Uniform

The School Board has a Uniform Policy that can be viewed on the School Docs site, but is repeated here for convenience:

Students are expected to take pride in their uniform and wear it as required. It is worn at school, when travelling to and from school, and at school events as appropriate. All uniform items must be clearly named.

Students are also expected and encouraged to take pride in their general appearance and conform to the following guidelines.

• • Hair should be clean, and tied back if it is longer than collar length. Dyed hair and extreme hairstyles are not permitted at school.
  • The only items of jewellery permitted are sleepers or plain studs (one per ear), a watch, a culturally significant item such as a Taonga worn around the neck (and under the uniform).
  • Other body piercings (e.g. nose, eyebrow) must be free of jewellery during the school day.
  • Make-up and nail polish are not to be worn at school.
  • Male students must be clean shaven.
  • Dress guidelines are issued prior to any mufti days.

Details of the uniform and presentation expectations are below. The School is judged in public by the uniform standards shown by taiohi/students.  We value the support of whānau/parents to ensure the standards are adhered to as agreed upon enrolment.

Uniform and presentation

The Thames High School uniform should always be worn complete and in a way that reflects pride and respect for both the School and the wearer.

Personal cleanliness and tidiness and a high standard of appearance and grooming are  expected of all taiohi/students at Thames High School.

Every student will wear correct uniform.  This applies to students who are:

• Attending School for any reason
• Travelling to or from School
• Attending school functions, including Prizegivings.
• Representing the School
• Identifiable as Thames High School students in a public place.

Supplier

Thames High School uniform is available from Don Snowden’s Menswear, 520 Pollen St, Thames.

Click here for current price list and Uniform Guidelines. The school has a limited number of second-hand uniforms – please enquire at Student Support Office.

We appreciate good-condition uniforms being donated at the School Office. Many uniforms are donated and these are provided to taiohi/students who cannot obtain items, or used to provided a short-term loan when something unexpected happens to uniform.

Presentation expectations

Summer Uniform is worn during Terms 1 and 4 and Winter Uniform is worn Terms 2 and 3.

School uniform items, such as trousers, skirts and blouses must not be modified to change the style of the item(s) and must continue to meet School regulations regarding length (refer below). Tapering trousers and narrowing blouses and skirts is not permitted. Modified items will need to be replaced.

Appearance should be not be offensive, extreme or outrageous.  In particular these guidelines apply to:

Hair style and colouring

• Hair must be clean and clear of the face and eyes.
• Conventional styling, no spikes, skinheads, Mohawks, or areas with greatly varying lengths (i.e. patchy hair).
• Long hair longer than the bottom of the collar must be tied back or up, using plain black or navy-blue bands, ribbons or clips. Headbands are not permitted.
• Any colours are to be natural (i.e. brown/brunette, blond(e), black, natural shades of red/ginger), no unnatural colours (e.g. pink, blue, green, etc.), extreme colouring, or streaks and patches of colour.
• No signs, letters, or symbols cut into the hair (or eyebrows).
• Any plaits or braids must adhere to guidelines regarding colour (above) and not have beads or other adornments.
• In the case of clipped hair, a No. 2 or above is acceptable.

Any issues about whether a hairstyle is in keeping with these standards will be determined by the Tumuaki/Principal, having regard to what would be generally be considered presentable for a person representing an organisation in public.

Jewellery and piercings

• one plain stud (less than 5 mm) in the lower ear lobe is permitted. A plain stud is silver or gold coloured or have a small jewel/diamante that is less than 5 mm in diameter. No hoops or dangling earrings.
• Any other visible piercings are not permitted.
• A wristwatch may be worn, but no bracelets and other adornments.
• Necklaces, if worn, are not to be visible. This includes, for example, pounamu, Kirpan symbolic necklace, etc.
• Students may apply for a taonga pass, which permits the wearing of a taonga worn under a shirt/blouse, and covers the conditions outlined in the application form.

Other

• Facial hair – taiohi/students must be clean shaven. Any exemption must be supported by a medical certificate.
• Tattoos/Tamoko – may be covered but not visible unless specifically permitted for cultural reasons (apply for an exemption).
• No hoodies are allowed, either above or below uniform items. Sports hoodies may only be worn when representing the School.
• Thermals or undergarments may not be visible whilst wearing the uniform. Any undergarment must be the same colour as the School shirt/blouse. We certainly want taiohi/students to be warm, but the uniform must also be tidy. Visible thermals are informal and untidy.
• Only the school jacket is allowed with the school uniform, unless it is raining and a full raincoat is being worn.

Other guidelines

All articles of clothing should be clearly marked in a fashion that is difficult to remove.  The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged uniform.

Uniform passes

Incorrect uniform or a combination of School uniform, the sports uniform or mufti is unacceptable.

Taiohi/students not in correct uniform are required to have a note from a parent/guardian explaining the reason for their discrepancy and the note is to be handed to their Rōpū or Whānau kaitiaki/teacher or Dean for approval at the start of the day. If appropriate, a temporary Uniform Pass may be issued.

Support

Any taiohi/student who has trouble obtaining uniform items should discuss the matter with their  r Rōpū or Whānau kaitiaki/teacher or appropriate member of the pastoral network, i.e. Student Support Officer / Kaimahi Tautoko, Dean /Kaihautu , Deputy Principal / Tumuaki Tuarua, or Counsellor / Kaiāwhina.

