Griffith High is now operating as its own school. Photo: Griffith High/Facebook.
Griffith High is nearing a decision on its new logo, motto and uniform for 2027, with an announcement expected shortly as part of the school’s post-merger rebrand.
The update comes after a recent P&C meeting discussed the proposed changes but was unable to finalise a position, with key decision-makers unavailable on the night and concerns expressed about the way the NSW Department of Education manages consultation.
The school has been working to establish a distinct identity since formally separating from Wade High last year, following the end of an ill-fated merger that began in 2018.
As part of that process, students have been involved in shaping the new look. A recent survey asked students (excluding Year 12s) to choose between two polo shirt logo designs — one featuring a proposed Wiradjuri-language motto and one without it. It was decided Year 12 students would not have a vote because they will not be wearing the 2027 uniform.
The proposed motto, “Yindyamarra”, meaning “respect”, has been widely discussed during the consultation process, although it has not yet been formally endorsed by the department.
The Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), which advises on First Nations education matters, has also been involved in discussions, though its members were not told about the latest survey vote, which was sent to students on Tuesday, 17 March.
The Department of Education has often been criticised for the way it has handled consultation for the past 10 years – with many in the school community believing consensus views and warnings were ignored before the 2018 merger, which local MP Helen Dalton likened to a “forced marriage“.
Former school captain and Wiradjuri woman Madi Penrith said she feels this poor form is continuing, describing the process for determining the uniform design as “culturally insensitive”.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what we think. We have no say,” she said.
“We can have 5,000 meetings, but they’re just trying to tick a box — and in the end, they make the call.”
Former Griffith High captain Madi Penrith feels the process has been “culturally insensitive”. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
While survey results and consultation may be taken into consideration, final decisions about any schools uniform design, motto and logo are made the the school executive and the department.
Nobody present at the P&C meeting had the authority to make a decision on the uniform, meaning no final position was reached.
The delay comes with a looming deadline: an order for the new polo shirts must be placed with Lowes Griffith by 31 March to ensure uniforms are ready for 2027.
It was agreed shirts would be ordered as soon as possible, with the logo and motto to be finalised and applied at a later date once a decision is confirmed.
A Department of Education spokeswoman said extensive consultation had been undertaken as part of the rebranding process.
“The school’s proposed motto, Yindyamarra, holds cultural significance, and the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group has been closely involved,” she said.
“With the support of the department’s legal team, the school has also been working through any potential trademark issues.
“An announcement will be made shortly after consultation closes.”
The department says the gradual transition to new uniforms has been done to minimise costs to families.
