Student Dress Code 2026

Purpose 

The purpose of the Student Dress Code is to outline Moolap’s School’s requirements for student dress and appearance and to provide information about uniform purchase and support, dress code implementation and exemption processes.  

This dress code has been developed by Moolap School’s School Council in close consultation with our school community to ensure that it respects the rights of individual students whilst reflecting the values and interests of our community.  

The Student Dress Code aims to: 

• foster a sense of community and belonging and encourages students to develop pride in their appearance  

• support Moolap School’s commitment to ensuring that our students feel equal and are dressed safely and appropriately for school activities  

• reduce student competition on the basis of clothing  

• enhance the profile and identity of the school and its students within the wider community.   

 Scope 

Students are expected to comply with this Student Dress Code while traveling to and from school, during school hours and when attending school activities.  

Uniform and appearance 

General appearance 

While at school, travelling to or from school or participating in school activities, students must comply with the following: 

• Uniforms must be clean and in good repair 

• Uniforms should be clearly marked with the owner’s name 

• Additional layers of clothing may be worn underneath the uniform for added warmth, provided these undergarments are completely hidden 

• Studs, sleepers and watches are the only acceptable jewellery  

• Any make up or nail polish must be natural/neutral tones only 

Health and safety  

Shoulder length or longer hair is to be tied back to help restrict the spread of lice and for student safety.  

Jewellery, nails, hair accessories and similar items that interfere with students’ ability to engage with school activities safely and fully are not permitted. 

 School uniform hats must be worn outside from mid-August (exact date to be set by the school annually) to 30 April and on any other day prescribed by the school. School uniform hats may also be worn outside of this time period, by parent or student choice. 

Hats are not to be worn inside. 

Students are permitted to wear sunglasses during outdoor activities. Sunglasses should be close-fitting, wrap-around that meet the Australian Standards 1067 and cover as much of the eye area as possible.   

Purchase of uniforms 

Uniform items can be purchased directly from Noone  162 Moorabool Street Geelong Vic 3220 Contact Details Phone: 03 5221 9199

Second-hand uniform may be available from time to time, please contact the Office for information.

The School Council has considered affordability in the development of this dress code. However, if you are facing difficulty meeting uniform costs the Help with school costs and fees page provides advice on support offered by the Victorian Government. If your child is starting prep or year 7 and is eligible to receive support via the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, you may be eligible to access the Affordable School Uniform (ASU) program.  

Please contact the Office to discuss support that we may be able to provide. 

Implementation 

Moolap School will ensure that this Student Dress Code is communicated to all families and students through our website. We will assist students who may be experiencing difficulties complying with this policy where possible.  

Measures taken by Moolap School to address concerns about student non-compliance with the Student Dress Code will also be addressed in accordance with our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy. 

EXEMPTIONS TO student dress code 

We acknowledge that there might be instances where the enforcement of this dress code could impact students differently. 

Students and their parents or carers may apply either in writing or in person to the Principal for an exemption to this Student Dress Code if:  

• an aspect of this code prevents the student from complying with a requirement of their religious, ethnic or cultural beliefs or background 

• the student has a particular disability or health condition that requires a departure from the dress code 

• the student or their parents/carers can demonstrate particular financial hardship that prevents them from complying with the dress code.  

• insert other exemptions applicable to your school 

When the Principal receives a request for an exemption, they will: 

• consider the grounds for the exemption request  

• explain the process to the student and/or their parents/carers 

• encourage the student and/or their parents/carers to support their application with evidence.  

The Principal or delegate will then try to negotiate a resolution that is acceptable to all parties. If an exemption is not allowed, then written reasons will be provided to the student and/or their parents or carers.  

Concerns about this student dress code 

Moolap School welcomes feedback from the school community in relation to this Student Dress Code. If you have a concern or complaint about the Student Dress Code, further information about raising a concern or complaint is available in our school’s Parent Complaint Policy, available via the school website.  

COMMUNICATION 

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:  

• Available publicly on our school’s website

• Reminders in our school newsletter 

• Discussed in student forums 

• Hard copy available from school administration upon request 

Further information and resources 

• Moolap School Sunsmart Policy 

• Moolap School Parent Complaint Policy 

• Moolap School Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy 

• Department of Education and Training Student Dress Code 

• Department of Education and Training Student Engagement policies and guidelines. 

POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL 

APPENDIX A: MOOLAP SCHOOL UNIFORM ITEMS 

All year round

The following items may be worn all year round, with either the summer or winter uniform:

• Plain black skorts / skirt / track pants / trousers
• Black and white check MPS dress, skorts or kilt
• Plain black leggings to be worn underneath school kilts, dresses and skorts
• Black MPS windcheater / skivvy or plain black or gold windcheater / skivvy
• Sunsmart hat in line with Sunsmart Policy, black or gold broad (brimmed hats – with a brim of at least 7.5 cm)
• Black school shoes, black closed toe sandals or joggers
• MPS Bomber or plain black bomber jacket
• MPS, or plain yellow or black polo shirts or skivvy (long or short sleeve)
• Black school shoes, closed toe sandals or joggers
• No logo or branded clothing

From experience, we have found certain clothing to be dangerous or inhibit the children in participating in certain areas of the curriculum. 

Therefore, children are not to wear:

• Thongs (unless instructed by the school i.e. swimming program)
• Shoes with raised or block heels
• Earrings other than simple studs or sleepers
• If gumboots are worn in winter, please send a change of shoes for indoor use
• Singlet / tank tops
• Any branding other than the school logo are strictly forbidden.

Hats – to be worn from mid-August to 30 April

• Black broadbrim without decoration or brand name.

Sports uniform

• House colour polo top with black shorts/skirt/skort/trackpants.