Any matter related to dress or appearance not specifically covered by the uniform regulations and above the guidelines is to be directed by the Principal.  Any student who needs any long-term exemption must have a signed doctor’s certificate.

Incorrect uniform

Where students wear non-uniform items of clothing at school, these may be confiscated and may be returned to the students after five school days.  A non-uniform item of clothing may be returned earlier than the five school days only if it is personally collected from the Deputy Principal by the parent / caregiver.

The school accepts no responsibility for non-uniform items of clothing that are lost, stolen or damaged while at school.  Students bring such items to school at their own risk.

Exemptions

Exemptions from the uniform or grooming standards may be sought where its literal application could unduly infringe upon a taiohi/student’s religious, cultural or other beliefs.

Requests for exemptions from the general standards must be made in writing to the Tumuaki/Principal and must state both the exemption sought and the belief which could be compromised if the exemption were not granted. The granting of any exemptions to the general standards shall be at the sole discretion of the principal.

The granting of any exemptions to the general standards shall be at the sole discretion of the Tumuaki/Principal.

Girls – Year 9 to 13

NB. THS uniform items are available from Snowden’s Menswear, and have a school logo. Substitute items are not permitted, as they do not have the right style or logo.

Terms 1 and 4 – Summer	Terms 2 and 3 – Winter
THS navy polo shirt (Year 13 girls  wear THS White Polo)	THS navy polo shirt (Year 13 girls  wear THS White Polo)
THS navy blue skirt (worn to the knee) OR THS navy blue shorts (worn above the knee)	THS navy blue skirt (worn to the knee) OR THS navy blue long trousers (optional)
THS jersey	THS jersey
THS jacket (optional)	THS jacket (optional)
Black Roman sandals (or other suitable sandal with a back strap) (Year 13 girls may wear a suitable sandal with a back strap)ORPlain black polishable lace-up shoes or single-strap shoes with plain white ankle socks – worn to cover the ankle (purchase from any store) OR black stockings. Examples of permitted shoe styles are included on this page. Not permitted: high-heel or platform shoes, patent leather, canvas, suede leather, ballet-type backless shoes, boots, scuffs, jandals, slippers, track/sports shoes or casual street brand or skater-style shoes such as Nike, Chuck Taylors or Vans (or similar).	Plain black polishable lace-up shoes or single-strap shoes with black stockings OR plain white ankle socks – worn to cover the ankle (purchase from any store). Examples of permitted smart shoe styles are included on this page. Not permitted: high-heel or platform shoes, patent leather, canvas, suede leather, ballet-type backless shoes, boots, scuffs, jandals, slippers, track/sports shoes or casual street brand or skater-style shoes such as Nike, Chuck Taylors or Vans (or similar).
Cap/Hat – plain (logo free) navy blue or black (optional but highly recommended in summer for outside wear). Any cap must be worn the right way around (peak to the front).	Cap/Hat – plain (logo free) navy blue or black (optional) Any cap must be worn the right way around (peak to the front).
Year 9 and 10 only for Physical Education – THS PE Shirt in House Colour and plain black or navy blue shorts (logo free). Boys – Year 9 to 13 NB. THS uniform items are available from Snowden’s Menswear, and have a school logo. Substitute items are not permitted, as they do not have the right style or logo.
Terms 1 and 4 – Summer	Terms 2 and 3 – Winter
THS navy blue polo shirt (Year 13 boys wear THS white polo)	THS navy polo shirt (Year 13 boys wear THS white polo)
THS navy blue shorts (worn above the knee)	THS navy blue shorts (worn above the knee) OR THS navy blue long trousers (optional)
THS jersey	THS jersey
THS jacket (optional)	THS jacket (optional)
Black Roman sandals (or other suitable sandal with a back strap) OR Plain black polishable lace-up or single-strap shoes with  with THS long black socks – worn pulled up (to the top of the calf). Examples of permitted shoe styles are included on this page. Not permitted: high-heel or platform shoes, patent leather, canvas, suede leather, ballet-type backless shoes, boots, scuffs, jandals, slippers, track/sports shoes or casual street brand or skater-style shoes such as Nike, Chuck Taylors or Vans (or similar).	Plain black polishable lace-up or single-strap shoes with  with THS long black socks – worn pulled up (to the top of the calf). Examples of permitted shoe styles are included on this page. Not permitted: high-heel or platform shoes, patent leather, canvas, suede leather, ballet-type backless shoes, boots, scuffs, jandals, slippers, track/sports shoes or casual street brand or skater-style shoes such as Nike, Chuck Taylors or Vans (or similar).
Cap/Hat – plain (logo free) navy blue or black (optional but highly recommended in summer for outside wear). Any cap must be worn the right way around (peak to the front).	Cap/Hat – plain (logo free) navy blue or black (optional) Any cap must be worn the right way around (peak to the front).
Year 9 and 10 only for Physical Education – THS PE Shirt in House Colour and plain black or navy blue shorts (logo free). THS Formal Dress Uniform
Girls	Boys
THS navy blue skirt (worn to the knee) OR THS navy blue long trousers	THS navy blue long trousers
THS white cotton collared shirt	THS white cotton collared shirt
THS tie (purchase from school)	THS tie (purchase from school)
THS blazer (purchase from school)	THS blazer (purchase from school)
THS jersey	THS jersey
Plain black polishable lace-up shoes or single-strap shoes with black stockings.	Plain black polishable lace-up shoes with black socks.