A school’s ‘look’ – as physically represented in its crest and uniform suites – is a representation of who it is as a community. Crests and uniforms are an important aspect of school life, reflecting a school’s unique culture, style, geography and values. They traditionally provide a sense of identity and should be source of pride, uniting generations of students and alumni with a sense of connection and belonging. In some ways, they help define and represent what makes us, “us”.
 
We are excited, on the verge of the start of the third decade of the 21^st Century and as the School heads towards its 40^th year, to launch a new crest and new uniform suites to take Oxford Falls Grammar into the future.
 
Both the OFGS crest and the school and sports uniforms have served the School well for 25 years, having been introduced in 1996. Many generations of OFG students have undertaken their schooling under the banner of the grass tree Xanthorrhoea, wearing the forest-green blazer or the iconic red of various sports uniforms. It is important in any change process not to disregard or disrespect the past, but to acknowledge and build upon it.
 
Over recent years it became increasingly apparent that the time was coming to modernise and transform the crest and uniforms to better reflect the School’s culture and established place in the local and educational communities, and to have a brand that would take us forward. Under the directive and authority of the School Board a process commenced to refresh and reimagine both the school crest and school uniform suites.
 
The grass tree (in the crest) is found all over Australia and as such did not provide a sense of unique place or culture for the School. The fronds in particular were difficult to reproduce in thread stitching and in printed and digital media, leading to inconsistencies in many different variations, shapes and colours.

To take a brief look at our history and 2020 changes, check out the following video:

The various uniform suites had expanded and grown over the years, leading to an assortment of different colours, styles and items across the different Year groups; so much so that it has been sometimes hard to identify OFG students as attending the same school. Students and parents had also raised concerns over some aspects of various uniform pieces in terms of comfort, practicality and style.

A refresh of both the OFGS crest and uniforms provides a rare and important opportunity to reflect upon who we are and how we look, and to create a new, attractive, relevant and vibrant brand for now and future generations.

After awarding a tender partner in 2018 throughout 2019 an extensive consultation process took place, getting input from students, parents and staff about their various experiences and perceptions of the current uniform, as well as their ideals and hopes for a future uniform. A Uniform Committee – made up of members of staff, Board, School Shop and parents (with the occasional top secret input of some select students) - met regularly with the NOONE team over a period of 18 months, refining designs and gradually bringing the dream to reality.

After a long wait and a huge amount of input and work from many people, we are exceptionally proud and pleased with the finished products. Launched in October of 2020, the rollout of Oxford Falls Grammar’s new crest and uniforms will commence at the end of the year with a uniform transition period over 2021-2022.

  

Within the circles are representations of our ethos:

• The Crown represents “For Greatness”: we value good character, attitude, and life lived with a sense of purpose and service of others. It is about generosity, having an impact on others and leaving a legacy

• The Star represents “For Excellence”; at our school we strive to do, and be, better, to reflect and adapt and improve and grow. We have high standards and want to bring out the best in ourselves and others as a way of honouring God

• The Cross is the traditional symbol “For Christ”; we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our school and the world, and the relevance and benefit of living a Christian life in today’s complex world

The vertical lines underpinning the shield provide balance and represent the waters that run through our School as well as the Falls, which grounds us to our local environment, and is the central motif behind our School’s name.

To see the full range of new uniforms, take a look at the following video;