Uniform & Grooming Policy
The St Mary's College uniform requirements for summer, winter and sport, grooming standards for hair, jewellery and shoes, and what happens when a student is out of uniform.
The St Mary's College uniform is a visible sign of belonging and pride in the College. It keeps our students safe and identifiable and puts every child on an equal footing. This policy sets out what is required, when each uniform is worn, and how we support families when there is a difficulty.
Purpose
To describe the College uniform and grooming standards for Prep to Year 12, the process for managing uniform breaches, and the support available to families.
Scope
Applies to all students travelling to and from school, during the school day, and while representing the College at excursions, sport, music and community events, unless a casual clothes day has been announced.
Policy statement
- All students wear the full and correct College uniform, purchased from the on-campus Uniform Shop (supplier: Noone Imagewear) or the P&F second-hand sales.
- Summer uniform is worn in Terms 1 and 4; winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3. A two-week changeover period applies at the start of Terms 2 and 4.
- The navy wide-brim hat is compulsory in Terms 1 and 4 for all students, in line with our SunSmart Policy.
- Sport uniform is worn only on the student's timetabled PE/sport day (and Junior Friday sport for Years 3–6).
- The uniform is to be clean, in good repair and worn with a sense of pride.
Procedures
Uniform requirements
| Item | Junior School (Prep–6) | Senior School (7–12) |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (T1 & T4) – girls | Navy/white check dress, or navy shorts with white polo | Navy tailored shorts or skirt with white blouse |
| Summer (T1 & T4) – boys | Grey shorts, white polo, grey socks | Grey shorts, white short-sleeve shirt, grey socks |
| Winter (T2 & T3) | Navy jumper with long grey trousers or tartan tunic (tracksuit-style not permitted) | Navy blazer (compulsory to and from school), navy jumper, tartan kilt/skirt or navy trousers, College tie |
| Sport | Navy/gold polo, navy shorts, sport tracksuit, white socks, predominantly white runners | As Junior |
| Hat | Navy wide-brim hat, Terms 1 & 4 | Navy wide-brim hat, Terms 1 & 4 |
| Shoes | Black leather lace-up school shoes (not runners) | Black leather lace-up school shoes (not runners) |
House polos in house colours (MacKillop green, Chisholm blue, Polding gold, Romero red) are worn for carnivals only.
Grooming
- Hair: natural colour; tied back if below the collar; extreme styles are not permitted.
- Jewellery: one plain stud per ear and a watch. No other visible jewellery. Religious medals may be worn under the shirt.
- Makeup and nails: none in the Junior School; natural makeup only in Years 11–12; no nail polish or artificial nails.
- Students are to be clean-shaven.
Out of uniform
- If your child must be out of uniform temporarily (for example, a lost jumper or an injured foot), send a Uniform Pass — a dated note via the Parent Portal or in the diary — which the student shows to their Homeroom or classroom teacher. A Uniform Pass is valid for up to 5 school days.
- Without a Uniform Pass, or once a pass has expired, the teacher records a Uniform Infringement Notice. Parents are notified via the Portal.
- After 3 notices in a term, the Year Level Coordinator contacts parents to arrange a plan to resolve the issue. Persistent breaches may result in a student completing work in a supervised space rather than attending a non-compulsory event, such as a Friday sport fixture.
- Non-regulation items (for example, jewellery) are held at the office for parent collection.
Buying uniform
The Uniform Shop, managed by Mrs Lisa Trần, is on campus and open Tuesdays 8:00–11:00am, Thursdays 1:00–4:30pm and the first Saturday of each month 9:00am–12:00pm in term. Orders can also be placed online via the Parent Portal. The P&F runs second-hand sales on the second Saturday of each term month, 9:00–11:00am, in the Hall foyer. Families experiencing hardship may speak confidentially with the Business Manager, Mrs Annette Kowalski.
Responsibilities
Parents and carers
- Ensure your child leaves home in full, correct uniform each day and that every item is clearly labelled.
- Provide a Uniform Pass when there is a temporary problem.
Students
- Wear the uniform correctly and with pride, including travelling to and from school.
- Bring the hat every day in Terms 1 and 4.
Staff
- Check uniform at Homeroom or the start of the day and apply the process consistently and respectfully.
- Record Uniform Infringement Notices and communicate with families promptly.
Related documents
- Uniform Shop
- Second-hand Uniform
- Sport Uniform
- SunSmart Policy
- Lost Property
- Behaviour & Restorative Practices Policy
Review
Policy owner: Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Mission. Approved by the College Leadership Team November 2025; ratified by the College Advisory Council; next review November 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When do students change from summer to winter uniform?
Winter uniform is worn in Terms 2 and 3 and summer uniform in Terms 1 and 4, with a two-week changeover at the start of Terms 2 and 4.
Can my child wear runners to school?
Only on their timetabled PE/sport day (or Junior Friday sport) with the full sport uniform. On all other days, black leather lace-up school shoes are required.
Does my Year 8 child need to wear the blazer to school in winter?
Yes. In Terms 2 and 3 the navy blazer is compulsory for Senior School students travelling to and from school. It may be removed in class at the teacher's discretion.
We are struggling with the cost of uniform. Who can help?
Please contact the Business Manager, Mrs Annette Kowalski, on (03) 9555 0100 for a confidential conversation. The P&F second-hand sales are also an affordable option.