School Uniform

Rationale/Purpose

The Merici College uniform is a distinctive symbol of our collective identity and pride within the Canberra community. It reflects the values and standards of our college and ensures that every student is recognised as an ambassador for Merici. Wearing the uniform correctly promotes respect, responsibility, and unity, while fostering positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging. By maintaining high standards of presentation, students demonstrate commitment to our college spirit and create an environment focused on learning and wellbeing.

The uniform also promotes inclusion and equity by ensuring all students are presented equally, reducing social pressures related to clothing choices, and reinforcing a shared sense of community. This collective approach strengthens belonging and supports a culture where every student feels valued and respected. Additionally, the uniform meets safety requirements and upholds the reputation of Merici College both within and beyond the school grounds.

Every Merici Student is an ambassador for our college and there is an expectation that uniform will be worn in a responsible and respectful manner, to the highest standard of presentation.

Policy

Enrolment at Merici College implies acceptance of and adherence to the following uniform expectations and requirements. It is the policy of Merici College that all students must reasonably adhere to uniform and personal presentation requirements. Guidelines for the College uniform are accessible in the student planner and can be found on the College website.

Merici College values inclusion and equity. While all students are expected to adhere to uniform requirements, adjustments may be made where necessary for medical or accessibility reasons. Such alterations must be supported by appropriate medical documentation and approved by the College.

Procedures

• All students are expected to wear the correct school uniform whilst at school and when travelling to and from school each day.
• Uniform will be checked and monitored each morning in Pastoral Care by the PC Teacher and throughout the day by teachers as a part of the Classroom Mastery process.
• We understand that there may be a situation where a student attends school in incorrect uniform from time to time. In this instance, parents and guardians are asked to provide notification to their daughter’s PC Teacher or House Coordinator, and the student will be given a uniform variance approval.
• Students who are wearing incorrect uniform items without notification from parents, will be asked in the first instance to remove these and rectify the uniform concern.
• Non uniform items such as puffer jackets, hoodies, jewellery etc may be confiscated from the student.
• Should a student continue to wear incorrect uniform, then they may be issued a consequence in line with our behaviour management statement of practice.
•  Consequences for persistent non-adherence to uniform expectations may include lunchtime reflection, playground withdrawal, or an afternoon reflection session. In cases of serious breaches, where student safety may be compromised, students will not be permitted to attend regular classes and will be required to complete independent learning.
• Students who are not in correct uniform will not be permitted to participate in offsite activities, including excursions.

What is not acceptable uniform

• Merici College Sports Hoodies – permitted only for co-curricular sports activities
• Boots or sneaker-style shoes (e.g., Nike Force or other sports brands)
• Excessive makeup or nail polish in non-natural colours (e.g., bright pink, black)
• Non-Merici school bags (e.g., black Nike backpacks, handbags, oversized tote bags, handbags)
• Non-Merici branded puffer jackets (e.g., black or blue in colour)
• Non-natural hair colours (e.g., pink, green, blue, bright red)
• No facial piercings such as nose, eyebrow and lip etc are permitted. Students may wear a clear stud or will be expected to remove whilst at school.
• Elastic bands or hair ties used to alter the fit of dresses
• Skirt length shorter than one palm width above the crease at the back of the knee
• No Visible black or white long-sleeve shirts worn under the school blouse.
• Wearing HPE uniform to school in the mornings.

Please refer to the attached policy for further information.

Policy PDF
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