Stylishly off to school

Matamata College students are back in force this year and looking better than ever.

A makeover has modernised the previous uniform.

The girls’ pinafores have been replaced with a skirt and white shirt.

The boys have a newly designed shirt with dark grey shorts.

Principal Glenn Rowsell said staff members were delighted with the new look and the student feedback was very positive.

‘‘The change came down to a number of things including the cost and the fact that they (the uniforms) had dated,’’ Mr Rowsell said.

‘‘We wanted one uniform that the students could wear year round and to try and modernise it to make it look smart.’’

Year 9, 10 and 11 students have the same uniform and the year 12 and 13 students wear a senior’s uniform which is a slight variation on the junior one.

Zaria Lunn, year 9, said she liked the new uniform and was glad she did not have to wear the old pinafore which was better known to students as ‘‘the tablecloth’’.

A sentiment which Eden Culic from year 12 agreed with. ‘‘I like this one a lot better. The shape of it is really good and being in the same uniform as the year 13 students makes you feel like a senior,’’ Eden said.

But the uniforms are not the only new additions seen at Matamata College this year.

Mr Rowsell said they had welcomed four new teachers to the school.

These include Annmarie Lawler for the English and drama department, Ravnesh Chand for agriculture, horticulture and science, Alex Ball for physical education and Navin Deo for maths. ‘‘They are all very experienced teachers and we are very lucky to have them here at Matamata College,’’ Mr Rowsell said.

Also, the National Certificate of Educational Achievement results comparing schools of the same decile have been released and Matamata College students exceeded expectations.

NCEA level one students’ pass rate was 3 per cent above the national average and level two was up 11 per cent. Level three was slightly down at 5 per cent.

‘‘ I was pleasantly surprised with the overall results.

‘‘ Students who have passed are those who put their head down and worked hard and this year we are continuing to encourage that,’’ Mr Rowsell said.

New look: From left, senior girls’ uniform worn by Eden Culic, junior girls’ uniform worn by Zaria Lunn, junior boys’ uniform worn by Ward Dinsdale and senior boys’ uniform worn by Gavin Su.