Dress Code

At Manukau Christian School we pursue academic excellence for Christ, and we believe that this commitment should be evident in every aspect of school life — including the way students present themselves. While we do not require a school uniform (except for certain events and activities), we do expect students to dress in a way that reflects self-respect, respect for others, and a commitment to excellence. Clothing should be clean, modest, tidy, and appropriate for learning. Sloppiness, flamboyance, or overly casual dress undermines a serious approach to school and is not in keeping with the school’s culture.

We want to ensure that the focus of our effort at school at all times is on providing a high-quality education for our children. Therefore, we do not want to be distracted by discussions and debates over whether a particular dress style or adornment is appropriate. We recognise that parents and homes have different views and standards on such matters. Consequently, our approach is to insist on a minimal adornment and dress affectation whilst at school. (Please note that we are not expressing any views or opinions on any particular fashion or its appropriateness in general, nor implying that any particular dress culture is intrinsically moral or Christian. Rather, we are focused on what leads to managing an efficient and focused school where our students are able to focus on learning and quality interaction with teachers.)

Parents must ensure children are neatly, suitably and cleanly dressed at all times. The Handbook for Families provides further details. A detailed list of high school dress rules is available on request.

Polo shirts as worn by senior students

School Polo Shirts are required when on school trips, sports events and cultural exchanges with other schools. This helps us watch out for our students when travelling or in locations other than the school grounds. Polo shirts are available for purchase from the school office. We also have windproof jackets, embroidered school hats, shorts, skorts and caps available for purchase.

General Expectations

Clothes must be clean and in good repair, without holes
Hats or beanies may not be worn in classrooms
Hooded sweatshirts may be worn, but hoods must remain down
No henna, tattoos or skin adornments

Boys:

Hair must be tidy, well-groomed, in a short masculine style, and natural in colour (not dyed, spiked, or excessively gelled).
No extreme styles (e.g. mohawks, shaved patterns, braided or matted hair or long hair).
No jewellery, bangles or threads may be worn.
Clothing must fit neatly and be of modest length. No singlet tops.
No henna, tattoos or skin adornments are allowed.

Girls:

Hair must be tidy, well groomed, in a feminine style, and natural in colour (not dyed).
Long hair is to be tied back from the face (no half pony-tails).
No jewellery, bangles, threads or make-up (this includes nail polish), except for one plain stud (less than 4mm) per ear in the lower lobe.
No henna, tattoos or skin adornments are allowed.
Clothing must fit neatly and be modest. Singlet or shoestring tops are not suitable and leggings may only be worn if they are under a dress, skirt or shorts.

Footwear
Suitable footwear includes the following:

School shoes with flat heels
Sandals with backs i.e. Roman sandals
Sneakers with socks
Crocs and similar styles are not permitted
We recommend Velcro-fastening sneakers for year 1 students
Closed footwear must be worn by high school students in potentially hazardous areas such as the laboratory

Sunhats and Caps
During Term 1 and Term 4, children must wear a sunhat or cap while outside.

Physical Education
• All students must wear their house T-shirt and suitable footwear.
• Boys must wear shorts; girls may wear shorts or skorts.

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