May 2011

School Uniform

Dear Parent/Carer

It is now five years since the implementation of our revised school uniform policy. The revised policy has allowed pupils to clearly identify themselves as members of Garnock Academy.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the parents and pupils of Garnock Academy for their continued support of the agreed school uniform policy.

Everyone acknowledges the improved culture and ethos within Garnock Academy in recent years and a consistent approach to school uniform plays a major role in supporting this. We are striving to improve our school and we feel by formalising and simplifying the uniform it will increase the feeling of being part of an improving school community. We also feel this will increase the work ethic and improve teaching and learning.

After extensive consultation with various stakeholders in the school a decision has been made to employ a consistent uniform for all pupils. From the start of the new term in August 2011 all pupils will wear the uniform detailed below.

The agreed school uniform for all young people in Garnock Academy is as follows:

• White shirt/blouse and school tie (Red stripe).

(This can be worn with a plain black cardigan/top as long as the tie is visible).

• Black trousers.
• Black skirt (of a respectable length).
• Leggings with a skirt (i.e. If leggings are being worn, a skirt must also be worn).
• Black Footwear.

School ties can be purchased from the school office at a cost of £6.00.
Note: All of the above can be purchased locally at a reasonable cost from major outlets.

Detailed below is a list of items that will not be allowed as part of the uniform:

• Jeans (of any colour).
• Tracksuit trousers.
• Leggings without a skirt.
• Patterned or fashion tights.
• Coloured tops over or under shirts/blouses.
• White trainers.
• Excessive jewellery.

Any pupil attending school wearing any of these disallowed items will:

• Firstly be invited to change into the agreed school uniform (a stock of all items, which are cleaned after use, will be available).
• If none is suitable, parents will be contacted to bring appropriate clothes to school or arrange for the pupil to be sent home to change.
• If no one is available at home, the pupil will be removed from normal classes and given appropriate work to complete in the supervision room for the remainder of the day.

We feel these steps are necessary to ensure everyone in the school community is treated fairly and respectfully.

The PE department also employs a uniform with exactly the same rules as detailed above. The PE kit constitutes:

• T shirt.
• Shorts or tracksuit bottoms.
• Training shoes (any colour).

PE kit should not be worn in classes, and vice versa.

Can I take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your continued support in implementing the school uniform policy and contributing to a better ethos and work ethic in Garnock Academy.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the school uniform please feel free to contact me at the school.

           
Yours sincerely

Brian McNaught
RECTOR