Parents and carers offered time slots to have a say on OHS uniform

Oban High School head teacher Peter Bain, pictured, is giving parents and carers a four-hour slot to have their say on the school’s policy about uniform, writes Kathie Griffiths.

In a four-page letter sent out the same day as The Oban Times carried claims that teachers are asking pupils to hand over mobile phones or cash - often lunch money - to borrow school ties for the day, Mr Bain announced there would be a ‘short-life commission’ to consider support and guidance given to young people, parents or carers and teachers concerning school uniform and how it is implemented.

He said the commission would be led by ‘an independent chair from our community, Roddy McCuish, and we thank him for his services’. People wanting to take part are invited to send in a request to receive a call to share their views on whether or not uniform guidance ‘enhances the ethos’ of the school. Individual time slots will then be offered anytime between 4pm and 8pm on Tuesday March 22.

He said office staff would forward requests to a trio of note-takers who would record people’s views.

‘A parent, pupil and staff member will act as the record keepers. Your views will be shared when the commission members meet on Wednesday March 23 and will help determine their response,’ added Mr Bain, who accompanied his letter with an option to watch him give a YouTube version of it at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=8mHmgDUCGYw.

Mr Bain said the commission would be supported with ‘a briefing paper for all participants that summarises the principles underpinning the uniform guidance and the implementation of the school dress code.

‘The commission will be an opportunity to review national legislation and local guidance and ensure pupils, parents/carers and staff can have a better understanding of and share their views about the support and guidance around how uniform enhances the ethos of our school.’