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St. Mary’s Secondary School Uniform Policy

Mission Statement:

St. Mary's is a Catholic School under the trusteeship of CEIST. It is a Christian Community seeking to promote Gospel values, especially love and freedom in a dynamic partnership of Students, Staff, Parents, Trustees, Management and the wider Community. Respect for self, for others and for the environment is a core value. In a spirit of loving care and with a commitment to breadth, balance and excellence in education, we seek to develop the full potential of every student: academic, spiritual, moral, physical, cultural, social, emotional, aesthetic and vocational.

Preamble:

This policy is ratified in the context of the Education Act 1998, which obliges Boards of Management to take account of “the principles and requirements of a democratic society and have respect and promote respect for the diversity of values, beliefs, traditions , languages and ways of life in society.” In addition, the Education Act 1998 places a responsibility on school managers to create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning. The policy also takes cognisance of the Equal Status Act. In St. Mary’s Secondary School, we recognise that social media and celebrity culture can place pressure on students, as they seek to develop a positive sense of self. Our uniform policy aims to support students in this journey by promoting equality, reducing external pressures, and helping all students to feel comfortable and confident in their school environment. We hope that in school, at least, students can have a safe space in which to grow and develop in a holistic way. Rather than stunting individuality, we believe that uniformity of appearance creates an environment where students can express themselves freely, without having to endure the demands which passing trends and fashions place on them.

Rationale:

This policy, which aims to govern the wearing of a consistent school uniform, has been ratified by the Board of Management for a number of reasons.

1. The wearing of a school uniform assists management and staff to create and maintain an ordered environment, in which effective teaching and learning can take place. A uniform can assist in supporting positive behaviour.
2. The wearing of a uniform gives students a sense of oneness with the school ethos, a sense of belonging to the school community and a feeling of identity with the mission of the school.
3. Uniformity of appearance precludes the creation of subcultures within the student body, which may have the effect of excluding students, and instead allows the students to find creative ways of expressing their individuality and diversity of life experience through their talents and the outcome of their work.
4. A Uniform protects students from social pressures to dress in a particular way.
5. A Uniform can nurture cohesion and promote good relations between students of different backgrounds and cultures.
6. The wearing of a uniform can help to minimise expense for families.
7. Regulations concerning the wearing of jewellery and accessories have a health and safety consideration, in crowded areas and when engaging in physical activity.
8. A Uniform policy creates an opportunity to welcome students of different faiths, who may wish to express their belonging to that faith through their appearance.
9. A Uniform assists school personnel identify intruders to school property.

Scope: 

• This policy refers to all students enrolled in St. Mary’s Secondary School. This also refers to visiting students.
• The Policy applies at all times from when students arrive on the school premises until 6.00pm (when school closes on a normal school day).
• The policy also applies to students engaging in extra-curricular activities or who are on school business or school run events, which take place outside of normal school hours. e.g. Study, retreats, matches etc. Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
• The policy applies during the period of State examinations.
• Parents / Guardians will be notified in advance of 'non-uniform' days or other occasions on which students are not required to wear the School Uniform or are permitted to wear a modified version of the uniform. These decisions are at the discretion of the Principal. In the Principal's absence, this authority is delegated to the Deputy Principal.
• The school reserves the right to conduct both random and regular uniform inspections to ensure adherence to the school's uniform standards.
• This policy takes effect from the date of ratification. 

The School Uniform: 

Junior Students (1^st- 3^rd Year) 

• Royal Blue V-neck pullover with long sleeves and crest inset
• Choice of knee length royal blue skirt inverted pleat and knife pleat on either side at the front and/ or plain Grey Hunter Brand high rise trousers (only)- full length
• White shirt. This may be short or long sleeved and of a quality sufficient to ensure that undergarments are not visible. Coloured T shirts may not be worn under the shirt. A white T shirt / vest / string top is acceptable.
• School jacket- royal blue college jacket from Solo Form (previous blue jacket for 3^rd Years only). Please note a school jacket is mandatory for all students
• Stockings: black, grey or white socks (unbranded) or black tights
• Footwear: low heeled black shoes or black or navy or brown decks acceptable Runners are not allowed unless for PE/Clubs.

Senior Students (TY - 6^th Year) 

• Black senior V-neck pullover with long sleeves and crest inset
• Choice of knee length royal blue skirt inverted pleat and knife pleat on either side at the front and/ or plain black Hunter Brand high rise trousers (only)- full length
• White shirt. This may be short or long sleeved and of a quality sufficient to ensure that undergarments are not visible. Coloured T shirts may not be worn under the shirt. A white T shirt / vest / string top is acceptable.
• School jacket- royal blue college jacket from Solo Form or previous blue school jacket. Please note a school jacket is mandatory for all students
• Stockings: black, grey or white socks (unbranded) or black tights
• Footwear: low heeled black shoes or black or navy or brown decks acceptable Runners are not allowed unless for PE/Clubs.

PE Uniform

• Choice of a St. Mary’s crewneck jumper, half zip or hoodie
• A St. Mary’s training jersey
• A St. Mary’s tracksuit pants.
• Optional- St. Mary’s training shorts.
• All of the above are available from Cobi Sports.
• Suitable trainers / running shoes. Converse, shoes are not acceptable.

Please note that only the official PE uniform may be worn for the full duration of the day when students have PE. Therefore, students who do not have the full school PE uniform must come to school in their standard uniform and change into their PE clothes for PE class. Students will then change back into the school uniform after PE. Students who are wearing the PE uniform may wear the PE uniform for the full duration of the school day.

