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A Melbourne secondary school has been accused of making unnecessary political statements after introducing a puffer jacket for students featuring the Aboriginal and pride flags.

Cheltenham Secondary College in Melbourne’s bayside has raised the ire of its community after including the logos as permanent features of its new uniform item.

Cheltenham Secondary School’s new puffer jacket, featuring the Aboriginal and pride flags.

One school parent, who did not want to be named because she didn’t want her views to reflect on her son, said there had been no consultation on the jacket’s design and was disappointed the flags were included.

“It’s like virtue signalling in a school,” she said. “I just don’t think it’s necessary. It’s a school. Let the kids go and be kids.”

The parent said she had been excited about the jacket “because my kid is one of those ones who wear shorts in winter”, but didn’t purchase one after her son and his friends refused to wear it.

“It’s just a shame I can’t buy a puffer jacket with the school emblem on it to keep my kid warm,” the parent said. “It’s a school, it’s not a political statement.”

Cheltenham Secondary College said the jacket was added this winter as an additional item after feedback from parents and students in a uniform survey last year.

The item costs $89.95 and also features the school motto: Respect, responsibility, personal best, community.

The school said on Facebook the jacket was an optional item and not a replacement for the school’s windcheater, which does not feature the logos and remains part of the college uniform.

Cheltenham Secondary College and the Department of Education have been contacted for comment.

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