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Elementary Schools Standardized Dress CodeSt. Edward Catholic Elementary SchoolParent Information EveningApril 24th, 2013

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Implementing standardized dress codes (students dressed in clothing of common colour and style) in York Catholic District School Board has been a topic of discussion for many years. In fact,18 of our elementary schools already have standardized dress codes / school uniforms.

In keeping with the distinctiveness of our Catholic Schools, the YCDSB believes that a Standardized Dress Code fosters:

- A sense of belonging and pride- A safe and respectful learning and teaching environment- A confident and positive sense of self and respect for the

dignity and welfare of others

Background………………..

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Parents had the opportunity to provide feedback on Standardized Dress Code via a survey that went home to all elementary parents with their child’s Progress Report in November 2012.

The results were shared at the January 29, 2013 Board meeting.

At the January 29, 2013 Board meeting, Trustees passed a motion to implement a standardized dress code for all YCDSB elementary schools by September 2013.

Background………………..

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Parents who wish to opt out of the Board implementation of a Standardized Dress Code have the opportunity to sign a petition available in the office from February 1-April 26, 2013.

- All registered families may add their name to the petition (one petition signature per family).

- Families unable to physically sign the petition in the office, may send in a signed note with their child, indicating their interest to opt out of implementing a standardized dress code.

‘Opt Out’ Petition Process

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If a minimum of 20% of the registered families sign the petition, then a school wide vote will be initiated. Each family will receive a letter explaining the voting process along with a vote ballot.

Schools will make every effort to ensure that votes are received from every registered family in the school, with the exception of students in Grade 8, with no siblings in lower grades, or in the case of Georgina schools, grade 6 students.

The voting process will commence during the week of April 29, 2013 and be completed by May 24, 2013.

Petition Outcome- 20% or more

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If the result of the votes is 50%+1 for a “no” result, that is, more than 50% do not want the Standardized Dress Code,

then,

no further action is required to implement a standardized dress code at this school, and letter will go home confirming this decision.********************************************************************************

If the result of the votes is 50%+1 for a “yes” result, that is, more than 50% want the Standardized Dress Code,

then

the school will proceed with the implementation process for September, 2013.

Voting on Standardized Dress Code

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If the petition outcome was less than 20% of registered families, the Standardized Dress Code Advisory Committee will proceed with the implementation process.

A final letter will go out on Friday, May 31, 2013 confirming school colours and individual clothing items required for implementation in September, 2013.

Petition Outcome- Less than 20%

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• The Principal, after consultation with the Catholic School Council, will establish a Standardized Dress Code Advisory Committee no later than February 22, 2013.

• Committee will decide on school colours and clothing components of the dress code, and must take into consideration the following:

• Affordability, ease of purchase from local vendors• Practicality and respect for the age, growth, specific individual needs and

developmental stages of children (ie. stretchy bottoms that provide ease of wear, comfort and foster independence)

• Durability and ease of wear• Respect for cultural norms within the school community• Alternative options for top-wear with at least two colour options (not white

only)• Inclusion of skirts, shorts and dresses• Seasonal temperature changes• Neatness and cleanliness• No restrictions regarding footwear, within the parameters of the existing Dress

Code• Spirit Wear will be acceptable as Dress Code options on designated days• JEANS OF ANY KIND WILL NOT FORM PART OF STANDARDIZED

DRESS CODE

Parameters for the Standardized Dress Code

9YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD :: Collaborative Learning Inspired By Jesus

• It is expected that all students comply with the standardized dress code once it is adopted by a school.

• While no suspensions or expulsions for dress infractions will occur at the Elementary level, administrators will use progressive discipline strategies to address non-compliance, including:

• verbal reminders, • communication with parent/guardian, • written notification to parent/guardian outlining Dress

Code expectations.

Compliance with the School Standardized Dress Code

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St. Edward’s Clothing Items

Tops

Clothing Item

i.e. solid white/navy blue collared short sleeved polo shirt/blouse

(no logo)

i.e. solid white/navy blue collared long sleeved polo shirt/blouse

(no logo)

i.e. solid white/navy blue turtle neck long sleeved top

i.e. solid white/navy blue sweater or pull over (no logo)

i.e. solid white/navy blue zipper hoodie (no logo)

i.e. solid white/navy blue cardigan (no logo)

i.e. solid white/navy blue vest (no logo)

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Examples of Solid White/Navy Blue Tops

BOYS GIRLS

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St. Edward’s Clothing Items

Bottoms

Clothing Item

i.e. solid navy blue khaki pants (no logo)

i. e. solid navy blue walking shorts (no logo)

i.e. solid navy blue khaki Capri pants (no logo)

i.e. solid navy blue skorts (no logo)

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Examples of Solid Navy Blue Bottoms

BOYS

GIRLS

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St. Edward’s Clothing Items

Dresses

Clothing Item

i.e. solid navy blue short sleeve polo dress (no logo)

i.e. solid navy blue long sleeve polo dress (no logo)

i.e. solid navy blue jumper (no logo)

Socksi.e. solid navy blue or white socks

i.e. solid navy blue or white footed tights

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Example of Solid Navy Blue Dresses

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Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten ONLY

Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten students’ clothing

components of the Dress Code will include:

Bottoms:

•Solid navy blue yoga pants (no logo)

•Solid navy blue jogging pants (no logo)

•Solid navy blue leggings (no logo)

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Thank You!

Many thanks to our Standardized Dress Code Advisory Committee members for their support, input and valuable time spent meeting, shopping for clothing items, and for ensuring that the process ran smoothly.

Standardized Dress Code Advisory Committee Members:

• Ms. Bahen

•Ms. Di Fonzo

•Ms. Franco

•Ms. D’Souza

•Mme. Gouin-Wolbert

•Mme. Bean

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