Draft uniforms modelled

Wakatipu High School pupils (from left) Monique Hannagan (15), Millie Atkin (16), Matthew...
Wakatipu High School pupils (from left) Monique Hannagan (15), Millie Atkin (16), Matthew Nicholson (16) and Bayley Bennett (13) on Friday model the latest version of the school's proposed new and more formal uniform. Photo by James Beech.
Progress on the introduction of a new uniform for Wakatipu High School pupils from the start of next year is continuing, with pupils, parents and staff viewing the latest version last week.

Principal Steve Hall said on Friday the pupil-driven initiative was at the midway point, with the second draft uniform modelled. Feedback would be

assessed to make sure the concept was on the right track.

Comments from presentations were generally favourable. The progress of the Uniform Review Committee has been followed closely since it formed in March.

Questions were raised about how quickly the transition from old to new uniforms would be made, how the uniforms would be adapted for summer and winter, and what to do about year 13 pupils, who wore mufti.

However, Mr Hall said answers had been put on hold until the general concept of the uniform was settled.

The design and supplier were not finalised, which meant the cost of the new uniform for boys and girls was only indicative, but effort had been made to make the cost as comparable as possible with the existing uniform.

The Student Council called for a more formal uniform last year. A survey of 367 pupils, parents and staff in November ''strongly agreed'' or ''agreed'' and a review with the committee and consultation began.

Asked if he was surprised young people called for a more formal uniform in an age of informality, Mr Hall said Wakatipu High was part of a national trend in schools and communities of returning to traditional styles of dress.

''People are really proud of this school and the opportunities it offers and they want to show it and feel it every day,'' he said.

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