By ANEEKA SIMONIS
KOOWEERUP Primary School’s controversial new uniform was unveiled last week after it was slammed by a tirade of frustrated parents over social media.
The new school uniform, which has dropped the traditional blackfish logo and introduced a range of new items, was publicly criticised on Facebook more than a week ago by parents who believed they should have been better consulted about the final design.
“Where was the consultation with parents?” questioned one parent in the fiery debate which attracted more than 330 comments over the virtual Kooweerup Noticeboard.
“This is the first I have heard of these changes. I don’t know why the logo needed a change … I think many of us identify Kooweerup with the blackfish.”
Principal Fiona Pratt said parents were consulted on the logo design in its early stages as part of the school council’s ‘logo steering committee’, but their role was advisory.
“Students, parents and teachers made up the logo committee but they had an advisory role,” she said.
“We had a three-week logo submission competition which was open to parents, but during that time, no parents made any recommendations.”
She said the designs were submitted to the school council, made up of three teachers, six parents, school leaders and Ms Pratt, who signed off on the final logo designed by an off-shore graphic designer.
One parent who was on the steering committee said it was disappointing the school didn’t consult parents when they decided on a logo that did not reflect their earlier submissions.
“I just thought those on the committee would have at least been told, yes, school council is going to change the logo than to see none of our suggestions were used,” the mum wrote.
But school council member Carmelina De Cesari said the tension over the uniform dissipated after parents saw it unveiled at a school assembly last Friday.
“The launch was successful,” she said.
“I think once parents got the chance to see it, their reactions changed.”
Ms Pratt said the logo change, two silhouettes reaching for stars above, signified the school’s movement toward a new age of education and opportunity.
“It’s about moving on,” she said.
“Education is going through a lot of growth and change. We can’t educate students the way we always have.
“Our school moto is ‘Together We Learn,’ and the logo demonstrates that to students and that they should reach for the stars.”
Ms Pratt said new uniform pieces such as the dress and tunic were optional and that the new logo would be available for parents to sew onto existing pieces.
Students will be required to wear the new logo from 2016. Ms Pratt assured the blackfish symbol would remain part of the school.
