October 11, 2021

Dear SJC Families

Unfortunately, given all that is currently happening in our community, it is with regret that I am forced tosend this letter. It pertains to the standards and expectations that come with being a member of the SJCcommunity, particularly relating to student appearance.

Can I please thank the overwhelming majority of students and families who support what is clearly outlinedin school policy and the College Diary and wear their uniform with pride and ensure that their personalappearance is in line with all outlined expectations?

Again, like similar letters that have been written in the past, this mainly relates to a small, but growingnumber of students who choose to flout the clearly articulated expectations. I find myself writing thisbecause the valuable time of staff is being taken up repeatedly having to explain and justify theseexpectations to students, and sadly sometimes their families. This occurs despite all families who enrol atthe College signing a document to say they will support all procedures and policies endorsed by the school.The issues relate to three main areas; hairstyles, facial piercings and eyelash alterations. I will addresseach of the three areas and have provided clear visual representations and examples of what contravenesCollege standards. Please also understand that this is not the first time I or other members of the Collegecommunity have provided explicit communication relating to student appearance.

I ask that you read through each of the points below, with your child, and if there are questions, pleasecontact the College. Each point contains the official documentation that can be found in policy and theCollege diary.

Hairstyles“Hair should be neat, clean and tidy at all times. No extreme styles, cuts or colourings are permitted. It isthe prerogative of the Year Coordinator, or a member of the Leadership Team, to determine whether or nota hairstyle is unacceptable. If any doubt exists, parents should contact the College beforehand. Hairaccessories are to be in College colours. Long hair is to be tied back and off the face and out of the eyes.”(College Diary, p. 5)

It is clearly outlined in the above passage that extreme hairstyles will not be accepted. This is determinedby the College Leaders of Student Wellbeing (Year Coordinators) and members of the Leadership Team. Ithas been clearly articulated through the year that ‘mullet’ style haircuts (also called the modern mullet,skullet etc) are not to be worn to the College. This has been communicated through the College Newsletter,the app and on assembly (both whole school and year group). Below are examples of some of the looksour students aspire to:

The problem with allowing any form of the modern mullet is that it is difficult to draw a line between what isacceptable and what is not. Therefore, if a student turns up to school and it is evident that they haverequested that the area on the side of their head, (above their ear) be ‘clippered’ and there is a clearlydiscernible difference between the length of hair on the side and the back of the head, this will be deemed‘extreme’.

Please understand, if a student arrives at school with such a haircut, they will be excluded until theyrectify the hairstyle. This will mean a member of the family will be required to collect the child and the childwill only return when the hairstyle is acceptable.

Simply put, please do not allow your child to come to school with this style of hair.

Eyelashes“Make-up is not to be worn (including any type of foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner or mascara), and neitherare false lashes or lash extensions. Only clear polish is acceptable; no false nails, shellac/gel/acrylicoverlay or French tips.” (College Diary, p. 5)

In much the same way that communication relating to mullets has been circulated, information relating tothe alteration of eyelashes (false or extensions) has been shared on a number of occasions. There is to beno excuse for the wearing of altered eyelashes (false or extensions) to school. Students have been warnedon numerous occasions about this and yet, will still arrive at school. Below are some examples of eyelashalterations that are not accepted, in accordance with College policy.

If your child arrives at school with eyelash alterations (false or extensions), please understand that they willbe excluded from school until such a time as they are removed.

Simply put, please do not allow your child to attend school with eyelash alterations (false orextensions).

Facial Piercings“Body Ornaments: A maximum of two earrings in each ear (small, simple studs or sleepers). One simplering may be worn. For neck jewellery, only a fine gold or silver chain with a small cross/cruciform/religiousmedal may be worn. Ankle and wristbands are not permitted. Tattoos etc. are not permitted. No othervisible body piercing is acceptable (including nose piercing). All other piercings to be left emptywhilst in the College uniform. All staff have the prerogative to confiscate jewellery. (College Diary, p. 5)

It has been clearly stated on numerous occasions that facial piercings of any nature are not acceptable. If,

as a parent or carer, you choose to allow your child to pierce areas of their face eg. nose, that is notcompliant with our clearly stated policy, the student will be asked to take the nose stud out or remain athome until such a time as they arrive at school without the nose stud. Clear studs are still studs and theyare visible despite the protestations of some students. These are not a viable option, nor is the use of aband-aid to cover the stud.

Simply put, please do not allow your child to wear a stud in their pierced nose.

Finally, I leave you with this definitive statement directly from the College Diary:

“Extremes of fashion, hair, body piercing may result in suspension from school until the matter isresolved” (p. 5)

Moving ForwardAs there are a number of students who need to address the outlined issue, students will be given untilMonday, October 25 to rectify a situation that may require professional attention eg. altered eyelashes.From Monday October 25, if a student chooses to attend school in contravention of any of the three areasoutlined above and the situation cannot be resolved at school, families will be asked to collect their childand not have them return to school until such time as the situation has been fixed.

When questioned, many of our parents and carers who choose to send their young person to our Collegestate that they value the high standards that are expected of each student is a considerable factorinfluencing their decision. Part of my role as principal of St Joseph’s College is to ensure the high standardsand traditions that have been acquired across nearly 30 years of operation are not only maintained butenhanced. The College aims to produce caring, joy-filled and compassionate young people who willcontribute positively to society in a myriad of ways. Being able to comply with expectations andrequirements is one of the simplest of these contributions, but vitally important nonetheless.

I trust that all families understand what has been laid before them and what is expected of all our studentsand that these matters do not require such attention again.

If you need to discuss any of the matters raised with me, please contact the College.

Kind regards

Scott ThomsonCollege Principal