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Our School

Dress Code

The St. Clement Local Dress Code as outlined below is mandatory and shall be in effect on the first day of the school year. Parental support of the Local Dress Code for the school is essential for upholding a distinctly Catholic and positive learning environment in our schools.

All students are expected to arrive at school dressed appropriately.

Clothing

Details 

Plain white or plain navy tops include:

Short and long-sleeved t-shirts, short and long-sleeve golf shirts, dress shirts, blouses, turtlenecks, hoodies, vests, cardigans, sweaters or sweatshirts, full shoulder sleeveless shirts.

  • With or without collars.

  • Shirts can be sleeveless providing there is full shoulder coverage.

  • No visible labels, logos, contrasting colours, coloured buttons, coloured stitching, stripes, words, pictures or detailing.

Plain navy-blue bottoms include:

Pants, shorts, skirts, tunic dress, dress, capri/cargo pants, track, athletic and yoga pants.

  • Walking/athletic shorts are to be mid-thigh or longer.

  • Shorts and skirts with shorts sewn inside.

  • Cargo pants are ¾ length pants or full-length pants that the bottoms can be zipped off (or rolled up) to make them into shorts.

  • Track pants: with tight elastic bottoms or loose open bottoms.

  • Skirts & tunic dresses should be modest length (knee or slightly above knee).

  • Wearing shorts underneath skirts and dresses is recommended but not required.

  • Tunic dresses are solid plain navy blue and worn with plain white or plain navy tops underneath.

  • No visible labels, logos, contrasting colours, coloured buttons, coloured stitching, stripes, words, pictures or detailing.

Other clothing items include:

  • Tights, socks and leggings.

  • Shoes.

  • Belts.

  • Clothing accessories.

  • Girls’ tights can be plain white or plain navy blue.

  • Socks (that are visible) can be solid white or solid navy blue.

  • Leggings can be solid white or solid navy blue and are permitted under skirts and dresses, and under tops to mid-thigh for all ages. Girls from JK-3 are permitted to also wear navy leggings as pants.

  • Shoes should be suitable for recess, gym and physical activity – running shoes are recommended, secure sandals when weather appropriate.

  • Belts are optional. Belts can be plain black, white, or navy blue.

  • Over-garments (indoor) are to be plain white, navy blue or plain white.

  • Clothing accessories should be plain navy or white.

What is Not Included / What Not to Wear

  • Denim/jeans, as mandated by Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).

  • Hats and sunglasses are only to be worn outdoors (outdoor wear).

  • Flip flops are not recommended.

  • Mini-skirts, halter-tops, spaghetti straps, tank tops, muscle shirts, t-shirts with writing.

  • Clothing with tears/holes.

  • Oversized clothing (shirts to the knee, pants hanging low and off the waist).

  • Undergarments must not be visible.

Other Details

  • St. Clement Spirit Wear (crested clothing with St Clement logo) is permitted to wear on any day.

  • The only requirement for Physical Education (PE) class is that garments be navy and/or white.

  • Footwear for Physical Education includes non-slip, non-marking soles.

  • There is no dress code requirement for student outerwear including outdoor sweaters, jackets, snow pants, hats, gloves, and sunglasses.

  • St. Clement Spirit Wear (crested) items will be available for purchase from time to time through Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC) initiatives.

  • It is recommended that parents / families label all clothing pieces clearly.

Dress Down Days

During the year, dress-down or non-dress code days will be planned. These days will be announced (i.e., Newsletter) ​throughout the year, so parents and students can be prepared. Students have the option of wearing the dress code or regular clothes, which may include coloured clothing, denim/jeans, and logos. All other guidelines for what is not included should be followed. Students should be modestly dressed in keeping with our Catholic values.

The principal has the right to enforce the Dress Code for Pupils and school staff members are expected to support its consistent implementation. The principal has the discretion to determine whether a student is in violation of the Local Dress Code and will consider mitigating circumstances that would prevent a student from complying. Any action taken to implement the requirement of this policy, including the application of consequences to students, will be consistent with the requirements of Policy S.S.10 Safe Schools: Progressive Discipline (2008).

Consequences for students who do not comply will follow a progressive discipline approach and are as follows:

  • Notice to parent by teacher in the student agenda.

  • Warning notice from principal.

  • Serious consequence such as:

    • Loss of privileges.

    • Detention age-appropriate discipline assignment.

    • Contacting parent/guardian to pick up student from school.

    • Suspension of student.

All Elementary schools within the jurisdiction of the Board shall adopt an Appropriate Dress Code or Uniform Dress Code.

All Secondary schools within the jurisdiction of the Board shall adopt a Uniform Dress Code.

Parents are encouraged to review the local dress code at their child’s school and to direct their questions to the principal of the school.

Board Policy SS07 on Dress Codes