April 14th 2011 - Important Message Regarding School Uniform
Dear Parent/Guardian
Over the last few years the Parent Association has been engaged in a review of the school uniform, specifically the school tracksuit. This was following complaints about quality and customer service. More recently the PA suggested changing the colour of the school shirt and polo shirt from cream to white.
The rationale behind changing the supplier of the school uniform and changing the colour of the school shirt & polo shirt are as follows:-
The School Uniform
For a number of years there have been complaints from parents about Happy Events customer service and the quality of the school tracksuit they provide, particularly in relation to colour fading and material fraying. About a year and a half ago the Parent Association negotiated with the manufacturer and other potential suppliers in order to improve the quality of the school tracksuit. The PA also engaged with Happy Events in relation to the quality of service they provide. Although there seems to have been some improvement in the customer service, the quality of tracksuit provided by Happy Events continues to be an issue.
Recently the Parent Association was approached by Savvy Schools with the view to providing our school uniform. Savvy Schools is a new local business guaranteeing quality, service and savings.
The savings are significant with an €8- €10 (24%) saving on the cost of a tracksuit (size dependant) and a total saving of about €25 per child on the cost of an entire school uniform (inc tracksuit).
A sample tracksuit has been tested (worn and washed many times) and there are no issues with the quality at present.
The PA has decided to switch supplier to Savvy Schools for the coming school year. There will be a lead in time of about 6 weeks for the company’s first order.
Savvy Schools will operate as a direct supplier to the school. They will arrange a sizing day for St Patrick’s, (expected to be a Saturday in June). Children will be fitted for their uniform and parents will pay a deposit per child to guarantee their order. Sample sizes will be available to try on. A subsequent day, (expected to be a Saturday in August), will be required to distribute the uniforms and collect the outstanding balance from parents. Parents who need to exchange wrong sizes or buy additional items can call to Savvy Schools outlet in Dublin 15. Further details regarding this will be provided in due course.
Savvy Schools are contactable on 01 8211332. Sizing day/s with Savvy Schools will be advertised in due course.
The School Shirt & Polo Shirt:
The reason for this change is to provide value for parents. White shirts and non crested white polo shirts are much cheaper to buy. They are also widely available in chain stores such as Dunnes, Penneys, M&S etc, in addition to Happy Events.
Following a consultation with the school, the Parent Association carried a survey of the parent body regarding this change and the results are as follows: - 136 families voted to change from cream to white, as opposed to 75 who voted against the change.
The change from cream to white will be implemented in September 2011, the start of the new school year. Children who have cream shirts and polo shirts will be allowed to continue wearing them indefinitely.
The above constitutes the reasoning behind changing our school uniform. If you have any queries please contact a PA Committee member, drop a note into the PA Post Box at Reception, or email stpatrickspa@yahoo.com
Yours sincerely
Parent Association
St Patrick’s N.S.