Winter Guidelines:

In addition to the information above, students and their parents/guardians are reminded of the following with regards to the colder weather in winter.

1. Students are permitted to wear body warmers underneath their school uniform, but any bodywarmer must not be visible above a student’s shirt/jumper
2. Students will be permitted to wear a plain grey or black scarf in the school building, including in classes. The only exception to this may be where a teacher may request scarves to be removed in specific practical classes for health and safety reasons; for example, in Home Economics, Science or Technology where a student may be using equipment.
3. Students must wear the official St. Mary’s School jacket.
4. Students are asked to remove hats inside the school building.
5. Students are not permitted to wear leggings as part of their uniform. Students are permitted to wear opaque black tights underneath the official school skirt.
6. Hot water bottles are not permitted in the school under any circumstances, as they pose a very significant health and safety risk.

Symbols of Faith: 

No student will be prevented from wearing a religious symbol or garment in accordance with her religious tradition, subject to the conditions below.

A student may wear the Hijab (plain white, grey or black) without embellishment or accessories.

The wearing of the Niqab, Chador or Burqa impedes interaction and communication between a student and her teacher and classmates. A student who wishes to wear these garments must make an application in writing to the Principal. 

Appearance: 

In school, students are prepared for life, learning respect for self and for others. Personal grooming and appropriate dress code are important life skills. Students are reminded that personal appearance while in uniform reflects on the school as a whole. Students are expected to be well groomed at all times and must wear the uniform as listed above. Emblems and logos are not permitted.

Jewellery should be discreet. Jewellery such as rings, necklaces and bracelets should not protrude in an unsafe way from the skin. A teacher may request jewellery be removed in specific practical classes for health and safety reasons; for example, in Home Economics, Science or Technology where a student may be using equipment. Hoop earrings (of any size) are not permitted due to the risk of injury during sports, practical activities, or general school/work movement.

Facial, tongue and body piercings are not permitted due to health and safety considerations. Students will be asked to remove piercings immediately. Covering piercings is not acceptable. This is also included in the schools Code of Behaviour.

Hair colour or style which is deemed overtly exhibitionist may not be worn. The school management reserves the right to determine what is acceptable for school purposes.

School uniform worn at other times: 

Parents / Guardians are advised that students are expressly forbidden to wear any item of school uniform when fundraising for groups not directly associated with the school. In the event that a student’s behaviour outside school is brought to the attention of the Principal or Deputy Principal, a sanction may be issued if it is found that the student in question was wearing a piece of school uniform at the time of the misbehaviour. 

Non-Compliance and Sanctions: 

Requests for a waiver of any of the elements of the school uniform policy must be made in writing to the Principal. Temporary waivers, subject to periodic review, may be made at the discretion of the Principal, on the basis of medical needs or otherwise.

A letter from a medical specialist will be required if requests are made on medical grounds. Where requests are refused, parents have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Management.

Students found to be in contravention of this policy will merit the following response from the school:

• If a student is not in full uniform, she must bring a note explaining the reason for the breach in policy to her Year Head on her arrival to school.
• The Year Head will make a note in the student’s journal for her to show teachers upon request. If the matter is not resolved within 24 hours, the Year Head will issue a ‘uniform breach' on VSware.
• Students in breach of uniform without a note from a parent/guardian will receive a ‘uniform breach’ on VSware.
• Students who are not in uniform may be offered a piece of laundered uniform kept in school for this purpose. Students will be afforded privacy while changing. The student is expected to wear the item of uniform for the duration of the school day and return it to the school at the end of the school day, so that it can be laundered again.
• Students must wear their skirts at knee length. The school reserves the right to ask a student to adjust the length of her skirt, if it is too short, or to make repairs or adjustments to the uniform, if necessary. If the issue is not resolved in a timely manner, the student will be requested to wear school trousers instead. A ‘uniform breach' on VSware will be issued.
• The school reserves the right to ask students to remove jewellery or to place such items in storage with the Teacher, Year Head or Deputy Principal until the end of the school day. A ‘uniform breach' on VSware will be issued.
• Students will be asked to remove facial, tongue and body piercings immediately for health and safety reasons. A ‘uniform breach' on VSware will be issued.
• The school reserves the right to confiscate non-uniform items such as scarves, hats, coats/jackets that are not in line with the uniform policy. These items will be stored in the school office and can be collected by students at the end of the school day. A ‘uniform breach' on VSware will be issued.
• Students who receive three ‘uniform breaches’ on VSware will be assigned in-house detention during lunchtime break.
• Persistent breaches of the uniform policy will be brought to the attention of the Deputy Principal. Persistent breaches will be seen as defiance and appropriate sanctions will be issued as per the schools Code of Behaviour.

Rights and Responsibilities: 

The student has full responsibility for the wearing of the correct uniform. In this regard, she is asked to keep her uniform clean and in good condition at all times. Repairs and laundry should be carried out as soon as necessary.

Parents / Guardians are asked to assist the student in these matters and to ensure that the student has uniform each day. NB: Parents and students should ensure that the students full name is clearly marked on her uniform items, especially her school jacket.

The school has the responsibility of informing parents / guardians of any proposed changes to uniform policy, after consultation with the interested parties, in advance of any changes.

Evaluation: 

School management will accept feedback from staff, students and parents made through the proper use of the appropriate channels i.e. staff meetings, student council and yearly uniform survey reviews. This feedback will inform periodic evaluation of the policy by management. This policy is incorporated into the School Code of Behaviour from the date of ratification.

Proposed date of review: November 2027

Date of ratification: 2^nd December 2025