School uniforms

Press, 15 January 1986, Page 24

School uniforms

As another school year rolls around parents will be digging deep into their pockets to pay for new uniforms.

On average, prices for uniforms have increased by around 13.5 per cent since 1985, compared to 4.5 per cent for the 1984-85 period. This reflects the lifting of the price freeze. For girls’ necessities such as a summer dress, blazer, kilt, winter blouse and jersey, whether a private or public school, the average cost is about $330. Summer dresses for puthlie schools are around $62, and for private, $Bl. Summer blouses cost on average $l5 and summer tunics are $4B. The dearest item for most girls will be the kilt which ranges between $97 and $llO, public and private girls’ schools alike. Winter blouses cost $26 and jerseys, another expensive item, are $4B. It is important to note that all girls’ prices quoted are for size 12.

Boys’ uniform prices remain fairly much the same as those for the past year. Grey winter cotton-po-lyester shirts are $22 to $25 for the pure woollen shirts. The grey shorts cost about $26.

Jerseys all average at about $36. Blazers, the most expensive items for boys, cost aout $B5 to $96. Summer, white, longsleeved cotton shirts are $22. Walk shorts are around $2B, and walk socks to go with them are around $6. There is a vast difference in boys’ uniforms between private and public schools. Boarders must buy the uniform required by each school.

For example, a Christ’s College boarding student can cost up to $1573 to put into full uniform. This includes handkerchiefs, singlets, garters, slippers, and so on.

For girls it would cost even more.