Uniform Review Project
Letter from the Principal Dear St Andrews Families, For many years, the St Andrews uniform has been a visible expression of who we are as a College community. It reflects our shared values, our sense of belonging and the pride our students carry as members of St Andrews. While uniforms are often viewed as longstanding traditions, the St Andrews uniform has continued to evolve throughout our history. Each generation has contributed to its development, ensuring it reflects the needs, aspirations and character of the College at that point in time. Now, we have an opportunity to help shape the next chapter of that story. The Uniform Review Project is not about change for the sake of change. Rather, it is about carefully considering how we can create a contemporary, practical and enduring uniform that honours our heritage while meeting the needs of future generations of students. At its heart, this project is about legacy. The decisions we make today have the potential to influence how St Andrews is represented for many years to come. Our aspiration is to create a uniform that stands the test of time, one that students wear with pride, that families value, and that future generations recognise as an enduring symbol of the St Andrews experience. As we undertake this review, the voices of our families, students, staff and alumni will be central to the process. We are committed to listening to our community and ensuring any future direction is informed, thoughtful and reflective of the values that define St Andrews. I encourage you to read the information contained within this booklet and engage with the review as it progresses. Together, we have the opportunity to create something that respects our past, serves our present and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Warm Regards,
Luke Schoff Principal
Project Timeline Community Survey
Engage Expert
Committee Formation WE ARE HERE
Samples Produced Development Stage
Community Feedback
Full Transition to New Uniform
2031
Final Uniform Confirmed
Roll Out and Transition
Uniform Launch 2028
Survey Feedback Listening to our Families More than 130 families shared their thoughts about the St Andrews uniform through our survey process and the message was clear - our community values a uniform that works for the students who wear it every day.
What Matters Most? When families considered what makes a great uniform, four things stood out; 1. Comfort - "Can my child comfortably wear this all day?" Comfort emerged as the strongest consideration with feedback around breathability and suitability for our local climate. 2. Durability - "Will the uniform stand up to everyday life?" Families want uniform pieces that are well made, hard wearing and able to withstand the demands of busy school life. 3. Value for Money - "Is it worth what we pay for it?" Affordability matters. Families highlighted the cost of replacing items as children grow, change sizes and move through the College. 4. Fit and Sizing - "Does it fit my child well?" Feedback highlighted the importance of consistent sizing, comfortable fits and flexibility for different students and body shapes.
The feedback we received gave us a valuable foundation for the next stage of the Uniform Review. It has helped us identify the qualities that matter most to our community and the opportunities to rethink how our uniform can look, feel and function. With these insights in mind, we are ready to explore what the future of the St Andrews uniform could look like.
Meet the Designer As part of the College's Uniform Review Project, St Andrews has engaged Jonathan Ward, one of Australia's most respected and experienced designers. With more than 30 years in the Australian fashion and apparel industry, Jonathan has built a reputation for innovation, quality, and thoughtful design. His career has spanned a broad range of sectors, including school uniforms, corporate apparel, menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and accessories. Jonathan's experience includes international training at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York and work with leading global fashion houses. He also served as Executive Designer for R.M.Williams for 15 years, collaborating with some of Australia's most recognised organisations and brands. Of particular relevance to the St Andrews Uniform Review Project is Jonathan's extensive experience in schoolwear design. For more than 25 years, he has partnered with leading independent schools across Australia to develop contemporary, practical and durable uniform collections that reflect each school's identity, values and community expectations. Through his specialist schoolwear team, JW Collective, Jonathan oversees every aspect of uniform design, development and manufacturing. His expertise will support the College in creating a uniform that meets the needs of today's students while honouring the traditions and character of St Andrews Lutheran College.
