School ban on facial jewellery has teen on outer

Written by SALLY EVANS. (Wangaratta Chronicle: 06 Feb 09

WANGARATTA teenager Sarah Poulson was sent home with dad, Andrew Miller, yesterday for wearing a nose stud to Wangaratta High School.

The family is appalled by the policy, which they say is unfairly depriving Sarah of an education at the public school.

But the city’s only public secondary school educator says its policy is clear and all students must abide by it.

A SMALL silver stud, no bigger than a pimple, is all that stands between Sarah Poulson and a prosperous future.

The year 8 student was sent home from Wangaratta High School yesterday after she refused to remove the stud from a new piercing in her nose.

Her father Andrew Miller is appalled she could be "deprived" an education because of “a little stud that is not affecting anyone”.

However, principal Heather Sarau said the school was explicit in its uniform policy which states facial piercings are not permitted "at any time for any reason or duration".

Sarah, 14, had her nose pierced last week for what was a joint birthday present from her parents, and a reward for starting the school year with a renewed lease on life.

She has been instructed to leave the silver stud in at least until March 6, when she can take it out and replace it with a clear one.

Although a letter from her parents explaining the situation was passed on to the school, Sarah was told on several occasions to remove the piercing.

"One teacher told me he would physically remove the stud from my nose if it was in again today," she said.

Mr Miller went to the school yesterday morning to discuss the issue with Mrs Sarau, who offered for Sarah to work from home.

He was outraged that a public school would prevent his daughter from attending class simply because of a nose stud.

"They’re depriving her of an education at the moment," Mr Miller said.

"Our kids are sent to school to get an education...they’re not there to be told what they can and can’t wear."

Mrs Sarau said the uniform policy was reviewed last year with input from parents, staff and students.

"It is very clear when you look at that feedback that the absolute majority support a policy of no facial piercings at any time for any reason or duration," she said.

"This policy has been extensively reviewed and applies to all students."

Sarah said teachers, whom they look up to, wear nose jewellery at the school.

Mrs Sarau said teachers have their own dress code with no limits on jewellery.

And she makes no apologies for setting high standards for students at the school, with hopes other parents will see the well-presented teens and choose the school.

"Other people mightn’t see the wonderful work that our students do here, but they do see them coming and going," Mrs Sarau said.

Mrs Sarau disputed claims the school was denying Sarah an education.

"They need to make a choice to either abide by our rules or seek other alternatives," she said.