Expensive new uniform riles parents

Some parents at a Rotorua school are angry at the introduction of what they say are expensive uniforms many families won't be able to afford.
It will cost at least $363 to outfit a child in one set of the new compulsory uniform at Glenholme School from the start of next year. That cost will be higher if additional items, such as a second shirt and pair of pants, are bought.
Uniforms must be bought from one retailer, Bill Davis Outdoor Sports World, and are more expensive than other Rotorua schools.
A petition is being circulated and one parent says her children will wear normal clothes and she will take the matter up with the Ministry of Education if the school tries to kick them out.
But the school says it considered all options and the school community was involved in every step of the decision-making process.
``Uniforms provide students with higher self-esteem,' a statement issued on behalf of the school's board of trustees says. ``Students wearing school uniform do not feel self conscious about what they wear to school; increased confidence leads to higher self-esteem and higher self-esteem leads to greater class participation.'
Ten Glenholme parents told The Daily Post they believed the uniforms were too expensive. Four others spoken to did not.
Sue Kendal said it would cost her $560.32 to properly outfit her son and she would not be able to afford it.
The uniform would need regular replacement as her son wore it out or grew out of it. At this stage, there was nowhere to get second-hand items, she said.
A solo mother on the domestic purposes benefit, who wanted to be known only as Karen, has four children at Glenholme and another is due to start next year while an older child will start at college.
She was finding it hard to save for the college uniform, let alone having to buy Glenholme uniforms as well.
``There is no way I can do this ... I'll send them in their usual clothes and I'll complain to the Ministry of Education if my kids get kicked out of school because they aren't in a uniform ... What does it matter what they wear to school so long as they are clean and tidy? I imagine other parents won't be buying them so I won't be alone,' she said.
Another parent, Lance Burgess, said he had signed the petition that is circulating and there ``are quite a few names on there'. ``The cost of the uniforms is going to be pretty hard on us. We are a one-income family and it will be quite a struggle,' he said.

Another concerned parent, Colin Whyte, said: ``I am disgusted at the prices of the uniforms. $42 for a pair of shorts is just too much.'
Mrs Macfarlane issued a statement on behalf of the school's board, which said uniforms would give the school a clear identity and image.
As well as increasing children's self esteem, uniforms helped improve school security as students would instantly be recognised as being from Glenholme.
``Uniforms improve the school image _ there is an increasing need for Glenholme School to brand ourselves to provide our own identity. School uniform is the most consistent outward appearance of that branding and it is important for Glenholme School to have the right uniform, and one that their students will wear with pride.'
The statement said the school community was well informed about the process, which started in October last year. All decisions were made with caution and having investigated all options.
The board of trustees considered a wholesale uniform shop. To provide all the necessary requirements to have an on-site uniform shop, expenses would have to be passed on to parents, therefore the wholesale cost would incur a margin percentage similar to that of Bill Davis Outdoor Sports World, the statement said.