, students may be asked to stay home until uniform issues are rectified.

We do realise that we need to take into account the diversity of our students and within our policy we have a clause for individual circumstances. For example, this may apply to religious or cultural beliefs, traditions and customs.

Any student wishing to seek a modification to our College Uniform Policy will need to apply in writing to the Principal. The Principal will then interview the student and a decision will be made regarding modification.