All public schools have a uniform that students must wear every day.
The school uniform is a visible representation of the standards expected of students and plays an important role in promoting a positive image of the school.
It also creates a sense of identity and pride among the students and wider school community and helps students learn the importance of appropriate presentation.
School uniforms are decided in consultation with school staff (including the school board) and the school community. The standard uniform normally includes a skirt/skorts, shorts, polo shirt, track pants and a jumper. It can also include blazers, hats and footwear.
While our schools allow for individual self-expression, many schools have additional dress code rules, for example no makeup.
The uniform policy below outlines Allendale Primary School’s agreed approach to what students need to wear to school every day to engage in successful learning.
Please Note: 2026 is a transition year for Allendale Primary with regards to agreed school uniform. Whilst the details below refer to the ‘new’ school uniform expectations, the previous policy will still apply for the entirety of 2026. This is to limit the financial pressure on parents and carers to repurchase school uniforms that don’t immediately need replacing.
From January 2026, Allendale Primary School uniforms can be purchased exclusively from Total Uniforms Geraldton.
Change to School Uniform
2026 will see three changes to the APS school uniform:
- Black shorts, skirts and skorts will replace green ‘bottoms’ for summer uniform
- Black piping will replace the grey strip in the everyday APS polo shirt (to match the black bottoms)
- New faction polo designs will reflect new faction names
Changing our uniform to a black short, skirt or skort is part of our commitment to maintaining high standards and a sense of belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Currently, students wear a variety of styles of green-coloured shorts to school, which devalues the function of having a uniform. At Allendale we are all on the same team and responsible for upholding team expectations, and our dress should reflect that.
Next year, black shorts, skirts and skorts will be available for purchase through our new uniform outlet, and the uniform policy will describe acceptable styles if families choose to source black bottoms from another store. Please note: bike shorts, cargo shorts and leggings will be unacceptable at school.
Our new faction t-shirts will include the Aboriginal artwork included in all school branding as a panel down the sides of the shirt, with the new faction names splashed across the upper back. It’s the same artwork you can see on our business plan, school canteen and staff polo shirts/badges.
To ensure a smooth changeover, a 12-month transition period will occur during which the current and the new uniforms will be acceptable.
I am hyper aware that the cost of living is at an all-time high and there is no expectation that all students are equipped with the new style uniforms from the first day of 2026. As you require new uniforms throughout the year, the new styes will be available for purchase and families can transition to the new style uniforms at their own pace.
A focus for next year is to match the high expectations we have for students in the classroom with the way they present themselves as members of the Allendale Primary School team. This means wearing full school uniform (current or new) every day. In 2027 green shorts, current style faction shirts and the APS polo with grey strip will be completely phased out.
Purchasing Uniforms in 2026
From January 2026 all APS uniforms will be purchased exclusively from Total Uniforms Geraldton, located on Northwest Coastal Highway. Uniforms will not be available for purchase at the school canteen or anywhere onsite at the school. Making this transition has many benefits including:
- Access to uniform shop 6 days a week in business hours
- Guaranteed stock in all sizes
- Access to fitting rooms and expert assistance
- Allowing staff to focus on improving canteen efficiency and processes
A price list will be available online in Term 4, it will list all the items for sale. These items will be considered official school uniform and will be detailed in the soon to be released APS Uniform Policy.
As a gesture of goodwill to the school, Total Uniforms has purchased the remaining current style uniform stock and will make this available at a reduced price to further ease the financial burden on families during this transition year. As I have mentioned, this current style uniform will be acceptable throughout 2026.
Thank you for the feedback regarding school uniforms earlier this term. Your input when making important school decisions is valuable, and I appreciate the time you took to complete the short survey about uniforms sent through Compass.
Chad Barnes – Principal
2027 will see the full implementation of the new policy.
| School Polo | School polo with APS logo and black piping or approved Year 6 graduation polo |
| Shorts | Black polyester mid-thigh length short, no logos or markings. Cargo-style or bicycle / Lycra-style shorts must not be worn. |
| Skirt | Black polyester skirt (Jersey knit fabric) |
| Skorts | Black polyester skort (Jersey knit fabric) |
| Pants | Bottle green full length school tracksuit pants |
| Jumper | Bottle green hoodie with APS logo |
| Hat | Wide brimmed bottle green hat with APS logo |
| Faction Polo | Faction polo with APS logo (worn on Friday or school sporting events) |
| Footwear | Enclosed sports shoes or joggers are preferable. Plain low sandals strapped to the foot may be suitable in Summer. Long novelty socks with attachments are not recommended for safety reasons. Crocs, thongs or slides must not be worn. |
| Accessories, Jewellery and Makeup | Accessories and jewellery should generally not be worn to school. Small earrings are acceptable if they are safe (studs and sleepers). Make-up is not acceptable. Long hair must be tied back for health and safety precautions. |
Non-compliance
Students who do not follow the Allendale Primary School dress code will initially be counseled by a member of staff. Students without a school hat will be asked to play in the undercover area adjoining the school canteen at break times.
A breach of the dress code will also result in parents or carers being notified through a Compass alert. The student may be required to change into a spare uniform at school.
If breaches of the dress code continue to occur the students may be subject to the following sanctions:
- Students who are officially representing Allendale Primary School in the community could be denied this opportunity
- Parents/carers may be contacted by the school administration to discuss solutions for their child’s uniform breaches
Families (for religious or health reasons) that may wish to apply for an exemption or modification to the school dress code are required to make an appointment with the Principal. Staff will be informed of any student granted an exemption or modification to the dress code.
Parents and carers are asked to ensure that all clothing is clearly marked with their child’s name.