In 2017, we embarked on a process to review the College Uniform. This included surveying the whole community; gathering parent, student and staff feedback and conducting workshops with smaller groups of the community.

Since that time, we have been working with Trutex, a national school uniform supplier, to design and deliver an updated suite of uniform products. In undertaking this process, we were focussed on the following pillars to guide the process:

• Price
• Quality
• Function
• Image

Ensuring that the uniform remains affordable for Tatachilla families, and of good quality, continues to be a high priority. Careful consideration has also been given to wear and wash-ability, knowing that school uniforms need to be hard wearing and durable.

Lastly, the look of the uniform needed to reflect the culture of the College, our setting in the Fleurieu Peninsula, and convey a smart and contemporary image to take us into the next 25 years of the College.

The community survey clearly identified current uniform items that were both popular, and unpopular, with our students and their families. These views have been taken into consideration in developing the new look uniform.

Priorities for the new uniform included providing a wardrobe of trans-seasonal items that can be layered to suit the weather, rather than the traditional winter and summer uniform; practical clothing for Junior School play and Reception to Year 12 outdoor learning; alternatives to the dress and skirt for girls; and maintaining sub-school identity.

I am pleased to advise that the production of the new uniform is now underway and will be in the Uniform Shop at the end of Term 3, 2020. At this time, a formal launch will be undertaken to demonstrate the full suite of items and the layering options that can be considered. This will also include the publishing of new uniform guidelines, including as noted above, the removal of the winter/summer requirements and a reduced amount of compulsory items, providing much more choice and flexibility for students and parents.

In order to transition from the existing uniform to the new, from the start of Term 4, 2020, the current uniform will no longer be sold in the Uniform Shop. As a result, all current stock will be reduced by 35% from Monday 1st June 2020 until the end of Term 3, or until sold out. Only the new uniform will be able to be purchased from Term 4 this year.

The current uniform will still be able to be worn by students through to the end of 2021, with the new uniform not becoming compulsory until the start of the 2022 school year. This allows for a period of transition for all families. The only exception being, that current Year 10 students will be able to wear the current uniform until they graduate Year 12 at the end of 2022.

We recognise that the current stock levels are starting to run low, and in some cases, items have sold out. Where they are sold out, these items will not be restocked. Should you find yourself in a situation where you cannot purchase an item, please contact the staff in the Uniform Shop who can provide you with further direction.

Students commencing at the College in 2021, will undertake uniform fittings during Term 4 this year when the new stock is in store.

We believe that throughout this process, we have remained consistent to the pillars in developing a new suite of uniform items that remain cost effective, functional, durable and reflect the nature of our culture and community.

In our 25th Anniversary year, we look forward to sharing these items with you next term and launching this exciting, once in a generation change for our College.

Yours respectfully,

Mr Cain McDonald
Principal