Dear teachers and students,

This term at CBS there will be a focus on wearing correct school uniform in and around school.  Every student will be expected to follow the school uniform policy, that will be set out and displayed in each and every homeroom. 

There is a famous saying that says “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”, appearance can inform a person a lot about your attitude and character.

So what’s  the point of wearing school uniform?  

Let me take you through a very brief history of when and why school uniforms were introduced.  The first recorded uniforms were in England in 1222 some 800 years ago where students were expected to wear robes as part of their daily attendance in school.  The robes were heavy and uncomfortable and at times, caused problems.  In the 1600’s uniforms became more popular in Europe and were mandatory in order for a student to attend the school in which they had chosen.  Today school uniform is used in schools throughout the world and is considered commonplace as part of belonging to a school.

Uniforms are part of society in all forms.  Pilots, policemen, the armed forces, our school guards even McDonalds, KFC and the majority of service companies in the world wear them.  When Manchester United, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Cubs or the Chinese or American Olympic athletes turn up to compete, they wear their team or national uniform with pride, self-confidence and belief, that they will be victorious in their endeavors.

Nowadays school uniforms are an integral part of education for several reasons, here are a few considered as positive effects; firstly, to identify a student and the school they attend, secondly to place all students on an equal level and treated the same, thirdly to reduce stress and bullying as expensive branded clothes and accessories are not required and lastly to raise self-esteem and attitudes towards studying.

Being part of CBS is a choice you have made and therefore wearing uniform should be seen as a feeling of pride.  Uniforms give students a sense of belonging to CBS and create an identity for our school in the community.  It teaches students to dress smartly and appropriately and can help to encourage self-discipline, motivation and their attitude towards their appearance and application to study.  Students that are unprepared, untidy and apathetic with their appearance, often tend to be distracted, less attentive and more likely to produce incomplete or rushed assignments.  With our students here in High School, consider whether there is a link between the highest achievers and their attitude towards their appearance, behavior and application.

School uniform also can alleviate the feelings of peer pressure in terms of expensive branded clothing, how they look or choosing what to wear in the morning.  Research has shown that looking the same as everyone else can ease stress and worrying about whether someone else has the latest multicolored sports shoes, who is richer or poorer and bullying that can occur from these comparisons.  It also means that your teachers can concentrate on what they are teaching you instead of having to challenge you on why you have incorrect shoes on, why your shirt is not tucked in or how you managed to go all day with that amount of make-up on?

Here are some ways in which you can ensure that you are following the school uniform policy; Make sure you are wearing only the items laid out in the dress-code of the school in regards to shoes, skirts, shorts and shirts.  Understand the rules on skirt length, acceptable shoes, jewelry, make-up and accessories.  Make sure that you have all the required uniform and if possible, a few extra, to ensure that you have clean, fresh clothes to wear each day.  When ordering your uniforms, make sure you have the right size and that your clothes are comfortable and fit well, always tuck in your shirt instead of leaving it out and learn to knot your tie correctly so that it is neat and tidy.  Additionally, always be aware of your personal hygiene especially after PE or free time basketball sessions.

Your homeroom teachers and all members of staff, will be monitoring and encouraging you to wear correct uniform over the following weeks, so please help them by making the effort to dress correctly and demonstrating your commitment and pride, towards our CBS community.

So tomorrow, and each and every morning before you leave the house, take a quick look in the mirror and ask yourself; am I dressed correctly, prepared and ready to learn and determined to make my day, today, as productive as I can?  Remember, you and your parents decided to attend CBS for your education so let’s not make CBS a good school, but an excellent school, by wearing your uniform with Pride.

Thank you all!