Uniform Policy

All students at HSPA are expected to wear full school uniform. Compliance with the school's uniform policy is a core rule for all NSW Government schools and an expectation in the School Discipline Code of this school.

The school community believes that the wearing of uniform is important for the following reasons:

  • It defines an identity for the students and their school in its community.
  • It increases the personal safety of students by allowing easier recognition of potential intruders in the school.
  • It is affordable and not dependant on peer pressure for transient fashions.
  • It promotes positive community perceptions about public education.
  • It enhances the health and safety of students involved in school activities.
  • Students are not permitted to individualise, interpret, accessorise the uniform with jewellery, large coloured or studded belts, studded bracelets and neckpieces, large earrings etc. Where practical, offending items will be taken and returned to students at an appropriate time. Sometimes it may be necessary for the item to be collected by parents.
  • Footwear, in particular thongs, sandals or open shoes without an enclosed heel are not permitted. The school uniform specifies that shoes should be black and DET policy requires that shoes be enclosed with leather uppers. Sports shoes should only be worn during PDHPE or to school on sports day. Canvas Gym boots (Converse or otherwise) do not meet the requirements of the uniform policy. No colour variations will be accepted. Stockings when worn should be ALL BLACK and plain. Stockings which are patterned or are other colours are not permitted.
  • Students should not wear clothing to school at any time which is insufficiently modest in a school environment. This refers to any student where underwear may be visible, but particularly female students who expose their midriff.
  • Shorts when worn should cover the thigh.
Students will be excluded from certain school and school-linked activities:
  • If their clothing compromises agreed upon school community standards articulated in the school uniform requirements, and might be considered damaging to the image of the school in the larger community context.
  • Where the health and safety of the student or of other students, particularly as defined by occupational health and safety legislation, would otherwise be compromised.

Ongoing non-compliance with the Uniform Policy will be regarded as an infringement of the school's student discipline policy. A range of disciplinary actions may be taken by the school including

  • Students may be given clothing from a pool in the uniform shop to change into for the day.
  • Parents may be called and asked bring in appropriate uniform items, or students may be sent home (after parents have been notified).
  • Students may be placed on detention.
  • Repeat offenders may be suspended from school.

Students who are unable to wear an item of uniform to a school on a particular day should bring a note on the day and report to the attendance office on arrival. The letter should be dated, signed by the parent and state the reasons why uniform is not being worn. A pass will be issued for the day.