Uniform Regulations

The Avonside Girls’ High School | Te Kura Kohine o Ōtakaro Board values and consequently places a high priority on all students wearing our school uniform correctly, both inside and outside the kura because it contributes to:

1. The kura value of Respect-Whakaute
2. Students developing personal self-confidence and pride in self
3. Students developing personal commitment and organisational skills
4. School pride, social cohesion and a sense of community
5. Community recognition and pride of Avonside Girls’ High School | Te Kura Kohine o Ōtakaro

Consequently, students are to be in correct school uniform when:

1. At school
2. Travelling to and from school (with the exception of wet weather and safety gear)
3. Representing or associated with the school on any school-related event or trip when school uniform is to be worn

All school expectations and rules around our uniform are based on the Avonside Girls’ High School | Te Kura Kohine o Ōtakaro value of Respect-Whakaute and what is appropriate for a positive school environment. Appropriate means that makeup, hair and jewellery must be safe in our environment, and must not be offensive. Things that cause offense may include but are not limited to: gang insignia, swastika, alcohol and drugs. Students must keep themselves and others safe for the requirements of the range of activities across a secondary school – examples: physical activity, Science laboratories, workshops – and follow all reasonable instructions of staff relating to any aspect of dress, jewellery and hair while:

♦   At school
♦   Travelling to and from school

Representing or associated with the school on any school-related event or trip when school uniform is to be worn during school and representing school outside of the classroom eg: during sports or on trips.

Students need to be aware that some course providers and employers may have different expectations of jewellery and hair. Students who intend seeking placements on courses or work exploration need to be mindful of this. This can also apply to sporting bodies, matches, tournaments etc.

Makeup, hair and nails expectation

Makeup and nail polish, and hair styles and hair colours that are appropriate for a positive school environment are permitted. Appropriate means they cannot interfere with learning.

For health and safety, in some Learning Areas and activities longer hair must be tied back.

Length of nails, whether acrylic or natural, must not impede a student’s ability to engage in learning safely.

Jewellery expectation

Students may wear a range of jewellery and taonga and pounamu while adhering to the general guidelines above. In this context, appropriate means that items cannot interefere with learning or safety.

♦   Appropriate bracelets and necklaces and rings are permitted.
♦   Appropriate earrings are permitted.
♦   Appropriate nose piercings are permitted.
♦   Stretchers and long studs are not permitted.
♦   Piercings cannot be joined by chains.
♦   Any other body piercings must not be visible, including tongue piercings.

If any item of jewellery is deemed inappropriate, the student, whānau and Kaitiaki will have a discussion to reach a decision on how the expectation is to be met.