School uniform

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.  People judge each other by their appearance. It can shape expectations and influence reactions.
• 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.  Without a uniform, many students would compete in a fashion stake.  This is a costly and divisive exercise.
• It promotes positive community perceptions about public education and being part of a successful team.
• It enhances the health and safety of students involved in school activities.  School policy reflects the expectations in the community where corporate uniform is the norm and it is a strict code for Occupational Health and Safety.
• It promotes school pride.

We are all individuals, and the school recognises that in wearing a uniform, we are foregoing some of that individuality.  However, individuality can be expressed through our achievements and our contributions in academic, sporting, cultural and creative aspects of school life.

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.