Code of Conduct

Dress Code

We believe that student dress should be appropriate to an academic setting and contribute to an overall positive image of our school.

To create a consistent approach to school dress and to enhance an educational environment and tone conducive to the achievement of excellence, the following rules concerning student dress have been adopted and apply to both male and female attire. This dress code will have a minimum impact or influence on most students since the vast majority of students presently dress in a fashion that complies with these rules. The stated rules serve to answer questions and confirm decisions made by teachers, students and parents about appropriate school dress.

Hats or head-coverings (bandanas, head bands, kerchiefs, wave caps, hoods, visors, etc.) are to be removed before entering the school or participating in indoor field trips and/or indoor activities. Head dresses or head coverings worn for religious or medical purposes are exempt.

This social and traditional sign of respect and courtesy is not only a point of established Canadian etiquette, but has also proven to be a good security practice which allows quick and easy identification of students and/or trespassers. As a result, its inclusion in school dress codes is wide-spread in the majority of the board’s schools.
Metal spike studded collars, wrist bands etc. and “hardware” chains (used as wallet chains or jewelry) are not to be present in the school, on school sponsored field trips or during activities.

These items can serve as open displays of potential weapons and contribute to an intimidating school atmosphere.

Halter-tops, tube tops, tank tops (excluding school athletic team uniforms that are worn in game and/or practice situations or in physical education classes), muscle shirts, see-through or mesh tops (unless worn with an shirt underneath) are not to be worn at school. Blouses, shirts or tops that reveal bare backs, midriffs or undergarments or that have spaghetti straps or revealing necklines are not to be worn at school, during class activities or on field trips. Sleeveless tops, that do not fall under the aforementioned restrictions, are allowed.

Shorts and skirts are to be of a length that is appropriate to a school environment and activity and that do not reveal undergarments in the normal range of movement.

Low riding pants, shorts or skirts are to be worn above the hip points and in such a manner that undergarments are not revealed.

Such “immodest” dress, although fashionable outside the school environment, is not conducive to creating an environment that has education as its central focus. The school’s role is to encourage self-respect, positive school tone and student interaction alongside traditional education and career preparation.

All clothes are to be clean and in good repair, free from holes and tears. If necessary, students may access repair kits and a washing machine at the school. Footwear appropriate to the subject area or activity must be worn at all times.

Safety and health must always be a major school concern. Clothing which advertises or promotes alcoholic beverages, drugs, violence or racism or that displays obscene, distasteful or hurtful messages are not to be worn in school or in any of its activities or field trips. No “gang” associated clothing, symbol or paraphernalia is to be worn or displayed in the school, in school activities, on field trips or on school property.

Healthy lifestyles and a positive school culture and tone are integral to the creation and enhancement of a school environment committed to the achievement of personal and academic excellence.