Students Protest High School Puffer Jacket Ban

Students at Motueka High School are petitioning to have a rule that bans them from wearing puffer jackets to school removed. 

In an open letter to the Motueka High School Board of Trustees, students said:

"As the weather gets colder more students are beginning to wear their puffer jackets to school, however, as they are not part of the school uniform, they are confiscated and the wearer can possible receive a detention. We believe this is unfair. The current uniform options provided by the school are insufficient at providing warmth. The school jackets are expensive and poorly made, puffer jackets are far more superior when it comes to value for your money and providing warmth. Many students already own a puffer jacket and parents would rather spend their hard earned cash on a high quality jacket that will keep their children warmer for longer, in school and out of school. Not only is the uniform insufficient, the heating system at Motueka High School is turned off before lunchtime, while on most days its still cold even then. These poor conditions are affecting the health of the students because as the temperature decreases, absences increase. Motueka High School encourages attendance as a necessity to success throughout the year, however because students are cold many become sick and need to stay at home. If puffer jackets were allowed to be worn to school the health of students would improve, this would make a huge difference to their learning as attending classes is the only way to achieve."

Speaking to NZ Herald, Principal Scott Haines praised the student's "passion and motivation", however said it was "channelled in the wrong direction".

"She should've made a formal approach to the school board."

The Ministry of Education says each school is responsible for its own uniform policy."It's not something we have a particular view on although we do think it's important schools communicate very clearly with parents what their requirements are," said Katrina Casey, head of sector enablement and support. "That then allows parents to make informed choices when deciding which school to send their children to."

Image: Kathmandu