Oxford school uniform change supported
By David Hill, local democracy reporter
School uniforms can be a polarising subject, but not, it seems, at Oxford Area School.
The school unveiled a new school uniform this year, which has been met with a seal of approval from pupils.
Principal Mike Hart said the change followed extensive engagement with staff, parents and pupils.
"Uniforms are quite polarised within quite diverse communities — from those who want a business attire, to those who don’t want any uniform."
Hart said a survey of the school community was held in 2020 and found there was plenty of interest in modifying the uniform.
Over the next year a working group, comprising staff, parents and pupil representatives, was formed to develop a new uniform which was gender neutral.
There is now one uniform all year round, with no summer and winter uniform, but pupils from year 7 can choose between a business shirt or a polo shirt.
"The aim of the uniform was to have a modern uniform for modern learning," Hart said.
"We were very conscious the cost of the uniform needed to be manageable for our school community."
To ease the burden on families, a one year transition has been introduced, with pupils able to wear either the old or new uniform or a mix this year, before the new uniform takes effect in 2024.
But Hart has been surprised by the uptake, especially among Year 12 pupils.
"We were quite surprised given that by the time we fully implement the uniform in 2024 they will be Year13 and won’t need to wear a uniform.
"What it tells us is they like it.
"There has been a massive uptake on the new uniform.
"I think that is because there was a strong student voice in the development of the uniform, so they brought into the outcome."
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ on Air
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Hero
“I was born and raised in war. To be honest, those are not good memories.
I really like Iran, and I really miss it, but I couldn’t be myself there. Even though my family didn’t like my decision, I left Iran. I promised myself that I would do whatever I can for all communities, especially for the kids, so they do not have the same experience I had.
I studied software engineering in Iran and left in 2006. I went to Malaysia and stayed in Kuala Lumpur for seven years. I was admitted to Lincoln University to do my PhD here, but unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the expenses. I requested a scholarship, but they told me I had to be there for six months first. So, I stayed in Malaysia and did my PhD in network security. In December 2013, I came to New Zealand with a work visa.
It took me a while to connect with the Iranian community here. I volunteered with the Multicultural Council, SPCA, and community patrol, and I established the Christchurch Iranian Society in 2017. Before that, I started working on Radio Toranj, the only Farsi-language radio show in New Zealand.
One of the reasons I started organizing cultural events was to showcase Iranian culture. I wanted to show people that we have delicious food, colorful dresses, traditional customs, and our own instruments. My hope was to show people that we are not what you see in the media.
I am working to involve all the communities that celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in the Nowruz festival in March 2025. We want to share this celebration not only with our community but with the public as well. It’s better when it’s shared.
I remember the first time someone from Dunedin called me and asked, Hero, can you help? Something happened, and they keep declining Iranian visa applications. When I heard that, I felt insulted. We are still human, so how can they do that?
Through this journey, I’ve learned a lot. Every single day, people with different cases call me, and I try to share my knowledge and guide them as much as I can.
I have received several awards, including the Christchurch Civic Award and an Award of Recognition for my contributions to the community during the pandemic. In 2021, I established Canterbury Kia Ora Academy, a charitable trust. Through this charity, I can help other communities as well, not just the Iranian community.”
- Hero
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org......
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