Dress Code
Background of the TCDSB Dress Code Policy
The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) revised the Dress Code for Pupils Policy S.S.07 to implement the Appropriate Dress Code in all TCDSB elementary schools by September 2011. The revised dress code policy has 2 types of dress codes:
Uniform Dress Code (specific dress items that must be purchased from a specific uniform supplier).
Appropriate Dress Code (clothing with a prescribed colour scheme) can be purchased an any retailer.
Reasons for An Appropriate Dress Code
On December 3, 2007, a motion from the Board of Trustees, at the Meeting of the Human Resources, Program and Religious Affairs Committee, that staff would determine the impact of implementation a Uniform Dress Code in all elementary schools in the board. The TCDSB believes that adopting the Appropriate Dress Code is in the best interest of the Toronto Catholic District School Board students and community.
Appropriate Dress Code Details
An Appropriate Dress Code was selected over the Uniform Dress Code due to the lower cost, greater retail availability and greater choice and flexibility.
The Appropriate Dress Code consists of any combination of white and navy-blue garments (e.g., plain white top, navy blue bottom or, navy blue top and bottom, no denim).
St. Fidelis Catholic School Dress Code
St. Fidelis Catholic School is committed to fostering a positive and safe Catholic learning environment consistent with the mission and governing values of the TCDSB.
The Dress Code for Pupils Policy of the TCDSB:
Reflects the mission of the Board, which includes providing a safe and welcoming learning environment that is an example of Catholic community and sense of belonging in all our schools.
Endorses and supports our commitment as visible role models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teachings, and integration of Catholic beliefs into the total learning experience.
Contributes to providing a learning and working environment that is respectful of the needs and well-being of all individuals.
In consultation with the St. Fidelis Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC), the current dress code for students has been adopted.
Students are to dress according to the school’s appropriate dress code, which consists of the following:
A plain solid navy-blue bottom – pants or jogging pants are permitted for all students; leggings/tights are permitted for girls.
A plain solid white or navy-blue top - with or without the school crest.
A plain solid navy-blue cardigan, sweater, hoodie or pullover – with or without the school crest.
Closed-toe shoes for indoor wear and closed-toe shoes for outdoor wear.
St. Fidelis Spirit Wear (available for purchase through a school-approved supplier) is optional, but encouraged to foster a sense of school spirit.
St. Fidelis Spirit Wear
All student attire must be in keeping with our Catholic teachings and beliefs, and reflect principles of modesty and shall not include the following:
Logos.
Short shorts/skirts, pants worn below the waist, halter tops, cut-off tops, low cut tops or tops that are buttoned too low, bare midriffs, tank tops, spaghetti straps, sleeveless shirts that are baggy/revealing.
Jeans.
Hoods/hats/caps/bandanas/gloves/sunglasses/jackets worn inside the school.
Language and/or representations on attire that indicates gang affiliation (e.g., gang colours/bandanas), that depicts violence, profanity, racial or gender discrimination or discrimination of any kind whatsoever, or that otherwise demeans an identifiable individual or group.
Oversized jewelry such as earrings or necklaces/make-up and/or body art/markings.
The expectation is that every student in the school will comply with the dress code. All students are expected to dress in clean, neat and practical clothing. On the occasion of a “dress-down” day, good sense is the criterion for acceptable dress. Kindly remind your children that the Appropriate Dress Code is mandatory and will be strictly and consistently enforced. It is part of their responsibility to come to school appropriately dressed.
Dress Code in TCDSB Schools
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.