As reported previously in the Journal, Sean, 17, was banned from the classroom and a year 12 camp after St Peter's College deemed dreadlocks to be an extreme hairstyle which breached the school's dress code.

While glad to be back at school and not isolated in an interview room, he is not happy with his new look. "I don't like it. It's not me."

A few teachers had praised his sacrifice. "But I'll probably grow them back after year 12," he said.

Reader's comments on the Journal website:

■ He has every right to have his hair as he likes. Have we forgotten those who gave all for our rights and freedom? They cannot say you will wear this or that. This is not Nazi Germany, this is Australia and we should not put up with this.

Fred

■ IT gives me confidence in humanity

to hear of schools standing up for their expectations and values ... congratulations to those principals who have the guts to make the hard-line decisions that will ultimately shape our society.

D Macgraw, Narre Warren North