Help for non-English speakers

If you need help to understand this policy, please contact Donald Eddington, Principal. Non-English speakers can also access Google translate at the bottom of this web page.

As valuable partners in your child's wellbeing, learning and engagement at William Ruthven Primary School, we welcome and encourage your feedback. If you have any suggestions, comments or questions in relation to our policies and practices, please contact the Principal, Donald Eddington via email, donald.eddington@education.vic.gov.au.

Purpose

The purpose of the Student Dress Code is to outline William Ruthven Primary School’s requirements for student dress and appearance and to provide information about uniform purchase and support, dress code implementation and exemption processes.

This dress code has been developed by William Ruthven Primary School’s School Council in close consultation with our school community to ensure that it respects the rights of individual students whilst reflecting the values and interests of our community.

The Student Dress Code aims to:

• foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance
• support William Ruthven Primary School’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities.
• reduce student competition on the basis of clothing
• enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community. 

The School Council has developed a dress code that we believe provides a range of choices for students and is cost effective for families.

Scope

Students are expected to comply with this Student Dress Code while traveling to and from school, during school hours and when attending school activities.

Uniform and appearance

The full list of William Ruthven Primary School’s compulsory school uniform items are available at Appendix A to this policy.

General appearance

While at school, travelling to or from school or participating in school activities, William Ruthven Primary School students must comply with the following:

• Uniforms must be clean and in good repair
• Uniforms must be clearly marked with the owner’s name
• Additional layers of clothing may be worn underneath the uniform for added warmth, provided these undergarments are completely hidden.

Jewellery and cosmetics

Students are not permitted to wear decorative jewellery to school. Stud earrings and sleepers worn in the ears, and watches, are acceptable jewellery. Cosmetics and artificial nails (including, but not limited to, acrylic, gel and signature nail systems) may not be worn at school. Nail polish on natural nails is permitted.

Hair and Sun safety

Students are encouraged to tie back hair, that is if it is shoulder length or longer, for their safety and to help restrict the spread of nits and lice.

School uniform hats must be worn outside from mid-August to 30 April and on any other day prescribed by the school. School uniform hats may also be worn outside of this time period, by parent or student choice. Hats are not to be worn inside.

Students are permitted to wear sunglasses during outdoor activities. Sunglasses should be close-fitting, wrap-around that meet the Australian Standards 1067 and cover as much of the eye area as possible. 

Purchase of uniforms

Uniform items can be purchased from WRPS’ uniform supplier, PSW, online or at their Campbellfield store. Families may also purchase generic uniform items that do not include the school logo (e.g. black/white socks, navy blue shorts, navy blue tracksuit pants) at any store, as long as the colour matches school requirements.

WRPS receives a 5% commission on uniform sales from PSW. The commission from uniform sales will be used by the School to support families experiencing difficulty meeting uniform costs.

Support for families experiencing difficulty

Please contact the office to discuss support that we may be able to provide to families experiencing difficulty meeting uniform costs, including information about eligibility for uniform support through State Schools’ Relief. Further information about State Schools’ Relief is also available on their website: htps://www.ssr.net.au.

William Ruthven Primary School also has second hand uniform items available at no cost from the school.

Implementation

William Ruthven Primary School will ensure that this Student Dress Code is communicated to all families and students through our website and newsletters. We will assist students who may be experiencing difficulties complying with this policy where possible.

If a student is out of school uniform or otherwise breaches the Student Dress Code on a recurring basis, a note will be provided to the student and parents by the classroom teacher.  If non-compliance with the dress code becomes a continued occurrence, the Principal will be informed and a phone call home may be required. In this event, the school will continue to work with the student and family to support compliance.

Exemptions to student dress code

We recognise that there may be situations where the application of this dress code may affect students unequally.

Students and their parents or carers may apply in writing to the Principal for an exemption to this Student Dress Code if:

• an aspect of this code prevents the student from complying with a requirement of their religious, ethnic or cultural beliefs or background
• the student has a particular disability or health condition that requires a departure from the dress code
• the student or their parents/carers can demonstrate particular economic hardship that prevents them from complying with the dress code.

When the Principal receives a request for an exemption, they will:

• consider the grounds for the exemption request
• explain the process to the student and/or their parents/carers
• encourage the student and/or their parents/carers to support their application with evidence.

The Principal or delegate will then try to negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to all parties. If an exemption is not allowed, then written reasons will be provided to the student and/or their parents or carers.

Concerns about this student dress code

William Ruthven Primary School welcomes feedback from the school community in relation to this Student Dress Code. If you have a concern or complaint about the Student Dress Code, further information about raising a concern or complaint is available in our school’s Complaints Policy.

Communication

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:

• Available publicly on our school’s website
• Reminders in our school newsletter
• Included in our staff handbook
• Discussed at staff briefings/meetings as required
• Hard copy available from school administration upon request

Further information and resources

Links to related local policies:

• SunSmart Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy

The Department’s Policy and Advisory Library (PAL):

• Student Dress Code
• Student Engagement policies and guidelines.

Policy review and approval

• Policy last reviewed: February 2025
• Consultation: School Council (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025)
• Approved by: School Council (17 February 2025)
• Next scheduled review date: February 2029

NOTE: The Department’s Student Dress Code policy requires School Councils to decide annually whether or not amendments or a full review of the dress code is required.

APPENDIX A:
WILLIAM RUTHVEN PRIMARY SCHOOL UNIFORM ITEMS