Committee The Uniform Review Committee was established to ensure a broad range of perspectives were represented throughout the review process. Committee members included representatives from College Council, teaching staff, parents with children across different year levels and genders, alumni who have experienced wearing the College uniform, members of the Executive team, and the Uniform Shop. Uniform Review Committee:
Industry Experts:
Karen Koehler - Working Party Chair Kyelie Baxter - College Council Representative Luke Schoff - College Principal Luke Kenchington - College Chief Operating Officer Belinda Alterator - Director of Community Engagement Julie Scott - Uniform Shop Representative Kaeley Cameron - Staff Rep - Junior School Shirley Washington and Lilli Macdonald - Staff Reps Secondary School Karley McAlpin - Parent Representative Aime Craik - Parent Representative and Alumni
Jonathan Ward - Executive Designer Melanie Whitling - General Manager Major Projects & Marketing - Noone Paul Layzell – Chief Executive Officer - Ontrack/ XBlades Sportswear Bart Scanlan - State Manager Queensland - Noone
Sustainability Throughout the uniform review process, sustainability was identified as an important consideration by our community. Our uniform supplier, Thomas Robert Group, is committed to responsible manufacturing practices that balance environmental stewardship, ethical sourcing, and product durability. The company incorporates recycled materials into many uniform items, including the use of recycled polyester derived from PET plastic bottles in garments such as shorts, trousers, blazers and linings. Natural fibres including wool and cotton continue to be used across the range, providing highquality, biodegradable alternatives where appropriate. The organisation actively works to reduce its environmental footprint through initiatives including minimising packaging, using recycled cardboard, and transitioning garment bags to biodegradable, compostable cornstarch alternatives. They also promote circular fashion principles by supporting the longevity, recycling and responsible disposal of school uniforms. Beyond environmental sustainability, Thomas Robert Group is committed to ethical and responsible sourcing. The company maintains a transparent supply chain and holds memberships and accreditations with recognised organisations including SEDEX and Ethical Clothing Australia. It also operates under a Modern Slavery Policy, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to child labour, forced . labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Regular audits and supplier compliance processes help ensure that workers throughout the supply chain are treated fairly and work in safe conditions. By partnering with suppliers who share our values of sustainability, ethics and social responsibility, St Andrews Lutheran College is committed to providing quality uniforms that support both our community and the broader global community.
Frequently Asked Questions Why did we review the uniform?
Is the sport uniform part of the review?
Our uniform has evolved over time, with small changes and additions made along the way. While each change was made with good intentions, we heard from our community that this had sometimes made the uniform feel complicated and frustrating for families.
Yes. Our sport uniforms are an important part of the overall St Andrews uniform experience, so they have been included in the review.
Through our consultation, families and students also told us that some aspects of the uniform could work better - particularly when it came to comfort, durability, practicality and value for families. This review gave us an exciting opportunity to step back and look at the uniform as a whole, rather than continuing to make small changes over time. Ultimately, this is about making the uniform experience simpler for families and better for students — and creating a uniform our community can feel proud to wear. When will the new uniform be changing?
We are taking a whole-uniform approach to ensure our academic and sport uniforms work together as a cohesive collection, with a consistent St Andrews identity across the College. How will the new uniform provide choice and flexibility? The new uniform will be designed around a capsule wardrobe approach, providing a clear set of core uniform pieces alongside optional items that allow students to choose what works best for them. Core pieces will provide a consistent St Andrews identity, while optional items will give students greater flexibility around comfort, warmth, fit and personal preference.
The new uniform is anticipated to be available to purchase and wear from the beginning of the 2028 school year, with a gradual transition period through to the end of 2030.
The uniform will also include different fit options and gender-neutral choices, ensuring students can select the pieces that best suit their individual needs and preferences.
Will I be required to purchase a new uniform straight away?
Will I be able to provide feedback on the new uniform?
No. Families will have the flexibility to choose when they transition. From the beginning of 2028, families can choose for their child to wear either the current uniform or the new uniform. The two options will be available throughout the transition period, with the new uniform becoming the standard uniform for all students from the beginning of 2031. This means families can plan their transition around their own circumstances, without needing to replace a complete uniform immediately. Our aim is to make the transition positive, flexible and manageable for every family.
Community engagement events will take place in early Term 4 and will provide families with an opportunity to see the proposed uniform pieces up close, explore the options available, ask questions and share their feedback.
What about uniforms with the old logo that were due to retire at the end of 2026? As communicated previously, uniforms with the old logo can continue to be worn as long as they are in wearable condition.
These sessions will be an important opportunity for our community to experience the proposed uniform and help us refine the final details before the new uniform is introduced. Where can I stay updated? We recognise that a new uniform is an exciting and significant change for our community. We are committed to keeping families informed and involved throughout the journey, with updates shared through our usual College communication channels.
Published 2026