JOY Burch has visited Calwell High School to announce that ACT public schools will move to adopt more traditionally styled school uniforms from 2017.

“Calwell High School’s new uniform is a practical demonstration of the growing school pride and sense of identity that students have in their school, and I want to be able to help foster that pride for students and families across Canberra,” Joy said.

“Students of Calwell High School requested a change to a more traditional style of uniform. The Student Uniform Committee has worked with students, the School Board and the Parent and Citizen Association to identify the colours and style that will represent Calwell High School.

“The decision to update the uniform policy also follows surveys conducted for the ACT Government which show more than 80% of parents and carers support more traditional school uniforms being introduced in ACT public high schools.

“The ACT Education and Training Directorate’s Dress Standard and Colour Code in Public Schools policy will be updated to encourage the move to more traditional uniforms.

“This will provide an avenue for schools and the Canberra community to contribute to this direction.

The updated policy on uniforms will engage students, staff and high school communities in creating a greater sense of school unity and belonging. Calwell High School is joining the half of all existing ACT public high schools who already have a school uniform.

Lake Tuggeranong College Design Studies Teacher Ms Rachel Rooney, who designed the new uniforms for Calwell, was also present to display her designs to the school.

[Photo: Minister for Education and Training Joy Burch with students from Calwell High School modelling the new 2016 uniforms. The old uniforms are shown on mannequins.]