Some really progressive schools are making uniform options gender fluid which is fantastic and they are a great leveler.
But why in the blazers do they have to be so expensive?
This year I have had to unexpectedly source two new school uniforms.
Both my children have started at new schools and although my youngest was supposed to inherit her sister’s gear, they are not the same size. So with the exception of the kilt and jumper, it was a whole new swag for her too.
With this in mind and despite the fact I sourced as much as I could second hand, I have still spent the best part of $1000 preparing for school. One thousand dollars!
I understand the costs and pitfalls of running a small retail business. I’ve been there. I suspect that although the volumes are high the margins must be small, otherwise we would all be doing it.
But I fail to understand how PE T-shirts can be nearly $50 a pop? How can a public school possibly justify having a regulation school bag that is well over $50? How can blazers be upwards of $200?
And how can this not be phenomenally stressful for families already struggling under mounting financial pressure and rising living costs?
I don’t have it easy financially, but I recognise that I still have it better than many.
For some uncharacteristic future proofing reason, I planned ahead somewhat for this inevitable expense. But this was at the cost of other essential household items and as it turns out, only a drop in the bucket.
I would like to think support and subsidies are available for families in need of assistance and I’m sure some schools have a system for this already but maybe consider donating good quality uniform items back to schools to pass on as they see appropriate?
And don’t even get me started on the expectations around devices.
