As Year 11 students, we believe that having last names on school jerseys is a simple change that would make a meaningful difference to our identity, pride, and connection to our school. Other local schools  including De La Salle Catholic College Caringbah and St Aloysius College Cronulla already allow last names on jerseys. As well as Bethany, St Pats and bosco etc are all allowed last names. Even Innaburra and Danebank are allowed last names which shows that this is not a Sydney Catholic Schools rule, but a school decision. At this point, our school is one of the only ones in the area that does not allow it.

If the concern is student safety, it’s important to recognise that having a last name on a jersey does not increase the risk of being followed or approached. Students use their full names daily  in class, on rolls, at sport, at public events, and on social media. A name on a jersey does not create any new risk. What it does create is a stronger sense of belonging, recognition, and school spirit.

Allowing last names on jerseys is a small change with a big positive impact, and we hope the school will consider aligning with the many other schools in our community that already support this.