As we gear up for an exciting academic year, we're thrilled to unveil our revamped uniform rules that encapsulate the essence of our values, traditions, and commitment to inclusivity. Our new guidelines aim to provide students with a strong sense of identity, pride, belonging, purpose, safety, and equality.

Why the Change? 

In alignment with the School Uniform Guidelines set by the NZ Human Rights Commission, our new uniform policy stems from a desire to create an environment that respects and embraces the diversity of our student body. It's a step towards fostering unity while allowing individual expression.

Key Principles:

1. Gender-Neutral Uniform: Bid farewell to girls' or boys' uniforms – Roncalli College is proud to introduce a gender-neutral policy, promoting equality and breaking down unnecessary distinctions.

2. Cultural and Religious Expression: Your identity matters! Students have the right to express their cultural affiliations. The school uniform rules must honour Article two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Māori students should be able to wear items that are taonga to them.

3. Inclusivity: Our uniform is designed to be non-discriminatory, catering to diverse cultures, races, religions, abilities, ages, genders, and sexual orientations. We provide gender-neutral options to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

4. Flexibility: The new uniform is adaptable to various preferences and needs. Cultural, religious, and family significance is honored, with permission from the principal for special items, moko/tamoko, or cultural tattoos.

5. Financial Accessibility: We understand the importance of affordability. Our commitment is to make the uniform financially accessible to all whanau.

6. Health and Safety: Safety is paramount. Our uniform complies with health and safety requirements to ensure a secure learning environment.

7. Consequences for Non-Compliance: While rules are essential, we believe consequences should be fair and not impact the learning experience. Proportional measures are in place for non-compliance.

Details at a Glance: 

Here's a quick rundown of specific guidelines to help you navigate the new uniform rules:

• Hair: Clean, tidy, and tied back when necessary. One natural color, no extreme styles or colors. Clean-shaven, except for religious or cultural reasons.

• Makeup: Light, discreet foundation for a positive work environment. Clear or nude-colored nail polish only.

• Jewelry: Small, discreet stud earrings or small hoops (max 3 per ear). No dangling earrings or facial piercings. One taonga or item of cultural/religious/family significance allowed.

• Shoes: Plain mid brown or black leather shoes. Closed-in shoes required in specialist classrooms. No jandals, slides, Birkenstocks, Crocs, sneakers, or skate shoes.

• Socks: Follow specified requirements for summer and winter uniform combinations.  Pale blue ankle socks are to be worn with summer skirt.  Knee-lenght navy socks/tights are to be worn with the winter kilt.  Pale blue walk socks or navy unbranded crew socks are to be worn with shorts and pants. 

• School Ties: Required for senior students and optional for juniors (except for formal occasions).

• School Jacket: Only Roncalli College jacket and hoodie allowed. No non-regulation hoodies, puffer jackets, hats, or visible undergarments.

Student uniform options 2024

Summer options (any combination)

Shirt: Pale blue short sleeve polo shirt

Summer skirt: Roncalli check

Shorts: Navy blue

Summer blouse: Pale blue

Socks: Pale blue walk socks or unbranded navy crew socks, pale blue ankle socks

Vest/Jersey: Maroon (Kairanga) optional

Winter options (any combination)

Shirt: Long sleeve, pale blue

Kilt: Roncalli tartan

Tie: Yr 13 tie, college tie for seniors, optional for juniors (except for formal occasions)

Pants: Long grey pants

Jersey/Vest: Maroon (Kairanga) optional

Shorts: Navy blue

In Closing: 

Our new uniform rules are not just about clothing; they represent a commitment to creating an environment where every student can thrive. We thank you for your cooperation and support in embracing these changes. Here's to a fantastic school year!