Introducing the New School Uniform

For more than 118 years, the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School uniform has undergone a range of significant changes to meet the needs of students. Over the School’s proud history, the colours of the uniform items have evolved many times, and have changed from navy, brown, gold, and cobalt blue, and featured patterns ranging from check to stripes and spots!

The new uniform, to be worn from Term 1 2022, represents a three-year journey that commenced with our students speaking for themselves. In 2019 students and the Ivanhoe Girls’ community conveyed their views in a whole community research project noting they wanted a uniform that:

• provided improved functionality – including styling, fabrics, durability, practicality, sun-safe/warmth, inclusivity and comfort

• encourages physical activity

• is cost effective and value for money where possible

• uses more sustainable fabrics and ethical production processes wherever possible

• is reflective of a forward-thinking leading independent school for girls while at the same time responding to the culture and heritage of the School.

With the help of renowned Australian schoolwear designer, Mr Jonathan Ward, and the dedication of our Uniform Review Committee, which comprised current and past students, current staff and current parents, we are confident that the new Uniforms will exceed the expectations of the students and that they will be proud to wear their new uniform.

Thank you to all of the students who provided the catalyst for this uniform review, and our community for your important feedback that provided input into the very important research phase of this project.

Dr Deborah Priest, Principal

The new Academic, Core Sport and Physical Education (PE) Uniforms.

The new Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School Uniform offers a seasonal wardrobe, with a number of transeasonal items offering year-round comfort and flexibility. The Ivanhoe Girls’ Collection features four custom designed wardrobes, to ensure all students of Ivanhoe Girls’ enjoy a range of uniform choices that are age appropriate.

There are specific wardrobe collections for:

• Early Learning Centre to Prep (Available Year-Round) •

Years 1 – 6

• Years 7 – 12

• Core Sport/PE

There will be a two-year transition period from the old to the new uniform. All students will wear the new Uniform from Term 1, 2024.

For more information on the new Ivanhoe Girls' Uniform including the Uniform Brochure with the range and videos, please visit: www.ivanhoegirls.vic.edu.au/about-us/uniform

Journey to the New Uniform

The new uniform represents the fabric of Ivanhoe Girls’. Our girls spoke to us, and we listened to what they had to say!

As a progressive and forward-thinking community of learners, our new uniform needed to keep up. The way we teach, engage, participate, and build confidence in our students changes rapidly. These changes aren’t for change’s sake – they’re considered, thoughtful, brave, well informed, and bold.

In 2019, the Uniform Review Committee set about developing a new uniform that adhered to the outcomes of the research process.

We needed to ensure that the new uniform:

• provided comfort to ensure students’ minds are on the task at hand with fabrics that stretch and breathe

• provided versatility to accommodate the needs of most students, with more items to choose from and

• allowing for each student’s individual identity • provided great fit and design that imbues a sense of pride and belonging

• has a new Sport/PE uniform that is manufactured by experts to included technical fabrications to give students the best opportunity for them to perform at their best

• offered value for money – long-lasting, hard-wearing, durable, easy-care for years of wear, including being passed on to younger family members or the Second Life Uniform Shop.

Like our students, our new uniform is:

• Flexible – a wider variety to better suit the needs of individuals

• Agile – free to move with lighter and stretch fabrics

• Resilient – long lasting, quality fabrics that will see you through years of schooling

• Durable – these items don’t require delicate care, they’re machine-washable and most items can be tumble dried

• Versatile – as requested, we’ve maintained the distinct summer and winter look, and new range of knits and accessories will ensure maximum comfort on both the hottest and coldest days

• Unified – although individuals, we’re connected by our values, this is consolidated in our appearance, representing our school in our community and our positive behaviour.

The Uniform Review Committee are confident that students will love the new additions to the Uniform.